Jiri Prochazka is once again talking about a potential move from light heavyweight to middleweight, but it all depends on what happens with current 205 pound champion Alex Pereira.
Prochazka was on hand
at the big Oktagon 79 event in Brno, Czech Republic and spoke about his future plans. In an ideal world, he wants to challenge Alex Pereira for a third time in early 2026 … but he has a backup plan in case that doesn’t come together.
“Yes, I believe I’m next,” Prochazka said when asked if he felt he’d done enough with his win over Khalil Rountree Jr. last month. As for when that might happen, Jiri suggest, “March, April.”
The only problem? Champion Alex Pereira is currently recovering from a broken foot and seems in no rush to return to action. He’s currently angling for a superfight against Jon Jones at the UFC White House event in June, leaving the 205 pound division in limbo.
That could mean a move to 185 pounds for “The Czech Samurai.” Prochazka has previously discussed a potential move to middleweight, suggesting after his last loss to Pereira in June 2024 that dropping down might be just what his career needed. And while he quickly re-established himself as a top name at light heavyweight at UFC 320, Prochazka is still toying with the idea.
“For me to cut to [205] is not a problem,” Prochazka told Patrick McCorry on Saturday. “I think to [185], middleweight, will be really something. And I believe I can make it with my body, I know my body so I believe I can make it. But it depends. I really first want to bring the title to Czech Republic. Light heavyweight.”
We could see Prochakza dropping to middleweight if the timing was right, but it just doesn’t make much sense at this point. 185 already has a No. 1 contender in Nassourdine Imavov, and a champion in Khamzat Chimaev who doesn’t exactly fight on the regular. A drop down to 185 wouldn’t likely garner “BJP” an immediate title shot, and at the rate Khamzat fights, Jiri could end up waiting around until late 2026 no matter where he goes.
Better to stick around at 205 pounds, maybe take on current top contender Carlos Ulberg, and try to take your revenge on Alex Pereira in the same timeframe.
What do you want to see Jiri Prochazka do next, Maniacs?
