Smith vs. Rakic Preview
The UFC on ESPN+ 33 brings a very interesting headliner between the former UFC lightweight challenger Anthony Smith (33-15 MMA, 8-5 UFC) and the rising star Aleksandar Rakic (12-2 MMA, 4-1 UFC). It is basically a test for both guys. For Smith, it is about whether he can stay in the group of division’s elite fighters. On the other side, this fight will define Rakic’s future. A win here would most definitely put the spotlight on him for the upcoming matches.
Smith vs. Rakic Odds
| Smith | Rakic |
| +265 | -325 |
When, Where and How to Watch Smith vs. Rakic
When: Saturday, August 29 not before 10 pm ET
Where: Apex facility, Las Vegas, Nevada
How to Watch: ESPN+
Smith’s Chance to Bounce Back
Smith is a massive underdog in this clash, and even though he had much tougher opponents than his next rival, the odds are against him. He is coming off a severe beating against Glover Teixeira, and has two losses in the previous three events. The one was against Jon Jones in the title match, and similar to the latest one, he picked up nasty beating there too.
The start of the match against Teixeira didn’t indicate that something like this might happen. Smith was strong and was dictating the tempo, often punishing the Brazilian. Yet, as time went by, he deflated, absorbing one hell of a beating.
Many were angry at the judge in the ring for not stopping the fight earlier, because Lionheart couldn’t defend himself properly.
Rakic’s Ticket to Play With the Big Boys
Rakic lost to Volkand Oezdemir in his previous match via split decision, but that was a pretty controversial decision of the judges. According to many, he was much better than the more experienced opponent, but the scorecards stated differently.
Nevertheless, UFC and Dana White rewarded Rakic for his excellent performances, giving him a new contract. It is a sign that this guy has solid potential; otherwise, the organization wouldn’t invest in him. This is his first main event, and there is no doubt that the Serb is hyped. Strong, excellent kicker and savage in the clinch. Rakic has everything that takes to be an excellent UFC fighter. And this is his chance to become one.
Prediction
Smith is a more experienced fighter, who had numerous main events behind him, while on the other side, this is something new for Rakic. Still, this headliner will be in three rounds, so Smith isn’t going to have some advantage if the fight goes deep.
Rakic will probably try to hurt the Lionheart from a distance with his ferocious leg-kicks, while Smith, on the other side, is going to look for a way to work from nearby.
Rakic’s previous opponents might have been easier, but his performances indicate that he might be the next big thing in the UFC, which is why we back his win in this event. Smith isn’t looking like himself recently and even a win against Gustafsson wasn’t because of his fantastic performance, but more due to the Swed’s mistakes.
