Jiří Procházka Eyes Middleweight Move After Championship Shake-Up
Jiří Procházka, the dynamic Czech light heavyweight contender, has once again expressed his interest in a potential move to the middleweight division. Following two consecutive losses to light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, Procházka believes he possesses the capability to make the weight cut and compete for a title in a lower weight class. This strategic consideration is heavily influenced by the outcome of the upcoming UFC middleweight championship bout.
The Strategic Middleweight Consideration
Jiří Procházka has been a significant force in the UFC’s light heavyweight division, boasting an impressive record of 4 wins and only 2 losses within the promotion, with both defeats coming at the hands of the formidable champion, Alex Pereira. Despite these setbacks, Procházka has demonstrated his dominance by defeating all other opponents he has faced in the Octagon. His recent contemplation of a move to middleweight stems from a calculated assessment of his physical capabilities and the evolving landscape of the division. Procházka firmly believes that he could successfully make the 185-pound weight limit, a crucial factor for any fighter considering a division change. This potential shift in weight class is not a spur-of-the-moment decision but rather a strategic move contingent on significant developments within the middleweight division.
A Championship Contingency Plan
The fate of the middleweight division’s championship belt plays a pivotal role in Procházka’s potential career trajectory. He has clearly articulated that his decision to move down would be directly tied to the outcome of the highly anticipated middleweight title fight between champion Dricus Du Plessis and former champion Israel Adesanya at UFC 305. Procházka stated that if Adesanya emerges victorious, he would likely remain in the light heavyweight division. However, if Du Plessis successfully defends his title, Procházka has signaled his strong intention to challenge the newly solidified champion. This decisive statement underscores Procházka’s ambition and his willingness to actively pursue championship gold, regardless of the division. He expressed confidence in his ability to „clarify things and get the belt“ if he makes the move, indicating a strong belief in his fight capabilities.
Exploring Options in Both Divisions
While the allure of a middleweight title is a significant draw, Procházka is also keeping his options open within his current light heavyweight division. He has indicated his openness to a fight against Jamahal Hill, another fighter who recently suffered a knockout loss to Alex Pereira. Procházka clarified that while he has sent a message to express his interest in a potential bout with Hill, there have been no formal negotiations or discussions with his management or anyone else regarding this matchup. This suggests that while Procházka is actively considering his next steps, these are still in the early stages of exploration. He acknowledged that „the boys are a bit heavier“ in the light heavyweight division, but he feels strong and capable, asserting that he has no physical or strength issues competing against them. Nevertheless, he recognizes that challenging for a middleweight belt would present a significant hurdle, and he is prepared to let the situation unfold organically.
