As Jiri Prochazka’s Return Date Inches Closer, Dana White Provides a Major Update on the Former LHW Champ’s Title Fight Against Alex Pereira

Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka has been out of action for well over a year. However, his return is on the horizon, and there are plans for him to compete for the vacant title against Alex Pereira. Recently, UFC president Dana White provided an update regarding the highly anticipated title fight.

Jiri Prochazka was first slated to be the opponent for Jamahal Hill‘s first title defense. However, that fight had to be canceled after ‘Sweet Dreams’ suffered an Achilles injury, which will see him out of action for a considerable amount of time. Meanwhile, Prochazka was paired against Alex Pereira to fight for the vacant title later this year and Dana White has shared some details about it.

Dana White provides an update on Jiri Prochazka vs Alex Pereira

During the post-fight press conference for UFC 292, the 54-year-old promoter was asked if the fight between Jiri Prochazka and Alex Pereira was going to happen. Dana White did not utter a word, but just nodded his head. He said, “Are they [Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka] ready to fight? [Nods head].”

Furthermore, the reporters were keen to know if there was a timeline as to when they’ll fight. However, the UFC president had no idea regarding that matter. White added, “I do not [know the date of the fight].” Moreover, he mentioned that if he knew that date, the UFC would have probably announced it earlier. “If I do, we would have announced it,” said Dana White. But when will Jiri Prochazka return? Let’s take a look at that front.

When will Prochazka return?

A few months ago, when the Czech fighter was still slated to fight Jamahal Hill for the title, he mentioned that his return could happen around September or October. He wanted to make his comeback after the surgery on his shoulder. Moreover, in a recent two-month-old Instagram post, he mentioned that he was ready to come back in a few months.

Now, it seems like we’re inching closer to Prochazka’s return. Additionally, it may not take much time before we get an official announcement for the light heavyweight title fight. It is important to note that most of the UFC’s light heavyweight champions have always suffered some kind of injury that kept them on the sidelines for an extended period.

READ MORE: He Doesn’t Have the Plan B” – UFC Vet Predicts Doom for Ex-Champ As Alex Pereira’s Striking Sees Major Backing Over Unpredictable Jiří Procházka

Jan Blachowicz was the frontrunner to get a shot at the vacant title against Prochazka. However, after losing to Alex Pereira, ‘Poatan’ got the opportunity to fight for the light heavyweight title for the first time in his UFC career. Moreover, he plans to win the title and then get back to Israel Adesanya for a trilogy fight. We will have to wait and see how that pans out in the months to come.

WATCH THIS STORY: After Alex Pereira’s Win Against Jan Blachowicz, Jiri Prochazka Teases Fight Against ‘Poatan’