Prochazka confirms UFC return is imminent after multiple contenders refused to fight him

Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka has confirmed that his next fight is taking shape, revealing on X that preparation has already started after multiple ranked contenders turned down bouts with him.

“None of the last challengers they’ve dealt with want to fight,” Prochazka wrote on August 31. “So, let’s move forward and let’s face the new challenge. Stay tuned. I am happy to be back in the true work. Preparation started.”

The 32-year-old is working to rebuild his title credentials after suffering a defeat to Carlos Ulberg earlier in 2026 — a loss that dropped him from the top of the 205-pound division. Ulberg, however, is currently sidelined with an injury and is not expected to compete again until next year, leaving the light heavyweight landscape unsettled.

With the champion unavailable, the UFC is reportedly considering staging an interim title fight, and Prochazka appears to be positioning himself as a central figure in that picture. His post on X strongly implies a new opponent has been agreed upon, though no official announcement has been made.

Previous reports linked Prochazka to a bout against Paulo Costa, but that matchup does not appear to have materialised. His reference to a “new challenge” also rules out a rematch with Khalil Rountree, whom he has already faced.

Two names remain in contention as his likely next opponent. Magomed Ankalaev, a fellow former champion, has never shared the octagon with Prochazka despite both men spending years near the top of the division. Unbeaten contender Navajo Stirling has also been mentioned as a possible opponent, though neither fight has been confirmed.

The wider 205-pound picture remains fluid, with several top contenders manoeuvring for high-profile bouts while Ulberg recovers. Prochazka’s willingness to call out the division’s reluctance to engage with him adds pressure on the UFC to formalise a matchup quickly.