Jiri Prochazka has sent a warning ahead of a potential Light heavyweight championship match against Alex Pereira.
The former UFC Light heavyweight champion is expected to return later this year. Jiri has been out since December following major shoulder surgery, He could return to face the newest contender in the division Alex Pereira.
Pereira himself is coming off a decision victory over Jan Blachowicz at UFC 291. Having had a short title reign at middleweight Alex took the decision to move up and test himself at light heavyweight.
There were rumours that the UFC had looked to book this fight for UFC 293 in Sydney Australia, which is scheduled for September 10th. However that date came too soon for the deal to be completed, so a potential fight could be imminent.
Jiri Prochazka Sees a Pathway to Victory if He Can Control the Grappling
Jiri spoke to The AllStar and had plenty to say about Alex Pereira:
“I think he (Alex Pereira) has one of the best striking in the middleweight [division]. [At] light heavyweight, we will see. I’m ready. Like every time. I will do everything for the win.”
“If I have to change myself… I will do that,” Jiri Prochazka explained. “Like (with) Glover (Teixeira), if I have to choke him (Alex Pereira), I will choke him. It doesn’t matter. That’s [what] fighting’s about, to adjust.”
Quotes via lowkickmma.com
The Rest of the Division
C Jamahal Hill: Hill claims he has not vacated the belt in his recent tirade against Ariel Helwani. He’s out with a ruptured Achilles and unknown return date, leaving him out of the discussion for now.
#2 Magomed Ankalaev: Without a fight since his draw against Jan Blachowicz in December 2022, he’s been largely quiet this year. He does now have a fight set for UFC 292 against Johnny Walker, therefore he’s out of a potential title fight.
#3 Alex Pereira & 4 Jan Blachowicz: Pereira made his debut in the division by beating Jan and taking his ranking, subsequently moving Jan down to 4. Because of that loss Jan appears far from a title shot.
#5 Aleksander Rakic: Sidelined after suffering a horrific knee injury in May 2022 during a fight with Jan Blachowicz, also an unknown return date.
Considering the landscape of the top 5 of the light heavyweight division, a fight between Jiri & Jan makes the most sense. Although Johnny Walker may be able to force his way into the conversation with a spectacular win over Ankalaev in October.
How do you feel about a Jiri v Pereira fight? Do you think Jiri would have to sub him to get the victory? Let us know in the comments!
Featured image credits to: Embed from Getty Images
