Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
The main event of UFC Vegas 8 provided little spark as Aleksandar Rakic dominated Anthony Smith to win a decision.
In a fight with little action, Aleksandar Rakic made easy work of Anthony Smith in the main event of UFC Vegas 8 to win a unanimous decision (30-26. 30-27, 30-27).
What was the high point of the fight?
Rakic got off to a good start in the first round, loading up on leg kicks and they eventually payed off dropping Smith early on. The Austrian manhandled Smith to the mat after a clinch in round two, with Rakic landing short punches and elbows in guard as Smith searched desperately for a submission.
The third round was much the same as Rakic took Smith down the mat and continued to beat him up with short shots. Even when Smith tried to get back to his feet, Rakic forced him down again and landed more punches whilst on top. With over five seconds left in the final round, Rakic stood up from bottom to already celebrate his dominant win.
Where do both men go from here?
There aren’t any positives to take for Smith from the loss. “Lionheart” was outclassed in every department for three rounds, winning virtually none of the fight. Fights with either Johnny Walker or Misha Cirkunov are good for Smith next.
Rakic couldn’t have hoped for any better way to bounce back after his close split decision loss to Volkan Oezdemir last December. The win is every more important now the light heavyweight belt has been recently vacate by Jon Jones. Given Rakic should find himself in the top five with the win, a fight against Thiago Santos makes sense next.
Watch it now, later or never?
You wouldn’t be missing out much, so there’s no need to watch it now, or ever.
Smith is DOWN. @Rakic_UFC with lightning quick leg kicks early ??#UFCVegas8 pic.twitter.com/DxwKYXW6kw
— UFC (@ufc) August 30, 2020
BOOM @LionheartASmith with a MASSIVE shot to the chin. #UFCVegas8 pic.twitter.com/nfn7MfPnHV
— UFC (@ufc) August 30, 2020
UNRELENTING.
@Rakic_UFC is showing no let up in RD 3 #UFCVegas8. pic.twitter.com/oOzEiVA938
— UFC (@ufc) August 30, 2020
No doubt in his mind!
@Rakic_UFC knows he’s entered the division’s elite tonight. #UFCVegas8 pic.twitter.com/PpPtcWPu6V
— UFC (@ufc) August 30, 2020