Alex Pereira names Jiri Prochazka as possible next UFC title defence

It’s unclear exactly when and against whom fight fans will see Alex Pereira next defend his title, but one possibility is a summer rematch with Jiri Prochazka.

“I’m not the guy to call names, I’m not the guy to pick the fights, whoever they want me to fight (I’ll fight), but the name that’s on the table right now is Jiri Prochazka, so we’ll see in the negotiations,” Pereira told Sportsnet’s Aaron Bronsteter through a translator Saturday in New Jersey at UFC 302.

Pereira knocked out Prochazka in November when they headlined UFC 295 at Madison Square Garden and fought for the vacant light-heavyweight belt.

The current 205-pound champion, who is coming off a knockout win over Jamahal Hill at UFC 300 in April, said he isn’t sure when a potential rematch with Prochazka may take place, but added that he would like to fight in August.

Prochazka, the No. 1 ranked contender in the division, got back in the win column when he finished Aleksandar Rakić in a Performance of the Night-winning technical knockout at UFC 300.

If Prochazka does get the next shot at Pereira, Magomed Ankalaev won’t be happy.

Ankalaev, the No. 2 contender, is unbeaten in his past 12 fights and coming off a knockout win of Johnny Walker in January. 

Pereira was asked about the contrast in styles between Prochazka and Ankalaev and which he thinks might be a more difficult matchup.

“They’re different styles,” Pereira said. “Everyone talks about Ankalaev’s ground (game) but they don’t know my ground. It’s hard to tell because they are both different styles of fight.”

Pereira, an elite striker, added that he wants to show off his improved grappling ability in the future. The soon-to-be 37-year-old Brazilian attended UFC 302 as a special guest.