Jiri Prochazka may not have to attend very lengthy for one more shot at Final Preventing Championship (UFC) gold.
Alex Pereira, 36, made extra historical past at UFC 295 this previous November 2023. Battling for vacant gold towards the previous Gentle Heavyweight champion, Prochazka, Pereira turned a two-division champion along with his second spherical technical knockout win (watch highlights) after beforehand holding the Middleweight crown.
Each fighters returned to motion at UFC 300 this previous month (April 13, 2024). Earlier than Pereira efficiently defended his title with a primary spherical knockout of Jamahal Hill (watch highlights) in the principle occasion, Prochazka offered a impolite welcome again for the perennial contender, Aleksandar Rakic, with a second spherical technical knockout (watch highlights). Regardless of the win getting Prochazka again on a one-fight profitable “streak,” it seems to have been sufficient to place him in title struggle consideration.
Sorry, Magomed Ankalaev.
“Breaking information,” Pereira stated at a UFC 301 media scrum (h/t MMA Preventing). “I believe if I look forward to that struggle it’s going to take too lengthy. I need to struggle sooner than that and I believe, so far as we all know, most probably the subsequent in line goes to be Prochazka. Ankalaev goes to have to attend a little bit bit. I do know Jamahal Hill’s been speaking some trash, however can also be going to have to attend a little bit longer. I believe Prochazka’s the subsequent one.”
Few fighters have been as unfortunate as the highest Gentle Heavyweight, Ankalaev, in recent times. Holding a 10-1-1 (1 no contest) report in UFC (18-1-1, 1 no contest total), the Russian has been undefeated since his promotional debut in March 2018. Sadly for him, his lone bid for gold towards Jan Blachowicz resulted in a break up draw at UFC 282 in December 2022. He’s been caught coping with Johnny Walker ever since.
Ideally, Pereira hoped to make a ridiculously fast turnaround after his current win by combating at UFC 301 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil this weekend (Sat., Might 4, 2024). Unsurprisingly, nothing got here collectively for the occasion and the headliner stays the Flyweight title conflict between the champion, Alexandre Pantoja, and challenger, Steve Erceg.
MMAmania.com will ship LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow protection of the complete UFC 301 struggle card on struggle evening, beginning with the early ESPN+ “Prelims” matches at 6 p.m. ET, adopted by the remaining undercard stability on ESPN2/ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET, earlier than the PPV most important card begin time at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+ PPV.
To take a look at the most recent and biggest UFC 301: “Pantoja vs. Erceg” information and notes remember to hit up our complete occasions archive proper right here. For the up to date and finalized UFC 301 struggle card and ESPN+ lineup click on right here.
