After a fight of the year contender in the main event of UFC 275, Jiri Prochazka now reigns supreme over the 205lbs division. After a back and forth fight, the Czech native is now the hunted at light heavyweight. We take a look at who could be next for the newest UFC champion.
Entered as challenger. Came out the 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐌𝐏 🏆
[ @Jiri_BJP | #UFC275 ] pic.twitter.com/FxslZ9YNDU
— UFC (@ufc) June 12, 2022
Jiri Prochazka vs…
Glover Texieria Rematch
The UFC 275 main event was arguably the fight of the year thus far and without a doubt slots straight in at the top of ‘best-ever light heavyweight fights’. After Jon Jones and Alexander Gustafsson set the bar high with their first fight, Glover Teixeira and Jiri Prochazka put on an absolute show. The fight of the night at UFC 275, the two men left it all in the octagon in Singapore. With huge shots landed on each side, bad cuts for both men as well as amazing scrambles, fight-ending sequences and most importantly, a jaw-dropping finish, the two men are a match made in heaven.
Teixeira confirmed that he wouldn’t retire following his loss, so why not run it back? Not that it matters because Prochazka got the finish, but Teixeira was winning the fight (and seemingly the fifth round) until the finish. Would anyone not want to watch that one back?
#UFC275 Official Scorecards: Glover Teixeira vs Jiri Prochazka (@Jiri_BJP)
See every scorecard from #UFC275 here ➡️: https://t.co/0bdWkn91yc pic.twitter.com/9bOsd3dIMY
— UFC News (@UFCNews) June 12, 2022
Jan Blachowicz
The former champion, Jan Blachowicz could easily be the next contender for the new champion. In what would be an all-European clash, Blachowicz and Prochazka went back and forth after the UFC 275 main event. Prochazka stated that Blachowicz was aggressive when the two spoke following the main event. Blachowicz called out Prochazka on Twitter after the Czech star finished Teixeira.
Jiri, let's do this! The Battle for Europe. The biggest fight in the Continent's history. @jiri_bjp @ufc @UFCEurope #UFC275
— Jan Blachowicz (@JanBlachowicz) June 12, 2022
The former champion, Blachowicz bounced back from his disappointing loss to Teixeira with a win over Aleksandar Rakic. In the fight itself, Rakic injured his knee and was unable to continue, leading to Blachowicz getting his hand raised. If the potential all-European clash happens, there is a huge opportunity to have the fight in Europe as a PPV. The UFC haven’t had a European PPV since UFC 204 in 2016 and now there is a huge chance that they could return across the pond.
Anthony Smith vs. Magomed Ankalaev Winner
Set to clash at UFC 277, the winner of Anthony Smith and Magomed Ankalaev might be next for the Prochazka. Anthony Smith is enjoying a three-fight winning run and a win at UFC 277 would extend that to four. His three wins have all come via stoppage. He’s currently ranked #5 at 205lbs and is very much making a last push at a title opportunity. Having competed against Jon Jones in 2019 for the title, Smith came up short and has been on a quest for another shot ever since.
Magomed Ankalaev has looked almost flawless thus far during his professional MMA career. Sitting at 17-1 before facing Smtih, he’s looked solid during his UFC tenure… apart from that one second against Paul Craig. Since his lone career loss, Anakalaev is 8-0, with four finishes. A well-rounded fighter with knockouts power which he showed against Ion Cutelaba, as well as an ability to implement a mauling wrestling game, Ankalaev could be the dark horse in the division.
