Dana White says Jiri Prochazka needn't rush in to competition for title shot, wants him back at "100%"

Jiri Prochazka is currently sidelined with a shoulder injury, however, UFC President Dana White has guaranteed that he will receive a title opportunity upon his return. The No.1-ranked light heavyweight vacated his title ahead of UFC 282 after being forced to withdraw due to injury, placing himself in the good graces of the company.

Speaking at the post-fight press conference following UFC Fight Night 218, the promotional frontman discussed Prochazka's return, stating:

"I’m not pushing him to return. I want him to take as much time as he needs, and I don’t want him to push that shoulder. I don’t want him to feel like there’s a timeline where we need him back. The timeline is as soon as he’s 100 percent healthy. I do not want him to rush or push it."

Dana White was asked if the former light heavyweight champion could be Jamahal Hill's first title defense, responding:

"Yeah, I mean, if he’s ready, but I don’t want him to feel like he needs to be ready to get that fight. Whoever has the title when he’s 100 percent healthy, that fight’s waiting for him."

Prochazka does not currently have a timetable for his return, however, he has traded words with Hill since the latter captured light heavyweight gold at UFC 283.

Watch Dana White's comments on Jiri Prochazka below (starting at the 15:00 mark):

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Jiri Prochazka's former opponent believes he has the style to beat Jon Jones

Muhammed Lawal faced Jiri Prochazka twice in the Rizin Fighting Federation, with each fighter picking up a knockout victory. Speaking with Chael Sonnen, 'King Mo' shared that he believes his former rival has the style necessary to defeat Jon Jones, stating:

"I honestly think that a healthy Jiri is the style to beat Jon Jones. I think Jon Jones is a great fighter, probably one of the best of all time, but in order to beat someone that technical, you have to get in his ass. You have to fight him like it’s a three-minute tough-man bout. Jiri fights at a high pace. He’s reckless. He’s not gonna try to out-technique you, he’s just gonna try to beat you."

Lawal added that while he's not sure Prochazka would win the hypothetical bout, he believes that his style would give Jones issues. 'Bones' is widely considered the greatest light heavyweight of all-time.

Watch Muhammed Lawal's comments on Jiri Prochazka and Jon Jones below: