UFC
What’s next for light heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka?
The new light heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka. Photo: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via USA TODAY Sports
With just three fights in the UFC, 29-year-old Jiri Prochazka has already claimed the light heavyweight title.
After winning last nights FOTY-candidate over Glover Teixeira, the new-crowned champion is already surrounded by fighters challenging him.
So, what’s next for Jiri Prochazka then?
Jan Blachowicz
Former champion Jan Blachowicz. Photo: Per Häljestam-USA TODAY Sports
No. 1 ranked light heavyweight Jan Blachowicz seems like a likely next opponent for Prochazka. With his great physics, solid Muay Thai and slick grappling, the Polish powerhouse could very well be the divisions toughest opponent for the champion.
“I think if they will make this fight in Poland, me against Jiri, in national stadium. Joanna, Mateusz Gamrot. Sixty thousand people could be there,” Blachowicz recently said on The MMA Hour.
Blachowicz last fought Aleksandar Rakić in May, and got away with a TKO win after Rakić suffered a knee injury.
Aleksandar Rakić
Aleksandar Rakić. Photo: Per Häljestam-USA TODAY Sports
No. 3 ranked Aleksandar Rakić is another possible contender for the new champion. With his big frame and excellent kickboxing the Austrian is a highly interesting matchup for the unorthodox striker Prochazka.
However, Rakić suffered a knee injury in his last fight against Jan Blachowicz, and could be out of the fight game for a while.
Magomed Ankalaev
Magomed Ankalaev (right). Photo via USA Today Sports
With a eight fight win streak, No. 4 ranked Magomed Ankalaev could very well be next in line for a title fight. The Dagestanian wrestler possesses all the necesary tools to be a serious threat for Prochazka, and anyone else in the division for that matter.
Ankalaev is scheduled to face Anthony Smith on July 30. With a dominant win he would make a strong case for a title shot next.
Anthony Smith
Foto: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
If veteran Anthony Smith beats Magomed Ankalaev on July 30, he could also be a potentional title contender. With a three fight win streak over Devin Clark, Jimmy Crute and Ryan Spann, a dominant win over Ankalaev would be a strong argument for another title shot for the No. 5 ranked American.
Glover Teixeira
Foto via Instagram: (@gloverteixeira)
“Rematch??” Glover Teixeira wrote on Twitter just hours after the FOTY-canditate title bout.
From a fan point of view it’s hard to argue against the Brazilian’s request.
This is Jiri Prochazka
Photo: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via USA TODAY Sports
- Age: 29
- Record: 29-3
- Weight: 205 lbs (93 kilo)
- Height: 6 ft 3 in (191 cm)
- Performance of the Night bonuses: 2
- Fight of the Nigth bonuses: 1
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