Aleksandar Rakic vs Magomed Ankalaev — Fight recap

Magomed Ankalaev defeated Aleksandar Rakic by unanimous decision at UFC 308 on October 26, 2024, taking all three rounds under referee Vitor Ribeiro. The light heavyweight contest remained largely a striking affair, with Ankalaev edging the volume battle—landing 55 significant strikes on 48% accuracy compared to Rakic's 53 on 45%—while controlling the cage for 1:31 versus Rakic's 1:00.

Rakic's leg-kick game was active, connecting on 34 of 40 attempts, but Ankalaev's more diverse striking approach, particularly his head and body work (20 head strikes, 22 body strikes), proved more effective across the judges' scorecards. Neither fighter attempted takedowns or submissions, keeping the bout in a technical striking range where Ankalaev's precision and ring control ultimately prevailed.

The decision solidifies Ankalaev's contention in the light heavyweight division while leaving Rakic searching for momentum after the setback.