UFC: Jiri Prochazka says Jon Jones had ‘other problems to solve’ than worrying about him

Jones vacated light heavyweight title soon after Prochazka’s UFC debut, but the No 2-ranked contender admits ‘I think he didn’t know about me’

‘Denisa’ is in Abu Dhabi as an alternate to UFC 267 light heavyweight title main event – and to ‘smell’ the competition

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Jiri Prochazka punches Dominick Reyes in their light heavyweight bout on May 1, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Photos:Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Published: 10:57am, 29 Oct 2021Updated: 10:57am, 29 Oct 2021

It was only a couple of years ago Jiri Prochazka was fighting in Japan, and king of Rizin’s light heavyweight division, with Jon Jones undoubtedly the best 205 pounder in the world.

But a lot has changed since.

The American 34-year-old Jones (26-1, one no contest), who holds numerous records including the longest unbeaten streak in the UFC (18) and most consecutive title defences (8), vacated his title as part of a planned move to heavyweight which has yet to materialise. And with yet another unsavoury incident landing him back in court, there’s question marks as to whether “Bones” will ever compete in the Octagon again.

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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