Jiri Prochazka, the former UFC light-heavyweight champion, recently returned to the cage at UFC 300, where he faced Aleksandar Rakic. Despite a tough start, Prochazka showcased his trademark style by ultimately stopping Rakic in a thrilling bout.
Following his victory, he expressed interest in a rematch against Alex Pereira, who also competed at UFC 300 and secured a knockout win over Jamahal Hill. Pereira aimed to fight again at UFC 301 in Brazil, potentially setting the stage for a rematch with Prochazka.
While a rematch with Pereira is in the cards, Prochazka is confident about his eventual return to fighting for UFC gold. In a recent video on his YouTube channel, he hinted at the possibility of moving weight classes, particularly to middleweight. Despite previously competing in heavyweight, Prochazka revealed his preference for a move down to 185 pounds. However, he emphasized that his focus remains on reclaiming the light-heavyweight title before considering any shifts in the weight class.
Prochazka’s interest in moving to middleweight stems from his assessment of his current physical condition and metabolism. He believes that with the right adjustments to his diet and training, he could successfully transition to the middleweight division. However, he remains committed to his immediate goal of securing another title shot in the light-heavyweight division. His priority is to concentrate on his upcoming fights and pursue the title before exploring the possibility of competing at middleweight.
In the YouTube video, Prochazka outlined his plans, stating that he would prioritize winning the light-heavyweight title again before contemplating a move to middleweight.
He acknowledged that while middleweight is a potential future endeavor, his focus remains firmly on his present commitments and upcoming challenges. Prochazka indicated that his next opponent could be either Alex Pereira or Magomed Ankalaev, underscoring his dedication to his current divisional pursuits while keeping an eye on potential future opportunities.