Jiri Prochazka shows-off absolutely shredded physique ahead of short-notice title clash against Alex Pereira at UFC 303
Jiri Prochazka is set to make his return to the octagon when he faces Alex Pereira in the main event of UFC 303 in just under two weeks. The pair stepped in on short notice to save the card after Conor McGregor, who had been set to end his three-year hiatus and face Michael Chandler, was forced to withdraw due to an undisclosed injury.
The No.1-ranked light heavyweight shared a photo of himself ahead of his return to Las Vegas. Championship Rounds reposted the image, captioning the post:
"Jiri Prochazka in great shape ahead of #UFC303 💪 “Last refresh. Let’s go to Vegas.” 📸 IG / @jiri_bjp #UFC #MMA"
Check out the post from Championship Rounds below:
Prochazka and Pereira previously clashed for the vacant light heavyweight title at UFC 295 last November. 'Poatan' won the bout via second-round TKO, however, many felt that the stoppage was premature.
Both fighters returned at UFC 300 in April with the champion defending his title with a first-round knockout victory over Jamahal Hill. Meanwhile, the No.1-ranked light heavyweight defeated Aleksandar Rakic via second-round TKO. The latter was able to take home a $300,000 Performance of the Night bonus for his efforts. He will now have a chance to avenge his only loss since joining the promotion and reclaim the light heavyweight title.
Jiri Prochazka previously expressed that he was willing to return as soon as UFC 303
Following UFC 300, Alex Pereira hinted that Jiri Prochazka should receive the next light heavyweight title opportunity. The No.1-ranked light heavyweight provided a timeline for his return last month, revealing that he would be ready to return as soon as UFC 303.
Speaking to James Lynch of Bodog Canada, Prochazka shared:
"I think about after August - July or August - or something like that. October, maybe. It doesn't matter. For me, it doesn't matter. If they want for me to fight in some short [notice], I will do that. I will go for that... If [UFC 303] will be accepted by Alex, I will do that. I will go with that."
Check out Jiri Prochazka's full comments on facing Alex Pereira below:
Prochazka's victory at UFC 300 marked his first since capturing the title from Glover Teixeira at UFC 275 nearly two years ago. He was forced out of their scheduled rematch at UFC 282 after suffering a right shoulder injury that kept him sidelined for over a year.