Jiri Prochazka has announced plans to return to the octagon in the fall against either Magomed Ankalaev or Paulo Costa. The Czech fighter stated he wants to be the best and must be able to defeat anyone. Prochazka clarified that he named these two opponents not because they criticized his last performance, but because he believes they are the most probable matchup options. The former light heavyweight champion emphasized that he doesn't care which opponent he faces specifically, as long as he gets to compete against top-level competition.
Jiri Prochazka has publicly called out two potential opponents for a planned fall return, naming light heavyweight contender Magomed Ankalaev and middleweight Paulo Costa as the most likely matchup options he expects to face.
Prochazka, ranked second in the light heavyweight division, carries a 32-6-1 record and remains one of the most explosive strikers in the 205-pound weight class. The 33-year-old Czech fighter out of Jetsaam Gym Brno stands six-foot-three with an 80-inch reach and lands an exceptional 5.69 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy. A former light heavyweight champion, Prochazka made clear that his motivation is simple: he wants to compete against the best available opposition, and the identity of the opponent matters less than the quality of the challenge.
Ankalaev sits at the top of the light heavyweight rankings and holds a pound-for-pound ranking of fifth in the world. The 34-year-old Russian carries a 21-2-1 record and brings a well-rounded game, averaging 0.79 takedowns per 15 minutes while connecting at 52 percent striking accuracy. At six-foot-three with a 75-inch reach, he mirrors Prochazka physically and represents the most natural divisional matchup.
Costa, currently ranked 13th at middleweight, would represent a cross-divisional bout. The Brazilian holds a 16-4-0 record and is one of the sport's heaviest-handed fighters, landing 6.26 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy. Prochazka noted that neither Costa nor Ankalaev was named because of any criticism directed at his recent performance — he views them simply as the most probable opponents available.
Why it matters
- A win over Ankalaev, the top-ranked light heavyweight, would place Prochazka firmly back in title contention
- A matchup with Costa would be a striking-heavy cross-divisional contest between two of the division's most aggressive fighters
- Prochazka's fall timeline adds urgency to light heavyweight title picture planning
