December 07, (THEWILL) – A highly anticipated rematch between top UFC light heavyweight contenders, Aleksandar Rakic and Jan Blachowicz, has been called off due to injury. Rakic claimed on Thursday that Blachowicz has withdrawn from their planned bout at UFC 297 in Toronto on January 20.
“You can never lose a rematch when you pull out for the second time. Legendary Bullsh*t,” Rakic posted on social media. “Let’s see if the Samurai has the balls to step up on Jan 20th,” he added, in reference to former champion Jiri Prochazka. Rakic and Prochazka have traded barbs in the past, and Rakic has been eager to fight him.
Blachowicz, the former light heavyweight champion, soon confirmed that he had suffered an unspecified shoulder injury in training that required surgery. “Withdrawing from a fight due to injury is one of the most difficult decisions a fighter can make. However, sometimes there is no other option,” he explained.
Rakic has not fought since injuring his knee in a TKO loss to Blachowicz in May 2022. He was hoping to avenge that defeat. This is the second time that injury has forced Blachowicz to withdraw from facing Rakic.
UFC is yet to announce whether Prochazka or another fighter will step in on short notice to face Rakic. However, after two unfortunate fight cancellations, Rakic will be determined to finally return to action and start 2024 with a win.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
