Jiri Prochazka before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
It seems, Jiri Prochazka is 100% back to his UFC career. The 'Czech samurai' has even reached refuse a fight for the title to focus on university exams. However, now, the former champion is already eyeing his return to the octagon, since he has completed his studies.
In a post on 'X' (formerly Twitter), Prochazka, who was studying Security and Strategic Studies at Masaryk University in the Czech Republic, celebrated the end of this cycle, which he considers an important stage in his journey. He highlighted that progress is built little by little and, with this mission accomplished, he feels ready to discuss the next challenges in his MMA career.
“Mission accomplished. Step by step we travel the thousand-mile road. Now we can start negotiating the next step. Thank you, Sport Muni, for the incredible years in the SEBS/ASEBS field of study,” wrote Prochazka.
Mission accomplished.
Step By step walk the thousand-mile road.
Now we can start negotiating about next move
Thankyou @sport_muni for the amazing years in the SEBS/ASEBS field of study. pic.twitter.com/jErK54YYOY— Jiri BJP Prochazka (@jiri_bjp) June 24, 2025
Prochazka turned down UFC 317 fight to prioritize college
Jiri Prochazka declined an offer to face Magomed Ankalayev No. UFC 317, scheduled for June 28, to prioritize the completion of his university exams. The information was confirmed by his coach, Martin Karaivanov, in an interview with the Sports.cz portal.
The Czech fighter chose to postpone negotiations until the end of the academic term, scheduled for the same month. As a result, he plans to return to the octagon only in the second semester.
Prochazka aims for Poatan's spot in the fight for the belt
Alex Poatán before fighting Jiri Prochazka (Photo: Playback / Instagram)
Buoyed by the knockout over Jamahal hill No. UFC 311, held in January, Jiri Prochazka plans to fight for the light heavyweight belt as soon as he returns to action. The reason is that the Czech believes that Alex Poatán should not receive revenge against Magomed Ankalayev.
“August, October, something like that. I believe Pereira (Alex Poatán) will not fight, so my manager is trying to continue negotiating the fight with Ankalaev. If Pereira fights him, I will fight someone else, but I am focused on Ankalaev next,” Jiri said in an interview with 'Full Violence'.
Rivalry with Ankalaev could pave way for Prochazka to fight for belt
Jiri Prochazka e Magomed Ankalayev are highlights of the UFC light heavyweight division. Photo: SUPER FIGHTS Montage
If his results inside the octagon weren't enough, Jiri Prochazka may have another shortcut to securing a UFC title shot: his rivalry with Magomed Ankalayev.
Despite being intense, this rivalry arose in an unusual way. Soon after Ankalaev defeated Alex Poatán No. UFC 313, Prochazka made a point of congratulating the new champion on social media. However, the Russian's response was anything but friendly.
In a post on 'X', the Czech acknowledged Ankalaev's victory and praised his performance, although he highlighted that the Russian's style does not please most fans. Prochazka then mentioned Poatan and made clear his desire to face him for the third time.
“Congratulations Ankalaev, nice push. Most people don’t like it, but you’ve won the belt for now. Alex Pereira, last dance?” wrote Jiri.
I think you are a fraud and so many guys deserve it more than you you need to go win some fights
— Magomed Ankalayev (@AnkalaevM) March 9, 2025
For many, the Czech star's message even seemed to advocate Magomed Ankalayev constant criticism of his fighting style. However, the new light heavyweight champion didn't care about his rival's praise and quickly attacked him, undermining his position in the title race.
“I think you are a fraud and many others deserve more than you. You need to win some fights,” he replied. Magomed Ankalayev.
Moments later, in a post on the 'ESPN MMA' profile, Ankalaev reappeared to provoke the 'Samurai'.
“This guy is a terrible fighter,” wrote the new champion.
This guy is a terrible fighter
— Magomed Ankalayev (@AnkalaevM) March 9, 2025
Speaking to 'Full Violence', Jiri Prochazka did not spare criticism of the current champion, Magomed Ankalayev, and labeled him a 'big mouth guy'. The Czech also accused the Russian of undermining his own credibility with his actions.
“He has done enough for people to stop taking him seriously. That is not how a champion should talk (…) He will only hurt himself with this meaningless role,” added the former champion.
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