Jiri Prochazka recently surprised fans by admitting he might compete at middleweight. He kept the door open for a potential move but emphasized that his main goal remains at light heavyweight.
In an interview with CageSide Press‘ Patrick McCorry, Prochazka said he feels physically capable of cutting down to middleweight. Fighters typically experience difficulty when moving down a weight class for the first time.
Despite his revelation, Prochazka made it clear that his first priority is to reclaim the light heavyweight championship before seeking a new challenge.
“For me to cut to [205-pounds], is not a problem. I think to middleweight, would be really something,” Prochazka said. “I’m confident I can make it with my body because I know my body. So, I believe I can make it, but it depends. I first really want to bring the [light heavyweight] title back to Czechia.”
Prochazka, a former UFC light heavyweight champion, has regained strong momentum in his division. After two failed attempts to reclaim the title from Alex Pereira, he bounced back with impressive wins against top contenders.
Prochazka earned a 3rd round TKO over former champion Jamahal Hill at UFC 311. Then, he followed that up with a dramatic comeback win against Khalil Rountree, finishing him in the third round as well.
These victories place Prochazka back in the light heavyweight title picture. Depending on Pereira’s next move, he could possibly be fighting for an interim or vacant title next.
Jiri Prochazka Has Teased A Move to Middleweight in the Past
This isn’t the first time Jiri Prochazka has mentioned a possibly drop to middleweight. Last year, he responded to questions about changing divisions after his two title losses to Pereira made it unlikely for him to receive a third title shot.
Before joining the UFC, Prochazka competed in Japanese-based promotion Rizin. There, he fought in both heavyweight and light heavyweight. That experience gave him confidence in his ability to manage different weight classes effectively.
Earlier this year, Prochazka discussed the advantages he would have competing as a middleweight. He believes his knockout power would carry over and that he would have a speed advantage despite cutting more weight.
“I’m normally 215, 218, 220-pounds,” Prochazka told Overdogs Podcast. “I think there will be a much bigger advantage in the power and strength. And for me, [cutting weight] doesn’t matter.”
Michael ‘Venom’ Page Once Called for a Fight with Prochazka
If Prochazka moves to middleweight, he won’t lack opponents. One potential matchup already has fans talking. Current UFC middleweight Michael ‘Venom’ Page once expressed interest in fighting the former light heavyweight champion.
During an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Page named Prochazka as a fighter he would love to face. At the time, ‘MVP’ discussed the idea of moving up in weight to make the fight happen.
“I’ve actually trained with [Prochazka] before. He was at out gym a lot,” Page said during his appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show. We got to spar quite regularly. I can understand [Prochazka’s] style, he could understand my style. Again, we had some great spars, so that would be an exciting fight.”
A bout between Prochazka and Page would certainly attract massive fan interest. Both men are creative and unorthodox strikers. They’re shared history in sparring adds another level of intrigue to the potential matchup.
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