In the realm of mixed martial arts, the UFC 295 event showcased a pivotal match-up as Jiri Prochazka squared off against Alex Pereira for the then-vacant light heavyweight title. However, Prochazka’s reign as champion was short-lived; he was forced to vacate the title in November 2022 due to a severe shoulder injury sustained during training. His return to the octagon was marked by a highly anticipated rematch with the Brazilian fighter. Unfortunately for Prochazka, known as ‘BJP,’ the bout ended in disappointment as he suffered his first loss within the promotion—a second-round TKO at the hands of ‘Poatan.’
The setback did not deter Prochazka, who is poised to make a comeback on April 13 as part of the star-studded UFC 300 card. He is slated to face Aleksandar Rakic. Ahead of the fight, Prochazka reflected on his previous defeat to Pereira, admitting that he had been significantly hindered in the fight. His manager, Tim Simpson, corroborated this during an interview with Ariel Helwani, stating, “He was very terribly injured in that fight. He said it yesterday, he trained probably legitimately one or two weeks in that [fight] camp. Staph infections, illness, elbow, shoulder, knee. He was in bits, really.” Simpson emphasized that the loss was not just about the outcome but also about the feeling of self-disrespect and error in judgment Prochazka felt for not withdrawing from the fight.
As UFC 300 approaches, both Jiri Prochazka and Alex Pereira are preparing for their respective bouts. Prochazka will headline the preliminary card while Pereira is set to headline the main card. Prochazka’s opponent, Rakic, is also returning from an injury—a torn ACL from 2022. Meanwhile, Pereira will face former champion Jamahal Hill, who is coming back from an Achilles tendon tear suffered in 2023.
In anticipation of his upcoming fight, Prochazka shared his thoughts in an interview with The Schmo. He expressed confidence in his path forward, stating, “I believe after the last fight, after that early end, if I win… I deserve the title shot.” This statement underscores his determination to reclaim his position at the pinnacle of the light heavyweight division.
The conversation around Prochazka’s previous bout with Pereira continues to stir among fight fans, leading to speculation about what might have been. A poll poses the question: Would a healthy Jiri Prochazka have beaten Alex Pereira when they fought? The responses to this question will remain a topic of debate as fans and analysts ponder the various outcomes that could have unfolded had Prochazka been at full strength during their encounter.
