Jiri Prochazka Vacates Title & New UFC 282 Main Event

It wouldn’t be the UFC in 2022 without a late twist to the main event of the final pay-per-view of the year. Jiri Prochazka has vacated his Light Heavyweight Championship after suffering “the worst shoulder injury in UFC history,” according to President Dana White.

Prochazka was due to defend his belt in a rematch with former champion Glover Teixeira at UFC 282 but opted to vacate his title to avoid holding up the division.

Prochazka won the title earlier this year when he choked out Teixeira in the fifth round of what many believe was the best UFC title fight in the history of the promotion.

I am very disappointed to announce that I will not be defending my belt at UFC 282. I was injured in training in Las Vegas while finishing my preparation for my title defense in the UFC's lightheavyweight division. pic.twitter.com/0KUEBZVPuK

— Jiri BJP Prochazka (@jiri_bjp) November 23, 2022

This means that we have a new UFC 282 main event with former Light Heavyweight Champion Jan Blachowicz’s (3.00) squaring off against Magomed Ankalaev (1.42) for the vacant 205lb belt. The two were scheduled to fight in the co-main event with the winner most likely earning themselves a title shot.

Blachowicz has finished four of his last six wins and looks to recapture his crown at UFC 282. Ankalaev currently has the second-longest win streak in UFC light heavyweight history with nine victories, including five via finish, and plans to extend his streak by claiming his first UFC title in Las Vegas.

Our NEW light heavyweight title fight headlining #UFC282 🏆

Jiri Prochazka has suffered a significant shoulder injury. Out of respect to the athletes and the division he will vacate his title.@JanBlachowicz vs @AnkalaevM is your new main event for the undisputed UFC LHW belt! pic.twitter.com/CScRxmjWwS

— UFC (@ufc) November 23, 2022