Jiri Prochazka is ready to bounce back from his first UFC loss and potentially secure a light heavyweight title shot.
In November 2023, Prochazka returned from a severe shoulder injury and looked to reclaim the vacant light heavyweight throne by defeating Alex Pereira. Unfortunately for the Czech Republic native, Pereira proved too much in the UFC 295 main event and emerged victorious by second-round knockout.
During an interview with InsideFighting, Prochazka had this to say when asked what he learned from his loss against Pereira:
“[I learned] that I have to keep all the fight in my hands, every detail. Every detail, every small step in a cage, everything because until that moment [that I lost], I handled that fight. It was my mistake, it was small mistake, but in this game, there is no place for these small mistakes. That’s why I’m making the steps up in these small things to be the best.”
On April 13, Prochazka has an opportunity to silence the doubters when he faces Aleksandar Rakic at UFC 300. The 31-year-old claimed in the previously mentioned interview that a win against Rakic would likely lead to a light heavyweight title shot:
“I believe in [a win at UFC 300 getting me a title shot]. I will do everything for that because after last fight, after that decision, I believe I can be the champion, and I will.”
Jiri Prochazka provides analysis of UFC 300 main event between Alex Pereira and Jamahal Hill
Following Jiri Prochazka vs. Aleksandar Rakic, the light heavyweight throne is up for grabs later that night in the UFC 300 main event. Alex Pereira looks to further his legacy with his first 205-pound title defense, while Jamahal Hill plans to reclaim the strap he vacated due to a ruptured Achilles.
During his interview with InsideFighting, Prochazka offered his analysis of the action-packed matchup between Pereira and Hill:
“More weapons in that fight I feel like is on Jamahal Hill’s side, but we will see. Jamahal Hill will have the better chances on the start of the fight. When the fight will continue, there is more chance, like I’ve seen, for Pereira. We’ll see, let the better win.”
Number two-ranked Jiri Prochazka will have a close eye on the UFC 300 main event in case he receives the next light heavyweight title shot. First things first, Prochazka must get through number five-ranked Aleksandar Rakic, who hasn’t fought since May 2022, when he suffered a devastating leg injury against Jan Blachowicz.
Watch Prochazka’s interview with InsideFighting below:
