Jiri Prochazka, a top UFC light heavyweight contender, has expressed openness to competing for a vacant championship against a rapidly rising challenger.
In early October, Prochazka secured his second consecutive victory, delivering a come-from-behind knockout against Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC 320. After this impressive Octagon performance, `The Last Samurai` indicated his desire for a rematch with Alex Pereira, especially after the Brazilian recaptured the title.
However, the light heavyweight title`s future remains uncertain, as Pereira, known as `Poatan,` has openly stated his ambition to move to heavyweight for a super fight against Jon Jones.
Prochazka Considers Vacant Title Bout Against Rising Star
Following Pereira`s knockout victory over Magomed Ankalaev in the UFC 320 main event, Prochazka was visibly emotional, shedding tears of joy from his ringside seat. This emotional display, however, did not sit well with the rapidly ascending light heavyweight contender, Carlos Ulberg, who publicly voiced his disapproval of the Czech fighter.
Given Pereira`s discussions about a move to heavyweight, a potential vacant 205-pound title clash between Prochazka and Ulberg was proposed to Joe Rogan, who enthusiastically endorsed the matchup. Initially, Prochazka appeared keen on a trilogy bout with `Poatan,` suggesting he might not readily accept a fight with a different contender.
Nevertheless, in an exclusive interview, `The Last Samurai` addressed the prospect of a vacant title fight against `Black Jag` (Carlos Ulberg). Prochazka stated:
“I really don’t care what will be [Pereira’s] next move because I want to fight for the title, and right now, I don’t care if it will be Alex Pereira, Ulberg or Ankalaev.
I’m not obsessed with Alex Pereira, I really 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, really good kickboxing base and he’s fast, he’s fresh, yeah, he has good movement on his legs, very light. Let’s see what will be the next step.”
Jon Jones Responds to Pereira`s Heavyweight Challenge
Following Pereira`s announcement of his intent to pursue a heavyweight super fight against Jones at a future White House event, the former champion had initially remained silent regarding the challenge. However, after the UFC 321 heavyweight title bout this past weekend, Jones finally addressed Pereira`s challenge, potentially paving the way for this highly anticipated spectacle.
Despite these developments, it remains uncertain if UFC President Dana White will greenlight `Bones` to compete at the event, especially given his prior statement that there was a `billion to one chance` of Jones fighting there.