Jiri Prochazka is setting his sights on a return to the Octagon this autumn following his recent setback at UFC 327.
Prochazka’s bid for a third light heavyweight title opportunity concluded in a first-round knockout loss to Carlos Ulberg at UFC 327. Despite an early knee injury to Ulberg, Prochazka was unable to capitalize and was eventually caught by a decisive left hand. The fight was stopped after a series of follow-up strikes.
The former 205-pound champion has acknowledged a costly mistake in not seizing the opportunity presented by Ulberg’s injury. However, he is now looking ahead, with a return timeline already in mind.
During a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Prochazka shared that he has moved past the loss to Ulberg and is aiming for a UFC return around October. He plans to take a short break to focus on his newborn daughter and fatherhood duties.
“I keep myself sharp and fresh all year,” Prochazka stated. “Right now I have time with my girls, so it will be like two months. I just came back from the fight and went straight to the hospital, and all these things. So right now I believe August, September, November, October, something around October.”
When questioned about potential opponents, the 33-year-old Czech fighter identified Paulo Costa and Magomed Ankalaev as his preferred choices.
“Right now, Costa or Ankalaev… I don’t care. I want the best. I want to be the best. And since you understand that you want to be the best, you have to defeat whoever. So, one of them, I believe, deserves the fight.”
Jiri Procházka currently holds a 6-3 record in the UFC, with notable victories against Jamahal Hill, Glover Teixeira, and Khalil Rountree Jr.