Tag: Aleksandar Rakic

Anthony Smith Disapproves Of Blachowicz’s Conduct After Raki? Win

UFC light heavyweight Anthony Smith has taken issue with how fellow contender Jan Blachowicz has acted since his victory over Aleksandar Raki? last month. In the main event of UFC Vegas 54, European elites Blachowicz and Raki? collided inside the Octagon. While the Polish powerhouse was looking to rebound from his disappointing title defeat against Glover Teixeira,…

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UFC light heavyweight Anthony Smith has taken issue with how fellow contender Jan Blachowicz has acted since his victory over Aleksandar Raki? last month.

In the main event of UFC Vegas 54, European elites Blachowicz and Raki? collided inside the Octagon. While the Polish powerhouse was looking to rebound from his disappointing title defeat against Glover Teixeira, the Austrian was hoping to secure his first championship opportunity.

In an anticlimactic end, the pair’s headliner was cut short in round three when Raki? suffered a serious knee injury, which gave Blachowicz a TKO victory.

While Raki? was left requiring surgery on a torn ACL and looking ahead to a lengthy period on the sidelines, Blachowicz exited the Apex back in the win column and believing that he’d secured the chance to regain the title next time out.

While some would attach an asterisk to the result given his opponent’s injury, the #2-ranked contender sees things differently. During the post-fight press conference, Blachowicz suggested that his body was simpler tougher than Raki?’s on the night.

“Of course, I’m a fighter, I’m a warrior. It’s better when you win by TKO, KO, submission, clean,” said Blachowicz. “But my body was tougher tonight, that’s it, end of story. I was ready for third, fourth, five rounds; he was not.”

Smith: Blachowicz Doesn’t Get To Demand A Title Shot After That Win

One man who firmly disagrees with Blachowicz’s stance is his fellow top-five light heavyweight contender Smith.

During a recent appearance on The MMA Hour, “Lionheart,” who is looked to secure a title shot of his own when he faces Magomed Ankalaev on July 30, said that he’d behave very differently had he picked up a victory in the same way as the Pole did last month.

“Listen, I’m not the biggest fan of Raki? and he’s not the biggest fan of me. But in my opinion, he was winning the fight before he got injured,” said Smith. “I guess I just always kick back to how I would react. Like, if I got the title in a way that was other than winning it, I would never hold the belt. We talked about it with Aljo (Aljamain Sterling) before he really won it. You don’t walk round with the title if you didn’t actually win it.

“If you win a fight off an injury default, you don’t get to go politic your way into things off that win,” added Smith. “It just doesn’t work like that. Maybe it will work, who knows? But it’s not how I would probably do it.”

Immediately after his bounce-back triumph, Blachowicz staked his claim to face the winner of UFC 275’s main event between Glover Teixeira and Ji?í Procházka, something that was co-signed by the now-former champion Teixeira.

The 39-year-old even made the trip to Singapore for this past weekend’s pay-per-view, where he appeared to have a heated interaction with newly-crowned titleholder Procházka following the Czech star’s memorable victory.

But while Blachowicz perhaps feels his shot is in the bag, Smith is hoping to change that with an impressive performance at UFC 277.

UFC President Dana White also dealt a blow to the Polish light heavyweight’s hopes pre-UFC 275 when he suggested that the bout between Smith and Ankalaev will serve as a title eliminator.

Do you agree with Anthony Smith’s take on Jan Blachowicz?

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Teixeira Explains Why Blachowicz Deserves Title Shot After Raki? Win

UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Glover Teixeira believes that Jan Blachowicz’s victory over Aleksandar Raki? was enough to earn him a title shot. Having lost the championship to Teixeira at UFC 267 last October, Blachowicz entered 2022 with redemption on his mind, starting with a rebound performance over fellow top-five contender Raki?. After their booking was…

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UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Glover Teixeira believes that Jan Blachowicz’s victory over Aleksandar Raki? was enough to earn him a title shot.

Having lost the championship to Teixeira at UFC 267 last October, Blachowicz entered 2022 with redemption on his mind, starting with a rebound performance over fellow top-five contender Raki?.

After their booking was delayed following an injury for the Polish powerhouse, the pair finally collided in the main event of UFC Vegas 54 earlier this month. While Blachowicz secured the bounce-back win he was after, it didn’t come the way he’d have hoped.

Early in the third round, an advancement from Blachowicz forced “Rocket” to take a step back, a move that turned out to be fight-ending. After the Austrian fell to the ground clutching his knee, referee Mark Smith waved off the contest. It was later confirmed that Raki? suffered a torn ACL.

Following the TKO win, which marked his 10th triumph across his last 12 Octagon appearances, Blachowicz suggested he’s earned the opportunity to face the victor of the upcoming light heavyweight title fight between champion Teixeira and number one contender Ji?í Procházka.

While some fans have claimed that the way in which Blachowicz defeated Raki? should put a dent in his hopes to challenge for gold next, the man occupying the throne sees the situation differently.

During a recent appearance on The MMA Hour, Teixeira said that given Raki?’s place in the championship conversation, it only makes sense for Blachowicz to now be behind “Denisa” in the queue. The Brazilian also dismissed the idea that the manner of the Pole’s win should affect his chances of competing for the belt.

“That’s not my job to pick. The reason I say (Blachowicz deserves it) is that he’s number two and he fought Raki?, and Raki? was in the line for the title,” noted Teixeira. “That’s the reason I say. I said, ‘If Raki? wins, he’s gonna fight for the title next, no doubt about it.’ He wanted to jump in before Ji?í.

“And Jan beat him, whatever (the circumstances). You go over there, my friend, you go over there to fight and whatever happens, happens,” added Teixeira. “And that’s why I think Jan is next, man. It was gonna be Raki? and now it can be Jan… Who else would be next?”

Teixeira’s sentiment is unsurprising given his immediate post-fight reaction. On Twitter, the 42-year-old congratulated the former champ, suggesting they run it back later this year should he successfully defend the belt against the dangerous Procházka in Singapore on June 11.

Do you agree with Glover Teixeira? Has Blachowicz positioned himself for a title shot after his win against Raki??

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Procházka Responds To Accusations Of Being A “Fake Samurai”

UFC light heavyweight contender Ji?í Procházka has responded to claims that his samurai philosophy is ‘fake sh*t’ from rival Aleksandar Raki? and others. The pair of elite European 205lbers have gone back and forth since last year, with Raki? accusing Procházka of ducking him. Following the Czech’s main event knockout victory over Dominick Reyes last…

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UFC light heavyweight contender Ji?í Procházka has responded to claims that his samurai philosophy is ‘fake sh*t’ from rival Aleksandar Raki? and others.

The pair of elite European 205lbers have gone back and forth since last year, with Raki? accusing Procházka of ducking him. Following the Czech’s main event knockout victory over Dominick Reyes last May, the Austrian expressed a desire to meet the relative newcomer in a title eliminator.

But having denied ever being offered a fight with “Rocket,” Procházka served as backup for the UFC 267 headliner last October, and has since awaited his shot at gold, set for this coming weekend at UFC 275.

Clearly not pleased with “Denisa” and his approach, Raki? has been extremely critical of the #2-ranked light heavyweight, even targeting his strict following of the Bushido code, which has left many dubbing him the “Czech Samurai.”

Procházka’s philosophy and approach to fighting has impressed many, not least the legendary Georges St-Pierre. The Canadian, who’s previously claimed to follow a similar samurai mindset, recently praised “Denisa” in an interview with MMA News’ own James Lynch, touting him as a future champion.

But Raki? is not so impressed with what he described as “fake samurai sh*t” in an interview with MMA Junkie last December.

“I don’t care about him and this fake samurai sh*t that he’s doing,” said Raki?.

Procházka: I Won’t Judge Raki?’s Ignorance

Despite being days out from his chance at championship glory in MMA’s premier promotion, the topic of Raki? remains one of the more prominent topics in discourse with the challenger. And during an interview with the New York Post, Procházka was given the chance to respond to the Austrian’s criticism of his mindset.

Perhaps perfectly embodying the Bushido spirit, the Czech knockout artist chose not to judge or slam Raki?. Instead, he explained why people like the #3-ranked light heavyweight don’t yet understand the benefits to his approach.

“These people, they just don’t realize so much, I think. It’s just, you have to be a long time [alone] just with yourself to understand these words that I’m saying,” said Procházka. “If you don’t challenge your fears, and all these things, you can’t understand it. And it’s all about that. I’m understanding that everybody [is] evolving, in some step [of] evolution. Nobody is perfect. That’s why I [don’t want] to judge that.”

This Saturday, Procházka will look to secure his place on the light heavyweight throne at an apt location, having spent many of his years fighting and training in Asia. In his way of title success will be veteran Glover Teixeira, who embodies a similarly respectful approach, something that the Brazilian believes should be more appreciated.

Whatever the result, it stands to reason that the calm and relaxed mindset of Procházka will eventually share the Octagon with the brash and outspoken nature of Raki?.

What do you make of Ji?í Procházka’s response to Aleksandar Raki??

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Watch: Aleksandar Rakic Has Heartbreaking Reaction to UFC Vegas 54 Loss Due to Injury

Aleksandar RakicAn injury suffered in training camp led to a catastrophic end for Aleksandar Rakic’s first UFC main event. Competing against former UFC light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz at UFC Vegas 54, Rakic suffered a fight-ending knee injury in the third round. Devastated by the loss, ESPN MMA captured Rakic’s emotional walk to the back with […]

Aleksandar Rakic

An injury suffered in training camp led to a catastrophic end for Aleksandar Rakic’s first UFC main event.

Competing against former UFC light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz at UFC Vegas 54, Rakic suffered a fight-ending knee injury in the third round. Devastated by the loss, ESPN MMA captured Rakic’s emotional walk to the back with the help of his corner.

Rakic can be heard saying, “I let you down” as tears streamed down his face once backstage.

Aleksandar Rakic Discusses the Knee Injury Initially Suffered During Training

While appearing on the ESPN+ show ‘UFC Journey’, Rakic talked about the aftermath of the bout, the injury he suffered in training, and what comes next. 

“It happens, you know. What can I do? God had other plans with me tonight. My knee popped. My right knee. This knee I injured three weeks ago on a training. In a sparing. It happened. It’s not a lie, it happened. The knee wasn’t 100 percent. I thought it was. I’m just a little bit sad about the outcome of the fight, but I will never put my head down. I will come back stronger. I’m gonna go back, work my f*cking a** off. My dream is to be the champion.”

With Blachowicz’s TKO victory, he likely finds himself in pole position for a title opportunity following UFC 275’s scheduled bout between reigning champion Glover Teixeira and challenger Jiri Prochazka. 

ESPN’s post-fight video also includes Blachowicz celebrating the victory with his team. Blachowicz was in danger of losing the bout via doctor’s stoppage after a strike appeared to cut the inner part of his right eye. 

“Doctors say it was so close to stop the fight,” Blachowicz said. “When I saw the face of the doctor he was like [horrified look]. It was a little bit scary but the second doctor was ‘No he’s good.’”

Blachowicz Confirms He’ll Undergo Eye Surgery After UFC Vegas 54 Win

Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz has confirmed that he’ll be going under the knife following his victory this past weekend. Saturday’s UFC Vegas 54 main event pitted two European elites against each other, one looking to rebound from a devastating championship defeat, and the other looking to continue his ascent towards a first…

Continue Reading Blachowicz Confirms He’ll Undergo Eye Surgery After UFC Vegas 54 Win at MMA News.

Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz has confirmed that he’ll be going under the knife following his victory this past weekend.

Saturday’s UFC Vegas 54 main event pitted two European elites against each other, one looking to rebound from a devastating championship defeat, and the other looking to continue his ascent towards a first title shot.

In the end, Blachowicz bounced back from his setback last October, and staked his claim for a rematch with champion Glover Teixeira. He did so via third-round TKO, which came as a result of a knee injury suffered by opponent Aleksandar Raki?.

But despite adding another top name to his record in what was his 29th professional win, as well as cementing his place as the #1-ranked light heavyweight in the UFC, it wasn’t all positive for the Polish powerhouse.

In the first round, Blachowicz suffered a nasty cut under his left eye, something that was visibly affecting him inside the cage. During his appearance at the post-fight press conference, the former titleholder admitted being unsure as to whether it came as a result of a punch or an illegal eye poke.

“I don’t know (how it happened). I feel it when it happened. It was in the beginning of the first round, one of the first punches. I don’t see anything in the first round with this eye. (Michael Bisping) said it was a finger, Aleksandar said it was a punch.”

Nevertheless, it was severe enough to leave Blachowicz requiring surgery. He said he’s expecting the procedure to take place today, with the magnitude of the operation unknown.

“It’s OK, but I’m going to have some small surgery on Monday on this eye,” revealed Blachowicz. “Doctor says maybe it’s going to be small, maybe going to be bigger. He don’t know yet. He need to check in the hospital.”

When he’s fully recovered, Blachowicz will look to share the cage with the reigning champion, which will be former opponent Teixeira should the Brazilian defend the gold against Ji?í Procházka at UFC 275 next month.

Should Jan Blachowicz fight for the title when he next enters the Octagon?

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Aleksandar Raki? Reveals UFC Vegas 54 Injury Was Pre-Existing

UFC light heavyweight contender Aleksandar Raki? alleges his UFC Vegas 54 knee tear wasn’t a new injury, and that he suffered it earlier in camp. Raki? battled former UFC light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz in the UFC Vegas 54 headliner. After two full rounds of action, he suffered a leg injury which stopped the action…

Continue Reading Aleksandar Raki? Reveals UFC Vegas 54 Injury Was Pre-Existing at MMA News.

UFC light heavyweight contender Aleksandar Raki? alleges his UFC Vegas 54 knee tear wasn’t a new injury, and that he suffered it earlier in camp.

Raki? battled former UFC light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz in the UFC Vegas 54 headliner. After two full rounds of action, he suffered a leg injury which stopped the action midway through Round 3.

But according to Raki?, this was something he had been dealing with for weeks leading up to the fight.

Raki? spoke out on social media following his disappointing loss to Blachowicz.

“A great battle took place in the octagon tonight but unfortunately it ended not the way Jan and I or the fans wanted,” Rakic said. “The same injury from 3 weeks ago in camp showed up again tonight. Congratulations
[Jan Blachowicz]. Now on to the road of recovery.”

Raki? came into the fight riding off of back-to-back wins over former title challengers Anthony Smith and Thiago Santos. His lone defeat in the Octagon came via a split decision against Volkan Oezdemir in December 2019.

It was a back-and-forth war between Blachowicz and Raki? before the injury. Entering Round 3, all three judges had it scored an even 19-19 following two rounds of action.

Raki? had been on the verge of a potential title shot before the injury stoppage loss to Blachowicz. He even called his shot before the Blachowicz fight for who he would’ve preferred to fight against for the title.

Raki? could potentially miss the rest of 2022, although as of the writing of this story there isn’t an exact timetable made public for his return.

What is your reaction to Aleksandar Raki?’s admission?

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