Former UFC champion Jiri Prochazka continues to set his sights on Alex Pereira for a potential third encounter.
Pereira, a two-time UFC light heavyweight champion and former middleweight titleholder, recently announced his decision to vacate his 205-pound belt and transition to the heavyweight division. The Brazilian is slated to make his heavyweight debut on June 14, where he will compete against Ciryl Gane for the interim championship.
While “Poatan” aims to become the first three-division UFC champion, Jiri Prochazka is focused on reclaiming the light heavyweight throne next weekend. He is scheduled to face Carlos Ulberg in the main event of UFC 327.
Prochazka recently spoke in an interview where he reiterated his desire to fight “Poatan” for a third time, suggesting this bout could take place in the heavyweight division. The two fighters have previously met twice, with Pereira securing knockout victories in both encounters.
Jiri Prochazka Discusses Potential Heavyweight Transition and Rematch with Alex Pereira
Jiri Prochazka stated that a move to the heavyweight class would pose no significant challenge for him. The Czech fighter believes he would possess superior speed, precision, and conditioning compared to most competitors in the 265-pound division.
“I don’t really care which weight I am fighting… When I fought in Rizin in Japan, I fought with the heavyweight guys many times. I can push my body to show much more bigger strength and be able to fight with these types of guys, with these heavyweights, and still be faster, more endurance, precise, all these things, so it’s a really good idea for me.”
Regarding a potential trilogy bout with Alex Pereira, the 33-year-old expressed his confidence:
“If I meet Alex in the future for a third fight, I hope, and I believe that I will show my best and I will win.”
Prochazka also noted that Pereira is unlikely to return to the light heavyweight division, as “Poatan” himself has indicated a preference to conclude his UFC career in his new weight class.
For the immediate future, Prochazka plans to defeat Ulberg and secure the light heavyweight championship at UFC 327. Following that, a third highly anticipated fight against “Poatan” could become a more tangible prospect.
