UFC 308: Magomed Ankalaev vs. Aleksandar Rakić: Live round-by-round updates
The UFC 308 Magomed Ankalaev vs. Aleksandar Rakić round-by-round updates are here. They arrive with real-time coverage and live scoring of the light heavyweight title eliminator set for three rounds. UFC 308 itself begins at 10:00 AM E.T. (Eastern Time) / 7:00 AM P.T. (Pacific Time).
However, the 205-pound bout is estimated for a 2:50 PM E.T. / 11:50 AM P.T. start time. Both men, especially Ankalaev will be more than eager to emerge victorious come fight night. After all, they will be competing for a crack at Alex Pereira's light heavyweight strap.
Ankalaev believes himself the rightful number one contender, having feuded with Pereira over several months now. He will put his 18-1-1 (1) record on the line to earn what would be his second-ever crack at light heavyweight gold. Conversely, Rakić is in a different situation.
He is coming off a devastating TKO loss to Jiří Procházka at UFC 300, but now has a chance at redemption and rebounding him from his two-fight losing streak. His 14-4 record is at stake. Unfortunately for him, Ankalaev is regarded as -380 favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Rakić, by comparison, is a +300 underdog, despite posing some interesting stylistic challenges to the low kick-prone Ankalaev.
Follow Sportskeeda for play-by-play analysis and live scoring.
UFC 308: Magomed Ankalaev vs. Aleksandar Rakić
Round 1: A jab lands for Rakić, but Ankalaev throws a one-two. They trade round kicks to the body. Ankalaev throws a low kick but it's caught and Rakić counters with his own. A thudding body kick finds a home for Ankalaev. Double-jab for Ankalaev, and Rakić lands a fleeting body kick.
Inside low kick for Rakić. Big head kick for Rakić, who subsequently eats an overhand left. Front kick for Ankalaev. Low kicks for Rakić, who can't seem to keep Ankalaev off of him. Inside low kick for Rakić. Jabs for Ankalaev, who eats a stiff jab from Rakić.
Side kick to the knee for Ankalaev. 10-9 Ankalaev
Round 2: Low kicks for Rakić, but Ankalaev returns fire with a spinning back-elbow. Rakić is struggling with Ankalaev's speed. A nice right hand lands for Rakić though, followed by a patented outside low kick. Some good shots from both men, but there isn't much to separate them.
A one-two lands for Ankalaev, who also seems to have a power edge over Rakić. Ankalaev is very heavy with the pressure, but they find themselves in the clinch, where Rakić's physicality doesn't do much as they break. Body jab for Ankalaev. A right hand lands for Rakić. 10-9 Ankalaev
Round 3: Heavy pressure from Ankalaev, while Rakić continues peppering Ankalaev's legs with low kicks. The Dagestani star lunges in with an overhand right but Rakić was wise to it. A one-two lands for Ankalaev, who is comfortably better than Rakić.
A stinging jab lands for Ankalaev, followed by a big right hand. Rakić shoots for a takedown but doesn't get it as they end up on the fence. Rakić is in on a single-leg but he bails on it, as Ankalaev lands a short knee and turns Rakić around, landing knees to the thigh.
However, Rakić's physicality allows him to reverse the positions, but he likely needs a finish to win. Now Ankalaev reverses the position as they clinch along the fence, fighting for positional dominance. Ankalaev briefly unloads with a combination but they return to the clinch to end the round. 10-9 Ankalaev
Official Decision: Magomed Ankalaev def. Aleksandar Rakić via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)