Jiri Prochazka Plans to Prove He is ‘Rightful Champion’ After Returning from Injury

It could be some time before Jiri Prochazka returns from the shoulder injury that forced him out of the UFC 282 headliner, but when he does, “Denisa” vows to reclaim what was once his.

Prochazka vacated the light heayvweight belt last week out of respect to the rest of the division, as it is possible that he could be sidelined for up to a year. As a result, Jan Blachowicz and Magomed Ankalaev will square off for the vacant 205-pound belt in the new UFC 282 main event on Dec. 10 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

That doesn’t mean Prochazka is giving up his throne entirely, however. In a series of tweets over the weekend, the Czech fighter vowed to return to the top of the division upon his return.

Grateful. There are no obstacles, just an opportunity to see the same path from a different angle and be stronger and more human. Once you accept the path of the warrior or simply be absolutely honest to yourself, then you know deep inside what is false and what is true, where your path is.

Title? I became the UFC champion [five] months ago and the current situation does not change my inner feeling of being a champion, that is the feeling and the reason why I started MMA. To be the champion of the best and to be the best of the best.

This is my infinite motivation and spirit-consciousness and will to ACT. I can't move it even if I force it, It's like gravity, a law of physics. So if someone wins the LHW UFC title and proves they are the best NOW while I rest, I will be honored to see that performance and then get ready to show who is the rightful champion of this division and MUCH more, [No. 1 pound-for-pound]. I thank my fans for their support and trust. This is the beginning, of something greater. I love you.

A former Rizin Fighting Federation title holder, Prochazka has won his last 13 professional fights — all inside the distance. He claimed UFC gold by rallying for a fifth-round submission of Glover Teixeira at UFC 275. A rematch with the Brazilian veteran was slated for UFC 282, but Teixeira elected not to take a short-notice fight against Ankalaev when the promotion offered it following Prochazka’s withdrawal from the event.

Grateful.
There are no obstacles, just an opportunity to see the same path from a different angle and be Stronger and more human.
Once you accept the path of the Warrior or simply be absolutely honest to yourself, then you know deep inside what is false and what is true, where

— Jiri BJP Prochazka (@jiri_bjp) November 27, 2022

your Path is. Title? I became the UFC Champion 5 months ago and the current situation does not change my inner feeling of being a Champion, that is the Feeling and the Reason why I started MMA. To Be the Champion of the Best and to be the best of the best. ///\

— Jiri BJP Prochazka (@jiri_bjp) November 27, 2022

This is my Infinite Motivation and Spirit-Consciousness and Will to ACT. I can't move it even if I force it, It's like Gravity, a law of physics.
So if someone wins the LHW UFC title and proves they are the best NOW while I rest, I will be honored to see that performance and then

— Jiri BJP Prochazka (@jiri_bjp) November 27, 2022

get ready to show who is the Rightful Champion of this division and MUCH more 1P4P.
I Thank my fans for their support and trust.
This is the Beginning, of something Greater.
I love you. ///\#Bushido #Kaisen#Strongest#Unstoppable
1P4P

— Jiri BJP Prochazka (@jiri_bjp) November 27, 2022