Jiri Prochazka open to heavyweight switch after Pereira move
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC Jiri Prochazka isn’t in a hurry to jump up a weight class, but he believes he could handle himself well if he ever does. Right now, his focus is on the light heavyweight division and his upcoming fight against Carlos Ulberg on April 11. The title bout gives him a chance to become a two-time UFC champion.
His last two fights haven’t gone his way though, both ending in defeat against Alex Pereira – the only losses of his UFC career. Pereira has since moved up a division, and Prochazka has spoken recently about why making the same move might not be such a bad idea for him either. Jiri Prochazka believes heavyweight transition would suit him well Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC Despite his achievements at light heavyweight, Jiri Prochazka has considered a switch to middleweight in the past.
Speaking with MMA Junkie, he mentioned that if a third fight with Alex Pereira were to happen, it would likely need to take place at heavyweight. He also stated that while 205 pounds is where he feels most comfortable, he isn’t concerned about weight classes and feels prepared to compete successfully at heavyweight. “When I fought in Rizin in Japan, I fought with the heavyweight guys many times,” he reflected.
“I can push my body to show much more 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. ” Considering his long tenure in Rizin before moving to the UFC, it’s no surprise that Prochazka has matched up against some bigger fighters over the years. One of his early stints in the promotion saw him step up against heavyweights Satoshi Ishii and Vadim Nemkov before losing to Muhammed Lawal in the 2015 Rizin Grand Prix final.
Ahead of joining the UFC ranks officially, Prochazka even took part in an openweight Grand Prix but had his run cut short by injury following a first-round victory. Read more: Charles Oliveira puts his name forward for UFC White House backup role, but with one request Alex Pereira brings up old history as new UFC feud ignites: ‘You were crying’ Eddie Hearn says he loaned Conor Benn £550,000 to buy a house and Rolls Royce