With UFC 308 just days away, the Ankalaev vs Rakic odds are in. Magomed Ankalaev is now a massive -400 favorite over Aleksander Rakic (+300 underdog) ahead of their light heavyweight matchup on October 26 in Abu Dhabi.
Let's dive into the Ankalaev vs Rakic odds, and I'll lay out my best bets for this fight.
Ankalaev vs Rakic Betting Odds
Odds as of October 25
Per our odds calculator, a $100 bet on Ankalaev's -400 odds (80% implied chance) pays out $120. The same $100 on Rakic at +300 (25% implied chance) pays out $400.
How To Bet Ankalaev
Many fighters assume Ankalaev is primarily a wrestler. While he has a strong wrestling base, Magomed often chooses to stand and strike until he is compromised and must transition to the ground game. He's a formidable puncher (see his KO of Johnny Walker), and excellent in back-and-forth brawls.
Ankalaev struggles a little bit in chaotic moments, such as his first fight vs Walker or his last-minute submission loss to Paul Craig. He will want to keep some rhythm in this fight to come away the winner.
Because of the long odds, I'll be betting Ankalaev to win by knockout.
How To Bet Rakic
Rakic is a big man (three-inch reach advantage) with massive legs, hands, and feet. He'll use all his physical tools in this tough matchup vs Ankalaev. "Rocket" is famous for his big high hicks, which will keep Ankalaev on edge.
To win this fight, Rakic must utilize his windows of opportunity. A missed high kick will result in an immediate takedown from Ankalaev, and from there, the round might be lost. Rakic must conserve energy and attack in big bursts when Ankalaev slows his output. That's how Rakic got an edge on Jiri Prochazka at UFC 300 before the Austrian ran out of gas and Jiri toppled him over.
Ankalaev vs Rakic Pick
Ankalaev knows what is at stake in this fight. He's long been passed over by the UFC for less-than-stellar performances, despite his innate talent. A big statement win all but secures a light heavyweight title shot vs Alex Pereira.
With that in mind, I'll bet on Ankalaev by knockout in Abu Dhabi. I don't have any leans beyond that.