The bout between Jan Blachowicz and Aleksandar Rakic is this week’s main topic in the MMA world. These two guys clash in the headliner of Saturday’s UFC Fight Night, and want to win for the same reason – to reach the chance to fight for the title. Blachowicz was the light heavyweight’s champion already but lost the crown to Glover Teixeira in his last bout. Meanwhile, Rakic is one of the main contenders to clinch the belt at the moment, and the Serb really does look pretty mighty.
Stay tuned with BetXchange and read the preview of this battle, along with the pick and other interesting information.
Blachowicz VS Rakic Preview
The Polish Power, as the fans call the former champion, had a late blossoming and is one of the best light heavyweights at the age of 39. He lost the title against Teixeira in the most recent bout, losing due to a rear-naked choke and a very pale performance on the ground. As soon as the Brazilian managed to get the Pole on the mat, it was clear that the champ at the time won’t have any chances to escape.
Blachowicz is a powerful striker with quite the solid speed for his frame and size. He knows to throw leg kicks very well, especially the right high and middle kick, which he often combines with one-two punches. His hooks are devastating and can knock out any fighter in the division, and probably the entire UFC.
His resume is pretty respectable. For instance, Blachowicz is the only guy who defeated Israel Adesanya in MMA. He holds wins over Jared Cannonier, Corey Anderson, Dominick Reyes, Jacare Souza, Luke Rockhold, etc. So he has enough experience in events like this.
Rakic is nine years younger and slowly entering his prime. For many, the Rocket, as is his nickname, presents the future champion. According to their words, at some point, he will win the belt.
Originally a kick-boxer who later added other skills for the battle in the octagon, possesses excellent speed for his size and extremely long reach, which helps him keep the rivals at a distance and to inflict very powerful and precise strikes. We’ve seen his improvement on the ground over the last few bouts, and even though he isn’t perfect in that aspect of the battle, Rakic took a step forward.
His only loss in the previous seven UFC appearances, and his entire career, was against Volkan Oezdemir via split decision. To be honest, most of the experts and the analyst stated that he didn’t deserve to lose and that the scoring judges had far too much respect for Oezdemir. After that, Rakic beat Anthony Smith and Thiago Santos, two former title challengers, proving that he is ready for the best of the best in the division. It is almost certain that if he wins this clash, the next step for him will be the meeting with the champion, whoever that might be.
Blachowicz VS Rakic Prediction
Both guys have unreal punching power, with the note that Rakic has better leg kicks than Blachowicz. Though on the other side, the Polish fighter is extremely strong and maybe the most powerful and robust opponent for Rakic so far. We are leaning towards Rakic’s victory in this one. He is younger, and we tend to think, slightly more versatile than the former champion.
Pick: Rakic 1/2 at BetXChange
