Overview
- Fighting in the UFC 321 main-card opener at Etihad Arena, Murzakanov floored the No. 7-ranked Rakic with a perfectly timed right hand for a first-round stoppage at 3:11.
- He improved to 16-0 overall with six UFC wins, five by knockout, marking the biggest victory of his career.
- After the bout, Murzakanov called for a No. 1 contender fight or a title shot in his post-fight interview.
- His rise adds a fresh option at 205 pounds as champion Alex Pereira has recently reclaimed the belt and has not confirmed his next defense, with Carlos Ulberg among other contenders.
- Rakic’s fourth straight loss drew fan calls for his release on social media, while Islam Makhachev praised Murzakanov as the “real deal.”