UFC light heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka captured the promotion’s 205 pound title just last month, with a come-from-behind win in the fifth round at UFC 275 against Brazil’s Glover Teixeira.
While contenders like Anthony Smith and Jan Blachowicz are circling, the Czech champ has voiced his pick for his first title defense. And it’s a rematch against the very man he won the belt from, Teixeira.
Prochazka (29-3-1) made his decision in a video posted on social media on Monday.
“I want to fight Glover the next fight. Not because it will be another big fight, but just one reason: my performance was bad in the first fight,” Prochazka stated. “And I will show you why I’m the champion. Clearly, decisively, and I think Glover deserves it. So here’s the offer: I will show you why I’m the champion.”
.@jiri_bjp calls for a rematch with @gloverteixeira #UFC #MMA Via @jiri_bjp IG pic.twitter.com/LR4LLHMQKo
— Cageside Press (@Cagesidepress) July 11, 2022
The 29-year old Prochazka had one of the shortest runs to UFC gold, winning just two fights in the promotion prior to challenging against Teixeira. That said, those two wins came in dominant performances against Volkan Oezdemir and Dominick Reyes, with both landing Prochazka a Performance of the Night bonus.
The Czech fighter previously competed for Japan’s RIZIN Fighting Federation, and was the inaugural 205 pound champ in the promotion.
Prior to the loss to Prochazka, Teixeira, meanwhile, had won six straight. The 42-year old defeated Jan Blachowicz to claim light heavyweight gold at UFC 267 last year.
