Jiri Prochazka remains determined to face Alex Pereira in a trilogy fight, even as the former light heavyweight champion shifts to the heavyweight division. Prochazka discussed his intentions ahead of his title bout against Carlos Ulberg at UFC 327 in Miami. He expressed confidence that their paths will cross again.
Jiri Prochazka, known as “BJP,” is convinced he will eventually get another chance to defeat Alex Pereira, nicknamed “Poatan.” Pereira recently vacated his light heavyweight title to move up to heavyweight for his next Octagon appearance. While no fights are official, Pereira is rumored to challenge Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title.
In an interview on The Ariel Helwani Show, Prochazka commented on Pereira's decision: “I’m not surprised. I think it’s a gentleman thing. When you go up, it’s normal to release the title. I hoped (to meet Pereira again). Possible opponents for me, there was Ulberg or Pereira. I wanted just one of these two for a title fight because I think other fighters don’t deserve it, and I made enough to take back what’s mine. I believe sooner or later Alex Pereira will come in my way.”
Pereira holds a 2-0 record over Prochazka, with knockout victories at UFC 295 and UFC 303. Prochazka, with a record of 32-5-1, now aims to reclaim the 205-pound crown by defeating No. 3-ranked Carlos Ulberg (13-1) in the main event of UFC 327 next month in Miami.
Prochazka outlined his strategy for the fight: “I already chose the way I like to hunt Ulberg because he don’t like the pressure. He don’t like to be hunted. This is what I say to myself. I need to be that one who catches this guy. There is no other way to fight with him. He is fast, good kickboxer, he likes to jump a lot, to be light on the legs. He don’t like to wrestle. He don’t like to be on the ground. So, pressure, pressure. That’s it.”
Early betting lines list Prochazka as a slight favorite over Ulberg, referred to as “Black Jag.”
