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Match Preview: UFC Fight Night – Smith vs Rakic – 8/29/2020

Another weekend among us which means another night of fights are in order as the UFC returns with a UFC Fight Night on ESPN+.

Headlining the card is a Top 10 Light Heavyweight showdown between former title challenger and 5th ranked Anthony Smith (33-15 18 KOs 12 SUBs), and 8th ranked Aleksander Rakic (12-2 9 KOs). Both fighters are looking to get back in the winner’s circle after their last showings in the octagon didn’t end with them getting their hands raised.

Smith, who once challenged for the throne, is looking to get back on track and make another run at UFC gold. The 6 foot 4 inch Texan is no stranger to the big moment as he has stood across from six for title challengers or champions. He holds four Performance of the Night bonuses as well as a Fight of the Night. So when Smith steps in the cage, he’s shown that you better toon in cause you might see a fun and exciting match.

Matching his opponent’s height, the 6 foot 4 inch Austria fighter Rakic is looking for his toughest opens to date in his career and to show he’s ready to be a name everyone needs to know at 205lbs. Two of his four wins in the UFC have come by knockout, so Rakic has shown he’s also one to keep your eye on to see if he’s ready to step up in competition and show he belongs.

Two warriors who look to finish fights clash with one another. Sparks are sure to fly.

While both men have shown a good feel for going in and putting their opens flat out with kicks and punches, Smith, who is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, has shown he is just as versatile in submissions. So while Smith could go at out on the feet or the mat, Rakic is more of a striker given his Kickboxing and Boxing background.

Due to the grappling advantage, we could see Smith look to close the distance, apply the clinch, and get this bout to the ground. But if Rakic can avoid the takedowns and keep the bout standing, these two have no issue throwing leather and seeing who’s left standing.

Given the recent departure of the greatest UFC champion and Light Heavyweight of all time, Jon Jones, who vacated the title after being the champ for over nine years, the division is wide open to be taken. This bout can be a launching pad for the winner, and it puts them firmly on the shortlist of future title challengers, so a victory for both is of vast importance.

In the nights co-main event, Welterweight Neil Magny (23-7 7 KOs) takes on the man who once stood atop the 170 lbs division, Ruthless Robbie Lawler (28-14 20 KOs).

Magny was initially slated to square off against Geoff Neal. But Neal came down with an unfortunate bout with pneumonia forced him out of the event. Now in steps one of the most popular and aggressive fighters on the roster. Magny has been one of the most underrated fighters on the roster during his time with the UFC starting back in 2013. Having been in the octagon against five for champions or title challengers, Magny isn’t a stranger to standing across from one of the divisions best.

And one of the best he will be taking on short notice as Lawler has been one of the most exciting fighters to watch in MMA since he started his career back in 2001. Despite being around for so long, Lawler has been able to always keep himself among the top contenders in his divisions as his power, heart, and aggressive in your face lets swing for the fence’s style has worked in favor more often than not.

Having been in the cage with 11 former champions or title challengers himself, the one they call Ruthless is all too familiar with standing across from some of the sports best. But, despite his storied career, he is 1-4 in his last five bouts dating back to 2016 when he lost his title to Tyron Woodley. He always brings name value, and in two of losses, you could call off (one injury and the other a controversial stoppage by the ref). Still, wins are wins and loses are loses, and lately, the former champion hasn’t seen his hand raised as often as he’d like.

UFC Fight Night on ESPN+ will surely be a fun event to watch with some entertaining match up and possible movement on to bigger and better things for the winners. Be sure to check out franchisesportsmedia.com for all your latest in news and events, previews and recaps.

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-Kalani Lua – Franchise Sports Media

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