Aleksandar Rakic’s convincing unanimous decision victory at UFC on ESPN+ 33 in Las Vegas Saturday night had opponent Anthony Smith grasping for answers in the post-fight press conference.
Rakic used powerful leg kicks to break down Smith, then used a stifling ground game to keep Smith on the defensive en route to a 30-26, 30-26, 30-27 scoring by the judges.
"Reyes-Blachowicz winner." 🏆 @Rakic_UFC only has one thing on his mind. #UFCVegas8 pic.twitter.com/DgWrh4WB1w
— UFC (@ufc) August 30, 2020
The win likely moves Rakic into the top five of the division rankings.
Pushed the pace for fifteen minutes! 😤
No doubt that @RicardoLamasMMA vs @ElSenorPerfecto is FOTN.
[ B2YB @ToyoTires ] #UFCVegas8 pic.twitter.com/tUnVgor4QU
— UFC (@ufc) August 30, 2020
50K for these two subs! 💵@SeanBradyMMA & @MalloryyMartin grabs the POTNs. #UFCVegas8 pic.twitter.com/E9RWboO9Pn
— UFC (@ufc) August 30, 2020
Mallory Martin and Sean Brady earned performances of the night while Ricardo Lamas and Bill Ageo earned Fight of the Night. Each fighter earned a $50,000 USD bonus.
Kenai Andrews checks in with his thoughts on the main card.
In case you missed the prelims:
MALLORY MARTIN DEF. HANNAH CIFERS VIA SUBMISSION (RNC) R1 1:33
POLYIANA VIANA DEF. EMILY WHITMIRE VIA SUBMISSION (ARM-BAR) R2 1:53
SEAN BRADY DEF. CHRISTIAN AGUILERA VIA SUBMISSION (GUILLOTINE CHOKE) R2 1:47
ALEX CACERES DEF. AUSTIN SPRINGER VIA SUBMISSION (RNC) R1 3:38
ZAK CUMMINGS DEF. ALESSIO DI CHIRRIO VIA UD (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
IMPA KASANGANAY DEF. MAKI PITOLO VIA UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
MAIN CARD
RICARDO LAMAS VS. BILL ALGEO
An INSANE escape from @ElSenorPerfecto 🤯
Live on #ESPNPlus pic.twitter.com/VOg39vE1N3
— UFC (@ufc) August 30, 2020
WINNER: RICARDO LAMAS VIA UD (29-27, 29-27, 29-27)
ANDREWS PREDICTION: RICARDO LAMAS VIA UD
Andrews: Good fight. Algeo came in confident and did not look out of place.
#14 JI YEON KIM VS. #14 ALEXA GRASSO
Superman punch 🦸♀️ @AlexaGrasso is digging into her bag of tricks. #UFCVegas8 pic.twitter.com/Fjeljp8Cw3
— UFC (@ufc) August 30, 2020
WINNER: ALEXA GRASSO VIA UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
ANDREWS PREDICTION: ALEXA GRASSO VIA UD
Andrews: Grasso used her striking and movement as expected to neutralize the power advantage of Kim.
#13 ROBBIE LAWLER VS. #14 NEIL MAGNY
1️⃣9️⃣ – GSP
1️⃣7️⃣ – Magny@NeilMagny is closing the gap on most welterweight wins. #UFCVegas8 pic.twitter.com/cjMfWwJ4Or— UFC (@ufc) August 30, 2020
WINNER: NEIL MAGNY VIA UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
ANDREWS PREDICTION: NEIL MAGNY VIA UD
Andrews: Magny used a smart game plan and did not allow Lawler to use his striking.
MAIN EVENT
#5 ANTHONY SMITH VS. #9 ALEKSANDAR RAKIC
Smith is DOWN. @Rakic_UFC with lightning quick leg kicks early ⚡️#UFCVegas8 pic.twitter.com/DxwKYXW6kw
— UFC (@ufc) August 30, 2020
Andrews: Smith was dominated by Teixeira in his last bout, but has a knack for bouncing back. But I like Rakic’s striking, and if he performs, should be able to pile up enough points to take the decision.
Andrews Prediction: Aleksandar Rakic via UD
