Jiri Prochazka vs. Aleksandar Rakic prediction, pick, start time, odds for UFC 300

Jiri Prochazka and Aleksandar Rakic meet Saturday on the preliminary card of UFC 300 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom. 

Jiri Prochazka vs. Aleksandar Rakic UFC 300 preview

Prochazka (29-4-1 MMA, 3-1 UFC) and Rakic (14-3 MMA, 6-2 UFC) return to the octagon both looking to stay in light heavyweight title contention. … Prochazka, a former champion, came up short in his bid to reclaim gold when he was knocked out by Alex Pereira in the second round of their vacant title fight last November. … Rakic hasn’t competed in almost two years while he’s recovered from a serious knee injury suffered in his last fight in May 2022, an injury TKO loss to Jan Blachowicz.

Jiri Prochazka vs. Aleksandar Rakic expert pick, prediction

Prochazka vs. Rakic should be an exciting fight at 205 pounds. Rakic is the more process-based fighter between the two, making him more reliable on paper. That said, Rakic is returning from a long injury layoff, so forecasting his form this Saturday could be tricky.

Although a decision win for Rakic wouldn’t surprise me, I also believe that Prochazka is one of the more difficult fighters to make your return against.

For that reason, I’ll take a flier on Prochazka to upset the apple cart with a knockout in Round 1.

Jiri Prochazka vs. Aleksandar Rakic odds

The odds are super tight for this UFC 300 fight, with Prochazka listed at -104 and Rakick -118 via FanDuel.

Jiri Prochazka vs. Aleksandar Rakic start time, how to watch

As the prelims featured bout, Prochazka and Rakic are expected to walk out to the octagon at approximately 9:30 p.m. ET (6:30 p.m. local time in Las Vegas). The fight airs on ESPN and streams on ESPN+.

For more detailed analysis from Dan Tom, check out his weekly show, “The Protect Ya’ Neck Podcast.”