Jiri Prochazka is ready to face Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC 320, however he’ll pull double responsibility that week simply in case he’s wanted.
The previous gentle heavyweight champion is anticipated to function the official backup for the title struggle occurring that very same evening when Magomed Ankalaev places his title on the road in a rematch towards Alex Pereira. Prochazka’s workforce confirmed the information to MMA Combating on Monday after he first talked about his further position when talking to Yahoo! Sports.
The UFC usually employs backup fighters simply in case catastrophe strikes and the principle occasion takes a success however that is even simpler with Prochazka already scheduled on the identical card.
The most important distinction for Prochazka is hitting the 205-pound restrict for a possible title shot if he’s wanted. He’s at the moment scheduled for a non-title struggle, which implies he may normally hit the dimensions with a one-pound allowance.
Clearly, Prochazka has historical past with Pereira after falling to the Brazilian on two separate events prior to now however that doesn’t imply a 3rd struggle is out of the realm of chance. In fact, Prochazka has by no means confronted Ankalaev earlier than in order that’s a wholly new matchup for each fighters.
Serving because the backup doesn’t supply any ensures so far as future alternatives however Prochazka getting the nod may set him up for a possible title shot if he will get by Rountree in October.
Prochazka already dispatched one other former champion in Jamahal Hill together with his newest win and taking out Rountree may put him in place to problem whoever is left standing between Ankalaev and Pereira.
UFC 320 goes down from the T-Cell Area in Las Vegas on Oct. 4 with Ankalaev vs. Pereira 2 serving as the principle occasion with bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili defending his title towards Cory Sandhagen within the co-main occasion. Prochazka’s struggle towards Rountree is featured on the principle card on pay-per-view.
