UFC 300 is loaded with former champions, and the card wouldn't be complete without a matchup between Jiri Prochazka (a +100 underdog) and Aleksander Rakic (a -120 favorite).
The former light heavyweight champ will challenge Rakic April 13 as the featured prelim bout.
Jiri Prochazka vs Aleksandar Rakic Odds
| Fighter | Odds |
|---|---|
| Jiri Prochazka | +100 |
| Aleksandar Rakic | -120 |
Odds as of April 13
Our odds calculator suggests Rakic's -125 odds award him a 54.55% implied chance of victory, with a $100 bet paying out $183.33. At +100, Jiri gets a 50% implied chance, and a $100 bet on him pays out $200.
How To Bet Prochazka vs Rakic
Prochazka is a samurai of violence. He fights in a wide stance, engages from the start, and never lets up until either he or his opponent is finished. The ex-champ's greatest strengths are his creativity and quickness. He's also a creative wrestler, though some of his decision-making can be weak.
Rakic, on the other hand, is measured and bred on fundamentals. He's powerful but very disciplined, which makes him tough to break. It's easy to see how Rakic's smooth style gives him the chalk edge over a wild man like Prochazka.
There are two big factors to consider ahead of this fight: Rakic's ring rust (he's fought just two rounds since 2021 and torn his ACL) and the three-round format. Five of Rakic's eight UFC bouts have gone the distance, while Prochazka hasn't had a three-round brawl since his UFC debut in 2020.
Prochazka vs Rakic Pick
Rakic is an exceptional defender (53% defense vs significant strikes), whereas Jiri absorbs basically as much damage as he dishes out, and he's terrible at defending significant strikes (40%).
But early volume will be key, and that's why I'll lean toward Prochazka as the underdog. He's more violent, and Rakic has been gone from the cage too long.
