Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka is planning to return to the octagon in the fall with a fight against either Magomed Ankalaev or Paulo Costa. Prochazka stated that it doesn't matter to him which opponent he faces, as he wants to be the best and believes that requires beating anyone. He clarified that he named these two fighters not because they criticized his last performance, but because he considers them the most likely options for his comeback bout. The post asks followers to vote on who should be Prochazka's opponent using reaction emojis.
Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka has set his sights on a fall return to the octagon, naming Magomed Ankalaev and Paulo Costa as his two preferred opponents for that comeback.
Prochazka, 33, enters the picture as the number-two ranked light heavyweight in the world, carrying a record of 32-6-1 out of Jetsaam Gym Brno in the Czech Republic. Standing six-foot-three with an 80-inch reach, he is one of the most dangerous strikers in the division, landing 5.69 significant strikes per minute at an accuracy rate of 55 percent. He made clear that his choice of opponents was not driven by any personal friction, but simply by who he views as the most realistic and compelling options for his return.
Ankalaev, the number-one ranked light heavyweight at 34 years old, holds a record of 21-2-1 and sits fifth on the pound-for-pound rankings. The Russian fighter out of Gorets Fight Club is six-foot-three with a 75-inch reach and mixes his striking output of 3.65 significant strikes per minute with a solid takedown rate of 0.79 per 15 minutes.
Costa, nicknamed "The Eraser," presents a different kind of challenge. The 35-year-old Brazilian holds a record of 16-4-0 and is currently ranked 13th at middleweight, meaning a matchup with Prochazka would represent a move up in weight class for him. Costa lands 6.26 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy, making him one of the higher-volume punchers in the sport.
Why it matters
- A win over Ankalaev, the top-ranked light heavyweight, would position Prochazka as an immediate title contender
- Costa moving up to light heavyweight would add intrigue to an already striking-heavy matchup
- Both opponents offer contrasting styles against Prochazka's aggressive, unorthodox attack
- The fight would have significant divisional consequences regardless of which direction the booking goes
