Ankalaev says he kept on running after Rakic, but he couldn't catch him. He didn't understand Rakic's strategy: "He wasn't working, he wasn't letting me work. Very uncomfortable opponent for me."

Asked why he deserves a title shot, he says, "I think I've done everything to deserve the next title shot. I'd like to tell Alex to stop running away from me, that's the fight everybody wants to see."

Magomed Ankalaev def. Aleksandar Rakic via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Nice lead left from Ankalaev. Rakic keeping his head on a swivel to avoid that left, nice jab from him. Ankalaev kicks the body. He scores with another sniping right. Another big left lands for Ankalaev, then another. Rakic without any answers as time ticks away.

Takedown attempt by Rakic, Ankalaev blocks it. Rakic not giving up on the single leg. Ankalaev gets underhooks and turns Rakic to the fence. Back and forth they go, not sure this is so good for Rakic unless his corner is right and he's up on the cards anyway.

Good knees to the body by Ankalaev to break up the monotony. He should take the last two rounds after a close first.

MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9, Ankalaev. Overall, 30-27 Ankalaev.

Ankalaev misses with a big swing, but connects awkwardly with a back elbow. That was creative. Rakic hits a body kick. Straight right from Rakic, he's making Ankalaev chase him. Ankalaev hits a straight left. Stiff left to the body by Ankalaev. There's another and Rakic is feeling those. Rakic looks to open up and eats a left for his troubles. He's struggling to get to Ankalaev in this round.

Right hand connects for Rakic. They grapple against the fence with a little under 90 seconds to go in the round, nothing to it. Ankalaev to the body with that left hand again, that's money. Rakic connects with a hard counter left. Ankalaev blocks a head kick. Good round for Ankalaev.

MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9, Ankalaev. Overall, 20-18 Ankalaev.

Vitor Ribeiro, your referee for this fight.

Both fighters throwing big kicks to start. Ankalaev with a body kick, but it's caught and Rakic hits him with a hard leg kick. Another good body kick for Ankalaev. Straight left by Ankalaev, so sneaky. Counter right by Ankalaev now. Rakic wants that head kick so badly, but Ankalaev has it scouted so far. Rakic circling and scoring with leg kicks.

Circle, circle, circle, around Rakic goes, neither fighter managing to close the distance effectively. Good right hand by Rakic near the end of the round.

MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9, Ankalaev.

Rakic coming of of two straight losses, the second coming after a long injury layoff. Title shot or not, he needs a win here as he hasn't had his hand raised since March 2021. He has a three-inch reach advantage.

Wide odds here with Ankalaev favored at -375, Rakic the underdog at +295.

Is this the fight that finally convinces Dana White that Ankalaev is the true No. 1 contender at light heavyweight? Unbeaten in 12 straight fights, there isn't much more he can do.

As for Rakic, he can throw a major wrench into the division if he upsets Ankalaev.