UFC 321: Rakić vs. Murzakanov takes place on October 25, 2025, in Manchester, England. This featured light heavyweight bout carries major divisional stakes, matching returning contender Aleksandar Rakić against undefeated Russian knockout artist Azamat Murzakanov. It’s a stylistic showdown between precision and power, as Rakić’s calculated Muay Thai meets Murzakanov’s relentless pressure.
Aleksandar Rakić
Aleksandar Rakić (14–5) is a composed, technically sharp striker known for his punishing leg kicks, clean boxing combinations, and underrated grappling fundamentals. The Austrian-Serbian contender has long been one of the most well-rounded fighters at 205 pounds, with notable wins over Anthony Smith, Thiago Santos, and Jimi Manuwa. His head-kick knockout of Manuwa remains one of the most replayed highlights in light heavyweight history.
Rakić has faced adversity in recent years, suffering back-to-back losses to Jiří Procházka, Jan Błachowicz, and Magomed Ankalaev. A combination of injuries and long layoffs has slowed his momentum, but when healthy, Rakić’s balance of striking precision, range control, and tactical awareness makes him a threat to anyone in the division.
Aleksandar Rakić – Last 5 Fights:
Loss vs. Magomed Ankalaev – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC 308, October 26, 2024
Loss vs. Jiří Procházka – TKO (Punches) – UFC 300, April 13, 2024
Loss vs. Jan Błachowicz – TKO (Knee Injury) – UFC ESPN 36, May 14, 2022
Win vs. Thiago Santos – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC 259, March 6, 2021
Win vs. Anthony Smith – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC FN Smith vs. Rakić, August 29, 2020
Rakić’s path to victory lies in maintaining distance with his jab and kicks, forcing Murzakanov to lunge forward into counters. If he can keep the fight technical and avoid standing still against the fence, Rakić has the striking depth and cage IQ to frustrate the Russian and outpoint him over three rounds.
Azamat Murzakanov
Azamat Murzakanov (15–0) enters UFC 321 as one of the division’s most dangerous and consistent knockout threats. The undefeated Russian brings compact power, quick blitzes, and remarkable explosiveness for his size. Eleven of his fifteen wins have come by knockout, and his recent finishes over Alonzo Menifield, Brendson Ribeiro, and Devin Clark have solidified his status as a dark horse contender in the division.
Known for his looping hooks, crushing body shots, and flying knees, Murzakanov thrives in chaotic exchanges where his timing and power can overwhelm opponents. While shorter than many light heavyweights, he uses his low center of gravity to close distance effectively and unleash sudden bursts of offense that can end fights in seconds.
Azamat Murzakanov – Last 5 Fights:
Win vs. Brendson Ribeiro – TKO (Submission to Punches) – UFC 316, June 7, 2025
Win vs. Alonzo Menifield – KO (Punches) – UFC on ABC 7, August 3, 2024
Win vs. Dustin Jacoby – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC on ESPN: Holloway vs. Allen, April 15, 2023
Win vs. Devin Clark – TKO (Punches) – UFC on ESPN: Vera vs. Cruz, August 13, 2022
Win vs. Tafon Nchukwi – KO (Flying Knee) – UFC FN: Santos vs. Ankalaev, March 12, 2022
Murzakanov’s key to victory is forward momentum. He must pressure Rakić early, cut off lateral movement, and force close-range exchanges where his hand speed and knockout power can shine. If he can find a rhythm before Rakić settles into his jab and leg kicks, he’s capable of finishing the fight with a single clean connection.
Fight Breakdown
This matchup is a classic meeting of technique versus aggression. Rakić will look to dictate pace with sharp leg kicks and straight punches, staying disciplined at range to keep Murzakanov on the outside. His best chance is to slow the Russian down early and pick him apart from distance.
Murzakanov, on the other hand, thrives when he can shorten the space and turn the fight into a firefight. His compact power and confidence in exchanges make him a constant threat. The question is whether Rakić can remain composed under pressure after multiple long layoffs and recent setbacks.
If the fight becomes a technical kickboxing match, Rakić’s range and fundamentals should control the flow. But if Murzakanov forces chaos, his raw power and finishing instincts could change everything in an instant.
Prediction
Expect Rakić to start strong, landing early leg kicks and jabs to slow Murzakanov’s advance. However, once the Russian finds his rhythm and closes the gap, his power and explosiveness could decide the outcome.
Prediction: Azamat Murzakanov def. Aleksandar Rakić via KO (Round 2)
A Murzakanov win would establish him as a top-five contender and legitimate title threat. For Rakić, victory would mark a much-needed resurgence and reassert him among the division’s elite after years of injuries and setbacks.