Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Jiri Prochazka sends message as Alex Pereira targets UFC heavyweight belt

Originally posted on HITC | By Jamie Theodosi | Last updated Mar 3, 2026 9:36 AM ET

Jiri Prochazka is not ready to close the chapter on his rivalry with Alex Pereira, even though Pereira is now moving up to heavyweight.

‘Poatan’ has made the move up to heavyweight, and as a result, has vacated his light heavyweight title. This decision was confirmed by UFC president Dana White this past week.

Pereira’s departure from the division opened a path back to the title for Prochazka, who will now face Carlos Ulberg for the vacant belt at UFC 327.

Still, ‘BJP’ remains convinced that his rivalry with the Brazilian star is far from finished, suggesting a future rematch is inevitable.

Jiri Prochazka thinks Alex Pereira did the ‘right thing’ by vacating his title

Even though Prochazka is benefiting from Pereira’s move, there was still a part of him that wanted a third fight between them.

But even as ‘Poatan’ shifts his focus to another division, the Czech star feels their stories will link up again in the future.

“I’m not surprised (he vacated the title),” Prochazka said on The Ariel Helwani Show.

“I’m not surprised, I think it’s the gentleman’s thing to do when you go up and he wants to go up, it’s normal to release the title.

“Yeah (I was disappointed) that’s the thing I hoped for (a trilogy fight against Pereira). Possible opponents for me were Ulberg or Pereira. I wanted just one of these two for a title fight because I don’t think other fighters deserve it.

“I believe sooner or later, Alex Pereira will come in my way.”

Pereira currently holds a 2-0 record over Prochazka, with both wins coming via knockout.

However, since then, Jiri has responded with two strong victories over Jamahal Hill and Khalil Rountree Jr.

Alex Pereira’s next steps at heavyweight still unclear

Prochazka seems confident he will cross paths with Pereira again, but a lot of that will hinge on how the Brazilian settles into his new weight class.

Reports have linked ‘Poatan’ to a potential showdown with Jon Jones at the upcoming UFC White House event.

Both fighters have expressed interest in facing each other ever since Pereira regained his 205lb belt against Magomed Ankalaev.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: