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

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Preview Magomed Ankalaev vs. Aleksandar Rakic ​​UFC 308

Ankalaev (19-1-1 MMA, 10-1-1 UFC) was on a nine-fight winning streak before a pair of strange results in back-to-back fights – first a tie with Jan Blachowicz for the then-vacant light heavyweight title heavyweight in December 2022, followed by a no-contest against Johnny Walker due to an accidental illegal knee in October 2023. But Ankalaev got back on track 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 shaken by back-to-back stoppage losses against Blachowicz and Jiri Prochazka. A serious knee injury in the fight with Blachowicz 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 shot, or Rakic ​​being booked with the division’s top contender after two straight losses and an injury layoff?

However, there is a questionable matchup in the first two fights of this event.

Technically, Rakic ​​is 1-0 against southpaws at the UFC level, defeating Marcin Prachnio again on the regional stage. However, it’s hard to say which version of Rakic ​​we’ll get given how long it’s been since we’ve seen a dominant performance from the Austrian fighter.

Couple that with the fact that Ankalaev’s grappling attitude and southpaw stance can limit Rakic’s punches and kicks, and I can’t help but side with the Russian favorite to roll in this spot.

I like Rakic ​​and wouldn’t mind being wrong, but the pick is for Ankalaev to get a competitive but clear unanimous decision.

Odds Magomed Ankalaev vs. Aleksandar Rakic

Oddsmakers and the public favor the Stipe Miocic doppelganger, listing Ankalaev -385 and Rakic ​​+290 via FanDuel.

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

As a featured match, Ankalaev and Rakic ​​are expected to step into the cage at approximately 3:15 pm ET (12:15 pm PT). The fight will continue ESPN+ pay-per-view.