Tag: Aleksandar Rakic

Exclusive – Jiri Prochazka ready to ‘realize the mastery’ in UFC 300 return against Aleksandar Rakic

Jiri ProchazkaFollowing his loss to Alex Pereira in November, Jiri Prochazka was determined to get back inside the Octagon as…

Jiri Prochazka

Following his loss to Alex Pereira in November, Jiri Prochazka was determined to get back inside the Octagon as fast as possible, regardless of opponent.

On April 13, ‘Denisa’ will look to climb back into the title picture at 205 when he meets No. 5 ranked contender Aleksandar Rakic at UFC 300 in Las Vegas. The fight will come five months removed from Prochazka’s devastating second-round knockout at the hands of ‘Poatan’ at the promotion’s 30th-anniversary event last year in Madison Square Garden.

Speaking with Mike Owens in a LowKick MMA exclusive interview, Prochazka — the division’s No. 2 ranked contender — explained that after coming up short in his last outing, he was eager to climb back in the cage. Rakic just happened to be the fighter who was ready, willing, and able to serve as the former champ’s dance partner on fight night.

“I don’t care about what the right fight is for me,” Prochazka said. “I wanted to be back as soon as possible and Alexander was the first one who was free from the top five guys at light heavyweight. So I called him about the fight.”

Jiri Prochazka Dubs Aleksandar Rakic a ’50/50 Fighter’

Aleksandar Rakic will be looking to bounce back after suffering a leg injury in the third round of his May 2022 clash with Jan Blachowicz. They were scheduled to run it back at UFC 297 last month, but Blachowicz underwent shoulder surgery, forcing him out of the bout.

‘Rocket’ goes into the contest with a 14-3 overall record, 6-2 under the UFC banner. Rakic has established himself as a bit of a knockout artist in his career, finishing nine of his opponents via KO, including Devin Clark and Jimi Manuwa inside the Octagon.

“He’s a 50/50 fighter,” Prochazka said of his UFC 300 opponent. “He’s a good wrestler. A really strong guy I think. His standup is not the best, but like I said, he’s 50/50. Good striker. Good wrestler and I’m ready for both.”

Prochazka’s loss to Alex Pereira snapped a 13-fight win streak dating back to 2016. It was also his first fight in 17 months, but ‘Denisa’ is making no excuses for his performance. Instead, he sees it as another opportunity to evolve his skill set and put his MMA mastery on display in his next outing.

“I want to realize the mastery,” he said. “Not just in the training. Not just in the daily life. Repeat, repeat. Be better. Be better, but in the cage. To show it in the cage. That’s what I want to show.”

Watch the full exclusive interview with Jiri Prochazka below:

Jiri Prochazka makes offer to fight Aleksandar Rakic in Octagon return at UFC 299 in Miami

Jiri Prochazka offers to fight Aleksandar Rakic at UFC 299 on short notice in MiamiFormer undisputed light heavyweight champion, Jiri Prochazka has offered to step-in for fellow former titleholder, Jan Blachowicz in a…

Jiri Prochazka offers to fight Aleksandar Rakic at UFC 299 on short notice in Miami

Former undisputed light heavyweight champion, Jiri Prochazka has offered to step-in for fellow former titleholder, Jan Blachowicz in a clash with the returning, Aleksandar Rakic – offering the Austrian-born contender a showdown at UFC 299 in March of next year in Miami, Florida.

Prochazka, a former undisputed light heavyweight champion, most recently headlined UFC 295 at the beginning of last month, suffering a second round TKO loss to former middleweight kingpin, Alex Pereira in the pair’s vacant light heavyweight title showdown at Madison Square Garden.

As for Rakic, the current number five ranked contender has yet to feature since he suffered a third round TKO due a brutal knee injury suffered against the aforenoted Pole, Blachowicz in the pair’s main event clash back in May of last year. 

And slated to return to the Octagon on the main card of UFC 297 in January, Rakic was booked to take on Blachowicz in a rematch on the Canada card, however, the latter has been forced from the re-run through injury, and is set for surgery.

Weighing up a quickfire return to the Octagon following a recent welcome to Khamzat Chimaev to make a stunning light heavyweight divisional leap, Czech Republic favorite, Jiri Prochazka offered to fight Rakic in an all-European outing – receiving a slew of responses from the latter.

“You said February or March,” Aleksandar Rakic replied to Jiri Prochakza. “I accepted and offered you February 17th. Now you’ve gone quiet. Where’s your Samurai code now? Sign the contract, big boy, sign the contract. @jiri_bjp.” 

Jiri Prochazka suggests UFC 299 for fight with Aleksandar Rakic

Suggesting a rescheduled pairing at UFC 299 in March – which currently features a bantamweight title main event rematch between Sean O’Malley, and former-foe, Marlon Vera, Prochazka welcomed the chance to compete in ‘The Sunshine State’.

“March 9 Miami?” Jiri Prochakza posted on his official X account.

Who wins in a future clash: Jiri Prochazka or Aleksandar Rakic?

Jan Blachowicz is out of UFC 297 rematch with Aleksandar Rakic, will undergo shoulder surgery

Jan BlachowiczJan Blachowicz is officially out of his UFC 297 rematch with Aleksandar Rakic. The former light heavyweight announced on…

Jan Blachowicz

Jan Blachowicz is officially out of his UFC 297 rematch with Aleksandar Rakic.

The former light heavyweight announced on social media that a shoulder injury sustained while training has forced him to bow out of the January scrap. He will undergo surgery to repair the damage.

“It wasn’t supposed to be this way,” Blachowicz wrote on Instagram. “It’s hard to express how I feel because it’s a mixture of anger and sadness. Withdrawing from a fight due to injury is one of the most difficult decisions a fighter can make. However, sometimes there is no other option, especially when you are competing in the top five and want to put on a show at the highest possible level.

“Instead of fighting for the best shape, I fight with the pain during every training session. I did everything I could, but my shoulders need surgery. In this state, continuing preparations and entering the Octagon would be irresponsible and stupid.

“I always say that when I go into a fight, I must be 100 percent ready. I owe it to myself, my coaches, my opponent and, above all, the fans. Thank you in advance for your support! I am waiting for the date of surgery, after which rehabilitation and return to training will follow. I promise I will come back stronger!”

It’s an undeniably disappointing turn of events for Blachowicz who was intent on returning to the win column following his split decision loss against new light heavyweight champion, Alex Pereira, in July.

Aleksandar Rakic calls for jiri prochazka to replace jan blachowicz at UFC 297

In response to the new, Aleksandar Rakic wasted no time calling on former 205-pound titleholder Jiri Prochazka to step in and take Blachowicz’s spot.

“You can never lose a rematch when you pull out for the second time. Legendary bullsh*t,” Rakic wrote. “Let’s see if the samurai has the balls to step up on Jan. 20th.”

Prochazka gladly accepted the offer, but with him being less than a month removed from a second-round knockout loss to Alex Pereira, ‘Denisa’ is unable to make the relatively quick turnaround that Rakic is requesting. However, Prochazka did counter with an offer to meet the Austrian standout in February or March.

“I am in, but the earliest time I can be in octagon is February/March,” Prochazka wrote. “Accept?”

With Aleksandar Rakic still keen on keeping his January slot, it remains to be seen if the UFC pursues another opponent for ‘Rocket’ or pushes his next appearance back to accommodate Prochazka’s recovery.

Emanating from the mysterious land of Toronto, Canada, UFC 297 will feature two massive world title fights, including the first defense of newly minted middleweight champion Sean Strickland. ‘Tarzan’ puts his 185-pound crown on the line against No. 2 ranked contender Dricus Du Plessis in the evening’s main event.

In the co-main event, Mayra Bueno Silva and Octagon veteran Raquel Pennington will battle it out for the vacant women’s bantamweight title.

Aleksandar Raki?: Magomed Ankalaev A Better Matchup ‘Stylistically’ For Me Than Procházka Was

UFC light heavyweight contender Aleksandar Raki? believes upcoming opponent Magomed Ankalaev will be an easier puzzle to crack than his previous foe. Raki? made his return from a lengthy stint on the sidelines this past April at UFC 300. In what marked his first outing since tearing his ACL opposite Jan B?achowicz at the Apex, […]

Continue Reading Aleksandar Raki?: Magomed Ankalaev A Better Matchup ‘Stylistically’ For Me Than Procházka Was at MMA News.

UFC light heavyweight contender Aleksandar Raki? believes upcoming opponent Magomed Ankalaev will be an easier puzzle to crack than his previous foe.

Raki? made his return from a lengthy stint on the sidelines this past April at UFC 300. In what marked his first outing since tearing his ACL opposite Jan B?achowicz at the Apex, the Austrian contender did battle with Ji?í Procházka.

While “Rocket” got off to a strong start against the former champion, he faded in round two and was ultimately stopped by way of TKO inside T-Mobile Arena.

Despite that setback, Raki? has seemingly found himself in another title eliminator this weekend at UFC 308, where Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena will play host to his crucial clash opposite Ankalaev.

During his appearance at UFC 308 media day on Wednesday, Raki? previewed his second assignment of the year.

Interestingly, despite the Russian being labeled a nightmare opponent for striking specialists like Raki?, the 32-year-old Vienna native suggested that the Ankalaev matchup is more favorable for him than his UFC 300 task.

“What makes me really happy is that the UFC gave me Ankalaev,” Raki? said. “I honestly believe that if I didn’t put a good fight at UFC 300 — it doesn’t matter the result, I would never get that fight.

“When I got the fight against Ankalaev, the name, I immediately said yes because he’s number two-ranked behind Ji?í Procházka, who lost twice to Pereira, so this is the best matchup for me,” he continued. “Stylistically, it’s going to be a better matchup for me than Ji?í Procházka.”

Raki? will look to prove as much by getting the better of Ankalaev, who enters Saturday’s pay-per-view in the Middle East riding an unbeaten run stretching 12 fights and coming off a brutal knockout of Johnny Walker in this year’s very first main event.

Continue Reading Aleksandar Raki?: Magomed Ankalaev A Better Matchup ‘Stylistically’ For Me Than Procházka Was at MMA News.

What’s Next After UFC 307? Full Confirmed UFC 308 Main Card For Abu Dhabi On Oct. 26

UFC 307 is in the books, meaning attention will soon turn to the mixed martial arts leader’s next pay-per-view offering. The promotion was in Salt Lake City last week, where the Delta Center played host to a number of intriguing matchups for its latest major card in the “Beehive State.” Of note were title fight wins for […]

Continue Reading What’s Next After UFC 307? Full Confirmed UFC 308 Main Card For Abu Dhabi On Oct. 26 at MMA News.

UFC 307 is in the books, meaning attention will soon turn to the mixed martial arts leader’s next pay-per-view offering.

The promotion was in Salt Lake City last week, where the Delta Center played host to a number of intriguing matchups for its latest major card in the “Beehive State.” Of note were title fight wins for Alex Pereira and Julianna Peña, as well as important victories for Kayla Harrison and Joaquin Buckley.

While the aftermath of the October 5 card is currently the talk of the town, it won’t be long until focus sways to the next PPV, and from the light heavyweight title picture to the 145-pound championship conversation.

At UFC 308, set for the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on October 26, reigning featherweight kingpin Ilia Topuria will compete for the second time this year, this time in defense of gold. Following a knockout of Alexander Volkanovski to capture the crown, “El Matador” will next face the challenge of BMF titleholder Max Holloway.

Stakes will also be high in the co-headliner, as former middleweight champ Robert Whittaker looks to continue his fine winning form in 2024. “The Reaper” is set for a second attempt at sharing the cage with Khamzat Chimaev following their canceled headliner in Saudi Arabia this past June.

Ankalaev, Murphy, Magomedov Set The Stage For Title Headliners At UFC 308

Before Topuria defends his belt and Whittaker looks to secure a shot at regaining champ status in the Middle East, a number of other high-profile names will take to the Octagon looking to make the most of their position on the major card.

That includes surging featherweight Lerone Murphy. Despite an impressive main event win over Edson Barboza earlier this year, “The Miracle” will be defending his #12 spot in the rankings against Dan Ige, who is returning for the first time since his same-day assignment opposite Diego Lopes this past June.

Prior to that, Pereira’s next challenger at light heavyweight could be decided as #2-ranked contender Magomed Ankalaev shares the cage with the highly regarded Aleksandar Raki?

And opening the main card will be a familiar face in the Middle East, Sharabutdin Magomedov. Two of “Bullet’s” Octagon wins have come in Abu Dhabi, with the other going down in Saudi Arabia. The Russian will make the walk inside Etihad Arena again on Oct. 26, this time to throw down with Armen Petrosyan.

Those pairings have gotten the nod to feature on the main card over the welterweight clash between ex-lightweight titleholder Rafael dos Anjos and Geoff Neal, which is currently slated to top the preliminary portion of the event.

See below for the full UFC 308 card, as it stands.

Main Card:

  • Featherweight Championship Main Event: Ilia Topuria (C) vs. Max Holloway
  • Middleweight Co-Main Event: Robert Whittaker vs. Max Holloway
  • Featherweight: Lerone Murphy vs. Dan Ige
  • Light Heavyweight: Magomed Ankalaev vs. Aleksandar Raki?
  • Middleweight: Sharabutdin Magomedov vs. Armen Petrosyan

Preliminary Card:

  • Welterweight: Geoff Neal vs. Rafael dos Anjos
  • Lightweight: Mateusz R?becki vs. Myktybek Orolbai
  • Bantamweight: Said Nurmagomedov vs. Daniel Santos
  • Middleweight: Abus Magomedov vs. Brunno Ferreira
  • Heavyweight: Kennedy Nzechukwu vs. Justin Tafa
  • Bantamweight: Farid Basharat vs. Victor Hugo
  • Welterweight: Rinat Fakhretdinov vs. Nursulton Ruziboev
  • Middleweight: Bruno Silva vs. Ismail Naurdiev
  • Light Heavyweight: Ibo Aslan vs. Raffael Cerqueira
Magomed Ankalaev
Image: UFC/Zuffa LLC

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Chael Sonnen Tells Fans To Hold Their Horses On Seeing Magomed Ankalaev As Top Light Heavyweight Contender: ‘Raki? Is That Damn Good!’

The UFC’s light heavyweight division has been unpredictable as of late after two big matchups were put together that left some questions. Magomed Ankalaev has been pushing to face champion Alex Pereira for a long time now, but in order to get his second shot at the title, he will need to get past Aleksandar […]

Continue Reading Chael Sonnen Tells Fans To Hold Their Horses On Seeing Magomed Ankalaev As Top Light Heavyweight Contender: ‘Raki? Is That Damn Good!’ at MMA News.

The UFC’s light heavyweight division has been unpredictable as of late after two big matchups were put together that left some questions.

Magomed Ankalaev has been pushing to face champion Alex Pereira for a long time now, but in order to get his second shot at the title, he will need to get past Aleksandar Raki? at UFC 308.

Meanwhile, Khalil Rountree will leapfrog both him and the majority of the top 10 to face “Poatan” at UFC 307 in an exciting clash of styles that plenty have suggested is premature.

Many will be expecting Ankalaev to come through yet another light heavyweight contender and continue to call for his shot, but Chael Sonnen believes some may be getting carried away…

Sonnen Warns Fans Not To Underestimate Raki?’s Chances Against Ankalaev

During a recent YouTube video, Sonnen spoke about what appears to be a number one contenders’ clash at 205 pounds that is set for October 26.

Not only were fans surprised to see Ankalaev not securing his date with the champion, many were puzzled by the decision to book him against Raki?. Whilst he is a top five contender in the division, he’s coming off of a loss in another title eliminator when he was stopped by Ji?í Procházka at UFC 300.

Sonnen stated that although this could be the final hurdle for Ankalaev to overcome, it can’t be overlooked how big of an opportunity this is for his opponent.

“Ankalaev, clearly the number one contender, at least according to you guys. And you know what? I do have a little bit of a problem with that. I’s not a huge problem but I do have just a little one,” Sonnen said. “Which is Raki? is that damn good. You got to understand, Raki? did not get a world title fight — well neither did Ankalaev, but Raki? did find himself in the next best thing.

“He’s in a number one contenders’ match. That is quite literally the next best thing that you could get to a title fight and he found himself there coming off of a loss. As a matter of fact, he found himself there coming off of a stoppage loss. As a matter of fact, finding himself in this spot actually moves him in front of the guy that he suffered the loss to in Procházka,” Sonnen continued. “I’m only telling you this because that’s how good Raki? is and a lot of people have forgot.”

Continue Reading Chael Sonnen Tells Fans To Hold Their Horses On Seeing Magomed Ankalaev As Top Light Heavyweight Contender: ‘Raki? Is That Damn Good!’ at MMA News.