Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jiří Procházka wants to have the first shot at Jamahal Hill.
The UFC 283 event that went down on Saturday night in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil saw the crowning of a new light heavyweight champion. Jamahal Hill is now the top fighter at 205 pounds in the UFC. His unanimous decision victory win over Glover Teixeira set him up as the new champ and immediately placed a target on his back. Right away one former champion has called for his shot to face Hill. Jiří Procházka has announced his intentions to return to the UFC and fight for the belt against Hill.
Procházka has been sidelined with a shoulder injury for a little over two months now. He originally relinquished his title in order to keep the division moving and give himself time to heal. His recovery is going well and he already has a timeline set for when he would like to return.
Jiří Procházka expects to be back in fighting shape by the summer
Procházka spoke with Ariel Helwani of the MMA Hour about his recovery and when he would like to return to the Octagon. He also spoke about his reactions to the title fight at UFC 283 and how he would like to be the one to face Hill next if it all works out within his timeframe
“Things are going on the great way and next week I’m going to Las Vegas to continue in rehabilitation and all these processes to be the fastest way back as soon as possible. I don’t want to be so fast for the shoulder, but it’s getting much better than everybody expected. So that’s why I’m happy for that,” he said. “I think I can be back in July, August, something like that.”
Procházka was happy to see Hill win because he feels that Hill will be the man to keep the division moving. He feels that if Hill is willing to wait until the summer for his first title of defense that would work out perfectly.
“I don’t know if he wants to wait for me till the summer. If he wants it will be the best because I’m sharpening my weapons for him and if he wants to fight in some near future doesn’t matter for me,” he said. “Like I said I want to see that the light heavyweight division is moving. Because there is a good guys and I see the Jamahal Hill win right now like a great move. I’m very happy for that and I’m looking forward for it.”
Procházka came to the UFC back in 2020 and quickly made his way up the rankings. He fought for the title in just his third fight in the organization and won. Many thought he would hold the belt for a long time until the injury happened. He is currently the number one ranked contender in the division.
