This is the UFC 321 live blog for Aleksandar Rakic vs. Azamat Murzakanov, the main card light heavyweight bout Saturday at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
Despite being in a three-fight slump dating back to 2021, Rakic (14-5) is still holding on to a top 10 spot in the MMA Fighting Global Rankings at 205 pounds. That might say more about the division than Rakic’s accomplishments, but to his credit, his losing streak has come to a trio of champions (Magomed Ankalaev, Jiri Prochazka, and Jan Blachowicz). Suffice to say, this is a must-win scenario for the Austrian veteran.
Murzakanov (15-0) has charged up the rankings, currently holding the No. 11 spot and aiming to climb into the upper echelon of the division. He has finished four of his first five UFC opponents, including knockouts of Brendson Ribeiro, Alonzo Menifield, Devin Clark, and Tafon Nchukwi. Rakic presents a huge step up in competition and an opportunity for Murzakanov to announce himself as a title fight threat.
Check out the UFC 321 live blog for Aleksandar Rakic vs. Azamat Murzakanov below.
Love this matchmaking. Rakic gets the chance to prove he’s still deserving of a top 10 spot and Murzakanov (not exactly a youngster at 36) can push himself to a title shot, possibly in late 2026 depending how the rest of the division shakes out.
