Jiri Prochazka explains his 'unconventional' training in preparation for his fight with Rountree at UFC 320

Jiri Prochazka before his UFC fight. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Além dos nocautes e do estilo agressivo dentro do octógono, Jiri Prochazka também é conhecido por adotar métodos de treinamento nada convencionais. Escalado para enfrentar Khalil Rountree no UFC 320, marcado para o próximo sábado (4), o tcheco voltou a apostar em práticas inusitadas em sua preparação. Segundo ele, esses desafios extremos têm um propósito claro em sua evolução como atleta.

In a press conference during the event's media day, Prochazka said that swimming under the ice was an experience that forced him to face the real risk of death head-on. For the Czech samurai, the experience became a metaphor for fighting, where there is no middle ground, something that may be reflected in his performances in the octagon.

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“Eu simplesmente quis. Eu fui até lá, e então percebi: Você pode simplesmente morr** aqui. Porque quando desci pela primeira vez debaixo d’água e apenas olhei sob o gelo, cara, aquilo foi assustador. Eu disse a mim mesmo: ‘você não pode fazer isso só porque quer. Você realmente precisa querer isso do fundo do coração para conseguir’. Eu encarei assim. Realmente como uma luta: ou eu venceria ou nada. Eu precisava concluir aquilo porque não queria ficar preso em algum lugar sob o gelo.”, disse Jiri Prochazka.

The former champion also linked the experience to the very meaning of his career. For him, experiencing intense situations is a way to connect with the essence of fighting and enhance his skills. Among the activities he constantly pursues are mountain climbing, training in nature, and meditation sessions, activities that, according to him, help strengthen him as an athlete and human being.

"Maybe that's why I fight. Because you're constantly touching on this essence of loss, of death, of losing everything. When you give your all in training, anywhere, that's the meaning of life. I want to live a rare life. To feel myself, that I'm alive. All these things—climbing mountains, training in nature, all these things, meditation—help me improve all my skills to be a better fighter," concluded the former champion.

Watch Jiri Prochazka train for UFC 320

Jiri Prochazka swims 30 meters under the ice in a frozen lake

@jiri_bjp #UFC #MMApic.twitter.com/ZPdTriX1oU

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) May 7, 2025

Jiri Prochazka’s unique training involves sprinting with his mouth and nose closed, pushing his limits with no breathing

(via @ufc ) pic.twitter.com/52rXTImXe4

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) October 1, 2025