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Credits- Imago
Jiri Prochazka saved his spot at #2 in the UFC light heavyweight rankings after winning against Jamahal Hill at UFC 311. And now he is waiting patiently for UFC’s next move for him. In an unofficial title eliminator of sorts, the former LHW champ won by knocking out another former champ in Round 3. The 31-5-1 has had his only two UFC losses against Alex Pereira.
So naturally he would want revenge on ‘Poatan’ but hold on! Pereira is not the only one who he wants to fight. He gave two more names recently while speaking on the Overdogs podcast. He said that he would like to face, Pereira, Magomed Ankalaev, and Jan Blachowicz.
‘The Czech Samurai’ explained, “With Alex, I would like to fight him [as] my next opponent. But right now I don’t want to push it. If the UFC and negotiation about that wants to prove me with some opponent. Like I said, I see three guys there from the top 5 in my challenge because I don’t want to fight other guys.”
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👀Jiri Prochazka named the 3 fighters he wants to face next:
“Alex [Pereira], Ankalaev… and Jan Blachowicz because he showed a really nice performance against Alex.”
🎥 @OverDogsPodcast ▫️ pic.twitter.com/uO3zP5gTz0
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) February 3, 2025
He further explained his reasoning for the same saying, “There is Alex, there is Ankalaev, and third one we spoke about Jan Blachowiz because he showed a really nice performance against Ankalaev too. Against Alex too. So One of these three for me. I like to stand. For me right now this year it really does not matter. I know I’m going to the top right now. Just give me some opponents, and I am going to prove that. I want to prove that I am the champion.”
Prochazka did not see the third round in either of his fights against Pereira. So it’s going to be hard to call for a third fight with just one win. The LHW top rankings are not deep enough for Pereira, but for Prochazka that is not the case. So, his suggestion makes sense. Let Pereira keep doing his thing, and Prochazka will get a couple of wins against some top 5 contenders, two of whom he suggested are fresh matchups also.
Prochazka was already vying for Pereira even before he won against ‘Sweet Dreams’. So maybe even though he took two other names, his main goal remains the Pereira fight.
Is Alex Pereira vs. Jiri Prochazka 3 appealing enough?
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Prochazka did lose against the Brazilian twice so seeking revenge over him is pretty valid. The Czech star called for a trilogy fight with the champ at UFC 311. He said on the mic when Joe Rogan took his octagon interview, “F*** man! I want a third fight with Alex Pereira!” What did the Brazilian say? He just took to X and praised the 32-year-old. He wrote, “Great performance, Jiri, CHAMA #UFC311.”
So Prochazka might have to wait for his ultimate dream and in the meantime, he might get the request for Ankalaev or Blachowiz if UFC listens to him. It could even be against the winner of UFC London’s Carlos Ulberg vs. Jan Blachowicz. Alternatively, he could also face the winner of the Alex Pereira vs Magomed Ankalaev title fight, but that’s a long shot. Even if ‘Potan’ loses this one, he’ll likely get an instant rematch, considering his record so far and the goodwill he has with the promotion.
On top of that British MMA superstar Michael ‘Venom’ Page gave an amazing fight schooling Shara Magomedov and gaining a unanimous decision victory. While Page’s display at UFC Saudi Arabia was outstanding, the jazzy striker did not capitalize his time with the microphone and did not call out anyone for his next fight. But he did give fans mouthwatering news that he’s open to climbing up to 205lbs.
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While speaking to Paul Felder inside the Octagon he said, “I’m the kind of person that would move up another division and fight someone like Jiri [Prochazka] because it’s an exciting fight. [The most spins ever?] Yeah, the most spins – like two tornadoes clashing.” This would be an outrageous matchup, and too good to come true. But then again, Prochazka lives for those moments.
So can we see this fight happening too? What are your thoughts on Prochazka’s next opponent? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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Debate
Can Jiri Prochazka finally conquer Alex Pereira, or is he chasing an impossible dream?
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Can Jiri Prochazka finally conquer Alex Pereira, or is he chasing an impossible dream?
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