Aleksandar Rakic vs Thiago Santos — Fight recap

Aleksandar Rakic defeated Thiago Santos by unanimous decision over three rounds at UFC Fight Night on March 6, 2021, with referee Herb Dean officiating. Despite Santos landing the cleaner volume with 49 significant strikes compared to Rakic's 36, the Serbian light heavyweight controlled the fight's pace and positioning, accumulating 2:32 of control time while Santos registered none.

Rakic's striking efficiency proved decisive—he landed 13 of 16 body strikes and 15 of 26 leg kicks, systematically breaking down Santos's lower half throughout the contest. Neither fighter secured takedowns or earned knockdowns, keeping the bout strictly on the feet.

The unanimous verdict reflected Rakic's superior cage control and tactical leg work despite the significant strike disparity, solidifying his position in the light heavyweight title picture.