SUMMARY
- Jiri Prochazka fought for the light heavyweight title in his last fight at UFC 295.
- Having lost, he now finds himself on the prelims of UFC 300.
Jiri Prochazka was viewed as one of the most intriguing fighters on the UFC roster. Owing to a sudden emergence in the light heavyweight division, the fighter commanded a lot of attention from his first performance. having tasted a lot of success early on, Jiri now finds himself in a tough position.
Previously, ‘BJP’ made his way into the UFC in 2020. A man of few words and terrifying capabilities, the fighter quickly garnered a following owing to his performances and demeanor. Thereafter, he fast-tracked his career to the top, claiming the light heavyweight title in only his third UFC fight.
Current bout order #UFC300 pic.twitter.com/98UAtIiUdE
— Marcel Dorff 🇳🇱🇮🇩 (@BigMarcel24) March 10, 2024
Despite a hot start, things slowed down for Prochazka after a shoulder injury. As a result, he chose to honorably relinquish his title, calling for the division to keep moving. In the meantime, the belt changed hands, before being up for grabs once again. Unfortunately, Jiri lost out to Alex Pereira at UFC 295, missing out on the opportunity to reclaim his title.
Jiri Prochazka reacts to his position on UFC 300
Naturally, there was a lot of talk about Jiri Prochazka and his future after he lost to Alex Pereira at UFC 295. With many calling that it was an early stoppage, the fighter took full responsibility for his shortcomings. Thereafter, it was revealed that Jiri would be facing Aleksandr Rakic on the prelims of UFC 300.
A step down in some regard, considering Bo Nickal is on the main card, Jiri spoke about the situation in a recent interview:
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“I was not surprised, I really don’t care about that, about that information. I just accept that. That’s my attitude I accept that. Next time, from now till the next time, I will show that my fight will be on the main card or in the main event. That’s why I’m fighting. I want to show the every time the beauties to the beauties of the martial arts.“
As such, Jiri Prochazka is not putting too much weight on what he has achieved in the past. Instead, he is willing to make a case for himself again and prove why he belongs in the headliner spot. Thus, with a solid performance against Rakic, Jiri can once again put himself in title contention.
Jiri Prochazka’s prediction for the UFC 300 main event
Despite being restricted to the sidelines for UFC 300 in a way, Jiri Prochazka will have his eyes on the headliner of UFC 300. A showdown between Alex Pereira and Jamahal Hill for the light heavyweight strap, Jiri is well acquainted with both fighters. Having already faced Pereira, Jiri was meant to face Hill prior to his injury.
With that said the Polish fighter had a very interesting take on who he is expecting to be the winner in the fight. Speaking in the very same interview, Jiri said:
“I feel like there are more weapons on Jamahal Hill’s side. But we will see. Jamahal Hill has a better chance at the beginning of the fight. But if the fight continues, there will be more chances for Pereira. But we will see. Let the better [man] win.”
All things considered, Jiri seems more focused on the task at hand. Although he will be favored against a hardly in-action Rakic, Prochazka will have some waiting to do with Magomed Ankalaev also waiting in the wings. Either way, being kicked to the prelims, albeit for UFC 300 will certainly have ignited a fire in the fighter. As such, fans of Jiri Prochazka will be keenly cheering him on for the fight.