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“Either Dana Really Exaggerated the Injury or Jiri Is Rushing This”: UFC Fans React as Jiri Prochazka Gives Return Timeline

Published 02/19/2023, 11:05 AM EST

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The exciting Light Heavyweight division is yet again in the news after former champ Jiri Prochazka revealed the status of his injury in a recent interview. Prochazka, who is recovering from a shoulder injury, had to vacate his title, which eventually resulted in Jamahal Hill claiming the vacant belt. Now, in a fresh interview, the Czech fighter has talked about the injury and shared an update on his return. He also expressed his desire to claim the title back from Hill and exuded his usual confidence in doing so.

Fans were quick to express their opinions on the interview. While many of his fans were clearly excited, some of them wondered if Prochazka was rushing into a return, thereby risking further damage to his shoulder and career.

Jiri Prochazka expects to make a return against Jamahal Hill this summer

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While speaking to Top Turtle MMA Podcast, the 30-year-old revealed some crucial info on his rehabilitation. He pointed out that he was working on mobility and strength surrounding the shoulder. And, of course, conditioning was another aspect that Prochazka clearly planned on building.

“I’m working on it, right now, the main target is to be in full range with that shoulder, to have activated all the muscles around the shoulder, and still building the best conditioning in the game and still work on the movement,” he claimed.

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On this note, he also disclosed his plans for an eventual return. Prochazka explained that he was hoping to be back by summer, or the end of summer at most.

He said: “I’d like to be back this summer or the end of this summer. It doesn’t matter. I will watch how it goes, everything, and by that, we can fight maybe earlier or maybe later. But I think this summer is real to be ready and to be the champion.”

The former champ also expressed his belief that he was the genuine champion of the division. While doing so, he clearly showed his desire to fight Hill upon return.

“When I will be back in full power, I will be the champion. I am the champion right now, but I will be on paper the champion and I’m looking forward to the next challenges.” expressed Prochazka.

Fans left in frenzy after a big update on Prochazka’s shoulder injury

Naturally, fans of the Czech mixed martial artist were excited after this interview. But among all the excitement, there were a few concerning voices who worried about Prochazka rushing back too early. And considering that the injury was supposed to be a bad one, it does come as a surprise that he is coming back in the summer, as he mentioned. Let’s take a look at some of the responses by fans.

One fan mentioned how his love for Hill and Prochazka both would make it a hard fight to watch.

“i f**king love this dude. I also love Jamahal Hill. This will be a stressful matchup for me but i cant f*****g wait”

Another fan admired the respect that both fighters showed to their opponents.

“Going to love seeing them be incredibly respectful in the lead up to the fight then beating the absolute pi** out of one another. Sometimes beef can be fun between fighters, but not when it’s forced. I’m glad there are a few guys at the top like jiri and jamahal that let the fighting do the talking.”

via Imago

A die-hard Prochazka fan was also seen in the comments.

“Jiri is the champ we don’t deserve. Humble, exciting, ultra violent, never says no to a fight unless he’s horribly injured. Dude deserves all of the fandom.”

One fan also made a reference to the funny meme involving the fighter.

“He’s coming, he’s COMING”

“Move Up to LHW and Fight Him Then” – Resurfaced Clip of Khamzat Chimaev Insulting Jiri Prochazka’s “Tradition” Enrages UFC Fans

As mentioned, there were many who seemed worried about the timeline of his return.

“God I hope he’s not rushing it”

“Either Dana really exaggerated the injury or Jiri is rushing this”

“I just have to wonder how close to 100% he’s gonna be coming back after that shoulder injury. He’s gonna need to be better than he was against glover if he wants the belt back.

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Also, there was a fan who wanted to see Prochazka win and stop Hill’s hype.

“Can’t wait for Jiri to starch Hill and stop this recency bias nonsense.”

Ultimately, it’s up to fans to wait and watch how his plans for a comeback pan out. There have been multiple scenarios before when UFC fighters messed up their careers by making an unexpected return after injuries. Hopefully, for fans of Jiri Prochazka, he won’t make the same mistake jeopardizing his long-term career.

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Written by:

Pragjyoti Singh

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Pragjyoti is a UFC writer at EssentiallySports. He is extremely passionate about MMA and has a good understanding of the sport and its technicalities. Having trained in the sport along with a passion for journalism, it has helped him develop a keen interest in the UFC and anything related to the promotion.
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Edited by:

Vineet Nandwana