Jiri Prochazka will have his eyes peeled for the UFC Fight Night 255 co-main event.
Jan Blachowicz (29-10-1 MMA, 12-7-1 UFC) meets rising contender Carlos Ulberg (12-1 MMA, 7-1 UFC) in a pivotal light heavyweight clash Saturday at The O2 (ESPN+).
Originally eyeing a title shot next, Prochazka’s plans pivoted after all signs are pointing to a title-fight rematch between champion Magomed Ankalaev (21-1-1 MMA, 12-1-1 UFC) and Alex Pereira (12-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC).
Prochazka (31-5-1 MMA, 5-2 UFC), who’s coming off a knockout of Jamahal Hill at UFC 311 in January, wants to stay busy and thinks the winner of Blachowicz vs. Ulberg makes sense for him next.
“I’m just looking for a good fight,” Prochazka told The Schmo. “But after today’s information, like Alex and Ankalaev, they’re already confirmed their fight. I don’t want to just stay and watch them and wait for the winner. Maybe I will fight with one of these guys with the winner from Saturday night. So let’s see who will be the winner. Let the better (man) win.”
After three title defenses over Jamahal Hill, Prochazka, and Khalil Rountree, Pereira lost his light heavyweight title to Ankalaev by unanimous decision at UFC 313. Prochazka has no issues with “Poatan” getting an immediate rematch.
“I think for Alex, it’s right,” Prochazka said. “He has to have the first chance to – he deserves that, to fight against the champion right after. But still, I think he needs a little bit of time to refresh himself and take a little bit of time to upgrade his style, upgrade a few things, and win the battle.”
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