We got a couple big fights tonight from the UFC Apex in Las Vegas as #5 Anthony Smith takes on #9 Aleksander Rakic in a Light Heavyweight main event. In the co-main we got a Welterweight bout as 2 veterans of the game will battle it out with #13 Robbie Lawler vs #14 Neil Magny.
I mean this man Robbie Lawler has been fighting for what feels like 200 years.
Anthony Smith (+235) vs Aleksandar Rakic (-275)
In terms of how the fights will play out, lets start with the main event here. Rakic is close to a 3-1 betting favorite, which I think is a little steep considering Smith’s experience, well-roundedness and overall talent. Rakic is definitely good, and I’m excited about his future, but to be a 3-1 favorite in his first main event against a former title challenger? It seems as if the line is getting ahead of itself. But nonetheless, i think Rakic gets the job done here. I did not like how Anthony Smith looked like in his last fight against Glover Teixera at all.
The inconsistency of Smith’s aggression in recent fights concerns me very much so im officially going to go with Rakic in a close three-round decision. The smart approach for Rakic would be to fight at distance until Smith is worn down or hurt, and then pick up the pace. Smith needs to get out of the gate, and be relentless in the opening minutes, and I think his best pressure comes from his rush behind fast punching, and his elbows and knees in the clinch. But i see Rakic coming out on top in the main event tonight.
Robbie Lawler (+220) vs Neil Magny (-260)
Robbie Lawler made his UFC Debut in May 3002 at UFC 37. Its flat out preposterous how this man is still fighting and ill even call it sociopathic. This fight is really important for both men here. Lawler now is on a three-fight losing streak, though, and he needs to show something in his co-main event fight against Neil Magny who is no newcomer whatsoever. Whereas Lawler has competed 21 times inside the Octagon, Magny is a 22-fight UFC veteran with 16 wins at welterweight. Lawler has won 13 times at 170 pounds. So as you can see, this is no slouch of a co main event here. This is a really big fight for both men.
I expect Robbie Lawler to show up tonight. I think he takes this by TKO in the 2nd round.
Other names to look out for are Alexa Grasso, Ricardo Lamas, and Ion Cutelaba to open the card…
