Jiri Prochazka dismisses Jamahal Hill call out and eyes direct title rematch against Alex Pereira

Jiri Prochazka said he would much prefer compete for the title and disregard Jamahal Hill's callout.

Jiri Prochazka dismisses Jamahal Hill call out and eyes direct title rematch against Alex Pereira

Jiri Prochazka dismissed Jamahal Hill's callout (via Imago)

UFC 300 saw many fighters become contenders for the title in their respective weight classes. One of them was the former light heavyweight champion, Jiri Prochazka. He had his sights set on one thing and one thing only: reclaiming the UFC light heavyweight championship from Alex Pereira. The former champion has zero interest in a scrap with Jamahal Hill despite the latter’s recent call-out.

Prochazka clearly stated that his focus was solely on avenging his loss to current champ Alex Pereira. This came in the aftermath of his thrilling victory over Aleksandar Rakic at UFC 300. Jamahal Hill had called out Prochazka after UFC 300, but that fight did not excite the Czech fighter as much as the chance to avenge his sole UFC loss. 

I’d like to fight for the title. Especially after that decision in New York. That’s what my management is working on… I am confident [that a title shot is next].
Jiri Prochazka via The MMA Hour
YouTube video

Jiri Prochazka was, of course, referring to his title fight against Pereira at UFC 295. Many fighters and analysts referred to that as an early stoppage. At times, the Czech fighter gets stumbled by some punches in the fight. However, it has never knocked him out cold in the UFC. Hence, an argument could be made that referee Marc Goddard might have stopped the fight early.

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It looks like Jamahal Hill may have to wait his turn or look for another opponent. Jiri Prochazka is laser-focused on one goal: reclaiming the UFC light heavyweight throne. Many fighters have been rumored as Alex Pereira’s next potential opponents, like Magomed Ankalaev or even Prochazka. Tom Aspinall was even rumored to be next for Pereira, given Pereira’s wish to move up to heavyweight. It remains to be seen if the UFC grants another title shot to Prochazka.

Jiri Prochazka is ready to face Alex Pereira in 2 weeks

Jiri Prochazka is one determined fighter. The former UFC light heavyweight champion has his sights firmly set his eyes on avenging the only UFC loss of his career. He’s willing to do whatever it takes to make that happen. The Czech fighter has his eyes on the current champion, Alex Pereira, and will do whatever is necessary to fight for the title again.

Jiri Prochazka is ready to fight Alex Pereira in 2 weeks
Jiri Prochazka is ready to fight Alex Pereira in 2 weeks (via The Sun)

Prochazka was interviewed by Ariel Helwani recently. He talked about his desire to rematch the current champion. Prochazka even announced that he would be open to fighting Pereira at UFC 301. This is just two and a half weeks away.

As soon as possible. If that will be for title with Alex, I'm open to take a date in Brazil like in two weeks. If there will be another date, let's see.
Jiri Prochazka via The MMA Hour

Ariel Helwani quickly poured cold water on that idea. He reminded Prochazka about the champ’s recent toe injury. This would leave Pereira unable to fight again so soon. But Prochazka doesn’t seem too deterred. He knows that his path to redemption may not be a straight line, but he’s determined to get there nonetheless.

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