TLDR
- Jiri Prochazka predicts Alex Pereira will beat Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14
- Prochazka has lost to Pereira twice by knockout in light heavyweight title fights
- Pereira could become the third fighter in UFC history to win titles in three different weight classes
- Prochazka faces Carlos Ulberg for the vacant light heavyweight title at UFC 327 on Saturday
- Prochazka hasn’t ruled out moving to heavyweight to pursue a third fight with Pereira
Sources: sports.yahoo.com | mmajunkie.usatoday.com
Jiri Prochazka believes Alex Pereira will make UFC history by winning a title in a third weight class when he faces Ciryl Gane at UFC Freedom 250.
Pereira will fight Gane for the interim heavyweight title on June 14 at The White House. The bout was set up after current heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall needed to recover from double eye surgery.
Prochazka’s History With Pereira
Prochazka knows Pereira’s abilities better than most fighters. The two have faced each other twice in light heavyweight title fights, with Pereira winning both times by knockout.
Despite losing to Pereira twice, Prochazka holds no ill will toward his former opponent. He told Adin Ross that he believes Pereira has what it takes to beat Gane.
“Let the better man win. I believe Alex can do that,” Prochazka said. “Alex can do that, especially when I saw him, his weight is going up.”
Jiri Prochazka wants the trilogy fight with Alex Pereira 🔥 #UFC #MMA
🚨 FULL EPISODE LIVE ON YT pic.twitter.com/7Zyq9EiSYt
— Pound 4 Pound (@pound4poundshow) October 21, 2025
Prochazka noted that Pereira has been gaining weight naturally and looks strong at the heavier weight class. He believes Pereira’s striking skills will give him the advantage in standup exchanges.
“He’s strong enough, too, and in the stand up, I believe he will be better,” Prochazka explained. “But Gane has a lot of movement for that.”
Pereira currently holds a 13-3 record in mixed martial arts with a 10-2 record inside the UFC. He has already captured titles at middleweight and light heavyweight.
Gane brings a 13-2 overall record and 10-2 UFC record into the fight. The French heavyweight is known for his exceptional footwork and movement, which Prochazka acknowledged as a potential challenge for Pereira.
Prochazka’s Own Title Plans
Prochazka has his own title fight to worry about before thinking too much about Pereira’s future. He will face Carlos Ulberg for the vacant light heavyweight title at UFC 327 on Saturday.
The fight takes place at the Kaseya Center in Miami and will air on Paramount+. Ulberg holds a 13-1 overall record and 9-1 record in the UFC.
Prochazka’s current MMA record stands at 32-5-1 with a 6-2 mark in the UFC. His only two UFC losses came against Pereira in their championship fights.
Despite preparing for his own title fight, Prochazka told MMA Junkie he hasn’t ruled out chasing Pereira to heavyweight. A third fight between the two rivals could happen if both fighters win their upcoming bouts.
Prochazka said he won’t completely dismiss the possibility of moving up in weight to settle the score with Pereira. However, his immediate focus remains on reclaiming the light heavyweight title he once held.
If Pereira defeats Gane and wins the interim heavyweight title, he would become only the third fighter in UFC history to win titles in three different weight classes. The fight is scheduled as the co-main event at UFC Freedom 250.
Prochazka’s prediction carries weight because of his intimate knowledge of Pereira’s skills. Having fought Pereira twice in championship rounds, he understands the Brazilian striker’s power and technique better than most observers.
