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Jiri Prochazka, the former UFC light heavyweight champion, recently shared details about his health struggles. In a recent interview, he explained that before his November 2023 fight at UFC 295, he had a staph infection. Despite facing defeat in the match against Alex Pereira, Prochazka remained resolute.
The Battle with Illness
Prochazka acknowledged mistakes in his preparation and expressed gratitude for the fight, which highlighted areas for improvement. The staph infection, originating in his leg and spreading through his bloodstream, caused significant challenges, and Prochazka disclosed that he continued to battle the infection for more than a month after the fight.
Who is Jiri Prochazka?
Jiří Procházka is a professional mixed martial artist from the Czech Republic, born on October 14, 1992. Competing in the Light Heavyweight division in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), he held the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship and was also the inaugural Rizin Fighting Federation Light Heavyweight Champion and Gladiator Fighting Championship Light Heavyweight Champion.
Standing at 6 feet 4 inches and weighing around 205 pounds, Procházka is known for his Muay Thai style. With an impressive MMA record, he has achieved 29 wins, including 25 by knockout, and has gained recognition as one of the top fighters in the UFC light heavyweight rankings.
| Full Name | Jiří Procházka |
| Date of Birth | October 14, 1992 |
| Age | 31 |
| Birthplace | Znojmo, Czechoslovakia (now Czech Republic) |
| Nationality | Czech |
| Height | 6 ft 4 in (193 cm) |
| Weight | 205 lb (93 kg; 14 st 9 lb) |
| Division | Light Heavyweight (UFC) |
| Reach | 80 in (203 cm) |
| Fighting Style | Muay Thai |
| MMA Record | Total: 34 Wins: 29 (KO: 25, Submission: 3, Decision: 1) Losses: 4 (KO: 3, Submission: 1) Draws: 1 |
Jiri Prochazka Early Life
Born on October 14, 1992, in Znojmo, Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic), Jiri Prochazka faced early challenges as his father passed away when he was six years old. However, he hails from the nearby village of Hostěradice. During his youth, Prochazka engaged in various sports, playing amateur football for TJ Družstevník Hostěradice, practicing freestyle BMX riding, and participating in floorball. Interestingly, he also found himself in street fights almost weekly during his teenage years, taking part in organized group street fights tied to FC Zbrojovka Brno, the local football team.
Prochazka’s introduction to mixed martial arts occurred before high school when a friend showed him videos of kickboxer Ramon Dekkers and MMA fighters Mirko Filipovic and Fedor Emelianenko. Inspired by the film “Never Back Down,” he began training in Thai boxing, marking the beginning of his journey into martial arts.
Jiri Prochazka Career
Jiri Prochazka made his professional MMA debut in April 2012 for the Gladiator Fighting Championship in the Czech Republic. Over the years, he gained prominence with a 7–2 record within his first two years of professional fighting. Notably, in his tenth bout, he secured the inaugural GCF Light Heavyweight Championship in a memorable fight against Czech MMA pioneer Martin Šolc. Prochazka’s skills and achievements led him to join the Rizin Fighting Federation in 2015, becoming the first Czech fighter in the organization.
In the Rizin FF, Prochazka participated in the Heavyweight Grand Prix and showcased his talent with victories and a notable loss in the final round. Returning to the Light Heavyweight division, he defended and won the Rizin FF Light Heavyweight Championship. His success led to a contract with the UFC in January 2020. Prochazka’s UFC journey includes notable wins, earning Performance of the Night and Fight of the Night awards. He became the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion in June 2022, making history as the first Czech fighter to achieve this feat.
Jiri Prochazka Net Worth
Jiri Prochazka’s estimated net worth as of 2023 is approximately $1 million. While there are speculations that his net worth may have increased, concrete information is lacking.
His disclosed career earnings include significant payouts for UFC bouts. For example, his payment for the bout against Glover Teixeira at UFC 275 in June 2022 totaled $502,000, comprising base salary, win bonus, performance incentives, and sponsorship.
Jiri Prochazka Age
Jiri Prochazka was born on October 14, 1992, making him 31 years old as of the current date. Throughout his career, he has showcased remarkable skills and resilience in the MMA world.
Prochazka continues to compete at a high level, and his age, combined with his experience, adds a unique dimension to his journey in the sport. As of the latest information available, Prochazka remains an active and notable figure in the UFC, demonstrating his passion for mixed martial arts.
What Happened to Jiri Prochazka?
Jiri Prochazka encountered health challenges leading up to his UFC 295 main event against Alex Pereira in November 2023. Speaking on The MMA Hour, Prochazka revealed that he had a staph infection, a common issue in combat sports transmitted through skin-to-skin contact. The infection started in his leg, eventually affecting his ear as it traveled through his bloodstream. Despite facing difficulties, Prochazka chose to go through with the fight, highlighting the sometimes tough choices fighters face.
The disclosure raised ethical questions about whether fighters should be compelled to compete with serious and contagious health issues. This incident echoes a broader concern in combat sports, where health problems, like Tim Schultz’s staph infection risk in early 2023, have sparked discussions about the well-being of athletes and the decisions they make regarding their health.
Jiri Prochazka Illness and Health Update – FAQs
- What health issues did Jiri Prochazka face before his November 2023 fight?
Jiri Prochazka faced a staph infection before his UFC 295 fight in November 2023. - How did the staph infection affect Jiri Prochazka’s performance in the fight?
Despite the staph infection, Jiri Prochazka chose to compete, but he faced defeat against Alex Pereira. - Why did Jiri Prochazka express gratitude for the fight despite the defeat?
Jiri Prochazka acknowledged mistakes in his preparation and expressed gratitude for the fight, seeing it as an opportunity for improvement. - What is Jiri Prochazka’s net worth as of 2023?
Jiri Prochazka’s estimated net worth as of 2023 is approximately $1 million. - What was the total payment for Jiri Prochazka’s UFC 275 bout against Glover Teixeira?
Jiri Prochazka received a total payment of $502,000 for his UFC 275 bout against Glover Teixeira.
