Prochazka Denies Fight Is Booked Amid Costa Rumors

Jiri Prochazka says he does not have a fight officially booked, pushing back on online chatter linking him to a matchup with Paulo Costa.

The former UFC light heavyweight champion posted a statement on Instagram this weekend addressing what he called "bullshit on internet," making clear no contract has been signed for his next fight. He did not confirm or deny any specific opponent, but the timing lines up with rumors that have spread on social media about a possible fight with Costa.

Prochazka's message focused more on his training than any matchup. He said he wants his "preparation to be truly thorough" and described working "from the roots that have long been a part of me."

What Happened to Jiri Prochazka at UFC 327

Prochazka has not fought since losing his title to Carlos Ulberg at UFC 327 in April. He appeared to be in control of that fight before Ulberg suffered a knee injury and, moments later, landed a fight-ending punch to claim the vacant light heavyweight title. Ulberg has not fought since due to a torn ACL, which means Prochazka is likely to return to the cage before the new champion does.

Why Paulo Costa's Name Keeps Coming Up

Paulo Costa is fresh off one of the best wins of his career, knocking out Azamat Murzakanov in a light heavyweight bout at UFC 327 to become the first fighter to defeat "The Professional." That performance is almost certainly what fueled the speculation tying Costa to Prochazka, even though nothing has been confirmed by either side.

The UFC has five numbered events left on the 2026 calendar, with UFC 334 set for New York on Nov. 14 and UFC 335 landing in Las Vegas on Dec. 12. September's UFC 331 card is already loaded, making it an unlikely landing spot for Prochazka. UFC 332 on Oct. 3 in Salt Lake City still needs a marquee bout, and tickets are already on sale, which makes it a logical target date if a deal comes together.

Betting Angle

Nothing is official, so there is no line to point to yet, but the shape of a Prochazka fight is easy to read. A rematch clock against Ulberg is not realistic given the champion's ACL recovery, which leaves the door open for a high-profile non-title fight to keep Prochazka busy and relevant in the 205-pound picture. An opponent with Costa's power and name value would likely draw plenty of public betting interest given how violently his UFC 327 knockout ended, and Prochazka's own history of wild, finish-heavy fights tends to pull markets toward over/under and method-of-victory props rather than a straightforward moneyline play. Until a bout agreement is signed, though, all of that is speculation and not something to bet around.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Jiri Prochazka's next fight officially booked?

No. Jiri Prochazka said on Instagram that his next fight is not confirmed and that he is still working on finalizing an opponent.

Is Jiri Prochazka fighting Paulo Costa next?

It has not been confirmed. Rumors have linked Jiri Prochazka to Paulo Costa, but Prochazka has denied that any fight is officially signed.

Why hasn't Carlos Ulberg defended his light heavyweight title?

Carlos Ulberg has not fought since beating Jiri Prochazka for the vacant title at UFC 327 because he is recovering from a torn ACL.