LAS VEGAS – Jiri Prochazka wants another shot at Alex Pereira, and promises the third time will be different.

In order to get himself in position to even be considered for another light heavyweight title shot, Prochazka (32-5-1 MMA, 6-2 UFC) had to get past Khalil Rountree Jr. on the main card of UFC 320 – which proved to be a daunting task. Rountree Jr. clearly won the first two rounds of the fight. Knowing he was down on the cards, Prochazka went all out for a finish, which came in dramatic fashion at 3:04 of the final round.

The bout won the Fight of the Night and Prochzaka took home a Performance of the Night bonus on top of that. But was that the type of fight that could propel the former champ into a title fight, considering Carlos Ulberg made an impressive statement last weekend by finishing Dominick Reyes?

“Yes, I believe I’m in the position to get the belt,” Prochazka told MMA Junkie and other reporters at a post-fight news conference. “Doesn’t matter how, I will find a way.”

If Prochazka were to get a title shot, it would be against Alex Pereira, who reclaimed the division’s throne in the main event of UFC 320 by handing Magomed Ankalaev his first TKO loss. Pereira holds two title fight wins over the Czech fighter, with both wins coming via TKO, at UFC 295 and UFC 303. Prochazka promises he won’t repeat what went wrong in the past.

“I would take all these two fights, what I’ve learned from, and I will not repeat my mistakes,” Prochazka said. “I will be just better. I will find a way.”

Being 0-2 against the current champion is always a tough sale, especially when Pereira finished Prochazka in both fights. The former champ is building a strong argument, though, as he’s on a two-fight run after his second loss to Pereira, finishing former champ Jamahal Hill and Rountree Jr.

Pereira expressed desire to move up to heavyweight, which could be another wrench in the plans for a trilogy. If that indeed becomes the case, Prochazka will have to accept it, as ultimately, his goal is to get the gold.

“I just want to fight for the title, no matter who,” Prochazka said.

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Jiri Prochazka wants third shot against UFC champ Alex Pereira

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