Jiri Prochazka, the former UFC light heavyweight champion, is known for his unorthodox fighting style and samurai-like mentality. He has set the MMA world abuzz with hints of a potential move to the middleweight division. The Czech fighter has long been a dominant force at 205 pounds, but this may be changing soon.
Prochazka dropped this bombshell during a fan Q&A session ahead of UFC 305. This has left fans and pundits alike speculating about the future of this electrifying athlete. During the Q&A, Jiri Prochazka dropped a tantalizing hint, suggesting that the outcome of the upcoming middleweight title fight between Dricus du Plessis and Israel Adesanya at UFC 305 could influence his decision.
“I’m just recharging. I need to keep calm right now, be in training, and keep my answer inside. So let’s see who will win tomorrow, and maybe that will [influence] my answer,” said Prochazka.
Prochazka’s consideration of a weight class change comes on the heels of his second loss to Alex Pereira at UFC 303. This was a setback that has clearly prompted some soul-searching in the fighter’s camp. It’s not every day that a 6-foot-4 light heavyweight contemplates dropping down a weight class, but then again, Prochazka has never been one to follow the conventional path.
The timing of Prochazka’s revelation is particularly intriguing, coming just a day before a major middleweight title clash. For those unfamiliar with Prochazka’s history, this wouldn’t be his first rodeo with weight class changes. The Czech fighter has previously dabbled in the heavyweight division during his time in RIZIN, even participating in their 2015 Heavyweight Grand Prix. However, a move to middleweight would be uncharted territory for him.
Jiri Prochazka’s Coach Reveals Potential Move To Another Weight Division Following UFC 303 Loss
Bold moves are sometimes required to reshape entire careers. Such appears to be the case for Prochazka, who may be considering a significant change following his recent loss.‘BJP’ suffered a second defeat to Alex Pereira in their highly anticipated rematch at UFC 303.
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Now, in the aftermath of this setback, Prochazka’s coach, Martin Karaivanov, has dropped a bombshell that’s sent ripples through the MMA community. He had revealed that this may be the last time Jiri Prochazka fights at 205 pounds.
“[Jiri Prochazka] might consider moving to another weight class… It will not be just my decision but the team’s decision. Middleweight would give meaning as a new restart. And then [potentially return] back to light heavyweight,” said Karaivanov.
Karaivanov’s emphasis on this being a team decision shows the careful consideration behind such a move. It’s not just about Prochazka shedding a few pounds but about reshaping his career trajectory. With Jiri Prochazka himself hinting at the move, fans are anticipating what is yet to come for the Czech fighter.
