Should Jiri Prochazka reclaim his light heavyweight title at UFC 303, he’ll be 1-1 win the global superstar and in prime position for a trilogy.
Whilst it’s certainly not a ‘Notorious’ PPV return to Las Vegas, the new main event of UFC 303 is one to savor as light heavyweight superstars clash in what could very well be a ‘best two out of three’ scenario.
With a win at UFC 305, Prochazka envisions a potential trilogy with Pereira
Speaking via The Schmo YouTube channel, Jiri Prochazka was asked what the biggest difference will be between his upcoming rematch with Alex Pereira at UFC 303, and the pair’s first clash back in 2023 when Pereira claimed the then-vacant 205lb title.
“The [fight will be] different because there is a new me and how I see it, there is a new Alex [too]. This is the new chance, this is absolutely a new fight, so this is nothing about some vendetta or revenge.
“For me, this is the new match, absolutely – I’m just taking the learn [experiences] from the November [fight] in New York and I just believe [in myself], I’m going for that.”
Given that Alex Pereira is undoubtedly one of the biggest superstars in the UFC, should Jiri Prochazka re-claim his light heavyweight title in Las Vegas; it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the promotion pushing for a trilogy fight later in the year.
Whilst Prochazka noted that the rumor surrounding a potential trilogy matchup is “all speculation” as he prepares for this weekend’s highly anticipated rematch, the Czech Samurai did acknowledge that he would accept a third fight with Pereira without hesitation.
“I’m going to take that belt then I am open for everything… Like [I say] every time, I just want to fight the best guys in my division and [figure out] who is the best in the fighting sport.”
Should Prochazka get his hand raised, especially through yet another viral finish, arguably the most likely timeline for that trilogy could be October’s UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi, or the rumored New York PPV card in November.
What happens if Pereira wins the rematch with Prochazka?
Whilst Jiri Prochazka might be open to a potential trilogy matchup with Alex Pereira later in 2024, ‘Poatan’ himself has also thrown cold water on the idea of his own potential trilogy matchup with long-term rival Israel Adesanya.
“No, I wouldn’t go back to middleweight to face Israel Adesanya, I don’t even think I can make 185 lbs anymore,” the two-division champion told Stake, via MMA Weekly.
“I feel super motivated at light heavyweight. If there were talks about another match with him, it would have to be at light heavyweight.”
Instead, Pereira teased that his next fight, should he best ‘BJP’ a second time, could be against Russian contender Magomed Ankalaev.
“Magomed Ankalaev is a guy I would like to test myself against. A lot of people talk about that match up and say that he will submit me really quickly.
“I would like to shut a lot of those people up and show a lot of my ground game as well. It won’t be an easy fight, but it will be a very interesting fight.’’
So, there we have it; a win for Prochazka at UFC 303 will likely mean a third fight with Pereira later in the year, whilst a win for ‘Poatan’ will see the promotion lean towards Ankalaev for the next light heavyweight title fight.