Jiri Prochazka reacts to vacating of light heavyweight championship, considers fights with Blachowicz and Pereira

Jiri Prochazka, a popular figure from the Czech Republic, has responded to Jamahal Hill’s decision to vacate the undisputed light heavyweight championship. Prochazka expressed his good wishes to Hill for a successful rehabilitation and recovery, while also contemplating his own future in the division and the possibility of facing former champions Jan Blachowicz and Alex Pereira.

Prochazka, who previously held the undisputed light heavyweight title, has been on the sidelines since headlining UFC 275 in June of the previous year. It was during this event that he claimed the divisional gold in an impressive fifth-round victory over Glover Teixeira, submitting the Brazilian with a rear-naked choke in Singapore.

Scheduled for an immediate title rematch with Teixeira at UFC 282 in December of the same year, Prochazka, unfortunately, suffered a severe shoulder injury, leading to the cancellation of the bout. As a result, he made the decision to relinquish the title he had earned.

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Hill’s Achilles Injury Forces Him to Vacate Title

However, this week brought another twist to the light heavyweight championship picture. Hill officially announced his decision to vacate the crown after rupturing his Achilles tendon during a pick-up basketball game in International Fight Week earlier this month.

With the title once again left vacant, fans have begun calling for a championship fight between former champions Blachowicz and Pereira. The two fighters are already scheduled to compete at UFC 291 later this month, with Blachowicz being a former light heavyweight champion and Pereira having previously held the middleweight title.

Taking into account Jamahal Hill’s decision to vacate the throne, Jiri Prochazka, who currently holds the number one contender ranking, extended his sympathy to Hill and wished him a successful recovery. Prochazka also pondered his role in the ongoing title situation, posing the question of who would be next in line for the championship.

In a tweet directed at Jamahal Hill, Prochazka expressed his regret about the cancellation of their planned fight and thanked Jamahal Hill for releasing the title. He also acknowledged the significance of Jamahal’s gesture, recognizing that only someone who has been in a similar situation can truly appreciate it. Prochazka then turned his attention to the future, contemplating whether he should face the winner of the upcoming Blachowicz vs. Pereira bout or explore other options.

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