Aleksandar Rakic News
Pros react after Aleksandar Rakić defeats Thiago Santos at UFC 259
Christopher Taylor - March 6, 2021
A key light heavyweight bout featuring former title challenger Thiago Santos taking on Aleksandar Rakić kicked off tonight’s UFC 259 pay-per-view. Santos (21-9 MMA) was looking to snap a two-fight losing skid this evening in Las Vegas. ‘Marreta’ had most previously competed this past November, where he suffered a submission loss to surging division contender Glover Teixeira.
UFC 259 Result: Aleksandar Rakić defeats Thiago Santos (Highlights)
Chris Taylor - March 6, 2021
A key light heavyweight bout featuring former title challenger Thiago Santos taking on Aleksandar Rakić kicks off tonight’s UFC 259 main card. Santos (21-8 MMA) will be looking to snap a two-fight losing skid this evening in Las Vegas. ‘Marreta’ was most recently seen in action this past November, where he suffered a submission loss to surging division contender Glover Teixeira.
Thiago Santos promises to be "100 times better" in return to Octagon at UFC 259
Adam Martin - February 22, 2021
UFC light heavyweight Thiago Santos promised to be “100 times better” in his return to the Octagon at UFC 259 against Aleksandar Rakic. The last time we saw Santos, he lost in an upset to Glover Teixeira when he was submitted in the third round of that fight. Santos had success early and even dropped Teixeira in the fight, but eventually, the ring rust showed as Santos wore down and was tapped out. After losing a razor-thin split decision to Jon Jones at UFC 239 in July 2019, Santos missed over a year of action due to having double knee surgery and also catching COVID-19. So you can see why it’s somewhat excusable that he wasn’t as sharp when he fought Teixeira.
Aleksandar Rakic excited to show new skills against former teammate Thiago Santos at UFC 259
Adam Martin - February 12, 2021
Light heavyweight contender Aleksandar Rakic says he’s excited for his upcoming fight at UFC 259 against his former teammate Thiago Santos. Rakic takes on Santos next month in an important matchup between top-five fighters in the UFC light heavyweight division. On paper, it’s an exciting matchup between two men who love to stand and strikes. What makes it even more intriguing is that Rakic and Santos were former training partners at American Top Team in Coconut Creek, Florida. The two bought at UFC 231 in December 2018 and ended up doing some training at ATT. But according to Rakic, he’s a much better fighter now than he was back when Santos trained with him.
Aleksandar Rakic vs. Thiago Santos UFC 259 opening betting odds released
Adam Martin - December 22, 2020
The opening betting odds have been released for the upcoming light heavyweight bout between Aleksandar Rakic and Thiago Santos at UFC 259. In a battle between two of the top-five light heavyweights in the UFC, Rakic meets Santos in a three-round fight on the undercard of UFC 259 on March 6 in Las Vegas. We do not yet have an official main event for this card, but whispers are that Stipe Miocic vs. Francis Ngnannou may headline the event. The promotion also recently added UFC women’s featherweight champion Amanda Nunes vs. Megan Anderson as the co-main event.
Thiago Santos already booked for Octagon return, set to take on Aleksandar Rakic
Tom Taylor - November 13, 2020
Former UFC light heavyweight title challenger Thiago Santos is already scheduled to make his return to the Octagon. The Brazilian knockout artist will reportedly take on Austria’s Aleksandar Rakic on March 6. News of this bout was first reported by UFC broadcast partner ESPN, and later confirmed by MMA Junkie.
Anthony Smith "not doing well" following loss to Aleksandar Rakic
Tom Taylor - September 2, 2020
UFC light heavyweight contender Anthony Smith says he’s having a tough time recovering from his recent decision loss to Aleksandar Rakic. Smith and Rakic collided in the main event of UFC Vegas 8 last Saturday, with Rakic ultimately winning a clear-cut unanimous decision. In defeat, Smith fell onto a two-fight skid, having also come up short against Glover Teixeira earlier this year.
What's next for Aleksandar Rakic and Anthony Smith after UFC Vegas 8?
Cole Shelton - August 31, 2020
In the main event of UFC Vegas 8, Anthony Smith was making a quick turnaround to take on the rising contender in Aleksandar Rakic. Both men were looking to get back into the win column. With the light heavyweight title vacant, the winner would put themselves in a good position to earn a title shot or be part of a number one contender fight.
Pros react to Aleksandar Rakic defeating Anthony Smith at UFC Vegas 8
Chris Taylor - August 29, 2020
Tonight’s UFC Vegas 8 event was headlined by a key light heavyweight bout featuring former title challenger Anthony Smith taking on Aleksandar Rakic. Smith (33-15 MMA) had entered tonight’s UFC headliner looking to rebound this after suffering a TKO loss to Glover Teixeira in his most recent effort this past May. Prior to his setback to the Brazilian, ‘Lionheart‘ was coming off an impressive submission victory over former title challenger Alexander Gustafsson.
UFC Vegas 8 Results: Aleksandar Rakic defeats Anthony Smith (Highlights)
Chris Taylor - August 29, 2020
Tonight’s UFC Vegas 8 event is headlined by a key light heavyweight fight featuring former title challenger Anthony Smith taking on Aleksandar Rakic. Smith (33-15 MMA) will enter tonight’s UFC headliner looking to rebound this after suffering a TKO loss to Glover Teixeira in his most recent effort this past May. Prior to the setback, ‘Lionheart‘ was coming off an impressive submission victory over former title challenger Alexander Gustafsson.
UFC Vegas 8: 'Smith vs. Rakic' Live Results and Highlights
Chris Taylor - August 29, 2020
The Octagon remains in Nevada for tonight’s UFC Vegas 8 event, a ten-bout fight card headlined by a light heavyweight tilt between Anthony Smith and Aleksandar Rakic. Smith (33-15 MMA) will enter tonight’s headliner looking to rebound this after suffering a TKO loss to Glover Teixeira in his most recent effort this past May. Prior to the setback, ‘Lionheart’ was coming off an impressive submission victory over former title challenger Alexander Gustafsson.
Aleksandar Rakic wants to make Anthony Smith "pay" for brutal training camp
Adam Martin - August 28, 2020
UFC light heavyweight contender Aleksandar Rakic intends on making Anthony Smith “pay” for what he says was a brutal training camp. Rakic takes on Smith in the main event of this Saturday’s UFC on ESPN+ 33 event. Oddsmakers have instilled Rakic as a hefty betting favorite entering the fight. Prior to dropping a narrow split decision to Volkan Oezdemir, Rakic was riding a four-fight win streak in the UFC. Had he beaten Oezdemir, he would be in the title mix right now.
Pro fighters make their picks for Anthony Smith vs. Aleksandar Rakic
Cole Shelton - August 27, 2020
In the main event of UFC Vegas 8, Anthony Smith is returning just three months after his loss to Glover Teixeira to take on Aleksandar Rakic. Heading into the fight, Smith is a +215 underdog while the Austrian is a -275 favorite. Ahead of the fight, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to get their prediction for the scrap. The majority believe the underdog in Smith will get back into the win column.
Anthony Smith booked to return against Aleksandar Rakic
Tom Taylor - June 19, 2020
Former UFC light heavyweight title challenger Anthony Smith is set to return to the cage opposite Austria’s Aleksandar Rakic. The pair are scheduled to meet on a UFC Fight Night card on August 29. News of this bout was first reported by MMA Play 365 and confirmed by MMA Junkie.
Aleksandar Rakic signs new six-fight deal with UFC
Adam Martin - February 18, 2020
UFC light heavyweight contender Aleksandar Rakic announced on his social media that he has re-signed with the UFC on a new six-fight contract. Rakic took to his Instagram to announce the new contract with the world’s leading MMA promotion. Here’s what the 28-year-old Austria native wrote.
Aleksandar Rakic protests UFC Busan loss to Volkan Oezdemir
Tom Taylor - December 24, 2019
Aleksandar Rakic had the opportunity to take a big step up the light heavyweight rankings at UFC Busan when he took on former title challenger Volkan Oezdemir. While Rakic had plenty of success in this fight, Oezdemir ultimately left the cage with a controversial split decision win on his record. Speaking on Instagram on Sunday, Rakic issued a brief statement on this setback. He included a photo of himself moments after a previous win, and assured he feels just as victorious after his fight with Oezdemir.
UFC Busan fight card and start times
Natasha Hooper - December 20, 2019
The UFC is back to business in Busan, South Korea on Saturday with the anticipated UFC Busan card. UFC Busan will be headlined by a featherweight fight between Korean legend “The Korean Zombie” Chan Sung Jung and Frankie Edgar. The Korean Zombie was originally expected to fight Brian Ortega. However, the 28-year old suffered a partially torn ACL during a sparring session. He is still eyeing a fight against Sung Jung in early 2020 but he had to pull out, leaving Frankie Edgar to step up as a last-minute replacement.
Aleksandar Rakic discusses Jon Jones matchup after Manuwa KO
Tom Taylor - June 2, 2019
Aleksandar Rakic put himself on the map at UFC Stockholm, beheading the dangerous Jimi Manuwa with a first-round head kick. With this incredible, highlight reel knockout in the books, Rakic can probably look forward to a spot in the light heavyweight top-10, and a reputation as a legitimate contender in the division.