Former UFC gentle heavyweight champion Jiri Prochaska has set his sights on a trilogy bout with reigning champion Alex Pereira after each males emerged victorious at UFC 320 in Las Vegas on October 4, 2025. The Czech fighter desires to carry the title again to his homeland and believes he has discovered from his previous errors.
Prochaska pulled off a dramatic comeback in opposition to Khalil Rountree Jr., shedding the primary two rounds earlier than successful by knockout within the third spherical at 3:04. This victory marks his second consecutive victory and returns him to title competition following his final match in opposition to Pereira.
In the primary occasion, Pereira defeated Magomed Ankalaev by TKO in 1 minute and 20 seconds of the primary spherical to regain the sunshine heavyweight title. The Brazilian dropped Ankalaev with a proper hand and completed the struggle with floor and pound, avenging his loss to the Russian fighter in March.
Jiri Prochaska calls third title struggle in opposition to Alex Pereira following UFC 320 win
After their respective wins, Prochaska expressed her need to face Pereira a 3rd time in a current interview. The Czech fighter acknowledged the tough nature of his previous two fights, each of which led to knockout losses at UFC 295 and UFC 303.
“There are quite a lot of completely different eventualities going ahead for Alex. He could possibly be within the White Home combating me, Carlos Wolberg, or Jon Jones,” Prochaska mentioned. “I would like the third struggle with Alex greater than something, however I am prepared for whoever it’s. I need to get the title again within the Czech Republic and that is what I am going for.”
The previous champion mirrored on his quick title reign, which lasted lower than six months earlier than relinquishing the belt resulting from a shoulder damage in November 2022. He underwent surgical procedure and spent greater than a 12 months recovering from what UFC President Dana White described as one of many worst shoulder accidents he is ever suffered.
“The final time I touched the belt was for a short while as a result of I used to be injured, however now I do know what I did incorrect,” Prochaska mentioned. “I need to be a constant champion, not only a champion for just a few months. I do not care what individuals take into consideration who I struggle subsequent. I really need that belt.”
Prochaska grew to become the primary Czech fighter to win a UFC Championship when he defeated Glover Teixeira at UFC 275 in June 2022. His victory introduced unprecedented consideration to combined martial arts within the Czech Republic, and he was greeted by hundreds of followers upon his return to his hometown of Brno.
The 32-year-old fighter confirmed seen emotion throughout Pereira’s win over Ankalaev, which Pereira later defined was a recognition {that a} third division struggle was potential. “At that second, I noticed that I had a possible third struggle, a 3rd probability to succeed,” he instructed Ariel Helwani, “and I understood deep down that this was one thing I needed to win.”
Prochaska admitted she faces a tricky struggle, going 0-2 in opposition to Pereira within the championship match. Nonetheless, I’m assured that he’ll have the ability to make the required changes. “I fought all these two video games and took every thing I discovered from them and will not repeat the errors,” he mentioned. “I will be higher. I will discover a method.”
The highway to Trilogy’s battle is difficult by different candidates within the division. Carlos Ulberg has emerged as the highest contender after knocking out Dominick Reyes within the first spherical at UFC Perth on September twenty seventh. The New Zealand fighter has prolonged his successful streak to 9 fights and is vocal about being worthy of one other title shot.
Pereira has additionally expressed curiosity in transferring as much as heavyweight with a shot at changing into a three-division champion, which may have an effect on the destiny of the sunshine heavyweight title. The Brazilian champion broke his leg throughout his match with Ankalaev, however recommended the damage is not going to maintain him out of competitors for lengthy.
The present UFC rankings have Prochazka tied with former champion Ankalaev for first place within the gentle heavyweight division, whereas Wolberg is ranked third. The division stays extremely aggressive, with a number of fighters vying for an opportunity on the title.
Prochaska’s path from avenue fighter and soccer hooligan to UFC champion is effectively documented. Earlier than discovering martial arts, he participated in organized staff fights with rival soccer corporations, generally participating in 30-on-30 brawls. His transformation by way of martial arts coaching fully modified the trajectory of his life.
The previous champion just lately accomplished a grasp’s diploma in safety and strategic research, which has delayed his return to competitors to early 2025. He declined a title struggle alternative in June to complete his college entrance exams, indicating that he’s specializing in his training alongside his martial arts profession.
Each fighters had spectacular wins at UFC 320, and the stage appears set for a possible trilogy bout. Prochaska’s emotional funding in returning the title to the Czech Republic added a brand new layer to this rematch, which has the potential to be one of the vital anticipated rematches within the gentle heavyweight division’s current historical past.
