Jiří Procházka is determined to do whatever it takes to secure a third shot at UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira. Procházka is set to face former champion Jamahal Hill in a crucial matchup for both fighters at UFC 311 next month. While he remains laser-focused on this immediate challenge, Procházka is well aware of the potential opportunities that may arise from a standout performance against Hill.
In June, Procházka and Pereira played pivotal roles in salvaging the UFC’s International Fight Week pay-per-view event after Conor McGregor’s injury led to his withdrawal. Procházka found himself preparing for a rematch with Pereira on short notice, ultimately falling short once more as he suffered a second-round knockout at the hands of the Brazilian powerhouse.
Despite having lost twice to Pereira, Procházka continues to be a significant player in the UFC light heavyweight title picture. With a strong finish at UFC 311, he could position himself to skip ahead in the title contender line. While Magomed Ankalaev is the expected next challenger, Procházka’s success could allow him to lay claim to a trilogy matchup against Pereira.
For Procházka, the opportunity for a third encounter with Pereira transcends legacy; it embodies a lifetime of dedication and hard work.
In a recent interview with MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck, Procházka opened up about the importance of potentially facing Pereira again for the UFC championship. He addressed his aspirations, saying, “Maybe it sounds crazy or whatever, but I’m working towards being the champion [again]. Every time, I’m just focused on what’s before me. What’s the next step? Right now, it’s Jamahal Hill. Next? We will see who will be the champion and if it’ll be Alex.”
He continued with heartfelt reflections on his title reign, stating, “For me right now, if there will be a third fight with Alex, that for me would be really the fight for my life…the first time, when I won [the title], I didn’t realize it was a big thing in my life. I wasn’t grateful for it… I treated it automatically that I would be the champion…and that’s all.”
Before his two losses to Pereira, Procházka clinched the UFC light heavyweight title in dramatic fashion against Glover Teixeira at UFC 275. He has also scored notable finishes against contenders like Dominick Reyes, Aleksandar Rakić, and Volkan Oezdemir during his time in the promotion.
Procházka vacated the light heavyweight title in 2022 due to a shoulder injury that sidelined him shortly after his victory at UFC 275. Following a rigorous recovery period of a year and a half, he made his return at UFC 295, stepping into the Octagon against Pereira for the then-vacant title.
Securing a third fight with Pereira is no easy task for Procházka, as the UFC typically avoids setting up trilogy bouts when one fighter has already won twice. The notable exception to this trend is the trilogy between Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway, where Holloway lost all three encounters.
After hinting at a potential move down to middleweight, Procházka’s sights are firmly set on another showdown with Pereira. His recent comments about the significance of a potential trilogy are sure to add further intrigue to his upcoming battle at UFC 311.
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