Jiri Prochazka has released a statement after vacating his light heavyweight title and withdrawing from UFC 282.
Former 205-pound king Prochazka was slated to face fellow former champion Glover Teixeira in the headlining bout of UFC 282 on Dec. 10 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. After a Fight of the Year-worthy clash in their first encounter that saw ‘BJP’ become the first UFC Czech titleholder, Prochazka was looking to avenge the worst performance of his career.
Jiri Prochazka issues statement after vacating the title
In a recent post made on Instagram, Jiri Prochazka explained why he chose to vacate the light heavyweight gold and pull out of the event.
“I am very disappointed to announce that I will not be defending my belt at @ufc 282. I was injured in training in Las Vegas while finishing my preparation for my title defense in the UFC’s light heavyweight division. I injured my shoulder and surgery is required which will put me out of action for at least 6 months. Knowing this information, I have decided, after consulting with UFC management, that due to this time constraint, I will not hold light heavyweight division and will vacate the title.”
Prochazka is itching to get back inside the octagon and apologized for UFC 282 withdrawal
‘Denisa’ apologized for the disappointing news and expects to sit out for at least six months.
“I will go for the UFC belt as soon as the doctors give me the green light to fight. I’m going to go for the belt and I’m going to get it no matter who currently holds it. It’s always been the most important thing for me to put on the best performance and compare myself to the best. Let the best show no matter who’s there now. I’ll be back in six months and I’ll take the title whoever holds it. I apologize to my fans, friends, family who bought tickets and made plans to come to Las Vegas to support me, it means a lot to me. I also want to apologize to Glover. Victory!”
Jan Blachowicz vs. Magomed Ankalaev will now serve as the new main event for the final pay-per-view of the year.
