Suffering a second career loss overnight to two-time foe, Alex Pereira in the main event of UFC 303, former light heavyweight champion, Jiri Prochazka has claimed he must “evolve” as a fighter after the shuddering loss, or consider his future in the sport.
Prochazka, the current number one ranked light heavyweight contender, headlined UFC 303 overnight on short-notice against Sao Paulo favorite, Pereira, attempting to avenge a prior November knockout loss to the former two-weight champion last year.
However, dropped late in the first round with a buzzer-beating left hook, Prochazka managed to make his way back to his stool for the beginning of the second.
Sent back to the canvas just 13-seconds into the frame, however, Prochazka was felled with an almighty high kick from Pereira – rendering him unconscious with a slew of follow-up ground strikes.
Jiri Prochazka vows to evolve or stop fighting after his UFC 303 loss
And likely seeing any chance of fighting Pereira again gone with last night’s loss – Prochazka admitted he must work his way back to the top, with both Jamahal Hill, and Magomed Ankalaev staking their respective claims for a fight with the dominant kingpin.
“Hello everyone, thank you for all your support,” Jiri Prochazka said in a video posted on his official X account. “Thanks to you Alex (Pereira) for the fight, it was better. Only one thing goes on my mind: that I need to evolve, to the next level, or don’t fight again.”
//\ pic.twitter.com/LqbiaMQUb4— Jiri BJP Prochazka (@jiri_bjp) June 30, 2024
“So it’s very simple,” Jiri Prochazka continued. “To be the strongest, this is the way. Thank you, see you in the gym.
Majorly linked with a stunning heavyweight move in a bid to land a historic third Octagon crown, Pereira informed UFC color-commentator, Joe Rogan that he would like the chance to make the divisional climb.
“I think that’s in my future,” Alex Pereira said of a heavyweight move following his devastating win at UFC 303. “You know, I said that the last time I was here [inside the Octagon]. There didn’t seem to be a lot of interest in the organization, but I’m here, and I’m available and I do think that’s in my future.”
Who would you like to see Jiri Prochazka fight after his defeat at UFC 303?