Jiri Prochazka focused on reclaiming UFC light heavyweight title but contemplates future middleweight move
Jiri Prochazka is confident he can make 185 pounds.
The former UFC light heavyweight champion is on a quest to regain his throne, and believes he has earned a rematch with Alex Pereira after knocking out Aleksandar Rakic in Round 2 of their back-and-forth bout at UFC 300.
Prochazka (30-4-1 MMA, 4-1 UFC) revealed that he barely had to cut any weight to make light heavyweight against Rakic, and he thinks cleaning up his diet could result in a seamless cut to middleweight.
“You want to know something? My last time in Vegas right now, I didn’t cut the weight,” Prochazka told Michael Bisping. “For me, it was like my body felt the moment that the fight is coming, weight is coming, and I naturally just fell down with my weight. That’s how I made weight for this fight.
“So, good food with some good diet for me, I think 84 kilos, middleweight will be no problem. I’m still thinking about that., how I can feel with these guys in middleweight because I know I can do that. But still, for me, the first step is to achieve the light heavyweight belt.”
Bisping, who started out his career at 205 pounds before dropping to middleweight, warned Prochazka of the potential miserable cut he could face trying to make 185 pounds. However, Prochazka insists it’s doable.
“I’m looking forward to that because I want to try more clear foods in preparation because I really know how to work with my body, with that weight, and I feel it can be good,” Prochazka responded.