ABU DHABI – Aleksandar Rakic relishes the opportunity to fight Magomed Ankalaev.
Rakic (14-4 MMA, 6-3 UFC) takes on Ankalaev (19-1-1 MMA, 10-1-1 UFC) on Saturday’s UFC 308 main card at Etihad Arena (pay-per-view, ESPN+).
Rakic is aware of what’s at stake with a win. Many think Ankalaev is the rightful No. 1 contender who was passed up by Khalil Rountree for a shot at light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira at UFC 307.
“What makes me really happy is that the UFC gave me Ankalaev, and I honestly believe that if I didn’t put a good fight at UFC 300 – it doesn’t matter the result, I would never get that fight,” Rakic told MMA Junkie and other reporters at Wednesday’s UFC 308 media day.
“When I got the fight against Ankalaev, the name, I immediately said yes because he’s No. 2 ranked behind Jiri Prochazka, who lost twice to Pereira, so this is the best matchup for me. Stylistically it’s going to be a better matchup for me than Jiri Prochazka.”
Although Rakic is coming off back-to-back losses to Jan Blachowicz and Jiri Prochazka, Chael Sonnen thinks Rakic is a dangerous fight for Ankalaev. According to DraftKings, Rakic is a +285 underdog, and the 32-year-old is ready to play spoiler.
“It’s time to remind the fans, the people, and the UFC who ‘The Rocket’ is back in the days,” Rakic said. “I’m ready to crash the party on Saturday and to mix things up.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 308.
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