Jiri Prochazka explains why his UFC 300 prelim fight is “new start” for his career

The upcoming match between Jiri Prochazka and Aleksandar Rakic is expected to be a highly entertaining and intense fight, adding to the already impressive UFC 300 preliminary lineup.

The highly anticipated anniversary card boasts an array of thrilling fights from start to finish, including multiple former UFC champions on the prelims. Even though it will be Prochazka’s first time not on the main card since his debut with the promotion, the Czech fighter remains unfazed and unbothered by his placement.

During a recent interview with The Schmo, the ex-light heavyweight champion discussed the significance of his upcoming UFC 300 match, stating:

“I’m taking it like this is my new start. For me, it doesn’t matter if I’m on the prelims or in the main event, my fight is always the main event. Because I’m giving the [fans] a show, I’m making the fight. It doesn’t matter who my opponent is, or if it’s the main event or a title fight or whatever, for me, my fight is a title fight every time, a main event. That’s why.”

View Jiri Prochazka’s remarks starting at 1:35 in the video below:

Jiri Prochazka sets sights on title shot with potential win at UFC 300

Jiri Prochazka and Alex Pereira battled it out in the main event of UFC 295 in November 2023 for the light heavyweight championship.

Despite Pereira’s victory by TKO in round two, there were some who claimed the stoppage was premature. However, Prochazka gracefully refuted these claims in an interview after the fight.

‘Poatan’ will be included in the highly-anticipated UFC 300 lineup, sharing the card with his previous rival. The Brazilian will be headlining the event, facing off against Jamahal Hill in the main event.

Prior to his preliminary match against Aleksandar Rakic, the Czech fighter, who is 31 years old, shared with The Schmo the potential impact a win over Rakic could have on his goals of obtaining a title.

The words that came out of his mouth were as follows:

“I believe after that last fight, after that early [finish] of the fight, if I win next week – and I hope and believe I am able to win – I deserve the title shot. So, let’s go for that.”[3:45-4:16]