Tag: Jiri Prochazka

Chael Sonnen ‘Fascinated’ By Talk Of Ji?í Procházka Dropping To Middleweight: ‘Procházka vs. Du Plessis? You Have My Attention’

Former UFC title challenger Chael Sonnen is intrigued by the possibility of Ji?í Procházka joining the division he formerly competed in. Procházka is currently just over a week on from his latest outing at the UFC 303 pay-per-view, which saw his second failed bid to achieve two-time champion status on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage […]

Continue Reading Chael Sonnen ‘Fascinated’ By Talk Of Ji?í Procházka Dropping To Middleweight: ‘Procházka vs. Du Plessis? You Have My Attention’ at MMA News.

Former UFC title challenger Chael Sonnen is intrigued by the possibility of Ji?í Procházka joining the division he formerly competed in.

Procházka is currently just over a week on from his latest outing at the UFC 303 pay-per-view, which saw his second failed bid to achieve two-time champion status on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage play out.

Having had his light heavyweight reign brought to an end by a severe shoulder injury in late 2022, “BJP” returned in competition for the then-vacant belt at UFC 295 last November. On that night, Alex Pereira exited the cage with the gold in his possession, completing two-division glory in the process.

With both subsequently recording wins at UFC 300 this past April, they ran it back on short notice after the June 29 numbered event was left in desperate need of a headline savior.

The Czech star answered the call and looked to right the wrongs from his first showdown with “Poatan.” But unfortunately for the former champ, he was soundly beaten second time around.

In the aftermath, a disappointed Procházka admitted he needs to “evolve” as a fighter or simply not compete any longer. Separately, his coach pitched a drop to middleweight following his man’s latest setback at 205 pounds.

That idea appears to be one that gets a former title challenger in both divisions off his seat…

Sonnen ‘Loves’ The Idea Of Middleweight Procházka

During a video recently uploaded to his YouTube channel, Sonnen reacted to talk of Procházka possibly testing the middleweight waters down the line, a move that the former champ himself has previously insisted would be doable.

While he suggested a divisional switch is not a necessity for “BJP” despite his two defeats to the current light heavyweight kingpin, “The Bad Guy” did point out a number of mouthwatering matchups that could await the Czech star down at 185 pounds.

“Ji?í Procházka’s coach suggests the former champion should move down to middleweight. … Well, I don’t want to take on that coach or his opinion because he is damn good and he created a world champion there,” Sonnen said. “I believe what he is offering, in front of everything else, is that it is not time for Ji?í to retire. I agree with that, fully.

“I don’t believe there is a meaningful difference if you become a world champion in a different division. … Ji?í at 185, that is completely fascinating to me. I love that idea,” Sonnen continued. “I really don’t want to see Ji?í vs. Alex Pereira (again). I didn’t really want to see Ji?í vs. Alex Pereira last weekend. That’s just not the one that I was itching for. But I tell you what, Ji?í Procházka vs. Du Plessis? You have my attention. Ji?í Procházka vs. Sean Strickland, vs. Izzy Adesanya, wow, vs. Robert Whittaker, woah, things just got really interesting. Ji?í Procházka vs. Khamzat Chimaev! Ji?í at 185, I love this concept, but I’m not bothered by the concept of Ji?í staying at 205.”

It remains to be seen what Procházka’s plans are for the future and whether he shares his coach’s view on a middleweight move next.

But regardless, the always entertaining “BJP” is already back to his unique and unorthodox training regime back in Czechia.

Continue Reading Chael Sonnen ‘Fascinated’ By Talk Of Ji?í Procházka Dropping To Middleweight: ‘Procházka vs. Du Plessis? You Have My Attention’ at MMA News.

Jiri Prochazka hopeful of third title fight with Alex Pereira after UFC 303 loss: ‘I know I can beat him’

Jiri Prochazka eyes third fight with Alex Pereira despite UFC 303 loss I know I can beat himDespite dropping his second career loss to Alex Pereira just a week ago at UFC 303, former light heavyweight…

Jiri Prochazka eyes third fight with Alex Pereira despite UFC 303 loss I know I can beat him

Despite dropping his second career loss to Alex Pereira just a week ago at UFC 303, former light heavyweight kingpin, Jiri Prochazka remains confident of landing a victory over the Brazilian if they can share the Octagon for a third time.

Prochazka, who remains the number one ranked divisional contender off the back of his International Fight Week title fight blemish, was stopped for the second time since November by Pereira, who turned in his second successful title defense to boot. 

Jiri Prochazka reveals staph infection before Alex Pereira fight everything wasn't fine

Stopped with a hellacious second round high-kick knockout loss to the Sao Paulo native, Prochazka has been linked with a middleweight divisional move off the back of his UFC 303 defeat, however, revealed he had been battling with both a staph infection in the weeks ahead of his rematch with the Brazilian, after suffering a prior back injury.

“The last two weeks have been health-wise – even though I said everything was fine, it wasn’t,” Jiri Prochazka said. “This was manifested by staphylococcus, a spot on the body after a tick bite, an unhealed would on the leg, a crunch in the back after heavy lifting.”

Jiri Prochazka spent 3 days with no food or water after booking UFC 303 fight he is that dude
Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

Jiri Prochazka eyes third title fight with Alex Pereira

And weighing up matchups against the likes of former champion, Jamahal Hill, as well as surging Russian challenger, Magomed Ankalaev off the back of his defeat to Pereira – Prochazka has sights on a route back to the throne, claiming he can beat the former if they fight for a third time. 

Jiri Prochazka vows to evolve or stop fighting after UFC 303 loss to Alex Pereira in statement
Mandatory Credit: Ian Maule

“I know I can beat (Alex) Pereira,” Jiri Prochazka told TN.cz during a recent interview. “I feel I have what it takes and I just need to unlock the right things to really win. I’ll let my next opponent crystallize. I’m thinking of names, there’s (Jamahal) Hill, (Magomed) Ankalaev, and (Jan) Blachowicz.”

Do you think Jiri Prochazka can beat Alex Pereira if they fight for a third time?

Jiri Prochazka plays up potential fight with UFC star Jamahal Hill next: ‘I’m thinking of names’

Jiri Prochazka weighs up fight with Jamahal Hill in UFC return I'm thinking of namesHoping to plot his way back to the light heavyweight throne, Jiri Prochazka has a host of names on…

Jiri Prochazka weighs up fight with Jamahal Hill in UFC return I'm thinking of names

Hoping to plot his way back to the light heavyweight throne, Jiri Prochazka has a host of names on his radar for his immediate return to action – namely fellow former gold holder, Jamahal Hill following his UFC 303 title fight defeat to common-foe, Alex Pereira.

Prochazka, the current number one ranked contender, headlined UFC 303 last weekend during International Fight Week, suffering a second career loss to the above-mentioned, Pereira in the form of a spectacular second round high-kick knockout defeat.

Jiri Prochazka reveals staph infection before Alex Pereira fight everything wasn't fine

As for Hill, the Dana White’s Contender Series product has been sidelined since he lost to the previously noted, Pereira back at UFC 300 earlier this annum, in the form of his own opening round knockout defeat.

And linked with a long-mooted middleweight limit move off the back of his second championship fight defeat to Sao Paulo fan-favorite, Pereira, Prochazka may land himself a new start at 185lbs according to his head coach. 

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“Personally speaking, I see [middleweight] as a potential restart and a positive step,” Karaivanov said. “He (Jiri Prochazka) is also still at an age where he can cut weight to [185 pounds] relatively well. We will definitely talk about it, It won’t be my decision, but a team decision. A middleweight [move] would make sense because it would be a new start, something new to focus one. A return to light heavyweight would make sense if and when it starts becoming difficult for him to cut weight to middleweight.”

Jiri Prochazka weighs up Jamahal Hill in UFC return

And weighing up his future opponents at the light heavyweight limit at least, Czech Republic favorite, Prochazka welcomed the likes of former champions, Hill, as well as fellow European star, Jan Blachowicz, as well as surging contender, Magomed Ankalaev.

Jamahal Hill denies fouling Alex Pereira at UFC 300 I hit him in the hip and it looked like a low blow
Mandatory Credit: Jeff Bottari – Zuffa LLC

“I know I can beat (Alex) Pereira,” Jiri Prochazka told TN.cz during a recent interview. “I feel I have what it takes and I just need to unlock the right things to really win. I’ll let my next opponent crystallize. I’m thinking of names, there’s (Jamahal) Hill, (Magomed) Ankalaev, and (Jan) Blachowicz.”

Overnight, Prochazka also revealed he was battling a staph infection in the days ahead of his UFC 303 rematch with Pereira, as well as suffering a back injury during training.

Do you want to see Jiri Prochazka take on Jamahal Hill in his next fight?

Jiri Prochazka reveals battle with staph infection ahead of fight with Alex Pereira: ‘I said everything was fine’

Jiri Prochazka reveals staph infection before Alex Pereira fight everything wasn't fineFormer undisputed light heavyweight champion, Jiri Prochazka has revealed he entered his title fight rematch with Alex Pereira at…

Jiri Prochazka reveals staph infection before Alex Pereira fight everything wasn't fine

Former undisputed light heavyweight champion, Jiri Prochazka has revealed he entered his title fight rematch with Alex Pereira at UFC 303 last weekend battling a staph infection – caused by a tick bite.

Prochazka, a former light heavyweight titleholder, made his return on short-notice at UFC 303 over the course of last weekend during International Fight Week – taking on two-time opponent, Pereira.

Jiri Prochazka vows to evolve or stop fighting after UFC 303 loss to Alex Pereira in statement
Mandatory Credit: Ian Maule

And dropping a spectacular second round knockout defeat, Czech Republic finisher, Prochazka was stopped with a massive high-kick strike from the Brazilian knockout phenom, suffering his second defeat via knockout to Pereira in less than a year.

Claiming in the immediate aftermath of his loss to the Sao Paulo striker how he would need to “evolve” or retire from combat sports, Prochazka’s coach played up the chances of his student making good on a long-rumored move to the middleweight limit.

Jiri Prochazka spent 3 days with no food or water after booking UFC 303 fight he is that dude
Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

“Personally speaking, I see [middleweight] as a potential restart and a positive step,” Karaivanov told TN CZ Sport. “He (Jiri Prochazka) is also still at an age where he can cut weight to [185 pounds] relatively well. We will definitely talk about it, It won’t be my decision, but a team decision. A middleweight [move] would make sense because it would be a new start, something new to focus one. A return to light heavyweight would make sense if and when it starts becoming difficult for him to cut weight to middleweight.”

Jiri Prochazka reveals battle with staph infection pre-UFC 303

And providing an update off the back of his loss to former two-division gold holder, Pereira, former champion, Prochazka revealed he was battling a staph infection ahead of UFC 303, as well as suffering a back injury during training.

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“The last two weeks have been health-wise – even thought I said everything was fine, it wasn’t,” Jiri Prochazka told CNN Prima. “This was manifested by staphylococcus, a spot on the body after a tick bite, an unhealed would on the leg, a crunch in the back after heavy lifting.”

Who do you want to see Jiri Prochazka fight in his UFC return?

Coach Hints At Major Career Change For Ji?í Procházka After UFC 303 Defeat: ‘A Potential Restart…’

Following his bounce-back win over Aleksandr Raki? at UFC 300, Ji?í Procházka made the claim that competing at the weight class below could be an option for him in the near future. He said that going into his fight in April, he didn’t have much weight to cut in order to make the light heavyweight […]

Continue Reading Coach Hints At Major Career Change For Ji?í Procházka After UFC 303 Defeat: ‘A Potential Restart…’ at MMA News.

Following his bounce-back win over Aleksandr Raki? at UFC 300, Ji?í Procházka made the claim that competing at the weight class below could be an option for him in the near future.

He said that going into his fight in April, he didn’t have much weight to cut in order to make the light heavyweight limit, which made him confident of dropping to middleweight at some stage.

Procházka told Michael Bisping in an interview that it was something he was thinking about as a way to further challenge himself, even after the former middleweight champion warned him of how tough the weight cut may be.

“So, good food with some good diet for me, I think 84 kilos, middleweight will be no problem. I’m still thinking about that, how I can feel with these guys in middleweight because I know I can do that.

“I’m looking forward to that because I want to try more clear foods in preparation because I really know how to work with my body, with that weight, and I feel it can be good.”

Ji?í Procházka’s Coach Says Middleweight Would Give Them A ‘New Start’ Post-UFC 303

Moving to middleweight looks to be back in contention for Procházka after he was unable to reclaim the light heavyweight title this past weekend at UFC 303 in a rematch with Alex Pereira.

Many were critical of his approach to the fight, with the former champion also stating that he would need to go back and work on becoming a new version of himself if he was going to continue fighting.

His coach, Martin Karaivanov, spoke in an interview with TN CZ Sport about how this could mean moving to middleweight in order to begin a new chapter of his career.

“Personally speaking, I see [middleweight] as a potential restart and a positive step,” Karaivanov said (translated by MMA Mania). “He is also still at an age where he can cut weight to [185] relatively well. We will definitely talk about it. It won’t be my decision, but a team decision.

“Middleweight would make sense because it would be a new start, something new to focus on. A return to light heavyweight would make sense if and when it starts becoming difficult for him to cut weight to middleweight.”

Having admitted that he either needs to evolve as a fighter or not return to competition following a second setback at the hands of “Poatan,” perhaps “BJP” will look to do so down at 185 pounds in pursuit of becoming the promotion’s latest double champ.

Continue Reading Coach Hints At Major Career Change For Ji?í Procházka After UFC 303 Defeat: ‘A Potential Restart…’ at MMA News.

Georges St-Pierre’s Coach Labels Ji?í Procházka’s UFC 303 Performance As ‘Worst Approach To A Fight Ever’

Ji?í Procházka was unable to reclaim the UFC light heavyweight title in a rematch with Alex Pereira this past weekend in Las Vegas. Despite believing that he had made some significant adjustments for his approach this time around, UFC 303 was a far more one-sided affair than their previous encounter last November. Though it is […]

Continue Reading Georges St-Pierre’s Coach Labels Ji?í Procházka’s UFC 303 Performance As ‘Worst Approach To A Fight Ever’ at MMA News.

Ji?í Procházka was unable to reclaim the UFC light heavyweight title in a rematch with Alex Pereira this past weekend in Las Vegas.

Despite believing that he had made some significant adjustments for his approach this time around, UFC 303 was a far more one-sided affair than their previous encounter last November.

Though it is true that Procházka was having success in the first fight until he was stopped in the second round, he was seemingly fighting a losing battle mostly due to the damage that was done to his leg early on in the fight.

The same thing happened on Saturday night but Pereira was able to find a home for his devastating left hook even earlier on this occasion, before finishing the fight at the start of the second round with a head kick.

Firas Zahabi Criticizes Ji?í Procházka For Being Happy To Strike With Alex Pereira

The highly-regarded MMA coach Firas Zahabi gave his breakdown of the fight during a recent video on the Tristar Gym YouTube channel.

He was very critical of the approach that Procházka came into the rematch with because there wasn’t enough emphasis placed on switching things up on Pereira.

Zahabi referenced how there is a stark difference in the amount of MMA experience that both men have, with Procházka coming into the main event with 36 pro fights compared to Pereira’s 13.

The former coach of Georges St-Pierre couldn’t understand why the challenger wouldn’t look to take advantage of this by trying to take the former world champion kickboxing out of his comfort zone.

“You’d think Ji?í would have like 10 more years under his belt in wrestling and still he didn’t even fathom a takedown. He tried one little clinch, he didn’t even knock on that door. Very disappointing strategy by Ji?í. Ji?í was just seemingly happy to strike and I will tell you, within the first minute of round one, “Poatan” had landed like four kicks and you could tell he was already hurting Ji?í’s leg.

“Ji?í’s game plan and performance, I think that was his worst approach to a fight ever, he’s ever had. I heard he was like three days in a cave somewhere meditating, thinking about this fight, how he’s going to approach it. Unfortunately for him it really didn’t work.”

Continue Reading Georges St-Pierre’s Coach Labels Ji?í Procházka’s UFC 303 Performance As ‘Worst Approach To A Fight Ever’ at MMA News.