“I mean, the best scenario I would wish for is a first-round knockout,” Rakic said, laughing, when asked how he envisions the fight playing out. “That’s the best — a quick fight, make some money, and go back home to the family, waiting for a title shot.
“We will see what happens. We will see how Jan responds to my attacks, how he’s going to move, what he’s going to give me.
“I know I’m able to out-wrestle him, to out-grapple him, to submit him, to knock him out or put on a five-round, high-paced performance. We’ll see what Jan is going to give me and then I’m going to adapt to those things, but the win is the most important thing.”
Rakic is currently stationed at No. 3 in the light heavyweight rankings. Blachowicz is No. 1, and the man between them, Jiri Prochazka, is set to face Teixeira for the title next month in Singapore.
Nothing is guaranteed in this sport, but a win on Saturday could very well punch Rakic’s ticket to a championship opportunity, and the hopeful contender is quick to acknowledge that reality and the pressure that it puts on him to perform this weekend.
But it’s pressure that he welcomes, because it means he’s on the cusp of challenging for the UFC light heavyweight title.
“After this fight, I’m going to closely watch the fight between Jiri and Glover to see who I will be fighting next; that’s what I wish for,” said Rakic. “There is pressure, of course — lots of pressure — but it’s positive pressure, which I like.
“I’ve been under pressure many times and performed well, so why not again this time? I know that I perform best under pressure.”
