Robert Whittaker hopes Jiri Prochazka avoids making a middleweight move in the UFC because then they are enemies. What incentives does Whittaker hope to achieve if Prochazka doesn’t make a middleweight move in UFC? Continue reading to find out!
Prochazka, a former light heavyweight champion, recently disclosed that one of his long-term career ambitions is to reduce his weight to 185 pounds. He is sure he could fight in the division twenty pounds lighter, but his primary goal is to reclaim the title at his current weight class.
Dricus Du Plessis, the reigning middleweight champion, urged Prochazka to surrender his belt, admitting that the Czech fighter is lighter than him when he leaves camp.
Whittaker , a former champion and current contender, isn’t as thrilled about Prochazka joining the division.
Whittaker expressed his sentiment, stating, “I hope he doesn’t move to middleweight. I like the guy a lot, but if he enters the middleweight division, then we’re enemies. That’s just the nature of the game. They’re all enemies, except for my teammates.”
Whittaker stated that he had faith in Prochazka’s ability to carry the load. He is less certain, though, that Prochazka would be just as successful in combat.
Whittaker conveyed his thoughts, mentioning, he can’t see him at middleweight. He has had the chance to see him up close in real life, and he was a big, dude. It was not just his physical size; he had a big frame with wide shoulders and stood at 6-foot-4. But he was a big, big guy. He believed he had the mentality to make the weight cut, though. If he decided to move to middleweight, he would likely achieve it. Whether it was a wise decision or not was uncertain. He was performing excellently at light heavyweight, and he had expressed his ongoing ambitions in that division. So, he hoped he stays at light heavyweight so they can maintain their friendship.
In the main event of UFC on ABC 6 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on June 22, Whittaker, who is ranked No. 4 in the most recent USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie middleweight rankings, will make his comeback to the octagon against Khamzat Chimaev, who is ranked No. 8.
What is your opinion on Prochazka not dropping down to the UFC middleweight category? Do you think that a better option in the current situation? Do let us know about your thoughts in the comment section!
