Smith vs Rakic – In Review

• Saturday’s main event saw UFC light heavyweight Aleksandar Rakic make his case for the vacant title belt after defeating Anthony Smith by unanimous decision.
  • Reflecting on his convincing win, Rakic said: “It feels amazing. My first main event and in the fight capital, I had a lot of pressure because many people from my home were watching and supporting me. The pressure is off my shoulders and I’m happy with my performance against a veteran and former title challenger.

Everybody underestimates my wrestling and grappling. I’ve been working years on grappling and wrestling. I brought in a new coach for this camp and former All-American. The focus was a lot of pressure and control. I showed the world and division that I’m not only a dangerous striker. I can wrestle, grapple and dominate on the ground. These guys need to take me seriously now because I’m in the top five. You know what’s next. The belt is next.”

• In the co-main event, Neil Magny moves into second place on the UFC welterweight all-time wins after he defeated Robbie Lawler by unanimous decision.
  • Pleased with his performance, Magny commented: “ The key to this game plan was to use my range, make him miss big, counter his shots, tie up his arms and really make him work. I’m really surprised he’s the one who initiated the takedowns. Once I was able to reverse position and take control I just ran with it from there. I’m definitely a threat in the welterweight division. These guys already knew I was here, but it’s just getting to the point where they can’t avoid me anymore.

There’s this weird thing where guys feel entitled to wait and call shots. I’m a fighter. Sean Shelby tells me who and when I’m fighting, and the answer is always yes. I don’t want to waste time. I want to get back in here and make strides towards that title. I feel great. That was a huge win for me. It definitely propels my career forward. I want to get back in the gym, get healthy and look forward to competing the fourth time this year.”

• The Fight of the Night came in the featherweight division, where Ricardo Lamas defeated Bill Algeo by unanimous decision after three entertaining rounds.
  • Leaving everything in the Octagon® for his result, Lamas said: “ I walked into this thinking it could maybe be my last fight. I didn’t want to walk away with a loss. I always said I don’t want to leave this sport in the dirt. I want to leave with my head held high. That’s a fight I can be proud of.

I’m not ready to clarify on (possibly retiring) yet. It’s a decision I want to make with my family. With the way that I train, I travel a lot. I spend time away from my kids and wife. I just don’t know if I can do that anymore. I’m going to talk with them and we’ll make a decision together. I grew up in the WEC and UFC with Zuffa. I’ve been with them for 11 years now. I signed with them in 2009. It’s been a hell of a ride. From day one, they threw me in with the sharks. I had to learn to sink or swim.  It’s been awesome. I appreciate all the opportunities given to me from the UFC, Dana White and Sean Shelby. I love you guys. Thank you very much.”