Jiri Prochazka claps back at ‘fake samurai’ claims from UFC 300 rival Aleksandar Rakic

Jiri Prochazka expressed disappointment and anger after learning about the comments made by opponent Aleksandar Rakic ahead of UFC 300.

Jiri Prochazka claps back at ‘fake samurai’ claims from UFC 300 rival Aleksandar Rakic

Jiri Prochazka replies to Aleksandar Rakic (Source: Instagram/IMAGO)

Former champion Jiri Prochazka doesn’t think it’s a little too late to kick off a rivalry with Aleksandar Rakic. Prochazka meets Rakic on the featured prelims this weekend. The Austrian fighter made comments about Prochazka’s belief in samurai and the Busido code. It did not sit well with Prochazka.

During Wednesday’s UFC 300 pre-fight Media Day, Rakic issued fiery words and doubled down on calling him a “fake samurai.” The Czech fighter only recently lost his chance to bag the vacant gold against Alex Pereira. Rakic thought Samurais needed to live for a long time and instead labeled Jiri as a ‘fake samurai.’ The Czech fighter seemed visibly bothered at this and fired back.

Aleksandar is talking too much, He don’t know me, and he will know me in the cage. Who am I, where I am able to go, how to I can go to take a win, he don’t know me personally. If you don’t know somebody personally, how can you speak about him something? I never said about myself I’m a Samurai or whatever...
Jiri Prochazka during UFC 300 pre-fight Media Day
YouTube video

The promotion has its usual staple of “Notorious” and “Predator.” But Jiri Procahzka remains the only “Samurai.” Following in the footsteps and the disciplines of 61-duel “Kensei” and philosopher Miyamoto Musashi, his extreme ways often go viral. However, he doesn’t proclaim himself to be a samurai of sorts, and the comparisons mostly come from the fanbase.

FS Video

Consequently, he is willing to put his best effort forward. Should he win in the effort, he also hopes to climb the ladder and earn a title shot again. Various betting sites have the #5 ranking Rakic as a betting favorite to #2 light-heavyweight Prochazka. Come this weekend, Jiri will aim to seek revenge against Rakic for the disrespectful comments.

Aleksandar Rakic doubles down on ‘fake Samurai’ comment, wants an All-European clash

With UFC 300 mere days away, every fighter is out for themself. Jiri Prochazka aims to climb back up the title contention ladder. Aleksandar Rakic does as well, but with a more flashy resolve. The Austrian fighter is competing in an octagon after almost a 2-year lay-off. Hence, he wants to make UFC 300 as memorable as it gets.

Aleksandar Rakic throws shade on Jiri Prochazka's rise to fame as the only "Samurai" of UFC
Aleksandar Rakic throws shade on Jiri Prochazka’s rise to fame as the only “Samurai” of UFC (Source: Instagram (@gqsports)/UFC.go.com)

The #5 ranked contender wants to find out who the real European king is between him and Prochazka. Hence, he does not shy away from baiting and hooking in the rival. Rakic stood by his actions about the fake samurai comment during his UFC 300 media day appearance. 

Yeah, I said he’s a fake Samurai because, you know, you cannot become a Samurai after just reading a book, what his coach gave it to him and live this spirit, you know. If you’re a Samurai, you need to live this for a long time and not for the last two, three years.
Aleksandar Rakic during UFC 300 pre-fight Media Day
YouTube video

The Austrian fighter also said he would expect an aggressive and unorthodox fight out of Prochazka. The long layoff of Rakic remains concerning. However, he has the perfect style to combat Jiri. The Czech fighter has a weakness in leg kicks. Rakic, apart from champion Alex Pereira, might have the best leg kicks in the division. As such, the fight is closer than what many people think. Only time will tell if Rakic regrets commenting about Prochazka’s lifestyle and samurai code.

In case you missed it: