Magomed Ankalaev vs. Aleksandar Rakic – Fight Preview & Analysis

UFC 308: Topuria vs. Holloway is scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 26, 2024, in Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. In this matchup on the fight card, Magomed “The Don” Ankalaev will take on Aleksandar “Rocket” Nurmagomedov in the Light Heavyweight bout. You can view the complete UFC 308 card.

Ankalaev brings a unique orthodox fighting stance with an 75″ reach. In contrast, Nurmagomedov, an orthodox fighter, stands with a 78″ reach. These variations in their styles can have a significant impact inside the Octagon.

With a 53% striking accuracy, Ankalaev has shown his precision in landing significant strikes, averaging around 3.64 per minute. On the other hand, Nurmagomedov boasts a 50% striking accuracy, landing approximately 4.26 significant strikes per minute.

In this post, we will break down Magomed Ankalaev vs. Aleksandar Rakic matchup. Let’s take a look at the fighter’s ages, their height, records, reach, fight stats, and more below ⤵

The 32-year-old, Magomed Ankalaev is coming in with a 19-1-1 (1 NC) record. Ankalaev will be fighting for the first time since a win via KO/TKO against Johnny Walker at UFC Fight Night: Ankalaev vs. Walker 2 in January.

Nurmagomedov, meanwhile, is coming off a KO/TKO loss against Magomed Ankalaev on January 13, 2024, at UFC 300: Pereira vs. Hill and holds a 14-4-0 record.

Magomed Ankalaev has a orthodox fighting stance with an 75″ reach. The 32-year-old Aleksandar Rakic is an orthodox fighter with a 78″ reach. An orthodox fighter stands with their left side forward and jabs with their left hand. The southpaw fighter is the opposite. Southpaw stands with their right side forward and jabs with their right hand. In most cases, orthodox fighters are right-handed; if you are left-handed, you fight southpaw.

Magomed Ankalaev stats

→ Ankalaev’s striking accuracy is 53%.
→ Ankalaev lands 3.64 significant strikes per minute.
→ Ankalaev’s takedown accuracy is 31%.
→ Ankalaev’s takedown average is 1.02 per 15 minutes.
→ Ankalaev’s takedown defense is 86%.

Ankalaev comes in with 53% striking accuracy, typically landing about 3.64 significant strikes every minute. Conversely, Nurmagomedov fires at 50% accuracy, landing about 4.26 significant strikes per minute. Magomed Ankalaev also has a 31% takedown accuracy and, on average, gets around 1.02 takedowns every 15 minutes, compared to Nurmagomedov’s 0.76 takedowns and 85% takedown accuracy.

Aleksandar Rakic stats

→ Nurmagomedov’s striking accuracy is 50%.
→ Nurmagomedov lands 4.26 significant strikes per minute.
→ Nurmagomedov’s takedown accuracy is 25%.
→ Nurmagomedov’s takedown average is 0.76 per 15 minutes.
→ Nurmagomedov’s takedown defense is 85%.

Aleksandar spent, on average, 11:02 minutes in the Octagon, and Magomed has an average fight time of 11:21 minutes.

Considering their records, fighting styles, and recent performances, this matchup looks to be a good clash of skills and strategies. Who will come out victorious, Magomed or Aleksandar? Sound off in the comments.

You can view the scheduled UFC 308 fight card, upcoming UFC schedule 2024, and latest MMA news.