Get ready for fireworks as Jiri Prochazka and Jamahal Hill are set to collide in a thrilling light heavyweight showdown at UFC 311. The highly anticipated bout is scheduled for January 18, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, promising an electrifying matchup between two former champions eager to reclaim glory.

‘The Czech Samurai’ is renowned for his unorthodox striking and relentless aggression, and aims to reassert his dominance in the division. Across the cage stands Hill, whose crisp boxing and devastating finishing power make him a formidable threat. An ideal scenario would see the winner facing Alex Pereira for the 205lbs gold. However, not everyone is convinced. Former UFC fighter and analyst Chael Sonnen has voiced skepticism about the potential title implications of this matchup, offering a different perspective on the division’s landscape.

Chael Sonnen voices his opinion on the future of 205lbs moving forward

Jiri Prochazka and Alex Pereira have developed a fierce rivalry, thanks to their previous two title outings. Their first encounter at UFC 295 saw Pereira emerge victorious. In a highly anticipated rematch at UFC 303, Pereira retained his title with a second-round knockout, landing a devastating head kick that secured a TKO victory.

Despite these setbacks, Prochazka remains determined to earn a trilogy bout and reclaim the championship. However, former UFC fighter and analyst Chael Sonnen believes that opportunity might be out of reach. According to Sonnen, Jamahal Hill holds the edge for a rematch with Pereira. Tensions between Hill and the reigning champion have escalated following a recent heated altercation at the UFC Performance Institute. Hill has been vocal about his desire for a second fight with Pereira, citing what he perceived as an unfair intervention by the referee during their UFC 300 bout.

On his YouTube channel, Sonnen shared his perspective: “Jamahal is not back from being in there with Pereira. Can we agree? Like Pereira is definitely going to start doing rematches. Jamahal belongs at the top of the conversation, and now he’s got to deal with Prochazka. Well, Prochazka is not going to get another shot with Pereira, but Procházka is great. He’s just not going to be given that opportunity.”

Despite defending his title three times in 2024, Pereira is yet to face the threat of Magomed Ankalaev. Many experts and fans believe that the Russian fighter should have got a title shot already. This topic was brought up During episode #2249 of the JRE podcast last week by Joe Rogan.

The UFC commentator sparked controversy in the MMA world by claiming that the 205lbs god-king was intentionally delaying a title shot for top contender Ankalaev. However, Chael Sonnen doesn’t feel the same.

Alex Pereira is not afraid to fight Magomed Ankalaev feels Chael Sonnen

Joe Rogan has never been shy to share his opinion on important matters. And this time he has raised questions about the Brazilian’s rumored return to the Octagon in March. He suggested that the timing might coincide with the holy month of Ramadan and Ankalaev might struggle to make a return. During his podcast, he said, “Ankalaev wouldn’t be able to fight in March. He’s got to go through the entire month of Ramadan preparing for a world title fight?”

Rogan’s comments ignited a wave of controversy and debate within the MMA community, with many fans wondering if ‘Poatan’ was deliberately avoiding a fight with Ankalaev. The backlash against the champ led Chael Sonnen to step in and defend him. During his video on YouTube, he dismissed Rogan’s claim and supported the champion.

He said, “I don’t think I believe any of that to be true. I don’t think Alex Pereira thought these things through. Pereira has many options. He’s been saying Ankalaev all the time—that was not a draw, not a direction that everybody knew the organization would go. It’s just what if they switch chairs? What if our biggest star switches chairs with anybody? Is it worth the risk?”

‘The Bad Guy’ also referenced reports suggesting Pereira might return in March, a rumor that has been widely shared by various news sources. However, these claims have not been backed by any direct statements from the champion himself. So who do you think Alex Pereira will be facing next in his UFC career? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.