Magomed Ankalaev vs. Aleksandar Rakic ​​​​Picks, Prediction, Time: UFC 308

Magomed Ankalaev and Aleksandar Rakic ​​will meet on the main card of UFC 308 at the Etihad Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom.

Last event: 2-4
UFC main cards, 2024: 89-81-3

Magomed Ankalaev vs. Aleksandar Rakic ​​UFC 308 Preview

Ankalaev (19-1-1 MMA, 10-1-1 UFC) was on a nine-fight winning streak before suffering two strange results in back-to-back fights – first a draw against Jan Blachowicz for the then-vacant light in December 2022 He captured the heavyweight title, followed by a no-contest against Johnny Walker due to an ill-gotten knee injury in October 2023. But Ankalaev got back on track in emphatic fashion last January when he knocked out Walker in their rematch. Now he wants to prove that he is the rightful No. 1 contender at 205 pounds. … Rakic ​​​​(14-4 MMA, 6-3 UFC) enters the fight weakened after suffering two consecutive losses to Blachowicz and Jiri Prochazka. A serious knee injury in the Blachowicz fight kept Rakic ​​out of action for more than two years.

Magomed Ankalaev vs Aleksandar Rakic ​​Expert Pick, Prediction

I'm not sure what's worse: Anakalaev being passed over for another title opportunity, or Rakic ​​being left out of the division's top contender after two straight losses and an injury layoff?

Either way, there are some questionable matchmaking values ​​among the two best fights of this event.

Rakic ​​is technically 1-0 against southpaws at the UFC level and beats Marcin Prachnio back on the regional stage. However, it's hard to say which version of Rakic ​​we'll get considering how long it's been since we've seen a dominant performance from the Austrian fighter.

Combine that with the fact that Ankalaev's wrestling know-how and southpaw stance could limit Rakic's kicks and takedowns, and I can't help but side with the Russian favorite rolling in this spot.

I like Rakic ​​and wouldn't mind being wrong, but the choice is Ankalaev taking a contested but clear unanimous decision.

Odds between Magomed Ankalaev and Aleksandar Rakic

The oddsmakers and the public are favoring the Stipe Miocic lookalike, calling Ankalaev -385 and Rakic ​​+290 via FanDuel.

Magomed Ankalaev vs Aleksandar Rakic ​​start time, how to watch

In the featured bout, Ankalaev and Rakic ​​are expected to head to the cage around 3:15 p.m. ET (12:15 p.m. PT). The fight will stream on ESPN+ pay-per-view.