Former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jiri Prochazka is open to moving down to middleweight instead of moving up to heavyweight. Usually, a light heavyweight fighter makes a move to the heavyweight category. However, Prochazka has surprised people with his claims.
Prochazka defeated Glover Teixeira and won the light heavyweight title at UFC 275. The Czech fighter vacated the title soon after due to injury. In his comeback fight, he took on Alex Pereira at UFC 295 for the vacant title and lost the bout via a second-round TKO. Months later, Prochazka extraordinarily defeated Aleksandar Rakic at UFC 300.
In a recent interview, he talked about reclaiming the title and moving to middleweight. He said, “Rather than heavyweight, I thought, I’d try middleweight.
Jiri Prochazka is open to moving down to middleweight after reclaiming the light heavyweight title 👀
“Rather than [moving up to] heavyweight, I thought I’d try middleweight.
I know that if I adjust my diet to where I feel great and clean, I know I could handle the middleweight… pic.twitter.com/tdPS2k0jZS
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) April 22, 2024
Because the way I feel my metabolism now, and the way my body works in preparation, so, I know that if I adjust my diet to where I feel great and clean, I know I could handle the middleweight division, with some lighter diet. But I would definitely concentrate on that after winning the light heavyweight title.”
Jiri Prochazka will be making an unprecedented move if he moves to middleweight. A light heavyweight champion has never made a move to middleweight.
No UFC light heavyweight champion has ever held the middleweight title
As mentioned before, a light heavyweight (205 lbs) fighter usually makes a move to heavyweight (265 lbs) instead of down to middleweight (185 lbs). Before Alex Pereira, there have been no UFC fighters who have held the light heavyweight and middleweight titles in their career. However, three fighters have held the light heavyweight and heavyweight titles.
Jon Jones became the youngest UFC champion when he earned the light heavyweight championship at the age of 23. He moved to heavyweight and won the UFC Heavyweight Championship in 2023.
Ten years ago today, Jon Jones got his first taste of UFC gold by dominating Shogun Rua at UFC 128 🏆
On that night, Bones became the youngest champion in UFC history (23 years, 242 days old), a record that still stands a decade later. pic.twitter.com/PhkIu8oZ0j
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) March 19, 2021
UFC legend Randy Couture had an eventful career. He won the UFC heavyweight title first, then moved to light heavyweight and earned the title in the division before moving back to heavyweight and winning the title again. For a brief period, he held both titles together and became the first multidivisional champion in the promotion.
Daniel Cormier has also held both titles. The former UFC fighter was a light heavyweight champion before he lost the title and moved to heavyweight. He won the championship in the 265 lbs division as well.
A HISTORIC WIN AT MSG FOR POATAN 🏆🏆
Alex Pereira becomes the NINTH fighter in UFC history to win in two divisions #UFC295 pic.twitter.com/EMPb0jvNxf
— ESPN (@espn) November 12, 2023
Alex Pereira is the only fighter who has held the middleweight and the light heavyweight title. However, Prochazka is aiming to do the opposite. He has already laid claim to light heavyweight gold but would like to move to middleweight after.
How would Jiri Prochazka fare as a middleweight fighter?
Jiri Prochazka is a unique fighter and definitely an interesting case for a potential move to middleweight. He is fast and athletic. ‘The Czech Samurai’ is known for his exceptional speed and footwork for a light heavyweight. This would translate well to middleweight, potentially giving him an edge over some of the bigger middleweights.
Jiri Prochazka’s striking involves exceptional knockout power. He could be even more dangerous at middleweight where punches could feel heavier.
However, considering Prochazka is a big light heavyweight, he might give up a lot of his size and strength. This could be a disadvantage in grappling exchanges, an area where he has not shown great potential either. Moreover, even though Prochazka has given the assurance that he can make middleweight by following a clean diet, a weight cut is always difficult and he might encounter unprecedented challenges.
Jiri Prochazka says he’s willing to fight Alex Pereira at UFC 301 in two weeks 😳 #TheMMAHour | @arielhelwani | @jiri_bjp pic.twitter.com/xjb2ArIPmp
— COMBAT SPORTS TODAY (@CSTodayNews) April 17, 2024
Overall, Jiri Prochazka’s skillset suggests he could be successful at middleweight. However, it would be a significant challenge. As of now, however, Prochazka hopes to regain the light heavyweight title first. He is ready to face Alex Pereira for LHW gold at UFC 301 in Brazil.