Jiri Prochazka eyes future middleweight drop after reclaiming UFC title: ‘I know I could handle the division’

Jiri Prochazka eyes middleweight move after reclaiming UFC gold I could handle the division

Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka is open to dropping down to middleweight in the near future.

Prochazka has been a light heavyweight for the majority of his career, as he does have a couple of fights at heavyweight. However, Jiri Prochazka says his new goal is to drop down to middleweight, but first, he wants to defeat Alex Pereira in a rematch to reclaim his light heavyweight title.

“Rather than heavyweight, I thought I’d try middleweight,” Prochazka said in a recent interview (via MMAMania). “Because the way I feel my metabolism now and the way my body works in preparation, I know that if I adjust my diet to where I feel great and clean, I know I could handle the middleweight division with some lighter diet. But I would definitely concentrate on that after winning the light heavyweight title.”

Jiri UFC 300 2
Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC

A move down to middleweight would be intriguing, as Prochazka does seem like a well-sized light heavyweight. But, the Czechia native does think that he could make 185lbs and have success int he weight class.

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Jiri Prochazka Eyes Rematch With Alex Pereira

After Jiri Prochazka returned to the win column with a knockout win over Aleksandar Rakic at UFC 300, he called for a rematch with Alex Pereira for the light heavyweight title.

Jiri Prochazka vows to avenge loss to Alex Pereira in title rematch after UFC 300 that fight was mine
Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger – Zuffa LLC

“I like to fight for the title,” Prochazka told The MMA Hour. “Especially after the decision in New York. The fact I won the fight last Saturday, that’s the only thing I feel right now. That’s what my management is working on. I am [confident]. As soon as possible. If that will be for the title with Alex, I am open to take the date in Brazil, like in two weeks. If there will be another date, let’s see.

Jiri UFC 300 Zuffa LLC
Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Whether or not Prochazka will get the next title shot is to be seen, but he is looking to reclaim his heavyweight title. Prochazka suffered a knockout loss to Pereira back in November at UFC 295 for the vacant title.