UFC light heavyweight contender Jiri Prochazka is not dismissing the possibility of a vacant title bout against a rapidly rising challenger.
Early in October, Jiri Prochazka secured his second consecutive victory, coming from behind to knock out Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC 320 in a spectacular fashion.
Following this impressive Octagon performance, ‘The Last Samurai’ explicitly stated his desire for a rematch against Alex Pereira, after the Brazilian recaptured the title.
However, the future status of the light heavyweight championship remains uncertain, as ‘Poatan’ has indicated his intention to move up to the heavyweight division for a superfight with Jon Jones.
Prochazka Open to Vacant Title Fight Against Rising Contender
After Pereira’s knockout victory over Magomed Ankalaev in the UFC 320 main event, Prochazka was seen crying tears of joy ringside.
This reaction, however, did not sit well with fellow surging light heavyweight contender, Carlos Ulberg, who publicly expressed his disapproval of the Czech fighter’s emotional display.
With Pereira considering a move to heavyweight, the idea of a vacant 205lb title fight between Prochazka and Ulberg was suggested to Joe Rogan, who subsequently endorsed the potential clash.
Initially, it appeared Prochazka was keen on a trilogy bout with ‘Poatan’ and might be reluctant to face another challenger.
Nevertheless, in a recent interview, ‘The Last Samurai’ commented on a potential vacant title fight against ‘Black Jag’.
“I really don’t care what Pereira’s next move will be because I want to fight for the title, and right now, I don’t care if it will be Alex Pereira, Ulberg, or Ankalaev,” Prochazka stated.
He continued, “I’m not obsessed with Alex Pereira; I truly don’t care about some revenge… More importantly for me and for everyone who fights in the UFC is the title, to be the champion, to be the best—this is what I’m looking for.”
“If [a fight against Ulberg would be for the title], let’s go for that. He’s a great fighter, he’s proved that many times; he’s very talented, has a really good kickboxing base, and he’s fast, he’s fresh, yeah, he has good leg movement, very light. Let’s see what the next step will be,” Prochazka added.
Jon Jones Accepts Pereira’s Heavyweight Challenge
After Pereira declared his intention to pursue a heavyweight superfight against Jones at an upcoming White House event, the former heavyweight champion initially remained silent regarding the callout.
However, following the heavyweight title fight at UFC 321 last weekend, Jones finally responded to Pereira’s challenge, potentially paving the way for the highly anticipated spectacle.
Despite this, it currently remains uncertain whether UFC President Dana White will permit ‘Bones’ to compete at the event, given his previous statement that there was a “billion to one chance” of Jones participating.
