The Serbian returns to the Octagon for the primary time in almost two years this coming weekend, as he takes on Jiri Prochazka at UFC 300.
Aleksandar Rakic‘s last fight was back in May 2022, when he took on Jan Blachowicz in his first five-round principal event. Unfortunately, the 32-year-old tore his ACL in round three, ending the bout early.
After undergoing surgery following the freak incident, Rakic was scheduled to return originally of this yr in a rematch with Blachowicz at UFC 297, however the Pole withdrew because of a shoulder injury.
Jiri Prochazka returned from an injury of his own in his last fight, losing to Alex Pereira within the vacant light heavyweight title fight at UFC 295.
Aleksandar Rakic takes aim at Jiri Prochazka’s samurai persona
Speaking about Prochazka on the UFC 300 media day this past Wednesday, Rakic took aim at ‘The Last Samurai’s’ persona, stating he can’t claim to be a samurai simply because he’s read ‘one book’.
“I said he’s a fake samurai because you understand, you may not grow to be a samurai after just reading a book that his coach gave to him and live the spirit, should you are a samurai it is advisable to live this for a very long time and not only the last three years, that’s why I said he’s a fake samurai.” Rakic said.
In addition to that, Rakic claimed that this fight between the 2 ranked light heavyweights would determine who’s the ‘King of Europe’.
“He’s from Europe, I’m from Europe, he’s living not distant from where I live, so let’s discover who the King of Europe is and in a while the King of the World.” Rakic added.
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Jiri Prochazka responds to Aleksandar Rakic’s comments
The previous light heavyweight champion issued a response at UFC 300 media day, claiming that Rakic will discover within the cage who the ‘Czech Samurai’ really is.
“He’s talking an excessive amount of.” the 31-year-old claimed. “He doesn’t know me, he’ll know who I’m within the cage, who I’m, and where I’m capable of go to take a win. He doesn’t know me personally. In the event you don’t know someone personally how will you discuss them?
“I never said about myself that I’m a samurai because I’m respectful of all the soldiers from history and I’m sharing with the people, the entire world, one of the best ideas and thoughts which helps me to enhance myself and keep me on the way in which. He’ll like that, he doesn’t know anything about me and the way I’m living.” Prochazka added.
The highest of the sunshine heavyweight division is in an unclear position without delay, with it being unclear who the subsequent title contender may very well be.
Magomed Ankalaev was in a positive position for a title shot, nonetheless, a draw and a no-contest back-to-back halted his momentum.
The winner of Prochazka and Rakic may find themselves fighting the Russian in a primary contender fight, to see who’s next to fight for the 205lb title.
