No 2-ranked Prochazka (28-3-1), meanwhile, has taken the UFC by storm, knocking out two former title challengers in Volkan Oezdemir and Dominick Reyes, whom Jones was widely considered lucky to have beaten by decision in his last fight 18 months ago.

“I think no,” Prochazka told the Post, when asked if he thought Jones left the UFC’s light heavyweight division because he saw the Czech coming. “Because I think he didn’t know about me because there is other problems before him what he needs to solve in his personal life or in his career.

“So, I don‘t think about Jon Jones right now. I’m thinking about the light heavyweight title. But maybe after that.”

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A remarkable streak of 12 straight victories – all coming via stoppage – have left Prochazka primed for a title shot in Abu Dhabi this weekend, should anything happen to either Jan Blachowicz (28-0) or Glover Teixeira (32-7).

As it stands, both men are healthy and their UFC 267 main event on Fight Island is set to go off without a hitch. But it is testament to 29-year-old Prochazka’s winning mentality that he wanted to make the journey, at the very least, so he could “smell” the competition.

“I would rather fight Jan. I think he’s better,” Prochazka said. “I saw his style and I like his focus in the fight. I know his technique and that will be a big pleasure to fight with him because I respect him. I respect all the guys in my division, but I know I can win.”

“I feel it’s a natural step to win this amazing title,” Prochazka added. “I want to go and take this crown, and win the first place, and it’s just all about when will be the right time in my evolution to be the best fighter.

“I believe it’s not a question about how I am right now, but how my style will be after three months. When they give me more time, I feel all the opponents will have a much bigger problem to stand before me than right now.”