What was, on paper, a fantastic pairing of action fighters turned into a dominant grappling performance as Aleksandar Rakic controlled Anthony Smith for a wide decision win in the main event of UFC Fight Night from the UFC Apex facility in Las Vegas.
It was the striking that set things up for Rakic, as he opened the first round throwing crushing leg kicks. As Smith tried to fire back with his own kicks to the leg, he was caught by two more Rakic shots that dropped him to the canvas. From that point early in Round 1, Rakic's true gameplan emerged as he used brute strength to hold Smith on the ground and work a patient ground-and-pound game that left Smith without any answer.
That scenario would play out over and over in the second and third rounds, with Smith put on his back in both rounds and held there while Rakic did enough to keep the fight from being stood up. Rakic ultimately had ground control for 12:16 of the 15 total minutes in the three-round main event.
"I showed the world I'm not only a dangerous striker, I can wrestle and dominate on the ground," Rakic said following his victory.
The fight had significant implications in the light heavyweight division. After years of Jon Jones being the undisputed best 205-pound fighter on the planet -- aside from times when his personal issues out of the cage left him stripped of the championship -- Jones decided to vacate the title and move to heavyweight.
Now, anyone with a significant victory or run of wins could be positioned for a title shot. That's exactly what was on Rakic's mind after his win.
"You know what's next," Rakic said. "The belt is next. Reyes vs. Blachowicz winner, it's me. That's the next one. That is next for Aleksandar Rakic."
Rakic finished the fight having outlanded Smith 136 to 20 and only ate one truly meaningful punch from Smith, a left hook that Rakic ate well before taking control of the fight again.
With the victory, Rakic improved to 13-1 in his career, the lone loss a controversial split decision against Volkan Oezdemir last December.
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UFC Fight Night card and results
- Aleksandar Rakic def. Anthony Smith via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)
- Neil Magny def. Robbie Lawler via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Alexa Grasso def. Ji Yeon Kim via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Ricardo Lamas def. Billy Algeo via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-27)
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August 30, 2020 at 10:43AM
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UFC Fight Night results, highlights: Aleksandar Rakic grinds down Anthony Smith for clear decision win - CBSSports.com
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