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UFC On ESPN+ 33: Staff Picks

Back Sports Page’s MMA writers return to pick the biggest and best fights scheduled for this Saturday’s UFC on ESPN+ 33: Smith vs. Rakić.

Myself and Alexis Rodriguez decide who we think will win the light-heavyweight showdown between Anthony Smith and Aleksandar Rakić, the return of ‘Ruthless’ Robbie Lawler against Neil Magny, and the long-anticipated rematch of Magomed Ankalaev and Ion Cutelaba.

Here we go.

Anthony Smith (33-15) vs Aleksandar Rakić (12-2)

Alexis Rodriguez: This is a very important fight in the light-heavyweight division; especially considering Jones’s departure. Both guys are coming off of loses, but Smith’s was much more grueling since he took a beating from Glover Texeira.

Rakić is coming off a close, controversial decision loss to Volkan Oezdemire. Smith is crafty, powerul, and smart. He can think too much sometimes though, but he has tremendous heart, great killer instinct, and a well-rounded skill set.

Rakić is more of the hyped fighter, especially after his finishes of Devin Clark and Jimi Manuwa. He has shown good grappling skills to go along with his finishing abilities.

I think Rakić is going to come out with bad intentions in this bout and try to finish Smith early on.

Pick: Aleksandar Rakić by TKO, Rd. 1

Ryan Truland: Aleksandar Rakić finds himself fighting in his first main event against battle-tested veteran Anthony Smith.

For Rakić, a win would be a true coming out party and land him a top five ranking in the 205lb division. For Smith, a win would mean redemption and put him back on track for another opportunity at the title.

Despite the discrepancy in experience, I believe this fight will be pretty even whether it’s on the feet or the mat. Rakić seamlessly switches stances and throws powerful kicks from both. He also is heavy on top while he lands ground and pound.

Smith has seen it all though and he still has a lot left in the tank. I believe Rakić is good enough to keep this close and entertaining, but ‘Lionheart’ will prevail.

Pick: Anthony Smith by Unanimous Decision

Draftkings Odds: Rakić (-278) vs Smith (+225)

BREAKING: Former UFC Champion Robbie Lawler Steps in to Face Neil Magny on  August 29th - EssentiallySports

Robbie Lawler (28-14) vs Neil Magny (23-7)

Alexis Rodriguez: Man, Lawler has been missed. Magny is one of the most underrated fighters in the entire UFC. He’s a solid martial artist with one of the best gas tanks in all the UFC.

Lawler is a great striker with great takedown defense. He can be a bit inactive inside the cage at times, but his power is otherworldly. Still, I expect Lawler to keep Magny at bay and second guessing with his power.

His striking is still top-notch to go along with his power. He should take the fight with a bruising decision victory.

Pick: Robbie Lawler by Unanimous Decision

Ryan Truland: Neil Magny is coming off of a couple impressive wins and he still has top-notch cardio and footwork. He has a lot of decision victories on his record because he likes to throw strikes in volume rather than power.

Lawler is the opposite and he struggled against volume in his last fight against Colby Covington. I believe he’ll come out with adjustments to counteract Magny’s attempt at volume striking.

The last time Magny faced a powerful striker he got stopped by Santiago Ponzinibbio. Finishing Magny is no easy task, but I see ‘Ruthless’ Robbie Lawler making a statement.

Pick: Robbie Lawler by TKO, Rd. 2

Draftkings Odds: Magny (+250) vs Lawler (+200)

Ion Cutelaba (15-5) vs Magomed Ankalaev (13-1)

Alexis Rodriguez: This fight could provide fireworks. Ankalaev is an excellent wrestler due to his sambo background, and although Cutelaba can hold his own, Ankalaev has the clear advantage there.

The first fight was extremely controversial with a bad stoppage after Cutelaba baited Ankalaev making it seem like he was rocked multiple times.

Ankalaev is an exciting rising contender and he should continue his ascent with a decision win using both his superior striking and wrestling.

Pick: Magomed Ankalaev by Unanimous Decision

Ryan Truland: We’ve been waiting awhile for this rematch and it’s finally here. Re-watching the first meeting it was obvious to me that Cutelaba was acting like he was badly hurt to draw Ankalaev into a counter.

Unfortunately the referee was fooled and stopped the fight, but it makes for a compelling rematch.

There is some bad blood between these two and I think Cutelaba is going to come out swinging. However, if he does not connect there’s a serious risk of being countered by Ankalaev and/or expending his gas tank. This one is tough to pick, but it’ll be wild.

Pick: Ion Cutelaba by KO, Rd. 1

Draftkings Odds: Ankalaev (-335) vs Cutelaba (+250)

UFC on ESPN+ 33: Smith vs Rakić is live this Saturday! Make sure to watch the prelims at 6pm (ET) on ESPN followed by the main card at 9pm on ESPN+.

**Odds recorded at 10:30pm (ET) on Thursday (8/27)**

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