Betting Lines Favor the Younger Rakic over Blachowicz
In what could be a kingmaker for Aleksandar Rakic, the Serbian is favored on the UFC odds against the former light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz. This will be the Pole’s first fight since losing his title to Glover Teixeira in what was one of the bigger upsets of 2021. Most bettors know, Blachowicz is extremely dangerous when he’s the underdog.
Let’s check the latest news, stats, injury reports, and UFC odds for Blachowicz vs Rakic. We’ve plenty of UFC betting predictions for you to consider.
Can Blachowicz Keep Winning As a Dog?
If you placed a $100 bet on Jan Blachowicz every time he was an underdog, you would be $1,090 richer by now. The 39-year-old has come from being on the UFC’s chopping block to being one of its most unlikely champions and it’s thanks to his all-around MMA game.
Most notoriously is Blachowicz’s knockout power, which has been dubbed “Polish Power”. He has won three of his last five victories by way of knockout. If he’s not sleeping dudes with his fists, he is mixing it up and wrestling them down like he did when he became the first man to defeat Israel Adesanya.
The question with Blachowicz becomes his will to win. He had already reached the mountaintop. As he showed in his early UFC career where he went 1-4, he can be unfocused and beatable. But if the loss has restored his hunger to win, bet this underdog live, and online.
Rakic Will be Focused
Speaking of being focused, Aleksandar Rakic is that type of fighter. Wise beyond his years, the 30-year-old has a calm and calculated approach to his game. Combined with his solid grappling and precise striking, he has the makings of a championship-caliber fighter.
Head kick knockouts may be what help him become popular, but Rakic will more than likely take his opponents to a decision if it meant increasing his chances of winning, however, Rakic also has a wild side and he can get goaded into a brawl.
At the UFC Apex, where there is no rowdy audience there to pump his blood, expect the computer-like side of Rakic to be on the driver’s seat. A title shot is on the line for him so a clean five-round decision over the ex-champion may be all he needs to book that championship fight later in the year.
Blachowicz vs Rakic Head-to-Head
Both Jan Blachowicz and Aleksandar Rakic are all-around fighters who can get it done anywhere, however, statistics are on Rakics’ side here as he lands more significant strikes per minute (4.23) at a higher accuracy (52 percent) and he also absorbs fewer (2.23).
Rakic also has a 90 percent takedown defense though Blachowicz lands more takedowns per 15 minutes (1.14) at a higher accuracy (53 percent).
Blachowicz vs Rakic Fight Information
- Fight: Blachowicz (28-9-0) vs Rakic (14-2-0)
- Location: UFC APEX
- Day/Time: Saturday, May 14, 7:30 p.m. ET
- Blachowicz Live stream: UFC Fight Pass
Blachowicz vs Rakic Betting Lines
Blachowicz vs Rakic Prediction
It is always a scary proposition to bet against Jan Blachowicz, but Aleksandar Rakic is not to be trifled with as he will properly measure Blachowicz and keep him at bay. Rakic should be able to utilize his leg kicks to slow Blachowicz down. Once Blachowicz is compromised, his Polish Power will dissipate and he’ll also have a hard time taking Rakic down.
In the early going, the fight should be close with Blachowicz edging a round or two. Check the sportsbook frequently for live betting opportunities, but ultimately, Rakic should outlast Blachowicz and win an undisputed decision. Find Rakic to win by decision when the line opens as the best UFC bet as well.
Pick: Rakic -190
