Former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jiří Procházka is looking to get back in teh octagon, but his initial plans have been disrupted. following Alex Pereira’s victory over Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313,Procházka initially expressed interest in a trilogy fight with Pereira,a matchup that would undoubtedly draw significant attention from U.S. MMA fans,reminiscent of the excitement surrounding classic trilogies like Gatti vs. Ward.

Though, it appears the UFC is leaning towards a rematch between Ankalaev and Pereira. For Procházka,this means a shift in strategy. The Czech fighter is now looking at alternative opponents to keep his momentum going.

“I look forward to offering a nice match,” Procházka told The Schmo channel. “In the light of the last information, when Ankalaev and Pereira have confirmed their retaliation, I decided not to wait and watch the match, but rather of running with someone from Saturday’s battle.”

Potential Opponents and UFC London Implications

with a Pereira-Ankalaev rematch seemingly in the works, Procházka is now considering other options. A logical next step could be a fight against the winner of the upcoming Jan Blachowicz vs. Volkan Ulberg bout, scheduled for UFC London. This event, taking place at the O2 Arena, is a significant one for the light heavyweight division and could pave the way for Procházka’s return to title contention.

UFC London boasts a compelling fight card, headlined by Leon Edwards vs. Belal Muhammad (replacing Brady). The Blachowicz-Ulberg fight adds significant intrigue for Procházka, as it could determine his next opponent.The event also features other notable matchups, including Michael “Venom” Page’s debut against Mike perry, and Gunnar Nelson vs. Michael Holland.

Here’s a look at the UFC London card:

The Blachowicz vs. Ulberg fight presents two distinct stylistic matchups for Procházka. Blachowicz, a former champion, brings a wealth of experience and a powerful striking game, as evidenced in his past fight against Israel Adesanya. Ulberg, on the other hand, is a rising contender known for his explosiveness and relentless pressure. A fight against either man would be a significant test for Procházka.

Strategic Implications and the Path to Title Contention

Procházka’s decision to pursue a fight against the Blachowicz-Ulberg winner highlights his strategic approach to regaining the light heavyweight title.By staying active and taking on high-caliber opponents, he aims to solidify his position as a top contender.This is a common strategy employed by fighters in the UFC, where maintaining momentum and visibility are crucial for securing title shots.

The UFC’s light heavyweight division is currently in a state of flux. With Pereira now holding the title and a potential rematch against Ankalaev on the horizon, the landscape is constantly shifting. Procházka’s proactive approach positions him well to capitalize on any opportunities that may arise. His willingness to face any challenge demonstrates his confidence and determination to reclaim his championship belt.Unlike some fighters who might wait for the perfect matchup, Procházka embodies the “anytime, anywhere” mentality frequently enough associated with legendary figures like Randy Couture.

However, some analysts argue that Procházka shoudl wait for the outcome of Pereira-Ankalaev II. A dominant win by either fighter could create a clear narrative for Procházka’s next title shot. Furthermore, a potential injury to either Pereira or Ankalaev could open the door for Procházka to step in as a replacement, guaranteeing him a title fight.