Aleksandar Rakic ​​​​can't wait to fight Magomed Ankalaev

ABU DHABI – Aleksandar Rakic ​​​​is relishing the opportunity to fight Magomed Ankalaev.

Rakic ​​(14-4 MMA, 6-3 UFC) meets Ankalaev (19-1-1 MMA, 10-1-1 UFC) on Saturday's UFC 308 main card at Etihad Arena (pay-per-view , ESPN+).

Rakic ​​​​knows what is at stake in a victory. Many consider Ankalaev to be the rightful No. 1 contender, having been overtaken by Khalil Rountree for a shot at light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira at UFC 307.

“What makes me really happy is that the UFC gave me Ankalaev, and I honestly believe that if I didn't have a good fight at UFC 300, I would never get this fight – no matter the result Rakic ​​told MMA Junkie and other reporters at UFC 308 media day on Wednesday.

“When I got the fight against Ankalaev, the name, I immediately said yes because he is No. 2 behind Jiri Prochazka, who lost twice to Pereira, so this is the best match for me. Stylistically, he will be a better opponent for me than Jiri Prochazka.”

Despite Rakic ​​suffering two consecutive defeats against Jan Blachowicz and Jiri Prochazka, Chael Sonnen believes Rakic ​​is a dangerous fight for Ankalaev. According to DraftKings, Rakic ​​is a +285 underdog, and the 32-year-old is ready to play spoilsport.

“It's time to remind the fans, the people and the UFC who 'The Rocket' was back then,” Rakic ​​said. “I’m ready to crash the party on Saturday and shake things up.”

For more information on the card, check out MMA Junkie's UFC 308 event hub.