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Jiri Prochazka, known for his relentless preparation and warrior mindset, is ready to reclaim the UFC light heavyweight title in a highly anticipated rematch against Alex Pereira at UFC 303 in Las Vegas this Saturday. After losing to Pereira via TKO in November 2023, Prochazka rebounded with a knockout victory over Aleksandar Rakic, maintaining his status as a top contender.
Despite the expectation that Prochazka and Pereira would face each other later this year, the announcement of their rematch headlining UFC 303 came as a surprise following Conor McGregor’s withdrawal due to injury. Prochazka was taken aback by Pereira’s willingness to defend the title on short notice.
“I was a little bit surprised by that, I can say yes,” Prochazka said on The MMA Hour. “Because I don’t know what was the reason he said yes, if it’s money or something else, but communication with me from the UFC, they gave me some better—I don’t want to be concrete, but we negotiated about better money. So I don’t know how it was with Alex.”
For Prochazka, financial considerations were secondary to his goal of regaining the title.
“But I didn’t know about the money or whatever when I accepted [the fight], so for me this is not so important because the main point is to get the title and to bring it back to the Czech Republic,” he added.
Prochazka has been a relentless competitor, fighting 15 times since 2016 and losing only once during that period. He won the UFC light heavyweight title in 2022 by defeating Glover Teixeira but had to relinquish the belt due to a shoulder injury before defending it. Now, at 31, Prochazka is eager to make up for lost time and seize any opportunity, no matter how short the notice.
Prochazka’s only recent defeat came at the hands of Pereira, who claimed the vacant title with a controversial stoppage. Now, Prochazka views their rematch not just as a chance for revenge but as a definitive opportunity to prove himself.
“Not just a chance,” Prochazka said. “I will win the fight. I will win the fight and I believe in that and I will do that, that’s all. I will not step into a fight where I don’t believe in that, in myself. I already accept that I will do everything and right now is the great chance to show that.”
Outside the octagon, Prochazka is known for his stoic persona and unconventional training methods, often sharing his lifestyle and philosophies on social media. His dedication to self-mastery and holistic living drives his relentless pursuit of excellence in the sport.
As UFC 303 approaches, fans eagerly await to see if Prochazka’s warrior spirit will propel him to reclaim the light heavyweight title from Pereira in what promises to be a high-stakes, action-packed rematch.