Jiri Prochazka delivered an outstanding performance at UFC 300. The Czech MMA fighter knocked out Aleksandar Rakic, a victory that immediately puts him in the title picture. If he recaptures the 205-lb belt, Prochazka plans to conquer the middleweight division.
The 31-year-old outlines his career scheme in an interview.
“Rather than heavyweight, I thought I’d try middleweight. Because the way I feel my metabolism now, and the way my body works in preparation, and the way my body works in preparation. So, I know that if I adjust my diet to where I feel great and clean, I know I could handle the middleweight division, with some lighter diet. But I would definitely concentrate on that after winning the light heavyweight title.“
Jiri Prochazka on his future plans
Prochazka captured the light heavyweight title after submitting Glover Teixeira at UFC 275. He then lost it in his first title defense against Alex Pereira.
“Poatan” successfully defended the belt against Jamahal Hill in the main event of UFC 300, but Prochazka’s performance that night was also memorable. In fact, Dana White awarded BSP $300,000 for Performance of the Night in the exciting victory over Rakic.
That said, Prochazka’s plan to move down to middleweight will have its challenges. He is six-foot-four and a big guy, so it’s possible that a drastic weight cut can take its toll. However, if he does it right, Prochazka’s size, power, and accuracy are to be feared and respected.
The UFC has not announced Prochazka’s next fight yet. He is No. 1 in the light heavyweight rankings, but the promotion may give Magomed Ankalaev the shot at Pereira. However, Prochazka can have a path to the title by fighting the winner of a theoretical Pereira-Ankalaev bout.
