LAS VEGAS – After nearly nine years in the UFC, Krzysztof Jotko is about to get a new start.

Jotko made his UFC debut in December 2013 and went 11-6 with the promotion. His resume includes wins over the likes of Gerald Meerschaert, Misha Cirkunov and Eryk Anders. But after a submission loss to Brendan Allen this past October, he decided to check out free agency.

He signed with the PFL to take a crack at the $1 million 2023 light heavyweight season – after years at middleweight.

“I was in the UFC a long time,” Jotko said at Thursday’s media day for PFL 2023, Week 1. “I had little problems with my health, but everything is right now is very, very good and I’m super healthy. I just wanted to try something different – a different (weight class), different organization, better money.”

Jotko (24-6) will fight Will Fleury (11-3) on Saturday on the main card at The Theater at Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas. The main card airs on ESPN following prelims on ESPN+. The bout is the first of two in the regular season with a max of six points at stake toward postseason qualification.

Jotko plans to hit that postseason, too – and leave as the next PFL light heavyweight winner. The way the PFL’s season works, Jotko said being able to prepare differently will make a difference for him, too.

“I like to have plans for everything,” Jotko said. “Now I know how to plan my year. I see myself as the new champion at PFL. That’s why I came here – to be the champion, and nobody (can) stop me.”

Check out Jotko’s full media day interview in the video above.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for PFL 2023, Week 1.