A Clash in Styles
UFC Vegas 8 takes place inside the quiet Apex facility in Las Vegas. But this Saturday won’t be quiet as fighters wage war and jockey for ranking. Notably, Strikeforce vets Anthony Smith and former champ, Robbie Lawler look to keep title aspirations alive. In the co-main event, Lawler will fill in on short notice for Geoff Neal, facing Neil Magny. The carnage continues with the highly favored powerhouse, Aleksander Rakic taking on the always game Anthony Smith. After a traumatic home invasion and the beating from Glover Teixeria in May, Smith will look to right the ship. Rakic however, wants to use Smith as a springboard into the top of the division. Unless Smith utilizes takedowns to control Rakic on the ground, the fight favors the Hungarian kickboxer. UFC Vegas 8 feature fight breakdowns predict for fans how both fights are likely to play out.
UFC Vegas 8 Co-Main Event Breakdown
Entering the bout with momentum, Neil Magny has captured two wins by decision in 2020. The contrast in momentum is palpable as Lawler looks to snap a three-fight losing skid. These two have fighting styles that differ greatly from each other. For example, Magny uses distance, footwork, and sharp boxing to set himself score on the scorecards. Also, Magny’s mobility supports his striking defense and typically keeps him from taking sustained damage. Despite Lawler’s setbacks, he is still an extremely dangerous fighter with twenty KO’s on his resume. A polar opposite game plan, Lawler never fights for a judge’s scorecard. This co-main event will come down to whichever fighter imposes their range more effectively.
UFC Vegas 8 Main Event Breakdown
Now a veteran of the fight game, Anthony Smith has evolved his style of fighting. Mostly known for aggressive striking, Smith has adapted his ju-jitsu into his MMA gameplan. As evidenced by his shocking submission win over Volkan Oezdimir. Anthony Smith would earn himself a title shot but ultimately fall short against Jon Jones. The losses started to pile up when Smith and his family were victims of a home invasion. In May he lost in the fifth round via TKO against Teixeria in which many believe was stopped too late. Activity is more important to Smith but it would seem Rakic is getting him at a good time.
The viral head kick knockout against Jimi Manuwa shows how potent Rakic’s kickboxing skills are. Supporting the Hungarian kickboxer is father time, as he is five years younger than Smith. Also, given Smith’s five-round experience, Rakic likely has the edge in a three-round fight. It seems most of the positive tallies are in Rakic’s corner, but if Smith follows through with takedowns and ground control this is his fight to win. The UFC Vegas 8 main and co-main event breakdowns serve as a reminder of how close these fights truly are despite odds.
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