In the co-main event of UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi, Magomed Ankalaev and Aleksandar Rakić are set to clash in a pivotal light heavyweight matchup with massive stakes. Ranked #1, Ankalaev has steadily climbed the UFC ladder with his powerful striking and dominant ground game, now holding a record of 18-1-1. After a controversial no-contest with Johnny Walker and a knockout win in their rematch, he’s eager to make a definitive statement. Adding extra fuel, Ankalaev recently revealed that UFC President Dana White has promised him a title shot against champion Alex Pereira if he secures a decisive, spectacular victory. On the other side of the Octagon, Rakić, ranked #5, is making a comeback after recovering from injury. Known for his knockout power and precise striking, he has also tested himself against elite competition, including a tough TKO loss to former champion Jiří Procházka. Both fighters have faced Anthony Smith and Thiago Santos in close contests, and each sees the other as a critical obstacle toward title contention.

Magomed Ankalaev (18-1-1)

* Nickname: N/A
* Age: 32
* Height: 6’3"
* Weight: 205 lbs
* Style: Well-rounded fighter with a strong emphasis on striking and wrestling.
* Association: Gorets Fight Club
* Record Breakdown:
* KO/TKO Wins: 10 (56%)
* Submission Wins: 0 (0%)
* Decision Wins: 8 (44%)
* Draws: 1
* Losses: 1 (Submission)

Last Five Fights:

* Win vs. Johnny Walker (KO) - UFC Fight Night 234 (Jan 13, 2024)
* No Contest vs. Johnny Walker (Illegal Knee) - UFC 294 (Oct 21, 2023)
* Draw vs. Jan Blachowicz (Split Decision) - UFC 282 (Dec 10, 2022)
* Win vs. Anthony Smith (TKO) - UFC 277 (Jul 30, 2022)
* Win vs. Thiago Santos (Decision) - UFC Fight Night 203 (Mar 12, 2022)

Pathway to Victory for Ankalaev: Ankalaev's strategy will likely involve using his striking to control the distance while looking for opportunities to take the fight to the ground. His ability to land heavy shots combined with his wrestling can help him neutralize Rakic’s striking power, potentially leading to a TKO or a decision victory.

Aleksandar Rakic (14-4-0)

* Nickname: "Rocket"
* Age: 32
* Height: 6’5"
* Weight: 205 lbs
* Style: Striker with aggressive KO ability and a solid grappling background.
* Association: Gym 23 / American Top Team
* Record Breakdown:
* KO/TKO Wins: 9 (64%)
* Submission Wins: 1 (7%)
* Decision Wins: 4 (29%)
* Losses: 4 (2 by KO/TKO, 1 by Submission, 1 by Decision)

Last Five Fights:

* Loss vs. Jiri Prochazka (TKO) - UFC 300 (Apr 13, 2024)
* Loss vs. Jan Blachowicz (TKO - Knee Injury) - UFC on ESPN 36 (May 14, 2022)
* Win vs. Thiago Santos (Decision) - UFC 259 (Mar 6, 2021)
* Win vs. Anthony Smith (Decision) - UFC Fight Night 175 (Aug 29, 2020)
* Loss vs. Volkan Oezdemir (Split Decision) - UFC Fight Night 165 (Dec 21, 2019)

Pathway to Victory for Rakic: Rakic will likely aim to leverage his height and reach advantage, utilizing his striking to keep Ankalaev at bay. He should focus on maintaining distance with jabs and kicks while looking for opportunities to counter Ankalaev’s advances. If the fight goes to the ground, Rakic will need to be cautious of Ankalaev’s grappling but can use his own wrestling to return to standing if taken down.

Prediction

This fight features two highly skilled fighters with different strengths. Ankalaev's ability to mix striking with wrestling could give him an edge in control and damage. Rakic, however, poses a serious threat with his striking power and size advantage. Expect a tactical battle where Ankalaev’s grappling might be the deciding factor.

Prediction: Magomed Ankalaev wins via Unanimous Decision.