Jiri Prochazka has bigger fish to fry than Jamahal Hill.
After coming up short in a light heavyweight title clash against Alex Pereira in November, ‘BPJ’ bounced back in a big way, scoring another epic highlight-reel finish against Aleksandar Rakic in the featured prelim at UFC 300.
The finishing sequence to Jiri Prochazka vs. Aleksandar Rakic was so fun 🔥#UFC300
— MMA Orbit (@mma_orbit) April 14, 2024
Jamahal Hill, on the other hand, suffered a brutal first-round knockout against ‘Poatan’ in the evening’s main event, failing to reclaim the crown he technically never lost.
As a result, Prochazka moved into the top spot in the light heavyweight rankings while ‘Sweet Dreams’ fell from No. 1 to No. 3. Still, that didn’t stop Hill from calling out Prochazka, suggesting that the two square off following the events of UFC 300 to determine Alex Pereira’s next opponent.
“I dared to be great against adversity and against a great challenge and came up short at the highest level in the world!!! I answered the call twice on short notice to fight for a championship that most will never fight for!!! On to the next @jiri_bjp least final make it happen!!” Hill wrote on X.
I dared to be great against adversity and against a great challenge and came up short at the highest level in the world!!! I answered the call twice on short notice to fight for a championship that most will never fight for!!! On to the next @jiri_bjp least final make it happen!!
— Jamahal Hill (@JamahalH) April 15, 2024
Prochazka respectfully declined.
Making an appearance on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, ‘BJP’ made it clear that he has his sights set on a rematch with Alex Pereira — even if it means heading into enemy territory on two weeks’ notice.
“I like to fight for the title,” Prochazka said. “Especially after the decision in New York. The fact I won the fight last Saturday, that’s the only thing I feel right now. That’s what my management is working on. I am [confident]. As soon as possible. If that will be for the title with Alex, I am open to take the date in Brazil, like in two weeks. If there will be another date, let’s see.”
Who’s Next for Alex Pereira — Jiri Prochazka or Magomed Ankalaev
Considering Jiri Prochazka is holding strong as the No. 1 ranked contender in the division, it makes sense for him to pursue a rematch with Pereira rather than a potential title eliminator with Hill. However, complicating the situation is Magomed Ankalaev. Going 10-1-1 under the UFC banner, Ankalaev is considered by many to be the odds-on favorite to challenge Alex Pereira for the light heavyweight title next.
In a perfect world, we would see Pereira vs. Ankalaev with Prochazka vs. Hill scheduled around the same time. Unfortunately, it won’t be nearly that easy.
Add in Pereira’s sudden interest in pursuing a challenge at heavyweight and you find yourself with a plethora of options, yet no clear path for one of the UFC’s most exciting champions.
Watch Jiri Prochazka’s full appearance on The MMA Hour below:
