This past Saturday night in the main event of UFC 303, the light heavyweight title was on the line in a rematch. Former champion Jiri Prochazka (30-5-1) was trying to regain the light heavyweight title as he took on current champion Alex Pereira (11-2).
When Jiri Prochazka fights, he throws caution to the wind. He always presses forward and looks for big shots without much fear of what’s coming back at him. Having been knocked out by Alex Pereira once before, you could tell that was on the mind of the former champion. While he was using a lot of feints like he typically does, he didn’t dart in and out as the same clip.
He did press forward at times but he was much more measured in his attack. In a way, that played right into the hands of the champion who was extremely measured. At the end of the first round, Pereira landed a flush left hook that sent Prochazka down. The bell sounded which likely saved Prochazka.
As soon as the second round started, Pereira landed a massive head kick and the fight was over. The former UFC champion fell to 0-2 against the current light heavyweight champion.
What’s next after UFC 303?
Jiri Prochazka is now 0-2 against the current champion which really puts him in a tough position. I believe that Prochazka is the second best light heavyweight in the world, but he’s going to have to convince the world that he can earn a third shot even while Pereira is champion. I do believe this being a short-notice title fight would help his case for a third fight.
That said, he’s going to need a couple of wins before he gets another shot. So, who should the UFC look at for potential opponents. Former champion Jamahal Hill makes a lot of sense to me. Hill and Prochazka are both coming off getting knocked out by Pereira. Hill was supposed to fight on Saturday night as well but a knee injury took him out.
Perhaps by the time he recovers from that injury, Prochazka will be ready to return. Jan Blachowicz, Khalil Rountree, and Carlos Ulberg could also be possibilities for Prochazka. The UFC will give him a premium opponent and will put him in a big spot regardless of who it is whenever he returns.