Magomed Ankalaev vs. Aleksandar Rakić is a compelling matchup in the light heavyweight division. Both fighters are highly skilled and have shown their prowess inside the octagon, making this potential bout intriguing for fans and analysts alike.

Magomed Ankalaev

Strengths: Ankalaev is known for his powerful striking, solid wrestling, and strong grappling defense. He has a well-rounded skill set and can adapt his game plan to exploit opponents’ weaknesses. His striking is particularly notable for its precision and knockout power, as seen in many of his recent fights.

Experience: Ankalaev has faced a range of opponents, which has given him valuable experience in high-pressure situations. His ability to manage distance and control the pace of a fight is also a significant advantage.

Aleksandar Rakić

Strengths: Rakić is an excellent striker with a versatile arsenal that includes kicks, punches, and elbows. He also possesses strong footwork and defensive skills, making him difficult to hit cleanly. His conditioning and ability to push the pace can wear down opponents over time.

Wrestling: While primarily known for his striking, Rakić also has a solid wrestling background, which he can utilize to mix things up and keep opponents guessing.

Possible Outcomes

Ankalaev’s Path to Victory: If Ankalaev can effectively utilize his wrestling to neutralize Rakić's striking, he could control the fight and potentially secure a victory through ground-and-pound or decision. His striking power could also play a crucial role; if he can find openings, he may finish the fight early.

Rakić’s Path to Victory: Rakić would likely aim to keep the fight standing, using his reach and footwork to avoid Ankalaev’s power strikes. If he can implement a high-volume striking approach and maintain distance, he could wear Ankalaev down over the rounds.