Aleksandar Rakic scores his biggest win to date over Anthony Smith
Aleksandar Rakic called for a title shot against the victor of the upcoming bout for the vacant UFC light heavyweight championship between Dominick Reyes and Jan Blachowicz after an impressive win over Anthony Smith.
The Austrian of Serbian descent effectively controlled the fight, outstriking Smith from range with some brutal leg kicks and displaying some powerful grappling control in the clinch and on the ground.
Smith had some success, most notably a big overhand right early in the second round, but whenever the Nebraskan tried to alter the course of the fight, Rakic had the answer.
Rakic deservedly got the unanimous decision from the three judges, including a 10-8 round scored in his favour by one cageside official.
Neil Magny continues UFC welterweight title charge with Robbie Lawler victory
Neil Magny moved to just two wins away from Georges St-Pierre’s record of 19 victories at welterweight with a comfortable unanimous decision against former UFC champion Robbie Lawler.
Lawler stepped in on late notice to take on Magny and couldn’t seem to get within range of his taller, longer opponent enough.
When Lawler did get up close, he showed promising glimpses with knees and elbows from the clinch, but the seldom happened.
Magny mostly controlled Lawler on the feet with a piercing jab and stabbing kicks to the legs and body. The “Haitian Sensation” also had his way with Lawler in the grappling stakes, taking him down in all three rounds and threatening with submissions when he wasn’t landing ground and pound from up top.
The judges all scored the fight in Magny’s favour and he now moves to three consecutive victories. Meanwhile, Lawler is now enduring a career-worst run of four defeats in a row.
UFC Fight Night: Smith vs. Rakic full results
Light Heavyweight: Aleksandar Rakić def. Anthony Smith Decision by unanimous decision after three rounds
Welterweight: Neil Magny def. Robbie Lawler by unanimous decision after three rounds
Women’s Flyweight: Alexa Grasso def. Ji Yeon Kim Decision by unanimous decision after three rounds
Featherweight: Ricardo Lamas def. Bill Algeo by unanimous decision after three rounds
Middleweight: Impa Kasanganay def. Maki Pitolo by unanimous decision after three rounds
Middleweight: Zak Cummings def. Alessio Di Chirico by unanimous decision after three rounds
Catchweight: Alex Caceres def. Austin Springer by submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:38 of round one
Welterweight: Sean Brady def. Christian Aguilera by submission (guillotine choke) at 1:47 of round two
Women’s Strawweight: Polyana Viana def. Emily Whitmire by submission (armbar) at 1:53 of round one
Catchweight: Mallory Martin def. Hannah Cifers by submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:33 of round two