Jiří Procházka’s Shift in Mindset Ahead of UFC Title Fight
Czech mixed martial artist Jiří Procházka is preparing for another opportunity to capture the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship in April, entering the fight with a renewed focus on his personal motivations. Procházka, the first Czech fighter to win a UFC championship, has adjusted his mindset after experiencing setbacks in previous bouts.
From Pleasing Others to Fighting for Self
Procházka revealed in an interview with iSport.cz that he is no longer prioritizing the expectations of fans or those around him. His primary focus is now on fighting for his own fulfillment. “I’m not ashamed of it, I’m not stupid, but it’s mainly a gift to myself. The preparation, the sacrifices and all these things – it’s about me knowing my own worth, realizing that I really want to be a champion. But not to please someone, to bring it to someone,” he stated.
Recognizing Authentic Dreams
The shift in perspective came after analyzing his motivations and separating his own aspirations from those projected onto him. “I realized that I was doing it too much for dreams and visions that were not mine. I had to pass it through the sieve of my own dreams and recognize what of it is really my own dream – if it is not someone else’s desire that I am projecting into myself… I want to bring the belt to the Czech Republic due to the fact that of the dream that I have inside of me,” Procházka explained.
Lessons Learned from Losses to Alex Pereira
The catalyst for this change was his pair of defeats against Alex Pereira. “It came after the second match with Pereira. You gather everything you have left… You write down and remember moments like that clearly,” Procházka said, acknowledging the pivotal role those losses played in his self-discovery.
Maturity and Self-Reliance
Procházka feels he has matured through this process, recognizing the importance of self-reliance even within a team environment. “A person understands that he is alone in this game, even if we are all on the same ship and sailing through space together. I like people, I like to help, sometimes I get help, but as a man I know that you need to sober up, grow up and clearly throw yourself on the path to your dreams, to what you really want from yourself. Alone, and hard.”
Preparation for Carlos Ulberg
As of February 3, 2026, Procházka is ranked #2 in the UFC light heavyweight rankings. Filming for a UFC Countdown documentary featuring Procházka is already underway. He is currently in rigorous training for his upcoming fight against Carlos Ulberg on April 11th, stating, “We still have a lot of work to do. A lot of dying before we go to the cage.”