Jiri Prochazka was not impressed with Jan Blachowicz vs. Magomed Ankalaev title fight
Jiri Prochazka vacated his UFC light heavyweight title due to suffering a shoulder injury while training for his main event bout at UFC 282. The Czech fighter was meant to take on Glover Teixeira in his first title defense. Instead, Jan Blachowicz and Magomed Ankalaev faced off for the vacant belt.
However, Prochazka was left unimpressed by the display put on by Ankalaev and Blachowicz during the makeshift main event bout at UFC 282. While speaking to Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour, 'Denisa' stated that the two light heavyweights should have risked more during the bout:
"They [Ankalaev and Blachowicz] not gave 200% to get the title. Because for me, it's simple, if you are in the UFC and if you are fighting for the title or every fight it doesn't matter, you have to fight for life."
Watch Prochazka speak to Helwani on The MMA Hour here (59:20):
Jiri Prochazka will likely return when he's recovered from his shoulder injury. However, the Czech fighter still has no idea who he will have to beat in order to regain the belt.
The UFC 282 main event between Ankalaev and Blachowicz ended in a split draw after five rounds of fighting. Many felt the Russian had done enough to get his hand raised, with even Blachowicz saying Ankalaev should have the belt when speaking in the octagon.
However, the Polish fighter seemingly changed his mind upon returning home. Despite still feeling he lost the bout, Jan Blachowicz stated that a draw was the correct result.
Let me reiterate something. First - I honestly don't think the fight was terrible at all. Second - I don't feel I've won but neither that I lost. A draw was fair. 1/2
Who could Jiri Prochazka face upon returning to the UFC?
Jiri Prochazka's vacant light heavyweight title will once again be on the line at UFC 283 next year. Prochazka will be hoping for a winner this time, with Glover Teixeira and Jamahal Hill scheduled to throw down in the main event in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
It would seem logical that the winner of this bout would be Prochazka's return opponent. Teixeira has already faced the Czech fighter this June at UFC 275, with 'Denisa' securing a late submission win in the fifth round to secure the title.
Watch Prochazka's incredible victory against Teixeira at UFC 275 here:
However, Jamahal Hill will pose a completely new and exciting threat to Jiri Prochazka's flawless UFC record. Hill has been a devastating finisher during his UFC career, with 80% of his victories in the organization coming via KO/TKO.