Former light heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka is aiming for a comeback in the Octagon this autumn, specifically targeting October, after his recent setback at UFC 327.
Prochazka’s bid to reclaim the light heavyweight title ended in a first-round knockout loss to Carlos Ulberg at UFC 327. Despite an early knee injury sustained by Ulberg, Prochazka was unable to capitalize and was eventually stopped by a decisive strike.
Acknowledging a costly misstep in not seizing the opportunity presented, the Czech fighter is now looking ahead. In a recent conversation on The Ariel Helwani Show, Prochazka confirmed he has put the loss behind him and is focusing on his return. He plans to take a short break to spend time with his newborn daughter before re-entering competition.
“I keep myself sharp and fresh all year,” Prochazka stated. “Right now I have time with my girls, so it will be like two months. I just came back from the fight and went straight to the hospital, and all these things. So right now I believe August, September, November, October, something around October.”
When pressed about potential opponents for his return, the 33-year-old contender expressed a clear preference for facing either Paulo Costa or Magomed Ankalaev, emphasizing his desire to fight the best to remain the best.
“Right now, Costa or Ankalaev… I don’t care. I want the best. I want to be the best. And since you understand that you want to be the best, you have to defeat whoever. So, one of them, I believe, deserves the fight.”
Jiri Prochazka’s UFC record stands at 6-3, featuring significant victories over Jamahal Hill, Glover Teixeira, and Khalil Rountree Jr.
