UFC 259 will be a massive PPV card, as it will feature three championship fights on the same night. This is similar to what UFC fans have seen at UFC 245 and UFC 251. There are two other fights that will share the limelight with these high stakes fights. One of these is in the UFC’s light heavyweight division, where Aleksandar Rakic will fight former title challenger, Thiago Santos.
Santos and Rakic trained together at American Top Team in 2018, and they did a camp together. The duo hasn’t sparred in MMA, but they grappled and had a feel of the other’s skills. The Austrian ‘Rocket’ claims to have become a different fighter over the last two-and-a-half years.
Rakic said, “I’ve proved all my skills and I am more dangerous than that. It’s going to be an interesting fight for both of us. I hope uh the best Thiago on March 6th because I will be the best version of myself.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
"I'm a different fighter than the last time I trained with him" 👊@Rakic_UFC on training with #UFC259 opponent Thiago Santos in 2018 via @LynchOnSports
Full interview: https://t.co/ybfwpsbNL1 pic.twitter.com/fx7vN7voI8
— Line_Movement (@Line_Movement) February 12, 2021
Rakic has made some big moves and has a win over former title challenger Anthony Smith. He will look to secure another huge win at ‘Maretta’s’ expense. But, it is easier said than done.
Santos took Jon Jones to a split decision, and it took a resurgent Glover Teixeira to stop him in his last fight.
Santos, who is tied for the most knockout victories in the middleweight division, will aim big in the light heavyweight division too. Rakic will be the first step on his road to redemption.
A win for either fighter on such a stacked card will do wonders for their career at 205.
What more can you expect from UFC 259?
UFC 259 will feature the middleweight champion Israel Adesanya taking on the newly crowned light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz, for the latter’s title.
Blachowicz is known for his raw power and has a record of 27- 8. The Pole knows what he’s going to face, but dealing with it is an uncommon thing entirely.
On the flip side, Israel Adesanya has a record of 20-0 and he’s got a craft to his striking. He skillfully maintains the distance and stays out of harm’s way.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Also on the line will be Amanda Nunes’ featherweight belt, as she will seek to deny yet another challenger in Megan Anderson. Furthermore, bantamweight Petr Yan and Aljamain Sterling will collide in a title fight.
The bouts are set to be striking extravaganzas and Rakic vs Santos will be in an optimal spot as fans gear up for these fights.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Who do you think will secure a huge win and surge ahead in the light heavyweight rankings? Rakic or Santos?
Read more: Nate Diaz Trolls Dustin Poirier- Asks Him to Stand Down