FSM Essential Recap: UFC Fight Night – Smith vs Rakic – 8/29/2020

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Another of fights is in the books, and some new names have emerged as possible top contenders in their respective divisions with impressive showings from the main and co-main event fighters.

 

In a three-round battle, Aleksander Rakic (13-2) showed that if need be, he can go bell to bell in dominating fashion. Getting the win via decision over Anthony Smith (33-16).

 

From the opening bell, both men stood toe to toe, exchanging vicious leg kicks. The thunderous sounds each of each kick echoed throughout the APEX center. But it was Rakic who would get the better of the exchanges as he dropped Smith after several kicks below the knee. Maintaining ground control throughout the rest of the round, Rakic was able to showcase his versatility with not just being a standup fighter but one who can do battle on the mat as well.

From start to finish, the Austria born fighter controlled the pace of the match and dictated where it took place. Smith, who is versatile in submissions, wasn’t able to put Rakic in any dangerous situations throughout the fifteen minutes they did battle. This match was mostly a one-sided affair as Rakic showed he’s ready for another step up in competition, even calling for a future title shot to close out the year.

Will he be able to land such a matchup, or does he need another win or two before he can be considered for that chance? Time will tell.

 

The co-main event saw one of the sports most consistent fighters put on a hell of a showcase against one of its former champions.

 

Neil Magny (24-7) was able to dominate former champion Robbie Lawler (28-15) with a showing that many weren’t expecting. Magny has been one of the more active and consistent fighters on the roster. He is tied for the most wins in a calendar year with five victories. With this win, he is now second in the Welterweight division for most wins behind only one of the greatest of all time, George Saint Pierre. Talk about some excellent company! With this being his third win a row, Magny can start looking for some of the bigger fights within the division that have eluded him so far.

Thus was almost a coming-out party for Magny as he was not only able to showcase his grappling skills but also at times stood toe to toe with Lawler, which is a huge no-no. But Magny didn’t budge, not backing up, not circling away, but standing in front, popping a jab and letting his opponent know, he wasn’t going anywhere. And if things would start to tilt in the other direction? Magny would close the distance and secure either a takedown or control Lawler so he couldn’t get off his offense.

For an idea of how dominant Magny was for this bout, he outstruck Lawler 121-17. Yeah, one of the most dangerous strikers in the sport only landed 17 strikes to his opponents 121. Now, most of those strikes came in clinch work and ground and pound but still, a one-sided affair nonetheless.

Now going in, Magny was ranked 14th behind Lawler at 13. Magny’s original opponent Geoff Neal is ranked 11th, and a possible rescheduling could see these two finally lock horns.

As for Lawler, this is now his fourth loss in a row and makes him 1-5 in his last six outings. His most recent victory came back in 2017, and since then its been injury and a controversial stoppage mixed in with some one-sided beat downs.

 

Lawler, who once ruled the 170lbs division, has seen his stock dwindling for some time now. Sure, he’s still a fan favorite, and given his power, he’s always in for a big highlight finish. Given how he’s looked for the past few years, it might be time for the 38-year-old with 44 fights under his belt to hang up the gloves.

If he chooses to continue to fight, his opponents will not be of the cream of the crop, and most likely either journeymen or other former top contenders who too have fallen short of what they once were.

 

Interestingly enough, in this ten bout card, the first four fights ended in submissions while the final six all went to decision. You never how these things will play out, but another good night of fights answered some questions. Now have new ones to ask.

 

 

Be sure to stay tuned on franchisesportsmedia.com for the latest in MMA and Las Vegas Sports.

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-Kalani Lua – Franchise Sports Media

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