Jiri Prochazka provides possible 2023 return timeline
Jiri Prochazka has unraveled a potential timeline for his highly-anticipated return from his ongoing injury hiatus. In late 2022, then-UFC light heavyweight champion Prochazka vacated his title owing to a serious shoulder injury. 'BJP' subsequently underwent surgery, and there's been widespread speculation that he could be sidelined for most of 2023.
Meanwhile, Jan Blachowicz and Magomed Ankalaev clashed for the vacant UFC light heavyweight title in December 2022. Their fight ended in a split draw, and the title stayed vacant.
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Jan Błachowicz vs. Magomed Ankalaev ends in a split draw!
#UFC282 https://t.co/tks93DmVFd
Following that, Jamahal Hill fought Glover Teixeira for the vacant title earlier this month. Hill dominantly defeated Teixeira via a unanimous decision to become the new UFC light heavyweight champion.
In the latest edition of The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, Jiri Prochazka discussed the aforementioned developments and more. Prochazka indicated that he'd soon head from his native Czech Republic to Las Vegas, USA, to continue his injury rehabilitation with the best physiotherapists.
We have a new UFC Light Heavyweight Champion! 🏆
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Jamahal Hill scores a unanimous decision victory at #UFC283 👏 https://t.co/vp1bgNmhoB
He seemingly plans to utilize hyperbaric chambers and other advanced facilities, not only to heal his shoulder but also his entire body. Furthermore, 'BJP' highlighted that he isn't rushing his comeback but could return as early as July/August of this year. On The MMA Hour segment, Prochazka said:
"I think I can be back in July, August; something like that, six, seven months. Because I don't want to be fastest way back, just to fight. I know this is not the best attitude. I want to be sure that my body works for 200 percent. And I think it can be in summer this year. And just let me work on that. And I will be back as soon as possible."
Watch Prochazka discuss the topic at 5:49 in the video below:
Jiri Prochazka encourages UFC light heavyweight division to keep moving in his absence
Jiri Prochazka previously emphasized that he vacated the UFC light heavyweight title as he didn't want to stall the division. The 30-year-old echoed similar sentiments in his latest interview with Ariel Helwani.
Prochazka suggested that he'd prefer Jamahal Hill's first title defense to be a fight against him, as he's sharpening his weapons to fight the reigning champion. Nevertheless, 'BJP' clarified that he'd have no qualms if Hill chose to fight someone else before that.
Jiri Prochazka even proposed a possible title fight between Jamahal Hill and Anthony Smith before he (Prochazka) returns in the summer. Prochazka insinuated that he's happy about Hill's victory and said:
"If he [Hill] wants to fight in some near future, doesn't matter for me. Like I said, I want to see the light heavyweight division like, is moving because there is a good guys, and I see the Jamahal Hill win right now like a great move."