Jiri Prochazka takes on Aleksandar Rakic in the preliminary card for UFC 300 betting tonight. Both guys are in the Top 5 of the light heavyweight rankings and it's a testament to how loaded this card is that they're fighting on the prelims.
This is expected to be a close fight with UFC odds installing Rakic as a slim -120 favorite and Rakic coming back at +100. Here are my best free Prochazka vs. Rakic picks and predictions for UFC 300 on April 13.
Jiri Prochazka vs Aleksandar Rakic fight odds
Method of Victory | Prochazka | Rakic |
---|---|---|
To win outright | +100 | -120 |
To win by KO/TKO | +190 | +230 |
To win by points | +600 | +280 |
To win by submission | +1,150 | +1,750 |
Draw | +2,500 | +2,500 |
Odds courtesy of BET99 on 4-13-2024.
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Prochazka vs Rakic picks
Fight prediction: Prochazka
Rakic is the more technical fighter but he typically needs to control the range and tempo of a fight while mixing in his wrestling to have success. Prochazka's chaotic style and wild striking could be a matchup nightmare for him.
Although Rakic is a sniper at range and uses leg kicks, Prochazka has the durability to walk through those attacks while throwing powerful combinations. At close range, Rakic prefers to use his wrestling and control opponents against the cage but Prochazka is dangerous with his knees and elbows in tight quarters.
With Prochazka pushing the pace and throwing unorthodox strikes from a variety of angles, Rakic will be on the back foot and won't be able to find his rhythm.
In addition, Rakic hasn't fought in nearly two years since tearing his ACL, and that inactivity could lead to an adjustment period at the start of this fight. Trying to shake off the rust against a pressure fighter with scary power like Prochazka is a bad idea.
Prediction: Prochazka (+100 at Bet99)
Fight best bet: Prochazka inside the distance
If this fight goes the distance it favors the more technical Rakic, but since I'm expecting Prochazka to win it makes sense to back him inside the distance.
Prochazka has an incredible 97% finish rate across 29 career victories while racking up 25 knockouts — including notable wins against Dominick Reyes, Volkan Oezdemir, and Vadim Nemkov.
Rakic ate some big shots by Jan Blachowicz in the opening round of his previous bout, and if Prochazka catches him like that he'll go in for the kill. Prochazka also has underrated grappling ability and managed to submit a high-end BJJ fighter in Glover Teixeira, so if Rakic uses his wrestling he needs to be extremely careful on the mat.
Pick: Prochazka by KO/TKO or submission (+150 at Bet99)
Prochazka vs Rakic betting preview
Jiri Prochazka is coming off a knockout loss to current champ Alex Pereira last November. That snapped a 13-fight winning streak for Prochazka who briefly held the title himself before vacating it due to a shoulder injury in 2022.
Although he has only four fights in the UFC, all three of his wins have come against ranked opponents. As the former Rizin light heavyweight champion, he has extensive experience at other promotions and has defeated some of the top fighters in the world who compete outside the UFC.
The 31-year-old is a very creative striker with high volume and vicious power. That said, Prochazka's reckless style makes him hittable and he often relies on his iron chin and recoverability to tank hits.
Rakic hasn't been in the octagon since tearing his ACL against Blachowicz in May of 2022. Rakic lost the first round of that bout but took the second before his knee popped early in the third.
That loss brought Rakic's record in the UFC to 6-2 but he remains the No. 5 ranked contender in the division. The 32-year-old Austrian is a well-rounded fighter who uses his length to snipe from the outside while relying on his wrestling and control at close range.
Jiri Prochazka vs Aleksandar Rakic tale of the tape
Prochazka | Rakic | |
---|---|---|
31 | Age | 32 |
6-feet-4 | Height | 6-feet-4 |
204 lbs | Weight | 205 lbs |
80 inches | Reach | 78 inches |
29-4-1 | Record | 14-3-0 |
Not intended for use in MA.
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