Jiri Prochazka praises Jamahal Hill for not holding up the division.
Like Prochazka (29-3-1 MMA, 3-0 UFC), Hill has decided to relinquish his light heavyweight title after rupturing his Achilles tendon in an injury which requires surgery. Hill was awaiting Prochazka’s return for them to fight, but was unfortunately injured in the meantime. The former champion knows the feeling and empathizes with Hill.
According to MMAFighting.com, Hill suffered the injury during a basketball game with UFC and MMA fighters during UFC 290 fight week in Las Vegas.
“@JamahalH Man, I’m so sorry, I was really looking forward to our Fight. I appreciate your release of the title. Only a person who has experienced this situation can appreciate such a thing. Who is next? winner Blachowicz X Pereira or ? #IAMTHECHAMPION ///\\\.”
@JamahalH Man, I'm so sorry, I was really looking forward to our Fight. I appreciate your release of the title. Only a person who has experienced this situation can appreciate such a thing.
Who is next?
winner Blachowicz X Pereira or ?#IAMTHECHAMPION ///\— Jiri BJP Prochazka (@jiri_bjp) July 14, 2023
Hill reciprocated the respect, and hopes the pair will get to throw down in the future.
“Thanks Champ!!! We will have our dance for sure!!! Hold things down in the mean time and can’t wait to see you across the octagon from me!!!”
Thanks Champ!!! We will have our dance for sure!!! Hold things down in the mean time and can’t wait to see you across the octagon from me!!! https://t.co/ar2Q36h26K
— Jamahal Hill (@JamahalH) July 14, 2023
Prochazka opted to vacate his title after he suffered a severe shoulder injury that was going to sideline him indefinitely. Jan Blachowicz fought Magomed Ankalaev for the vacant title at UFC 282 this past December, but a split draw left the title with no owner. As a result, the promotion booked Hill against Glover Teixeira at UFC 283 and Hill captured the vacant title with a five-round beatdown of the Brazilian.
However, with the title now vacant again, Prochazka wonders who’s next for him. He thinks it’ll likely be the winner of Blachowicz vs. Alex Pereira, who battle in the UFC 291 co-main event July 29.
