Jiri Prochazka has called out the new UFC light heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill.
‘Denisa’ turned the UFC 205-pound division upside down after vacating the title due to a severe shoulder injury. After Magomed Ankalaev and Jan Blachowicz failed to take advantage of the vacant throne opportunity, Hill was matched up against Glover Teixeira at UFC 283.
‘Sweet Dreams’ silenced the doubters and showed off his five-round conditioning to win the light heavyweight title. Prochazka quickly posted a response to the UFC 283 main event by saying this to Hill:
“Congratulations. I’m coming. I’m coming!”
Hill made his UFC debut in 2020 after earning a contract on Dana White’s Contender Series. The American started his UFC tenure with two wins alongside a no-contest against Klidson Abreu.
‘Sweet Dreams’ was then humbled by Paul Craig before winning four consecutive fights to become the light heavyweight king. The 31-year-old is expected to defend his title against Prochazka when ‘Denisa’ recovers from his shoulder injury.
A message to @JamahalH from @Jiri_BJP after #UFC283 👀 pic.twitter.com/OCEeWilId7
— UFC (@ufc) January 22, 2023
What’s next for Jiri Prochazka and the UFC light heavyweight division?
Jiri Prochazka has been guaranteed an immediate title shot upon returning. The question is, when will his should injury be recovered? Initial rumors questioned whether Prochazka would be able to fight in 2023, but the former champion is more optimistic.
During an interview with Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour, the 30-year-old had this to say about his recovery timeline:
“Half year, six months. A lot of people were saying it’s necessary to keep it 8 to 9 months, but I know my body. I believe I can fix it by 3, 4 months, because there’s nothing in my life that’s impossible…”
Besides Prochazka and Hill, Magomed Ankalaev and Jan Blachowicz are the only contenders currently in the light heavyweight title picture. By the time ‘Denisa’ returns, there will likely be a solidified number-one contender, but for now, Ankalaev and Blachowicz could potentially fight again after a disappointing split decision draw at UFC 282.
Meanwhile, there are several ranked 205ers on the rise. Johnny Walker, Nikita Kyrlov, and Ryan Spann have all looked impressive recently, with the last two fighting in February. In the meantime, ‘Sweet Dreams’ gets to relish in his life-changing win at UFC 283.
Jamahal Hill's journey from DWCS to UFC gold 🏆 #UFC283 pic.twitter.com/gN6G3kBVML
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) January 22, 2023
