Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka last fought at UFC 311, defeating fellow former titleholder Jamahal Hill by third-round TKO.
Hill will compete again in two weeks at UFC Baku, but Prochazka’s immediate focus remains outside the Octagon.
Wishes Pour for Jiri Prochazka’s Major Accomplishment
Prochazka is a graduate of Brno’s School of Law & Security, formerly known as the Protective Service Secondary Academy. The 32-year-old is pursuing his bachelor’s degree, majoring in security forces physical fitness policy, at Masaryk University, the second-largest university in the Czech Republic.
Prochazka recently shared a social media post on X highlighting an update on his studies. “Thesis defense done. Now just full focus to state final exams in two weeks ⚡️🙏⚡️,” he wrote on X.
The post included three pictures: one of Prochazka posing in front of the university, another showing university faculty with the UFC fighter, and a final image of Prochazka submitting his thesis.
Thesis defense done.
Now just full focus to state final exams in two weeks ⚡️🙏⚡️#Letsgoforthat ⚡️@muni_cz pic.twitter.com/aT1U45XEVy— Jiri BJP Prochazka (@jiri_bjp) June 10, 2025
Wishes poured in from fight fans around the world for the 32-year-old fighter. “Congrats Jiri! ⚡️⚡️,” a fan wrote.
Congrats Jiri! ⚡️⚡️
— Jen (@jennyfootball26) June 10, 2025
“Congratulations, sir,” a second fan commented.
Congratulations, sir.
— Guy Fincham, PhD (@breath_Guy) June 10, 2025
“Let’s go for that Jiri,” another fan wrote.
LETS GO FOR THAT JIRI
— Jacob 🇺🇸 (@JacobCookeMMA) June 10, 2025
One fan made a hilarious comment, writing, “What a GOAT. Uneducated American MMA Bums can’t relate unfortunately.😭😭😭😭.”
“❤️❤️❤️ Education is king 👑 📚,” another fan wrote.
Prochazka places a high value on education, even turning down a title shot against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 317. His manager, Tim Simpson, revealed the decision during an appearance on “The Ariel Helwani Show,” shortly after Jack Della Maddalena’s title win at UFC 315.
Simpson said the UFC approached them, but Prochazka had already postponed his school exams multiple times. The timeline also felt tight, and Prochazka wasn’t interested, having previously stepped in on short notice several times.
The 32-year-old is 0-2 against former champion Alex Pereira. As such, his path to another title shot has been difficult. However, Pereira’s loss to Ankalaev at UFC 313 may have shortened the distance.
UFC CEO Dana White has confirmed that Ankalaev will rematch Pereira next. Though the timeline hasn’t been revealed, Pereira recently told MMA Fighting’s Guilherme Cruz that he’s aiming for a return in September, October or November.
The UFC typically holds a pay-per-view event in October in the UAE, where Russian fighters have a strong fan base. Meanwhile, champion Ankalaev has been active on social media, calling out Pereira, Prochazka, and others.
Currently ranked No. 2 in the division, Prochazka may need to fight again before earning another title shot. A matchup against third-ranked Carlos Ulberg could serve as a title eliminator.
Another possibility is a fight against Khalil Rountree Jr., if he defeats Hill at UFC Baku. However, a Pereira victory in the rematch with Ankalaev would likely set back Prochazka’s title aspirations.