The former light heavyweight champion potentially earned himself another shot at the title after his knockout victory against Aleksandar Rakic and winning a $300,000 bonus at UFC 300 in April.
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Alex Pereira, who defeated him at UFC 295 last November, presently holds the 205lb title and is waiting for an opponent after taking down Jamahal Hill at the recent event.
Prochazka attended OKTAGON 58 over the weekend and hinted at a fight announcement during an interview near the cage, refraining from disclosing his opponent or return date.
“I would also like to announce that I have signed something, but we will have to wait,” he mentioned. “Because again my organisation is a bit late with it.”
“So, I hope that in a few days, we will know, and it will be out there, and we will go for it.”
The Czech fighter’s interviewer speculated that Prochazka and Pereira could headline UFC 303 on June 29, alongside Conor McGregor vs Michael Chandler.
“I think Jiri Prochazka will be the injury replacement at UFC 303,” Ondrej Novotny suggested.
“For the injured Conor McGregor, in a title fight with [Alex] Pereira in the main event.”
Speculation concerning McGregor’s return fight being axed has been widespread following the cancellation of a UFC 303 launch press conference in Dublin at the eleventh hour.
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Ariel Helwani further fueled speculations on Tuesday with a concerning update.
The experienced MMA journalist mentioned that there is now ‘more pessimism’ surrounding the fight’s occurrence as the UFC is exploring potential replacement matchups.
However, Prochazka refrained from engaging in discussions regarding UFC 303 rumors.
He responded, “Nice speculation. Nice speculation.
“There are even more variables, but if it will be discussed in Ireland, we’ll see.”
Official confirmation from Dana White regarding Prochazka’s next fight and the status of UFC 303 is expected shortly.
