Aleksandar Rakic enters UFC 321 on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi with his career at a crossroads. The 33-year-old Serbian striker, currently ranked #7 in the UFC light heavyweight division, is riding a three-fight losing streak that includes defeats to former champion Jan Błachowicz, top contender Magomed Ankalaev, and rising star Jamahal Hill. Injuries, particularly a prolonged knee issue that sidelined him for over a year, have disrupted his rhythm and diminished his explosive striking edge. His UFC record stands at 6-4, and after a promising start that saw him win five of his first six fights in the promotion, Rakic now faces the very real possibility of being pushed out of the top 10 with another loss. This bout against Murzakanov isn’t just about momentum—it’s a fight for relevance in a division rapidly moving beyond him.

Azamat Murzakanov, the undefeated Russian powerhouse at 15-0 (5-0 UFC), arrives as the most dangerous rising force in the division. Known as “The Professional,” Murzakanov combines Sambo-based grappling with devastating boxing, having finished four of his five UFC wins by knockout, including a brutal first-round stoppage of Volkan Özdemir in June. His recent inactivity—his last fight was over four months ago—is the only blemish on an otherwise flawless ascent. With wins over Devin Clark, Dustin Jacoby, and Özdemir, Murzakanov has quietly climbed the ladder without ever facing a top-10 opponent. This matchup against Rakic is his first true test against a former title contender, and a victory would catapult him into the upper echelon of the division, potentially setting up a clash with the winner of the Glover Teixeira–Jailton Almeida bout. Rakic’s size and reach advantage may be his only edge, but Murzakanov’s speed, power, and unshakable composure under pressure make him the clear favorite.

The key storyline here is the collision of two contrasting trajectories: Rakic’s decline versus Murzakanov’s meteoric rise. Rakic’s game has traditionally relied on distance control, leg kicks, and counter-striking, but his recent losses show he’s lost the timing and explosiveness to execute it effectively. Murzakanov, meanwhile, thrives in close quarters, using relentless pressure and short, heavy combinations to break down opponents. If Rakic can keep the fight at range and land clean, he might steal rounds—but Murzakanov’s ability to close distance and land fight-altering shots makes that a tall order. Expect Murzakanov to target the body early, sap Rakic’s mobility, and then explode with a finishing sequence in the second or third round. For Rakic, this is his last realistic shot at regaining top-10 status; for Murzakanov, it’s the moment he announces himself as a true title threat. The stage is set for a defining night in the light heavyweight division.

Team	Best Odds
Azamat Murzakanov	+180 FanDuel	+170	+100	-139	-108	+165	+160	+180	+165	-100	-116	-101	-109	+130	+105
Draw	+4900 1xBet	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	+4900	-	-	-	-
Aleksandar Rakic	+105 Betsson	-225	-120	+105	-110	-215	-210	-235	-220	-117	-106	-118	-103	-182	-125

Azamat Murzakanov @ Aleksandar Rakic Odds

Azamat Murzakanov

Aleksandar Rakic

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