Massive European Light Heavyweights collide at UFC 300 in a potential title eliminator.
Jiří Procházka wants to respond to his first UFC defeat with a violent victory over a rising European rival. Procházka torpedoed himself into the title picture at 205lbs and won the belt in his third fight with the organisation. That title fight with Glover Teixeira was a fight of the year, however injury stole the belt away from the Czech as he vacated. He returned for his vacant belt in November but lost to Teixeira’s protégé Alex Pereira, the man whom headlines this weekend. Procházka can stake a claim for another title shot with a huge win at UFC 300.
Jiří Procházka Scores Comeback KO Over Aleksandar Rakic
Aleksandar Rakić has been out of the octagon for almost two years, his last fight ended abruptly on a sour note via a leg injury. The lack of activity for Rakić has stumped his rise up the division and this weekend is by far the toughest fight in his career. There is some needle and tension bubbling between the pair mostly instigated by the Serbian. If victorious in style Rakić could find himself facing off the winner of the main event later in the year, he will be hoping to capitalise on the unorthodox striking of Procházka that has cost the former champion previously.
What Unfolded?
Round 1 was a fairly inactive round for Jiri who did nought but pressure Rakic. Rakic however was active off the get go slamming leg kicks into Jiri’s calves due to how heavy Jiri is on his lead leg. Rakic also had success in landing right hands as Jiri crashed forward with his hands low as usual. Towards the end of the round Jiri’s legs were getting increasingly leg and stance switches more frequent. Then in a burst Jiri lands a couple of right hands that wobble Rakic big time and Jiri starts throwing the kitchen sink at Rakic who survives the round
Round 2 Rakic continued to capitalise on the leg kicks and started to land right hands at greater frequency. But, this round Jiri answered all of Rakic’s shots with his own causing a firefight to erupt. Jiri wobbles Rakic with a right hand to the chin and starts to tee off culminating in Rakic crumpling to the canvas. Jiri follows Rakic to the ground landing thudding ground and pound resulting in a 2nd round TKO.
