Jiri Prochazka might not have to wait very long for another shot at Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) gold.
Alex Pereira, 36, made more history at UFC 295 this past November 2023. Battling for vacant gold against the former Light Heavyweight champion, Prochazka, Pereira became a two-division champion with his second round technical knockout win (watch highlights) after previously holding the Middleweight crown.
Both fighters returned to action at UFC 300 this past month (April 13, 2024). Before Pereira successfully defended his title with a first round knockout of Jamahal Hill (watch highlights) in the main event, Prochazka provided a rude welcome back for the perennial contender, Aleksandar Rakic, with a second round technical knockout (watch highlights). Despite the win getting Prochazka back on a one-fight winning “streak,” it appears to have been enough to put him in title fight consideration.
“Breaking news,” Pereira said at a UFC 301 media scrum (h/t MMA Fighting). “I think if I wait for that fight it will take too long. I want to fight earlier than that and I think, as far as we know, most likely the next in line is going to be Prochazka. Ankalaev is going to have to wait a little bit. I know Jamahal Hill’s been talking some trash, but is also going to have to wait a little longer. I think Prochazka’s the next one.”
Few fighters have been as unlucky as the top Light Heavyweight, Ankalaev, in recent years. Holding a 10-1-1 (1 no contest) record in UFC (18-1-1, 1 no contest overall), the Russian has been undefeated since his promotional debut in March 2018. Unfortunately for him, his lone bid for gold against Jan Blachowicz resulted in a split draw at UFC 282 in December 2022. He’s been stuck dealing with Johnny Walker ever since.
Ideally, Pereira hoped to make a ridiculously quick turnaround after his recent win by fighting at UFC 301 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil this weekend (Sat., May 4, 2024). Unsurprisingly, nothing came together for the event and the headliner remains the Flyweight title clash between the champion, Alexandre Pantoja, and challenger, Steve Erceg.
MMAmania.com will deliver LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire UFC 301 fight card on fight night, starting with the early ESPN+ “Prelims” matches at 6 p.m. ET, followed by the remaining undercard balance on ESPN2/ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET, before the PPV main card start time at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+ PPV.
To check out the latest and greatest UFC 301: “Pantoja vs. Erceg” news and notes be sure to hit up our comprehensive events archive right here. For the updated and finalized UFC 301 fight card and ESPN+ lineup click here.