Jun 28, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Jiri Prochazka during weigh ins for UFC 303 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

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Jiri Prochazka Calls For A Title Shot With The New Champ Magomed Ankalaev; Ready For Trilogy Fight As Well!

After Magomed Ankalaev's upset victory at UFC 313, former champion Jiri Prochazka throws his hat in the mix!

Jun 28, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Jiri Prochazka during weigh ins for UFC 303 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

UFC’s light heavyweight division has never lacked drama or compelling storylines. The 205-pound weight class has seen its share of legendary fighters. Jiri Prochazka joined this elite club in 2022 when he choked out Glover Teixeira. That night, the wild-haired Czech warrior claimed gold in just his third UFC fight.

Now, following UFC 313’s shocking main event result, the division has been flipped upside down again. Magomed Ankalaev defied the odds by defeating Alex Pereira to claim the light heavyweight crown. The Dagestani fighter used a mix of striking and wrestling pressure to outpoint the feared knockout artist.

Many expected Pereira to add another highlight to his reel. Instead, Ankalaev proved that technical fundamentals can overcome raw power. The judges scored it 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46 in favor of the new champion.

Also Read: What Tribe Does Alex Pereira Belong To?

Jiri Prochazka Ready For A Trilogy Fight

The future of the light heavyweight division rested on the UFC 313 main event. And when Pereira lost the fight via unanimous decision, Prochazka was there with an offer. He posted on X, offering a trilogy match with the now former champion.

“Congrats to @AnkalaevM, beautiful pressure. Most of people dont like it, but you won the title for now.@AlexPereiraUFC, last dance ?”

Congrats to @AnkalaevM, beautiful pressure. Most of people dont like it, but you won the title for now.@AlexPereiraUFC, last dance ?

//\
— Jiri BJP Prochazka (@jiri_bjp) March 9, 2025

What makes this situation even more interesting is Prochazka’s complicated history with Pereira. The Brazilian knockout artist has defeated Prochazka twice already. Both fights ended with Pereira’s hand raised via knockout. Fans would think Prochazka might want to avoid a third meeting. Yet surprisingly, here he was calling for a fight with the man that beat him twice.

This shows the warrior mentality that has made Prochazka a fan favorite. Most fighters would run from someone who knocked them out twice. Not Jiri. He runs toward danger with a smile on his face. His samurai code doesn’t allow him to leave business unfinished. However, UFC matchmakers rarely book fighters who are 0-2 in a rivalry for a third fight. The odds of a different outcome seem slim.

Jiri Prochazka’s Takes Aim At The Title

Prochazka wasted no time jumping into the title picture conversation. He posted on social media congratulating Ankalaev while simultaneously putting him on notice.

“Or better idea. Let’s go straightly to hunt the title”

Or better idea
Let’s go straightly to hunt the title⚡️
//\
— Jiri BJP Prochazka (@jiri_bjp) March 9, 2025

Jiri Prochazka’s is ranked #2 in the light heavyweight division. His last fight ended in a KO victory against Jamahal Hill. If Pereira doesn’t get a rematch, a fight between the new champion and Prochazka is the next likely alternative.

However, UFC CEO Dana White seemed to hint that an immediate rematch between Ankalaev and Pereira might be next. The fight was competitive enough to warrant it. Plus, Pereira remains one of the promotion’s biggest stars.

Whatever happens next, the 205-pound division has entered an exciting new chapter. With Jones focused on heavyweight, new blood has revitalized this weight class. The champion, #1 and #2 ranked Ankalaev, Pereira, and Prochazka respectively form a compelling trio at the top. Each brings a unique style and personality to the mix. And as fans of the sport, we can’t ask for much more than that!

(Image Credit: Mark J. Rebilas – Imagn Images)

Alex Pereira

Jiri Prochazka

Magomed Ankalaev

UFC 313

UFC 313 Result

Zaid Quraishi

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I am a dedicated MMA and Boxing content writer at The Playoffs. I was instantly hooked on MMA after watching the fight between Lyoto Machida vs. Gegard Mousasi back in 2014, and since then, i have been an avid writer with a deep love for the sport and its techniques, providing readers with a thorough understanding of the sport. My favorite aspect of working at The Playoffs is the creative freedom it provides. The diverse range of topics, from listicles and SEO to news articles, keeps me engaged and motivates me to continuously improve my skills! I aim to capture the excitement of the combat sports world in my writing, acting as the middleman between fighters and their die-hard fans. It is kind of like a referee, but with words!