Jiri Prochazka’s take on the man vs. gorilla question might seem bizarre on the surface. But his response revealed more than just an opinion—it exposed his core philosophy
In his world, there are no hopeless scenarios. Only situations that demand thought, courage, and action.
That’s what makes him a beloved and enigmatic figure in the MMA world. Whether fighting legends in the octagon or dissecting hypothetical encounters with wild beasts, Prochazka brings intensity, intelligence, and a deep belief in the power of the human spirit.
In the end, Jiri Prochazka isn’t losing sleep over Magomed Ankalaev’s words. He’s focused on his own path, one that currently leads through textbooks, not title shots. That doesn’t mean he won’t return. It just means that when he does, he’ll be doing so on his own terms.
“He did enough to stop people from taking him seriously,” Prochazka said bluntly. It’s a harsh critique—but one that carries weight coming from someone who knows what it means to be respected.
As for Ankalaev, time will tell if his strategy works. If he continues to win and defend the belt, his words may hold more weight. But if the pressure and criticism begin to pile up, his current behavior could backfire.
For now, the light heavyweight division stands at a crossroads—one defined not just by punches, but by principles.
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Jiri Prochazka Calls Out Magomed Ankalaev’s Trash Talk
“This Is Not How a Champion Acts”
In the unforgiving world of the UFC, becoming a champion is not just about winning fights—it’s about how a fighter carries themselves in and out of the cage.3
For former light heavyweight titleholder Jiri Prochazka, Magomed Ankalaev’s recent behavior as the newly crowned king of the division has raised eyebrows.
Since capturing the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship at UFC 313 by defeating Alex Pereira, Ankalaev has been making noise outside the Octagon, particularly on social media.
He’s taken aim at both Pereira and Prochazka, accusing them of avoiding a fight with him. But Prochazka isn’t taking the bait—and he’s letting the world know why.
Prioritizing Purpose Over Provocation
Prochazka’s response has been measured and reflective. The Czech samurai isn’t interested in jumping into another war just to respond to online provocations.
Instead, he’s taken a surprising turn: focusing on his university education. For a man who has lived by the sword in the cage, choosing the classroom over combat might seem unusual, but for Prochazka, it’s part of a deeper philosophy.
“My life is just about targets. What is most important right now? That’s school,” Prochazka explained in an interview with Full Violence.
Prochazka’s decision demonstrates a level of maturity that contrasts sharply with Ankalaev’s recent trash-talking campaign. Where one man seeks self-improvement outside of fighting, the other is leaning into controversy to stay in the headlines.
Jiri Prochazka: Social Media Barrage
Magomed Ankalaev’s strategy since winning the title has been clear: remain vocal, stay visible, and stir the pot.
He’s accused Pereira of “running” from a rematch and called out Prochazka as someone who “pretends to be spiritual but hides from battle.” Ankalaev’s tone has been brash, confident, and at times, demeaning.
While this kind of online behavior isn’t new in MMA—where fighters from Conor McGregor to Sean Strickland have used trash talk to market themselves—Prochazka sees it as unbecoming of a true champion.
“He’s a big-mouth guy,” said Prochazka. “This is not how the champ has to speak. He will put himself down just by this nonsense talking.”
In Prochazka’s eyes, a champion should inspire, not insult.
Upholding the Samurai Code
Jiri Prochazka has always been different. A martial artist who openly studies bushido—the samurai code of honor and discipline—he conducts himself more like a spiritual warrior than a prizefighter.
His walkouts are serene, his interviews thoughtful, and his outlook philosophical.
This isn’t an act. Prochazka’s lifestyle is rooted in stoicism, mindfulness, and self-reflection. That’s why he finds Ankalaev’s behavior so jarring.
To Prochazka, being a champion means representing something bigger than oneself. It’s not just about gold belts or pay-per-view buys. It’s about integrity, discipline, and respect for the craft.
When those principles are thrown aside in favor of internet callouts and bravado, it tarnishes not just the individual—but the entire division.
Jiri Prochazka: Japan Camp
Jiri Prochazka met with Akihito Yagi, the son of the master they have trained under during their last training camp in Japan this past October.
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A Question of Timing
Timing is another key issue in this rivalry. Ankalaev wants to fight now. He’s been pressuring both Prochazka and Pereira to accept a bout as soon as possible. But for Prochazka, this isn’t just about physical readiness—it’s about mental preparation and life priorities.
Prochazka hasn’t been inactive. He recently fought Pereira for the vacant title at UFC 295 and lost via second-round TKO. It was a tough setback, but not one that defined him.
Rather than rush into another fight to prove a point, he’s choosing to rebuild mindfully—a rare approach in a sport obsessed with momentum and immediate comebacks.
“I’m after the fight. It’s a little bit of time. So right now, I’m focused on this target,” Prochazka said of his studies. “It’s the priority.”
Fighters vs. Promoters: Who’s Driving the Narrative?
Ankalaev’s aggressive approach may not be entirely of his own design. In many cases, managers and promotional teams encourage fighters to stir controversy in order to stay relevant in the eyes of both fans and UFC matchmakers.
Prochazka even hinted at this possibility in his interview, saying he doesn’t care “if it’s him or his manager” doing the talking—either way, the result is the same.
This leads to a broader question about how fighters are expected to act in the UFC ecosystem. Is humility undervalued? Is spectacle more important than sportsmanship?
In today’s MMA landscape, fighters who remain quiet often get overlooked. In contrast, those who shout the loudest—regardless of merit—get the headlines.
Prochazka seems to be rejecting that entire paradigm.
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