Azamat Murzakanov has been quietly climbing the light heavyweight ladder, but at UFC 321, he made sure the world took notice. The undefeated Russian delivered one of the most devastating knockouts of the year, finishing Aleksandar Rakic with a thunderous right hand that ended the fight in the first round.
Stepping into the Octagon ranked No. 10, Murzakanov was facing the biggest test of his career against Rakic, who entered as the No. 7 contender. But just over three minutes into the fight, the question of who was the more dangerous striker was answered emphatically.
You all doubted me, Murzakanov said after his victory. I told you not to doubt me. I’m thankful to the UFC for this opportunity. I said I’m going to fight for the title and I will.”
The finish came at 3:11 of Round 1, with referee Rich Mitchell stepping in as Rakic hit the canvas following the perfectly timed punch.
Rakic Starts Strong but Crumbles Fast
Before the knockout, Azamat Murzakanov appeared to have the upper hand. The Austrian started aggressively, landing stiff kicks to the legs and body that forced Murzakanov to stay at range. He even attempted a takedown early, trying to use his reach and strength to control the pace.
However, Murzakanov remained composed. Once he found his opening, he stepped into the pocket and unleashed a short, clean right hand that caught Rakic flush on the chin. The impact was immediate as Rakic dropped instantly, and one follow-up strike sealed the deal.
“Just when it looked like Rakic was finding his rhythm, Murzakanov landed the shot of the night,” one commentator noted as the crowd erupted.
It was a statement performance that showcased Murzakanov’s timing, patience, and fight IQ — all qualities of a future title contender.
A Star Is Born at 205 Pounds
With the win, Murzakanov improved his professional record to 16-0, including six straight victories inside the UFC Octagon. The 36-year-old has now become one of the division’s most dangerous dark horses, bringing fresh energy to a weight class long dominated by names like Jiri Prochazka, Magomed Ankalaev, and Alex Pereira.
Ranked tenth heading into UFC 321, Murzakanov is now expected to leapfrog into the top seven. His post-fight interview made it clear that he’s already eyeing the next big challenge.
I told everyone I’m going to be fighting for the title. I want a number one contender fight, Murzakanov said confidently.
Reports suggest he could soon target a matchup against Alex Pereira, who remains one of the biggest names in the division. A win there could fast-track Murzakanov into a title eliminator.
Trouble for Rakic
For Aleksandar Rakic, the loss was devastating both in timing and consequence. The Austrian has now gone four fights without a win, with his last victory coming back in 2021 against Thiago Santos. Since then, he has suffered defeats to Magomed Ankalaev, Jiri Prochazka, Jan Blachowicz, and now Murzakanov.
The repeated setbacks have led many to speculate whether Rakic’s UFC career may be nearing its end. Once seen as a potential title challenger, his recent form paints a much different picture.
Rakic’s days in the Octagon could be numbered, one MMA analyst commented after the bout. He’s talented, but the division has moved past him.
With a likely slide down the rankings, Rakic may soon find himself outside the top 10 and possibly facing a must-win scenario in his next fight.
What’s Next for Azamat Murzakanov?
Azamat Murzakanov’s emphatic finish not only solidifies his unbeaten record but also injects new life into the light heavyweight title picture. With six UFC victories and a reputation for explosive finishes, he is now in line for a high-stakes bout that could define his career trajectory.
A fight with Alex Pereira, the reigning powerhouse, would be an instant fan favorite. Alternatively, a matchup with someone like Jan Blachowicz or Magomed Ankalaev could serve as the perfect stepping stone toward a title shot.
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