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 mild heavyweight champion is anticipated to function the official backup for the title struggle taking place that very same evening when Magomed Ankalaev places his title on the road in a rematch in opposition to Alex Pereira. Prochazka’s workforce confirmed the information to MMA Combating on Monday after he first talked about his further position when chatting with Yahoo! Sports.
The UFC usually employs backup fighters simply in case catastrophe strikes and the primary occasion takes successful however that is even simpler with Prochazka already scheduled on the identical card.
The largest distinction for Prochazka is hitting the 205-pound restrict for a possible title shot if he’s wanted. He’s at present scheduled for a non-title struggle, which implies he may often hit the dimensions with a one-pound allowance.
Clearly, Prochazka has historical past with Pereira after falling to the Brazilian on two separate events previously however that doesn’t imply a 3rd struggle is out of the realm of risk. After all, Prochazka has by no means confronted Ankalaev earlier than in order that’s a completely 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 means of 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-Cellular Enviornment in Las Vegas on Oct. 4 with Ankalaev vs. Pereira 2 serving as the primary occasion with bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili defending his title in opposition to Cory Sandhagen within the co-main occasion. Prochazka’s struggle in opposition to Rountree is featured on the primary card on pay-per-view.
