It was like a bolt from the blue. Czech champion Jiří Procházka suddenly appeared in the entrance hall of the Oktagon 35 tournament, walking towards the cage in a red jacket with the title belt around the shoulder of the UFC organization. The audience suddenly noticed and as soon as they saw the Czech hero, they started going crazy. For example, loud shouts of “Jirka, Jirka, Jirka!” The literally electrifying atmosphere engulfed everyone present and the extraordinary experience was spiced up even more stylishly. The walk together with the sold-out hall shouted the symbolic word “victory”, but when will the next one come?
How did you enjoy the atmosphere?
Now I can say that he enjoyed it a little. I was not yet fully present with my senses at Freedom Square, I can say I enjoyed it here and I am very happy about it. For this greeting to people and sharing the winning energy. We’re moving on, finally.
You probably got the biggest applause of the night.
How is it going with your next match? Is it clear yet?
We are working on it. We are negotiating a date, it’s a bit of a drag, it’s mainly because of Jon Jones’ return and his participation in the December tournament. We’ll see how it works out. If it can be done in December or if it can be done from the start of next year.
So what would be the earliest date you would like?
February March, maximum.
Is it possible that you would wrestle in the tournament in Brazil at the end of January?
That was the first thing I was offered, they even wanted to push me into it. But I don’t want to defend my opponent on home soil from a strategic point of view. That is why we are negotiating another place.
Is defense better for you than the initial goal of winning the title?
I don’t care, every match is the same for me and I don’t even care what match is in front of me. If it’s like that, or poppy. For the goals I set for myself, it doesn’t matter at all.
You said you enjoyed the atmosphere here, do you also enjoy the training sessions?
It’s much better, I’m glad that I can finally go and move with a new vision and new strength.
So what do you improve the most in training?
Position. I ride it continuously, which I have done my whole career, and I don’t intend to change anything about it. Now I’m trying to get into wrestling and secret weapons like that?
Are you planning a foreign camp? For example, like it was before the first fight with Teixeira.
Depending on the date of the match. If it was after the new year, I will definitely go somewhere. If it’s still this year, I’ll finish my preparation here, maybe even in America in Phoenix.
