Jiri Prochazka has given his thoughts on the vacant light heavyweight title fight between Glover Teixeira and Jamahal Hill at UFC 283.
Prochazka was scheduled to defend his title against Teixeira at UFC 282, but vacated his title after suffering an injury. The Brazilian was offered a short-notice fight against Magomed Ankalaev, which he declined saying that he needed more time to prepare for a new challenge. The UFC then scheduled a vacant 205 pound title fight between the Dagestani and Jan Blachowicz, which ended in a split draw, leaving the title still up for grabs.
During the post-fight press conference, Dana White announced that the promotion will go ahead with another vacant title fight, this time featuring Teixeira and Hill at UFC 283 in Brazil.
Jiri Prochazka On Teixeira vs Hill
Speaking to CBS Sports’ Shakiel Mahjouri (as transcribed by MMA Junkie), Prochazka said that he doesn’t know if Hill deserves to fight for the title, but he’s happy for Teixeira as he’ll get to fight for the belt in his backyard.
“I think that’s a good matchup,” Prochazka said. “I don’t know if Hill deserves that opportunity to fight for the title. But for Glover, it’s great because he will fight in Rio, in his home. So that, for him, is very good. I’m looking forward to that fight. I’m looking forward to their performances.”
A Teixeira win will likely set up a rematch against Prochazka, but ‘Denisa’s’ main goal is to regain his title, regardless of who he fights.
“For me, it doesn’t matter who will be the titleholder,” Prochazka said. “I know the title is mine and will be, and I will come for that. I just took that (Teixeira rematch) because I felt that Glover deserved that opportunity. It was not from my deepest motivation, but from my ego. I want to show a better performance and I was not satisfied with the first fight. I don’t need to fight Glover again. If he will be the champion, I will fight him. I will fight whoever. (It) doesn’t matter. It’s not about the opponent.”
Glover Teixeira or Jamahal Hill, who do you think will face Jiri Prochazka next?
