Jiri Prochazka is set to play against Khalil Rountree Jr. in the UFC 320, but will be twice as much obligated that week in case they need it.
The former light heavyweight champion is expected to serve as the official backup for the title fight that took place when Magomed Ankalaev placed the title on the line in a rematch with Alex Pereira. Prochazka’s team confirmed the news about MMA Fighting on Monday after first mentioning his additional role when talking to Yahoo! Sports.
The UFC often employs backup fighters in case a disaster occurs, and the main event is hit, but this is even easier if Prochazka is already scheduled to be on the same card.
The biggest difference between Prochazka is that he reaches the 205 pound limit for potential title shots if he needs him. He is currently planning a fight other than title. This means he can usually hit the scale with a pound allowance.
Obviously, Pro Chazuka has a history with Pereira after falling to the Brazilian on two separate occasions in the past, but that doesn’t mean that the third fight is out of the realm of possibility. Of course, Prochazka has never faced Ankalaev before, so it’s a whole new matchup for both fighters.
Working as a backup doesn’t provide any guarantees about future opportunities, but with Prochazka getting a nod, you can set him up for a potential title shot if he passes Rountree in October.
Prochazka has already been able to challenge the person standing between Ankalaev and Pereira by sending another former champion of Jamahal Hill in his latest victory and taking out the Rountree.
The UFC 320 went down from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on October 4th, with Ankaraev vs. Pereira 2 serving as the main event where bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili defending the title against Cory Sandhagen in the co-main event. Prochazka’s battle with Rountree is featured on the pay-per-view main card.