Jiri Prochazka isn’t concerned with being bumped down to the prelims at UFC 300.
Former light heavyweight champion Prochazka (29-4-1 MMA, 3-1 UFC) meets Aleksandar Rakic (14-3 MMA, 6-2 UFC) in the April 13 featured prelim from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Rising star Bo Nickal opens up the main card, which caused plenty of outrage – but not for Prochazka.
“I was not surprised. I really don’t care about that,” Prochazka told Inside Fighting. “I just accept that. That’s my attitude. I accept that, and next time, from now till the next time, I will show that my fight will be on the main card or in the main event. That’s why I’m fighting. I want to show every time the beauties of the martial arts.”
Prochazka is on the road to reclaim his light heavyweight title. He opted to relinquish it after injuring his shoulder, and battled Alex Pereira for the vacant title in his return this past November at UFC 295. He was knocked out in Round 2.
In the main event of UFC 300, light heavyweight champion Pereira makes his first title defense against Jamahal Hill. With a win over top contender Rakic, Prochazka expects another opportunity at the belt.
“I believe in that, and I will do everything for that,” Prochazka said. “Because after last fight, after that decision, I believe I can be the champion, and I will.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 300.