Former UFC champion Jiri Prochazka remains focused on a potential showdown with Alex Pereira.
Alex Pereira, a decorated two-division UFC champion (light heavyweight and middleweight), recently vacated his 205-pound title to pursue a move to the heavyweight division. He is set to debut at 265 pounds on June 14, challenging Ciryl Gane for the interim championship.
While Pereira, known as “Poatan,” aims to become the UFC’s first three-division champion, Prochazka is focused on his immediate goal: reclaiming the light heavyweight belt at UFC 327 next weekend, where he will face Carlos Ulberg in the main event.
In a recent interview, Prochazka reiterated his interest in a third bout with “Poatan,” even suggesting a potential move to heavyweight. Pereira has emerged victorious in their previous two encounters, both by knockout.
Jiri Prochazka Discusses Potential Heavyweight Move and Facing Alex Pereira Again
Prochazka indicated that a transition to heavyweight would be manageable, stating he believes he would possess superior speed, precision, and conditioning compared to many current 265-pound competitors. He elaborated:
“I don’t really care which weight I am fighting… When I fought in Rizin in Japan, I fought with the heavyweight guys many times. I can push my body to show much more bigger strength and be able to fight with these types of guys, with these heavyweights, and still be faster, more endurance, precise, all these things, so it’s a really good idea for me.”
Regarding a potential trilogy fight with Alex Pereira, the 33-year-old expressed confidence:
“If I meet Alex in the future for a third fight, I hope, and I believe that I will show my best and I will win.”
Prochazka also acknowledged the low probability of Pereira returning to light heavyweight, as “Poatan” has openly expressed his desire to conclude his UFC career in the heavyweight division.
For now, Prochazka’s immediate focus is on defeating Carlos Ulberg and securing the light heavyweight title at UFC 327, with a potential third clash against “Poatan” looming as a future possibility.
