The new UFC light heavyweight champ Jiri Prochazka has no shortage of options for his next fight. A somewhat obvious, if tantalizing, prospect, is former champ Jan Blachowicz, who Prochazka described on The MMA Hour as “the most dangerous” challenge for him at 205 pounds.
“I don’t know what’s the preference of the UFC, the organization. I want to communicate more with the UFC, like they want from me,” Prochazka said on The MMA Hour.
I think the most dangerous man here in the light heavyweight division, after me, under me, there is Jan Blachowicz — and I think he can be the next challenger of me. But still, I have to keep respect for Glover.
Prochazka: Jan Blachowicz is “The Most Dangerous” Opponent
So one other [option] is to offer the Glover rematch, and the second thing is to fight Jan Blachowicz. I have to make a decision in that, but still, yeah, I have to talk with the UFC and my manager as well, what will be the best step.”
No small consideration in a potential Blachowicz vs Prochazka matchup is their shared European audience. Blachowicz has already identified a main event featuring the two fighters as a potential record breaker for European MMA fans, particularly with Prochazka’s native Czech Republic right next door to Blachowicz’s Poland. Rivalries are never fiercer than when they’re local.
“Man, that’s something that I’m thinking about, because I think for the Euro [audience], that will be the biggest, biggest, biggest [event] ever of the martial arts.
Because me and him, Polish and Czech Republic, they are next to [each other]. I will be ready and I will win. It doesn’t matter [how], whatever it takes.”
Prochazka is hoping for his next fight, regardless of opponent, to take place in his home of the Czech Republic.
“My preference is to do that [next fight] here in Czech Republic. But who knows?
Like I said, I have to talk with the UFC [about] what will be the best case.”
Jiri Prochazka is undoubtedly one of the most exciting fighters at 205 pounds, arguably across the entire UFC roster. The man’s towering, bulked-out frame belies his agility and unpredictable fighting style. Prochazka prefers spectacular, showy finishes that seem more familiar to kung-fu movies than in the Octagon. Whether he can remain champ for long has yet to be seen, but it’s sure to be an enjoyable ride.
Do you think Prochazka vs Blachowicz is the next fight to make at 205? Let us know in the comments.
