Jiri Prochazka isn’t ready to reveal his next opponent just yet.
The former UFC light heavyweight champion has made it clear that fans shouldn’t believe every fight rumor circulating online, despite growing speculation about his next Octagon appearance.
Prochazka hasn’t competed since suffering a shocking knockout loss to Carlos Ulberg at UFC 327 in April. The Czech star appeared to have a major opportunity when Ulberg suffered a knee injury during their vacant light heavyweight title fight, but Prochazka couldn’t capitalize.
Instead, Ulberg recovered enough to land a devastating punch and finish Prochazka, claiming the vacant championship in the process. Ulberg has also remained sidelined after suffering a torn ACL.
While Prochazka is expected to return before Ulberg, he took to social media on Sunday to shut down reports that his next fight has already been booked.
“Strong week, great rounds and teamwork,” Prochazka wrote on Instagram. “Family and friend bachelor party to relax on the weekend. Let’s start a third week. Just don’t believe every bullshit on the internet. Fight is not confirmed yet, still working on that.
“One thing is sure. I want my preparation to be truly thorough—to break everything down—and to start from the roots that have long been a part of me.
“There are still levels that can be reached, and right now I am very grateful to see them clearly.”
It remains unclear exactly which rumors Jiri Prochazka was referring to, but his name has recently been linked to a potential showdown with Paulo Costa.
Prochazka previously claimed that the UFC had offered Costa a fight with him. Costa, however, denied receiving such an offer and said the UFC never mentioned Prochazka’s name to him.
That exchange fueled speculation that the two former title contenders could eventually meet, but Prochazka’s latest comments suggest nothing has been finalized.
Costa also competed at UFC 327, moving up to light heavyweight and scoring an impressive third-round TKO victory over Azamat Murzakanov. The win marked Costa’s second straight victory and made him an intriguing option for Prochazka’s next fight.
For Jiri Prochazka, the focus appears to be on getting his preparation right rather than rushing back into the Octagon.
His loss to Ulberg was particularly frustrating because Prochazka appeared to have the fight under control after his opponent suffered the knee injury. Prochazka later admitted that he eased off the pressure after realizing Ulberg was compromised, a decision that ultimately proved costly.
Now, the former champion wants to make sure he leaves no stone unturned before returning.
