Betting tips from AI for Aleksandar Rakic vs Azamat Murzakanov, 25 October 2025.

This is one of those classic matchup contrasts that bettors love: Aleksandar Rakic is the long, calculated outfighter with a wicked kicking game, while Azamat Murzakanov is the compact pressure puncher who creates fight-changing moments. When styles collide, judging often favors the athlete who lands the heavier, more visible damage — and that leans toward Murzakanov in a competitive, high-skill bout.

On the feet, Rakic’s A-game is built around distance management, calf and body kicks, and a disciplined jab. He’s excellent at freezing opponents with feints, scoring with the low kick, then exiting on angles. The blueprint to beat a shorter puncher is to keep the fight at the end of the leg and punish entries — something Rakic does well when he’s in rhythm. However, Murzakanov is adept at compressing space, slipping outside the jab, and exploding with short hooks and straights that draw strong reactions from judges. He’s particularly dangerous in pocket exchanges and has shown reliable shot selection to the body, which can sap the output of a kick-heavy opponent over 15 minutes.

Grappling is a swing factor, but not necessarily a trump card for Rakic. He can time level changes off his strikes and stall in clinches, yet Murzakanov’s balance, core strength, and sambo base have produced stout first-layer takedown defense and quick wall-walks. Unless Rakic can stack several minutes of control per round, sporadic takedowns won’t outscore Murzakanov’s more damaging bursts.

Durability and optics push this further toward Azamat. Rakic is coming off a rough run that included a knee injury and a TKO loss; even if his skills remain sharp, the variance introduced by big exchanges favors the man with the heavier hands and sturdier recent body of work. Murzakanov’s cardio has been questioned late, but he’s learned to meter his bursts and conserve for round-stealing flurries. In a likely 29-28 type fight, two rounds decided by the most impactful moments is a realistic path.

Now, the price. With Rakic at 1.89 and Murzakanov at 1.96, we’re effectively looking at a coin flip where the slightly better number sits on the side with bigger moment-generating power. The draw at 50.00 is enticing on paper but still a low-frequency outcome in three-round MMA and not worth the stab given the main market value already available. Converting prices to rough break-even rates, Rakic implies about 52.8% and Murzakanov about 51.0%. If you believe Azamat wins this in the 53–55% range — a fair estimate given pressure optics, damage weighting in modern judging, and his ability to close distance — the expected value on a $1 play is positive.

Bottom line: Rakic has a clear path via leg kicks and tempo control, but that plan must be nearly mistake-free. Murzakanov needs fewer sequences to tilt rounds and owns the more judge-friendly moments. At near pick’em pricing, the incremental edge and stylistic leverage are on Azamat. The bet is Murzakanov moneyline at 1.96.

This light heavyweight clash presents a fascinating stylistic puzzle between the technical precision of Aleksandar Rakic and the raw, undefeated power of Azamat Murzakanov. The odds reflect this, with Rakic a razor-thin favorite at 1.89 and Murzakanov close behind at 1.96, making this essentially a pick'em fight in the eyes of the bookmakers.

Aleksandar "Rocket" Rakic returns to the octagon after a significant layoff due to a knee injury suffered in his last bout against Jan Blachowicz. Before that setback, Rakic was on a tear, utilizing his massive 6'4" frame and 80-inch reach to dismantle top contenders like Anthony Smith and Thiago Santos. His game is built on distance management, a crisp jab, and arguably the most devastating leg kicks in the division. When he's at his best, he is a tactical sniper, picking opponents apart from the outside and neutralizing their offense before it can even begin. The biggest question mark is his health. A catastrophic knee injury can fundamentally alter a fighter's movement and confidence, especially one so reliant on powerful kicks.

On the other side stands Azamat "The Professional" Murzakanov, an undefeated wrecking ball with a perfect record. Murzakanov is the antithesis of Rakic physically; he's a compact, powerful fighter who gives up significant height and reach (5'10" with a 71-inch reach) to most of his opponents. What he lacks in size, he makes up for with ferocious knockout power and relentless forward pressure. He has demonstrated the ability to end a fight with a single shot, as seen in his victories over Devin Clark and Tafon Nchukwi. He is patient, waits for his opening, and then explodes with fight-ending combinations. His challenge will be navigating the long-range attacks of Rakic to get into the pocket where he does his best work.

Ultimately, this fight will be decided by who can impose their preferred range. Murzakanov must be willing to walk through a storm of jabs and leg kicks to get inside. For Rakic, the path to victory is clearer: stay on the outside, use his length, and systematically break Murzakanov down with kicks to the legs and body. While Murzakanov's undefeated record and power make him a very dangerous opponent, Rakic's experience against the division's elite and his massive physical advantages are too significant to overlook. Assuming Rakic has made a full recovery, his technical striking and ability to control the fight's geography should be the deciding factors. At near-even money, betting on the fighter with more tools and a higher-level resume is the logical play.

This light heavyweight bout presents a fascinating stylistic matchup between two fighters at different career crossroads. Aleksandar Rakic enters as the slight favorite at 1.89, reflecting his higher profile and proven track record against elite competition, while Azamat Murzakanov sits at 1.96, indicating the bookmakers see this as essentially a pick'em fight.

Rakic brings superior experience against top-tier opposition, having faced killers like Jan Blachowicz, Anthony Smith, and Jiri Prochazka. His technical striking game, built around precise leg kicks and counter-punching, has proven effective at the highest levels. The Austrian possesses excellent takedown defense and ring IQ that comes from years of competing against world-class talent. However, his recent performances have shown some decline, particularly in his cardio and explosiveness following his knee injury.

Murzakanov represents the hungry contender looking to break through. The Dagestani fighter brings relentless pressure and improved striking fundamentals, with a granite chin that's never been truly tested. His wrestling background provides solid defensive grappling, and his conditioning appears superior to Rakic's current form. Murzakanov's momentum from recent victories gives him psychological edge as the hunter rather than the hunted.

The key factors favor Murzakanov's aggressive style overwhelming Rakic's more measured approach. Rakic's tendency to start slowly could prove costly against an opponent who brings constant forward pressure. Murzakanov's youth and hunger, combined with Rakic's apparent physical decline, suggest the underdog has legitimate paths to victory through volume striking and late-round pressure.

While Rakic's experience commands respect, the value lies with Murzakanov at near even odds. His relentless pace and improving skillset should trouble a Rakic who's shown vulnerability in recent outings.

The upcoming light heavyweight clash between Aleksandar Rakic and Azamat Murzakanov on October 25, 2025, promises to be a thrilling encounter in the MMA world. Rakic, the Austrian-Serbian powerhouse, enters as a slight favorite with odds of 1.89, while Murzakanov sits at 1.96, indicating a razor-thin margin that reflects their closely matched skills. The draw is a long shot at 50.00, which is typical for MMA where decisions or finishes are far more common than stalemates.

Rakic's edge comes from his extensive experience against top-tier competition. With a professional record of 14-4, he's faced elite fighters like Jan Blachowicz and Jiri Prochazka, showcasing his technical striking and grappling prowess. Standing at 6'4" with an 82-inch reach, Rakic uses his length to control distance, landing precise kicks and jabs that wear down opponents. His knockout power is evident in wins over Thiago Santos and Anthony Smith, where he demonstrated patience and fight IQ to dismantle aggressive rushers.

Murzakanov, the undefeated Russian with a 14-0 record, is no slouch. He's burst onto the UFC scene with four straight finishes, including a devastating knockout of Dustin Jacoby. His boxing is crisp, powered by heavy hands and relentless pressure that could trouble Rakic if he closes the distance. However, Murzakanov's opponents so far have been mid-tier; he hasn't faced someone with Rakic's combination of size, skill, and experience. At 35, Murzakanov might struggle with Rakic's cardio in later rounds, as Rakic has gone the distance in high-stakes bouts.

Betting-wise, the value lies with Rakic at 1.89. It's essentially a pick'em fight, but Rakic's resume tips the scales. If Murzakanov tires, Rakic can capitalize with ground control or strikes. For enthusiasts, consider Rakic by decision at potentially better odds, given his history of outlasting foes. This matchup could headline any card, blending styles for fireworks—Rakic's technical mastery versus Murzakanov's raw power.

In terms of intangibles, Rakic is coming off a loss but has shown resilience, bouncing back stronger. Murzakanov's hype is real, but untested waters against a veteran like Rakic could expose flaws. I'd wager on Rakic to win, earning a modest profit on that $1 bet, aiming for long-term gains in a sport where upsets happen but experience often prevails.

This highly anticipated MMA bout between Aleksandar Rakic and Azamat Murzakanov on October 25, 2025, promises fireworks in the octagon. Rakic, a seasoned light heavyweight with a formidable record in the UFC, brings explosive striking and knockout power that has overwhelmed many opponents. His experience in high-stakes fights, combined with a solid grappling defense, makes him a tough challenge for anyone in the division. On the other hand, Murzakanov, an undefeated rising star, boasts impressive agility and a well-rounded skill set, including sharp submissions and relentless pressure. However, his relative lack of top-tier competition compared to Rakic could be a critical factor in this matchup.

Analyzing their styles, Rakic's ability to control distance with his long reach and powerful leg kicks might neutralize Murzakanov's aggressive advances. Murzakanov's durability and cardio are assets, but Rakic's precision striking and fight IQ could exploit any defensive lapses. Key aspects to watch include Rakic's recent performances showing resilience after setbacks, while Murzakanov's momentum from quick finishes adds intrigue but may not hold up against elite opposition.

From a betting perspective, the odds of 1.89 for Rakic and 1.96 for Murzakanov reflect a close contest, but Rakic's implied probability of around 53% seems slightly undervalued given his proven track record. The draw at 50.00 is a long shot, typical in MMA, and not worth consideration for a profitable bet. Given Rakic's advantages in experience and power, betting on him offers better value for a $1 wager aimed at maximizing returns.

In conclusion, while Murzakanov is a dangerous opponent, Rakic's overall skill set and composure under pressure make him the smarter pick. This analysis suggests a methodical victory for Rakic, likely by decision or late stoppage, providing a solid opportunity for bettors to capitalize on the current odds.

When analyzing the upcoming MMA bout between Aleksandar Rakic and Azamat Murzakanov, several key factors come into play that help shape a profitable betting decision. Rakic enters this fight as a seasoned veteran, boasting an impressive professional record and a reputation for his striking prowess. Known for his dynamic kicks and crisp boxing combinations, Rakic has consistently demonstrated the ability to finish fights with authority. His experience in high-pressure situations is undeniable, having competed against some of the best light heavyweights in the world. On the other hand, Murzakanov is a rising contender who brings explosive athleticism and raw power into the octagon. While his record might not yet match Rakic’s depth, his aggressive style and knockout capability make him a dangerous opponent. However, it is Rakic’s technical superiority and adaptability that tilt the scales in his favor.
Rakic’s fighting style revolves around precision and calculated aggression, which plays well into his favor here. His ability to dictate range with his long limbs and varied striking arsenal gives him a clear edge over Murzakanov, who often relies on closing distance to land heavy punches. Moreover, Rakic’s defensive awareness and head movement are critical assets that could neutralize Murzakanov’s primary weapon—his punching power. If Rakic can maintain his composure and stick to his game plan, he should be able to control the pace of the fight. This becomes even more crucial when considering the odds provided by the bookmakers. With Rakic listed at 1.89 and Murzakanov at 1.96, there’s a slight discrepancy that suggests the market views this matchup as relatively close. However, given Rakic’s higher skill ceiling and proven track record, these odds represent value on his side.
Another important aspect to consider is the fighters’ respective histories in championship-level bouts. Rakic’s resume includes multiple wins over ranked opponents, showcasing his ability to perform under bright lights. In contrast, while Murzakanov has shown flashes of brilliance, he has yet to face someone of Rakic’s caliber consistently. The psychological component cannot be overlooked; Rakic knows what it takes to succeed at this level and will likely approach the fight with confidence born from years of competing against elite talent. Additionally, endurance may become a decisive factor. Rakic has proven cardio, enabling him to push through grueling five-round battles if necessary. Meanwhile, Murzakanov’s tendency to go for quick finishes could leave him vulnerable later in the fight if Rakic survives his initial storm.
The draw option, priced at 50.00, seems highly unlikely given both fighters’ aggressive styles and desire to secure a definitive victory. Neither competitor is known for playing it safe or relying on decision outcomes, making a stalemate scenario improbable. Therefore, placing any significant consideration on the draw would not align with logical expectations based on their past performances. Instead, focusing on either fighter securing a win appears to be the smarter wager.
Ultimately, Rakic’s superior technique, strategic acumen, and mental fortitude position him as the more reliable bet despite the narrow gap in odds. Betting $1 on Rakic at 1.89 offers reasonable returns while minimizing risk compared to backing Murzakanov at 1.96. Although Murzakanov’s unpredictability adds intrigue, Rakic’s consistency and championship pedigree provide a clearer path to victory. For anyone looking to maximize profitability in this matchup, siding with Rakic represents the most prudent choice.