The Serbian returns to the Octagon for the first 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 main 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 at the beginning of this year in a rematch with Blachowicz at UFC 297, but the Pole withdrew due to a shoulder injury.
Jiri Prochazka returned from an injury of his own in his last fight, losing to Alex Pereira in the vacant light heavyweight title fight at UFC 295.
Aleksandar Rakic takes aim at Jiri Prochazka’s samurai persona
Speaking about Prochazka at 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 just because he’s read ‘one book’.
“I said he’s a fake samurai because you know, you can not become a samurai after just reading a book that his coach gave to him and live the spirit, if you are a samurai you need to live this for a long time and not just the last three years, that’s why I said he’s a fake samurai.” Rakic said.
As well as that, Rakic claimed that this fight between the two ranked light heavyweights would determine who is the ‘King of Europe’.
“He’s from Europe, I’m from Europe, he’s living not far away from where I live, so let’s find out who the King of Europe is and later on the King of the World.” Rakic added.
Jiri Prochazka responds to Aleksandar Rakic’s comments
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The former light heavyweight champion issued a response at UFC 300 media day, claiming that Rakic will find out in the cage who the ‘Czech Samurai’ really is.
“He’s talking too much.” the 31-year-old claimed. “He doesn’t know me, he will know who I am in the cage, who I am, and where I am able to go to take a win. He doesn’t know me personally. If you don’t know someone personally how can you speak about them?
“I never said about myself that I’m a samurai because I’m respectful of all the warriors from history and I’m sharing with the people, all of the world, the best ideas and thoughts which helps me to improve myself and keep me on the way. He will like that, he doesn’t know anything about me and how I’m living.” Prochazka added.
The top of the light heavyweight division is in an unclear position right now, with it being unclear who the next title contender could be.
Magomed Ankalaev was in a favorable position for a title shot, however, 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 number one contender fight, to see who is next to fight for the 205lb title.