Czech MMA fighter Jiří Procházka called it an honor to enter the top ten in the Athlete of the Year poll. At the same time, however, he feels that awareness of his sport has yet to increase. The 30-year-old Hostěradice native joined elite company as the first mixed martial arts representative thanks to his June triumph in the UFC organization’s light heavyweight category.
Although he missed an opportunity to defend his championship belt with a shoulder injury in November, he told reporters ahead of the gala that he will begin rehabilitation from January and begin a new path to success.
“To be an MMA representative among the top ten athletes is great. I appreciate it and it’s an honor,” said Procházka. She called the nomination proof that his sport is on the rise. “But I don’t need to collect any evidence to know that this is the most demanding sport. With all due respect and humility to others, it cannot be compared. In no other sport can you find something like this, where one person find against another and must overcome physically and mentally in all aspects. I consider MMA the king of competitions,” added Procházka.
The Brno fighter named Ester Ledecká as the poll favorite. She believes that in the future, an MMA fighter can win sportsman of the year. However, she feels that her sport’s awareness needs to improve.
“I have the highest goals for my position in the sports rankings. But whoever evaluates it must recognize it and recognize it legitimately. I think there is still a great lack of familiarity with this wonderful sport,” said Procházka. “Those people evaluating it need to be as familiar as possible with what it entails. They need to know what preparation, fighting and need to be at these races. I believe this sport deserves to be only in the top spots. But I go my own way and I don’t look back at who put me where. I know my worth and that’s the most important thing for me,” Procházka said.
The mixed martial artist is recovering from a shoulder injury he sustained prior to his title defense against Brazilian Glover Teixeira. He underwent surgery. “Now it’s going slowly. I have to leave it alone until the end of the year, and from the new year we will enter full rehabilitation,” said Procházka. He will also recover in the USA. “I appreciate this attitude from the UFC, that they will take care of me there. My plan is nothing but to come back as soon as possible and with as much strength as possible to take back what is rightfully mine,” he said.
He takes the injury as another challenge on his way to the top. He would like to start training from March. “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. It’s all about attitude. I knew it won’t be an easy road. I consider this injury and the weather to be fundamental for what will come of it,” underlined Procházka
He described the year ending as a turning point. “I achieved a big goal that I set for myself. And at the same time I realized that it’s not so much about the goal. If only I had this goal, then I could leave it. But I love combat sports and that alone makes me want to go to train and work hard,” Procházka added.
