Jiri Prochazka in victory in UFC 300. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter @UFCNews
Months after the tough defeat against Alex Poatan in the dispute for the vacant light heavyweight belt (up to 93 kg.), Jiri Prochazka turned around. Inserted in the fight that closed the preliminary card of the UFC 300held this Saturday (13), in Las Vegas (USA), the former category champion had a hard time facing Aleksandar Rakic, but got the better of a confrontation marked by emotion. After some scares in the first round, the athlete prevailed in the open confrontation and won with a tough knockout in the second stage.
The victory keeps Prochazka as a strong candidate for a future title fight. Today, the fighter occupies second place in the ranking, behind only champion Poatan and Jamahal Hill.
In an interview still in the Octagon, Jiri demanded to be a challenger.
Back after recovering from a serious injury suffered in 2022, Rakic had good moments in the clash. After a convincing performance in the first round, the athlete succumbed to his opponent’s unpredictability and knockout power.
Prochazka gets better in ‘bang bang’
The fight started with Rakic taking the initiative with low kicks. Prochakza tried to close the distance and waited to launch his first attack. After a minute, the advantage in the exchange belonged to Aleksandar, who attacked with greater force and prevented his opponent from advancing. Halfway through the round, Jiri began to accuse his opponent of low kicks and limped around the octagon. Near the final minute, a straight shot from Rakic hit Prochazka in the face, who was still at a clear disadvantage in the fight. In the final seconds, Prochazka surprised his opponent with a cross. Rakic attacked, but didn’t slow down. The stage ended with the athletes measuring strength close to the railings.
In the opening seconds of the next stage, Aleksandar hit Jiri with a clean right to the face. Despite the disadvantage in striking, Prochazka showed danger when launching his attacks. The Czech, however, bet, ignored combinations and looked for a withering blow. Halfway through the round, the athletes started to engage in frank exchanges and got the crowd excited. The athletes swayed close to the bars and sought the knockout. Jiri got the better of the ‘bang bang’ and shook his opponent. Rakic went to the canvas, while Jiri continued a true massacre. Upon noticing Aleksandar’s condition, the referee stopped the challenge.
Aljamain Sterling debuts in featherweight with impressive victory
Aljamain Sterling in his featherweight debut. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter @UFC
Former bantamweight champion (up to 61.2kg.), Aljamain Sterling he didn’t feel the pressure of debuting among the featherweights (up to 65.7kg) of the UFC. Opponent of Calvin Cats, highlighted in the top 10 of the category, the athlete had an imposing performance and nullified his rival in the 15 minutes played. Efficient in wrestling, the athlete was declared the winner in a unanimous decision after three rounds.
With the victory, Sterling joins the elite of the category led by Ilia Topuria. Next week, the athlete should occupy eighth place in the group.
Largely dominated by the former bantamweight champion, Kattar’s bad moment increased. Now, the fighter has accumulated four defeats in the last five appearances.
Just gave Sterling
The fight began with Sterling taking the initiative with a series of low kicks on his opponent. Kattar responded with a high kick, which stopped in his opponent’s guard. With just over a minute, Aljamain played from long distance and scored against his rival. Halfway through the stage, Sterling managed a takedown while putting pressure on his rival. With a well-planned strategy, Aljamain prevented his opponent from recovering. In the final seconds, the former bantamweight champion managed another takedown, but there was no more time.
In the second round, Sterling continued to follow his strategy to the letter. The athlete closed the distance and tried to take down Kattar again, who was resisting with his back against the fence. After putting pressure on his opponent, but without effective strikes, Aljamain began to be booed by part of the crowd. With about two minutes gone, Calvin managed to get to his feet, but the former bantamweight champion didn’t let go of his opponent. After pressure from Sterling, Kattar managed to free himself, which drove the spectators crazy. Near the final minute, Sterling managed a great takedown, taking his opponent to the canvas in the center of the octagon. The stage ended with Aljamain on top, in a prominent position.
Right at the beginning of the last round, Sterling closed the distance and attempted a takedown again. Kattar resisted, but was unable to impose his pace in the confrontation. Aljamain managed another takedown, but, once again, he was booed by the public. Almost in the final minute, the former bantamweight champion picked up the pace and started attacking his opponent with ground and pound. The fight ended with Sterling in the advantageous position.
UFC 300 results
CARD PRINCIPAL
Light heavyweight (up to 93 kg): Alex Poatan defeated Jamahal Hill by knockout at 3m14s of R1 – fight for the belt
Straw weight (up to 52.1 kg): Weili Zhang defeated Yan Xiaonan in the unanimous decision of the judges (49-45, 49-45, 49-45) – fight for the belt
Light weight (up to 70.3 kg): Max Holloway defeated Justin Gaethje by knockout at 4m59s of R5- fight for the BMF belt
Light weight (up to 70.3 kg): Arman Tsarukyan defeated Charles do Bronx in the judges’ split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Average weight (up to 83.9kg): Bo Nickal finished Cody Brundage with a rear naked choke at 3m38s of R2
CARD PRELIMINAR
Light heavyweight (up to 93 kg): Jiri Prochazka defeated Aleksandr Rakic by technical knockout at 3m17s of R2
Featherweight (up to 65.7 kg): Aljamain Sterling defeated Calvin Cats in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Bantam weight (up to 61.2 kg): Kayla Harrison finished Holly Holm with a rear naked choke at 1m47s of R2
Featherweight (up to 65.7 kg): Diego Lopes defeated Sadiq Yusuf by technical knockout at 1m29s of R1
Light weight (up to 70.3 kg) Renato Moicano defeated Jalin Turner by technical knockout at 4m11s of R2
Straw weight (up to 52.1 kg): Jessica Bate-Estaca defeated Marina Rodriguez in the judges’ split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Light weight (up to 70.3 kg): Bobby Green defeated Jim Miller in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-25, 29-26)
Bantam weight (up to 61.2 kg): Deiveson Figueiredo finished Cody Garbrandt with a rear naked choke at 4m02s of R2
UFC 300 Stats