Robert Whittaker recently shared his thoughts on the possibility of Jiri Prochazka moving down to the middleweight division. Whittaker cautioned against this move, suggesting it would alter their dynamic if Prochazka were to pursue competing at 185 pounds.
In a recent episode of his MMArcade Podcast, the former UFC middleweight champion expressed his sentiments about Prochazka’s potential weight class change.
Whittaker revealed that he hopes Prochazka decides against dropping down, emphasizing his fondness for the fighter but noting the shift to “enemy” status if they were to meet in the middleweight category:
“I really hope [Prochazka] doesn’t [move down 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…I can’t see him at [185-pounds]. I’ve seen him in real life…He’s a big, big guy…Stay at light heavyweight so we can stay friends.”
Robert Whittaker pleads for Jiri Prochazka to stay at light-heavyweight 😂
"I really hope [Jiri] doesn't [move to middleweight]. I like the guy a lot, but if he enters the middleweight division then we're enemies…
I can't see him at 84 [kg]. I've seen him in real life… he's… pic.twitter.com/uIzO5eXbBX
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) April 29, 2024
When Did Robert Whittaker Last Compete?
Robert Whittaker is currently enjoying a wave of success following his unanimous decision victory over Paulo Costa at UFC 298 this past February.
This win marked a significant rebound from Whittaker’s previous loss to reigning middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis. Whittaker’s victory reaffirmed his position as a top contender in the middleweight division, positioning him well for potential future matchups, potentially even a rematch against du Plessis should he continue his winning streak.
Jiri Prochazka’s expressed interest in moving to 185 pounds could set the stage for an exciting bout against Whittaker. Both fighters are ranked within the top five of their respective divisions, making a showdown between them a logical and anticipated matchup if Whittaker is not immediately granted a title shot.
