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Former UFC Champ Highlights ‘Weirdest Thing’ About Fighting Alex Pereira

Alex Pereira will defend his UFC light heavyweight champion against Khalil Rountree at UFC 307 this weekend. Winning would help him break Ronda Rousey’s record and make him the UFC champion to defend their belt three times in the shortest duration. Pereira’s rise to the top of the sport is unprecedented. He got a title […]

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Pereira’s rise to the top of the sport is unprecedented. He got a title shot at Israel Adesanya after just three fights in the UFC and bagged the middleweight championship by knocking out the long-time champ in the fifth.

After his only UFC loss to “The Last Stylebender”, “Poatan” has continued his impressive run in the light heavyweight division. According to Daniel Cormier, fighting the Brazilian is a huge mental challenge as well, and Rountree might be already doing better than the likes of Jamahal Hill and Ji?í Procházka…

Daniel Cormier Gives Khalil Rountree The Edge Over Jamahal Hill And Ji?í Procházka Ahead Of UFC 307 Title Fight Against Alex Pereira

Cormier interviewed Rountree on his YouTube channel recently. When asked about the odds heavily favoring the champion, Rountree stated that people underestimate him because he doesn’t talk trash and is usually respectful during interviews.

To this, Cormier couldn’t help but bring up how fighters act unusual before taking on Pereira. Hill used several antics to try and get into the UFC light heavyweight kingpin’s head, with DC recalling him trying to break the arrow during Pereira’s walkout at UFC 300. Following the KO loss, Hill has been called out by fans for making excuses as well.

Prochazka, who’s lost twice to Pereira, recently claimed that the Brazilian uses black magic and spirits to beat his opponents. For someone as stoic as the Czech fighter, these claims were called strange by many.

Rountree, according to Cormier, doesn’t seem to be acting unusual leading up to his UFC 307 title fight. He’s still the nice guy in interviews and isn’t feeling the pressure of facing an intimidating opponent like Pereira.

“That’s you, right? That’s you! But, the weirdest thing about Pereira and dealing with Pereira, people start to act like not themselves. So, when he was walking to the Octagon, Jamahal Hill was like reaching over the cage like come on! He’s like very animated. Ji?í Procházka is just doing all kind of weird s**t. Jiri doing all kind of crazy s**t up in there. He’s doing this, he’s doing.. Jiri’s just not acting like himself, right?”

READ MORE: UFC 307: Bold Prediction From Alex Pereira’s Training Partner For Main Event

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Ji?í Procházka Reiterates Plan To Move Down To Middleweight Following Dricus Du Plessis’ Title Defense

There is a realistic possibility that we could be seeing Ji?í Procházka competing in a new weight class next time out. Just as he did some time after UFC 303, Procházka continued to tease a drop down in weight in a new video on his YouTube channel. In the video, the Czech star mentions feeling […]

Continue Reading Ji?í Procházka Reiterates Plan To Move Down To Middleweight Following Dricus Du Plessis’ Title Defense at MMA News.

There is a realistic possibility that we could be seeing Ji?í Procházka competing in a new weight class next time out.

Just as he did some time after UFC 303, Procházka continued to tease a drop down in weight in a new video on his YouTube channel.

In the video, the Czech star mentions feeling ready to fight again now, but he is currently waiting for the right conditions to go into a matchup sharp in mind, body, and spirit.

The interviewer then asks Procházka about the weight he plans to return at. The former light heavyweight champion states that if Dricus Du Plessis were to win at UFC 305, he would look at the possibility of moving down to middleweight. The South African retained the middleweight championship earlier this month at UFC 305, submitting Israel Adesanya.

“I’ll clear things up a bit there and take the belt,” Procházka said. “But I feel good and strong in the light heavyweight division, even though the guys there are a bit heavier, almost all of them. So I have to say that I have no problem physically and strength-wise, or in any way, with clearing them out.

“But it would certainly be a challenge for me to go for the belt in the (middleweight) division and then move (back) up. But I’ll really let it flow and see how it unfolds.”

Ji?í Procházka Eyeing Move Down To Middleweight To Challenge Dricus Du Plessis

Procházka is coming off an unsuccessful challenge of Alex Pereira for the UFC light heavyweight championship at UFC 303 in June. The result marked the second time in about seven months that the two clashed over the championship.

Pereira recently teased his own move down to middleweight to challenge Du Plessis and try to become a simultaneous two-division champion, having already held the 185-pound gold before his move up to 205 pounds.

Procházka was also asked about rumors of a potential fight with another former light heavyweight champion in Jamahal Hill. “Sweet Dreams” fell in his own challenge of “Poatan” at UFC 300 — the same card that saw Procházka finish Aleksandar Raki?.

The Czechia native poured cold water on such rumors during this interview.

“There hasn’t been any negotiation or discussion with the manager, or anyone else yet,” Procházka said. “I just sent one message regarding Hill, just as an informational note, and I’m not sure if anything has progressed or if someone let something slip. But for now, it’s all just speculation.”

Read More: UFC Fight Night Results & Highlights: Caio Borralho Decisions Jared Cannonier

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Jiri Prochazka weighs up title fight with Dricus du Plessis next: ‘It would be a challenge’

Amid his sidelining from action, former undisputed light heavyweight champion, Jiri Prochazka has claimed a potential middleweight title run…

Amid his sidelining from action, former undisputed light heavyweight champion, Jiri Prochazka has claimed a potential middleweight title run may be on the cards next — particularly after Dricus du Plessis retained his title at UFC 305 against former champion, Israel Adesanya.

Prochazka, who still retains the number one rank in the light heavyweight pile, most recently headlined UFC 303 at the end of June during International Fight Week.

Suffering his second defeat to champion, Alex Pereira in their heated title rematch, Czech Republic striker, Prochazka was stopped with a brutal high-kick knockout.

Jiri Prochazka eyes third fight with Alex Pereira despite UFC 303 loss I know I can beat him

And in the immediate aftermath of his loss, the former Rizin FF star weighed up both a middleweight drop in chase of a second Octagon crown — or a title-eliminator against fellow former champion, Jamahal Hill.

In his most recent victory, devastating knockout ace, Prochazka rallied to best Aleksandar Rakic with a stunning second round stoppage at UFC 300 earlier this year to boot.

Jiri Prochazka plans middleweight drop after UFC 303 title fighjt loss it would be a new start

Jiri Prochazka weighs up Dricus du Plessis title charge

And still undecided on his future amid links to an impending return to action later this year, Prochazka has welcomed the chance to take on Pretoria favorite, du Plessis for the middleweight championship.

“I’ve been considering that if (Israel Adesanya) wins, I’ll stay in the light heavyweight division, but if (Dricus) du Plessis wins, I’ll follow him,” Jiri Prochazka said on his official YouTube channel.

“I’ll clear things up in a bit there and take the belt,” Jiri Prochazka explained. “It would certainly be a challenge for me to go for the belt in the [middleweight] division. And then move up [back to light heavyweight].”

Winning 205lbs gold back in the summer of 2022, Prochazka travelled to Singapore where he toppled then-champion, Glover Teixeira with a stunning fifth round finish — defeating the Brazilian with a rear-naked choke stoppage — sans hooks, with the challenger down on the scorecards heading into the final round.

Jan Blachowicz wants Ji?í Procházka Next: “I think it will be a very good fight”

Jan Blachowicz thinks a fight with Ji?í Procházka makes the most sense. Blachowicz has been on the shelf ever…

Jan Blachowicz thinks a fight with Ji?í Procházka makes the most sense.

Blachowicz has been on the shelf ever since a July 2023 loss to Alex Pereira in the current light heavyweight champion’s divisional debut. After undergoing a pair of should surgeries, the Polish powerhouse is healed up and is hoping to make his return to the Octagon before 2024 comes to a close.

As for who he could find himself competing against, Blachowicz believes there’s only one man who fits the bill. Well, maybe two.

“For me, what makes sense is Hill or Procházka,” Blachowicz told MiddleEasy. “I think Ji?í is in a dark place right now. I hope that he will come back and we make this fight because I think it will be a very good fight, a very exciting fight. So if not Pereira, I would like to fight against Procházka, somewhere in Europe that will be very big here — in Poland or maybe in Czech Republic. It will be a great event.

“Of course, [Hill makes sense too],” Blachowicz continued. “For me, only Pereira, Hill, Procházka. I don’t (want) anybody else” (h/t MMA News).

Jan Blachowicz criticizes Khalil Rountree’s title shot

Despite the long layoff, Blachowicz still holds things down as the No. 4 ranked contender in the light heavyweight division with only Jamahal Hill, Magomed Ankalaev, and Ji?í Procházka sitting above him. Realistically, any one of those fights would make sense.

However, we can’t imagine many people clamoring for a rematch against Ankalaev after their lackluster title tilt in 2022 resulted in a draw.

Meanwhile, Alex Pereira is gearing up for his third defense of the light heavyweight title after smashing his way through both Hill and Procházka earlier this year. In a surprising twist, ‘Poatan’ will meet No. 8 ranked contender Khalil Rountree in the UFC 307 main event on October 5 in Salt Lake City.

Blachowicz, like many, was none-too-pleased to hear about Rountree’s opportunity to skip the line.

“With all due respect to Khalil but there are at least two higher ranked contenders who are ready to fight Poatan,” Blachowicz wrote on X. “He doesn’t need special protection.”

Jiri Prochazka promises fight news, calls for Jamahal Hill: ‘I will let you know soon’

Amid calls for a title-eliminator with fellow former light heavyweight champion, Jamahal Hill earlier over the course of the…

Amid calls for a title-eliminator with fellow former light heavyweight champion, Jamahal Hill earlier over the course of the weekend, Jiri Prochazka has now confirmed he should receive news on his next fight soon.

Prochazka, the current number one ranked light heavyweight challenger, has been sidelined since he headlined UFC 303 in a short-notice showdown with two-time foe, Alex Pereira during the International Fight Week event.

Jiri Prochazka reveals staph infection before Alex Pereira fight everything wasn't fine

And dropping his second career loss to the Brazilian star, Jiri Prochazka was felled with a stunning second round high-kick knockout – his second defeat to Pereira since their vacant title clash back in November of last year in Madison Square Garden.

As for Hill, the Illinois native himself has yet to return since he headlined UFC 300 back in April against common-foe, Pereira, dropping his own spectacular opening round knockout loss to the Sao Paulo finishing ace.

Jiri Prochazka eyes title eliminator with Jamahal Hill

And with both eyeing their way back to a title grudge fight with the former two-weight titleholder, Pereira, Prochazka has suggested he fight Hill next – hoping to land himself a quickfire return to action.

“I’m here in Perth, just came back from training and the event,” Jiri Prochazka said on his official Instagram account. “A really great event and fights. Congrats to all the winners – not just the winners, everyone. And about my next fight – I will let you [know] soon. Stay here, and now, let’s go for that.”

In his most recent win, Czech Republic native, Prochazka landed a stunning, rallying knockout win over fellow European favorite, Aleksandar Rakic at UFC 300 – earning himself a rematch fight with Pereira just months later on short-notice.

Receiving flak for his next Octagon walk, Pereira is slated to headline UFC 307 at the beginning of October, taking on surging challenger, Khalil Rountree – who is returning from a controversial anti-doping violation just earlier this annum.

Chael Sonnen ‘Fascinated’ By Talk Of Ji?í Procházka Dropping To Middleweight: ‘Procházka vs. Du Plessis? You Have My Attention’

Former UFC title challenger Chael Sonnen is intrigued by the possibility of Ji?í Procházka joining the division he formerly competed in. Procházka is currently just over a week on from his latest outing at the UFC 303 pay-per-view, which saw his second failed bid to achieve two-time champion status on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage […]

Continue Reading Chael Sonnen ‘Fascinated’ By Talk Of Ji?í Procházka Dropping To Middleweight: ‘Procházka vs. Du Plessis? You Have My Attention’ at MMA News.

Former UFC title challenger Chael Sonnen is intrigued by the possibility of Ji?í Procházka joining the division he formerly competed in.

Procházka is currently just over a week on from his latest outing at the UFC 303 pay-per-view, which saw his second failed bid to achieve two-time champion status on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage play out.

Having had his light heavyweight reign brought to an end by a severe shoulder injury in late 2022, “BJP” returned in competition for the then-vacant belt at UFC 295 last November. On that night, Alex Pereira exited the cage with the gold in his possession, completing two-division glory in the process.

With both subsequently recording wins at UFC 300 this past April, they ran it back on short notice after the June 29 numbered event was left in desperate need of a headline savior.

The Czech star answered the call and looked to right the wrongs from his first showdown with “Poatan.” But unfortunately for the former champ, he was soundly beaten second time around.

In the aftermath, a disappointed Procházka admitted he needs to “evolve” as a fighter or simply not compete any longer. Separately, his coach pitched a drop to middleweight following his man’s latest setback at 205 pounds.

That idea appears to be one that gets a former title challenger in both divisions off his seat…

Sonnen ‘Loves’ The Idea Of Middleweight Procházka

During a video recently uploaded to his YouTube channel, Sonnen reacted to talk of Procházka possibly testing the middleweight waters down the line, a move that the former champ himself has previously insisted would be doable.

While he suggested a divisional switch is not a necessity for “BJP” despite his two defeats to the current light heavyweight kingpin, “The Bad Guy” did point out a number of mouthwatering matchups that could await the Czech star down at 185 pounds.

“Ji?í Procházka’s coach suggests the former champion should move down to middleweight. … Well, I don’t want to take on that coach or his opinion because he is damn good and he created a world champion there,” Sonnen said. “I believe what he is offering, in front of everything else, is that it is not time for Ji?í to retire. I agree with that, fully.

“I don’t believe there is a meaningful difference if you become a world champion in a different division. … Ji?í at 185, that is completely fascinating to me. I love that idea,” Sonnen continued. “I really don’t want to see Ji?í vs. Alex Pereira (again). I didn’t really want to see Ji?í vs. Alex Pereira last weekend. That’s just not the one that I was itching for. But I tell you what, Ji?í Procházka vs. Du Plessis? You have my attention. Ji?í Procházka vs. Sean Strickland, vs. Izzy Adesanya, wow, vs. Robert Whittaker, woah, things just got really interesting. Ji?í Procházka vs. Khamzat Chimaev! Ji?í at 185, I love this concept, but I’m not bothered by the concept of Ji?í staying at 205.”

It remains to be seen what Procházka’s plans are for the future and whether he shares his coach’s view on a middleweight move next.

But regardless, the always entertaining “BJP” is already back to his unique and unorthodox training regime back in Czechia.

Read More: Magomed Ankalaev Reacts To Alex Pereira’s Interaction With Anthony Joshua: ‘One More UFC Champion Wants To Run To Boxing’

Continue Reading Chael Sonnen ‘Fascinated’ By Talk Of Ji?í Procházka Dropping To Middleweight: ‘Procházka vs. Du Plessis? You Have My Attention’ at MMA News.