Jiri Prochazka not ruling out a future move to heavyweight, names Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou as dream fights (Exclusive)
Jiri Prochazka was the inaugural RIZIN light heavyweight champion and defended his title once before signing with the UFC. Before RIZIN had a light heavyweight division, Prochazka made his promotional debut in the promotion's heavyweight grand prix, which he had to pull out of due to an injury.
During an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda MMA, Andrew Whitelaw asked Prochazka if has future plans for a move up to heavyweight. While 'Denisa' appears open to the idea, he currently considers the 205-pound weight class a perfect fit for him.
Prochazka claims that he can feel strong and fast at light heavyweight without having to undergo brutal weight cuts. The Czech fighter has no immediate plans of moving up a weight class, at least not in the next three years. The 30-year-old told Sportskeeda MMA:
"Now I feel, this timeline of my life, these next three years I feel for light heavyweight. That's my weight. Yeah, maybe later. Maybe later I will feel, 'Let's go to the heavyweight.' But now I feel light heavyweight is the best one for me. I don't need to cut a lot of weight. And still I feel strong, I feel powerful, I feel fast. So light heavyweight is the best for me right now."
Catch Jiri Prochazka's comments (19:20) below:
The only two active UFC fighters featured on Prochazka's list of dream opponents are from the heavyweight division. 'Denisa' is eyeing heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou and the legendary Jon Jones, who's rumored to be on the brink of making his heavyweight debut, as potential future opponents. He added (25:00):
"Of course, 100% Jon Jones. Very dangerous is [Francis] Ngannou."
Jiri Prochazka believes winner of Jan Blachowicz vs. Magomed Ankalaev will be his next challenger
Jiri Prochazka will look to successfully defend his title against Glover Teixeira in their rematch at UFC 282. The card will also feature a No.1 contender clash between former former light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz and surging contender Magomed Ankalaev.
Prochazka confirmed that the winner of Blachowicz vs. Ankalaev is likely to get the next shot at the UFC lightweight title. The UFC light heavyweight champion further told Sportskeeda MMA (9:25):
"I think one of these guys will be the next challenger. It's logic[al] and both of these guys are very good."
Jiri Prochazka did not want to give a prediction for the upcoming clash between Blachowicz and Ankalaev. According to 'Denisa', both fighters have different styles and the one who imposes his style will come out victorious. The 30-year-old continued:
"My angle of view, Blachowicz has power and moment of surprise. And Ankalaev is very quick, he's fast and so it's two different guys and we'll see who will show his strong side in the fight."
No. 2 Jan Blachowicz vs. No. 3 Magomed Ankalaev is set for UFC 282 on Dec. 10, per sources. Gotta believe this will produce the next light heavyweight title contender after Glover Teixeira. https://t.co/QJ1LvBHscR