MMA fans share a deep passion for this sport and do not hesitate to exaggerate things to express their zeal. For instance, they often refer to a fight as a ‘war‘ inside the Octagon, but in reality, it is just a three-round bout between two professionals. However, for some fighters it is really a ‘war‘ and, the ‘warrior‘ mentality goes beyond the cage. Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka is one such athlete.
The combat technique, frame of mind, and philosophy of Prochazka embody the qualities of a contemporary samurai. Moreover, his distinctive training techniques are also well known. From striking a tree 500 times daily to cultivating a Samurai-style ponytail in preparation for his battles in the octagon, the former UFC champion truly exceeds expectations when it comes to his dedication as a mixed martial artist.
However, the Czechian fighter’s pre-fight rituals are much more intense than one would have thought. Before his fight with another light-heavyweight veteran, Glover Texeira, at UFC 275, Jiri disclosed that he spends 72 hours in a dark room without food, all in an attempt to confront his inner “demons.”
In a sport where fighters from all around the world participate and almost everyone has different styles of preparation, sensory deprivation is not the most unconventional practice. However, Prochazka has for sure taken things to the next level with his intense training methods.
Some would argue that the above method is even tougher than what former UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and other Dagestani fighters go through while training in the mountains. However, it is not fair to compare as both of them have been elite fighters and true mixed martial artists.
Jiri Prochazka reveals the real reason for bringing back his ‘Samurai hairstyle’
Jiri Prochazka is undeniably one of the greatest fighters in the light heavyweight division of the UFC, boasting 25 of his 29 MMA victories by way of knockout. Nevertheless, it’s not just his MMA achievements or fighting style that have captivated fans. Prochazka possesses a distinct personality and is renowned for his unconventional hairstyle.
Prochazka made an entrance with an avant-garde hairstyle for his second appearance in the UFC, instantly capturing the attention of many, even before the light heavyweight fighter stepped into the octagon. However, he got rid of the hairstyle for some fights in the recent past.
Nevertheless, the former UFC champion has recently expressed on The MMA Hour that he will be bringing back the hairstyle against Alex Pereira at UFC 295. Prochazka further expressed that he likes to bring honor to keep the true spirit of martial arts alive.
“That’s why I like to have this hairstyle. Live by the samurai [text]. It helps me to be 100 percent here and now and to speak the truth, to myself and to others,” said Jiri Prochazka on The MMA Hour. He last fought and defeated Glover Texeira at UFC 275 last year to win the 205-pound belt.