Jiri Prochazka said in the days leading up to UFC 303 that he had rewatched his first fight with light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira many times and despite the result, a second-round loss at UFC 295, Prochazka said he would “not change anything” when asked about adjustments and possibly changing his strategy for the rematch.
“I want to do the same this Saturday but much better,” Prochazka added. “Be more precise in the details, watch the calf kicks just a little bit and win. Just win.” The popular Czech fighter now finds himself where no high-ranked contender wants to be in the prime of their career and that’s in championship limbo after dropping his second fight to Pereira in a seven-month span.
The 31-year-old was knocked out with a head kick and several ground strikes just 13 seconds into Round 2 at UFC 303 after also getting rocked and dropped by a Pereira left hook at the end of the opening round.
Prochazka, a one-time champion of the UFC’s 205-pound weight class before Pereira began his current reign, took to social media after his loss to indicate he’s at a crossroads in his career after his second stoppage loss to Pereira.
“Hello everyone, thank you for all your support. Thanks to you, Alex, for the fight,” Prochazka said. “Only one thing goes on my mind, that I need to evolve to the next level or don’t fight again. So simple. To be the strongest, this is the way. Thank you. See you in the gym.”
Prochazka has lost two of his last three fights, both to Pereira, but prior to that, he had won 13 in a row dating back to before he signed with the UFC.
He holds notable stoppage victories over Glover Teixeira, Dominick Reyes, Aleksandar Rakić and Volkan Oezdemir.