Jiri Prochazka Chose University Exams Over a UFC Fight

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Jiri Prochazka has his priorities sorted.

If anyone could turn down an Ultimate Fighting Championship matchup, probably for the title, it had to be Prochazka (31-5). The former light heavyweight champ famously lives by the Bushido code and has an unorthodox persona in general.

Magomedov Ankalaev was looking for an opponent to defend his title at UFC 317 on June 28. But the most logical contender, Alex Pereira, wasn’t ready to fight on such short notice. Prochazka’s manager, Tim Simpson, recently revealed that the UFC had asked if “BJP” could be ready on that date. The UFC considering another option even seemingly led to a slight falling out with “Poatan.”

However, Prochazka chose his upcoming university exams over what was a potential title shot.

“We had one offer for a match, but everything is being postponed because of school,” Prochazka’s coach Matin Karaivanov told Sportz.cz. “Once he finishes it, we will continue negotiations.”

Prochazka is currently enrolled at Masaryk University in the Czech Republic, earning his Security and Strategic Studies degree.

Ankalaev expressed his frustration over a lack of opponents and called out light heavyweight in general.

Guys is there anyone in the Light Heavyweight division who’s willing to fight me?

Because Jiri and Alex do not want to fight.

— Muhammad big ANK Ankalaev (@AnkalaevM) May 14, 2025

While Prochazka won the title against Glover Teixeira in 2022, he had to vacate it after being sidelined due to an injury. He then dropped a bid for the vacant title against Alex Pereira but bounced back with a stoppage win over Aleksandar Rakic to earn a rematch against Pereira. However, the Czech star was yet again stopped by Pereira. Prochazka rebounded by finishing Hill in his last outing, cementing himself as a perennial presence in the title picture at 205 pounds.