Aleksandar Rakić, the Austrian light heavyweight powerhouse, is on a mission to stake his claim for a title shot by taking down the division’s elite.
This Saturday, at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi, Rakić faces Magomed Ankalaev, a top contender and fierce competitor from Russia. Despite entering on a two-fight losing streak, Rakić is fired up and determined to bounce back in spectacular fashion, eyeing Ankalaev as his gateway to UFC gold.
With a recalibrated game plan and a renewed hunger, Rakić promises an all-out war, and fans are eager to witness whether he can rise to the challenge and reclaim his status among the light heavyweight elite.
A Rocky Road to the Top
Aleksandar Rakić’s UFC journey has been marked by resilience and fierce competition. Known for his striking prowess and relentless work ethic, Rakić’s career took off quickly as he claimed wins over notable names like Jimi Manuwa and Anthony Smith, making him a force to be reckoned with in the light heavyweight division. However, Rakić’s title aspirations were temporarily derailed after losses to Jan Blachowicz and Jiri Prochazka, both former champions, where injury and health setbacks played a significant role.
Reflecting on these setbacks, Rakić shared that his fight against Blachowicz was cut short due to a knee injury, while his bout with Prochazka was marred by a serious infection just days before the fight. Despite these challenges, he displayed resilience, often leading the scorecards before circumstances intervened. The Austrian has since recovered, retooled his training, and is ready to showcase a new and improved version of himself against Ankalaev.
Adversity Fuels the Fire
Facing Ankalaev, one of the most dangerous men in the division, Rakić finds himself as the underdog—a rare position for a fighter who is used to being favored. Yet, Rakić embraces this role, taking it as an opportunity to prove critics wrong and silence the doubters. “I love it,” he said confidently, reflecting on the anticipated crowd support for Ankalaev. “I love to prove people wrong. I get so much motivation just to prove the people wrong.”
Training in the challenging mountain terrain of Bosnia, Rakić has prepared rigorously with a team focused on perfecting every aspect of his game, from striking to grappling. According to Rakić, the quiet, focused training camp has allowed him to reach new levels both physically and mentally. “Our only job was only to train, to rest, and to eat—nothing else,” he explained. With the fight looming, Rakić feels primed to deliver an unforgettable performance, one he hopes will launch him back into the conversation for a title shot.
Strategy and Game Plan: Outfoxing Ankalaev
Magomed Ankalaev is a multifaceted fighter known for his dangerous blend of striking and wrestling, making him a formidable opponent for anyone in the division. But Rakić has been strategizing with his team to address every possible scenario. Confident in his skill set and well aware of Ankalaev’s tendencies, Rakić believes he has the answers to neutralize his opponent’s game. “With me, you need to be ready for every part of the game,” he said, hinting at his comprehensive preparation.
Rakić also noted that the pressure in this fight is more on Ankalaev, given his higher ranking and hometown crowd. “Probably, the whole stadium is gonna root for him. I don’t have any pressure. He is ranked number two, so he needs to perform,” he added, underscoring his readiness to exploit any hesitation or errors Ankalaev might make under pressure.
What a Win Could Mean for Rakić’s Career
For Rakić, this fight represents far more than just breaking a losing streak. A victory over Ankalaev would not only revive his position in the division but could also set him up for a potential title shot, especially in a light heavyweight landscape that has been in flux since Jiri Prochazka vacated the title. With fighters like former champion Jiri Prochazka and contenders vying for the top, Rakić sees this as his moment to make a compelling case for a shot at UFC gold.
When asked about his vision for Saturday night, Rakić didn’t mince words: “The perfect performance would be, I go in and I knock him out in a couple of seconds, get out of the fight with no injuries, and go back to my lovely family.” Yet, the Austrian warrior is prepared for whatever the fight may throw his way, promising that he’s ready to battle through “hell or high water” to emerge victorious.
What to Expect this Saturday?
Fans can expect fireworks as Rakić enters the Octagon with renewed energy and an ironclad resolve. His striking power, coupled with refined grappling and mental sharpness, sets the stage for a clash that could tilt the balance of the division. Ankalaev, known for his technical acumen and relentless pace, will be no easy foe. But Rakić’s experience in handling high-stakes fights, coupled with his readiness to play spoiler in enemy territory, makes this an electrifying matchup.
Saturday night’s battle is not just a fight; it’s a statement. Aleksandar Rakić’s quest to reach the pinnacle of the light heavyweight division could hinge on his performance at UFC 308. And for those who might doubt him, he has one message: he’s coming to prove everyone wrong.