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Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka outlined his plans after potentially reclaiming his title.
Prochazka responded to a question about moving up the heavyweight division by suggesting alternatively moving down to the middleweight division. He explained his own understanding of his body, physique, and diet to justify a move to a lighter division.
However, the Czech fighter maintained that his priority is to first win the light heavyweight championship back. The title is currently held by Alex Pereira, who himself moved up from middleweight.
Prochazka said:
"Rather than [moving up to] heavyweight, I thought I'd try middleweight. Because the way I feel my metabolism now, 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."
Check out Jiri Prochazka's full comments below on X:
Jiri Prochazka wants to fight Alex Pereira 'as soon as possible'
Jiri Prochazka fought in the prelims of UFC 300 against Aleksandar Rakic and won convincingly via TKO in the second round.
Alex Pereira previously defeated Prochazka for the light heavyweight title and managed to successfully defend it against Jamahal Hill. Hence, Prochazka called for the title shot rematch in an interview with Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour.
He also mentioned a possible quick turnaround for both himself and Pereira by fighting at UFC 301 in Brazil, which will take place on May 4. Prochazka said:
"I would like to fight for the title. Especially after the decision in New York. The fact that I won the fight on Saturday, that's the only thing I feel right now. I feel that maybe my performance on Saturday – getting punched, to accept the punches and this will not work with Pereira, but people have to understand, I know how to make a [specific] fight with a fighter... As soon as possible. If that will be for a title with Alex, I am open to take it in Brazil. In two weeks. If there will be another date, we'll see."
Check out Jiri Prochazka's full comments below on YouTube (23:38):
