Jiri Prochazka reacted to Kamaru Usman’s desire to move up to light heavyweight.
Usman has long detailed his desire to move up to light heavyweight and potentially challenge the champion. That’s been even more so the case in recent weeks with Usman claiming he believed he could beat some of the top guys in the division.
While he didn’t name names, naturally, Prochazka may be on that list as he currently reigns as the light heavyweight champion following his win over Glover Teixeira last month.
So what does he think of Usman’s comments?
“We met on the fight night and I saw him, he’s a great fighter, respect to him,” Prochazka told The Schmo. “… If he wants to challenge the guys from the light heavyweight, it will not be so easy as you think.
“First, I want to defend the title, then I will be focused for this fight. I’m not thinking about that right now. … Maybe. I like to challenge myself. This is a good challenge, it’s another weight class. I don’t believe in weight classes because every time, it is about the strongest man on the planet. And that’s what I’m looking for.”
Jiri Prochazka Displays Respect For Jon Jones
While he is naturally bigger than Usman, a win over “The Nigerian Nightmare” would earn Prochazka a victory over the current pound-for-pound best fighter in the UFC.
But as far as the Czech native is concerned, there is only person who stands atop the pound-for-pound list and that’s the former champion of his division in Jon Jones.
“For me, I have a huge respect for all my career, for Jon Jones,” Prochazka added. “I’m looking forward to his fight at heavyweight.
“It’s too early to talk about me challenging guys in other weight classes because I have to defend the title. Without defending the title, you are not a true champion. So that’s what I’m looking for right now. I will challenge myself after that with all these weight classes and fights.”
You can watch the full interview below:
