Honestly, trying to predict what Jiri Prochazka does next is like trying to track a lightning bolt. One minute he's meditating in a dark room for three days, and the next he's turning down a title shot to finish his master's degree.
That actually happened last year, by the way.
But as we hit early 2026, the question of Jiri Prochazka next fight has moved from "if" to "when." After a monstrous 2025 where he basically reset his career by starching Jamahal Hill and then surviving a war with Khalil Rountree Jr., the Czech samurai is back at the top of the mountain. He's currently tied for that #1 contender spot with Magomed Ankalaev.
💡 You might also like: Tyler Neville NFL Draft: Why the Cowboys Bet on This Harvard Tight End
The division is a mess, but a fun mess.
The Carlos Ulberg Rumors: What's Actually Happening?
If you've been on social media lately, you probably saw the "leaks." People were claiming Jiri vs. Carlos Ulberg was a done deal for the spring. It made sense. Ulberg is on a nine-fight tear and just nuked Dominick Reyes.
Jiri took to Instagram a few days ago to shut that down.
"All this information on the internet about me and Ulberg is not true," he said. He didn't say it won't happen, just that nothing is signed. Negotiation is a slow game in the UFC. Plus, Jiri has a massive life event coming up. He's expecting his first child in April.
Because of that, don't expect him in the Octagon before the end of March.
Why the Title Picture is a Total Logjam
Alex Pereira is still the king. Well, he's the king again.
Last year was wild for the 205-pound belt. Ankalaev actually beat Pereira in March 2025 to take the title. Then, in a classic "Poatan" move, Pereira came back at UFC 320 in October and finished Ankalaev in about 90 seconds to take it back.
Now everyone is looking at Jiri.
- The 0-2 Problem: Jiri has lost to Pereira twice. In the UFC, a third fight is a hard sell if you're down 2-0.
- The Heavyweight Factor: There are massive rumors that Pereira is finally moving to heavyweight to chase a third belt.
- The Vacant Belt Scenario: If Pereira moves up, the UFC almost certainly books Jiri Prochazka vs. Carlos Ulberg for the vacant title.
If I'm a betting man, I'd say the UFC is waiting to see if Pereira vs. Jon Jones (or Tom Aspinall) actually happens. If it does, Jiri fights for the gold against Ulberg. If Pereira stays put, Jiri might have to take a "title eliminator" just to prove he's evolved enough for a third crack at the Brazilian.
📖 Related: Where Will the Next Olympic Games Held: The Roadmap to 2034
Is Ankalaev Still in the Mix?
You can't talk about Jiri's next move without mentioning Magomed Ankalaev. The guy is a technician, but he’s not exactly a "needle mover" for the fans. He just posted on X (formerly Twitter) asking who he should fight next.
There's a world where the UFC asks Jiri to fight Ankalaev in a #1 contender bout.
It would be a nightmare style matchup for Jiri. Ankalaev is disciplined and careful. Jiri is... well, Jiri. He's chaos. He looked "lethargic" (his words) for two rounds against Rountree before just deciding to start a brawl and winning by KO in the third. He can't afford to do that against Ankalaev.
Why 2026 is Different for Prochazka
Jiri is 33 now. He's not the "new kid" anymore. He's a veteran who has seen the highest highs and a devastating shoulder injury that nearly ended it all.
What's interesting is his mindset. He recently talked about swimming 30 meters under a frozen lake. He's obsessed with the "rare life." While other fighters are chasing TikTok views, he's out there in the Czech woods trying to find his soul.
📖 Related: Who is Actually on the Female First Take Cast? The Truth About the Shifting Desk
This makes him dangerous. He isn't fighting for money at this point; he's fighting for a legacy that looks like a movie script.
What to Expect Next
So, where does this leave us?
We know Jiri won't fight in February or March because of the baby. We know he wants the title. We know Carlos Ulberg is the only fresh face at the top he hasn't touched yet.
The most likely path:
- Wait for the Pereira announcement. If Alex goes to heavyweight, expect Jiri vs. Ulberg for the belt in May or June 2026.
- The "Stay Busy" Fight. If the title is tied up, a clash with Ankalaev to settle the #1 contender debate is the only thing that makes sense.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Follow Jiri's official channels. He’s been very vocal about debunking "fake news" lately. If it's not on his IG or the UFC site, don't believe it.
- Watch the UFC 324 results. Even though Jiri isn't on it, the commentary and post-fight pressers will likely reveal the UFC's plan for the light heavyweight division.
- Check the rankings in April. Once his child is born, the UFC will likely ramp up the pressure for a summer return.
Jiri Prochazka is the most unpredictable human in combat sports. Whether he’s fighting for a vacant belt or taking on a new challenger, one thing is certain: it won't be boring.