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Jiri Prochazka was on the top of the MMA world.
Prochazka, a then 29-year-old Czech UFC fighter, submitted Glover Teixiera at UFC 275 to win the UFC Light Heavyweight championship.
Just five months later, Prochazka found himself on the shelf with the “worst shoulder injury doctors have seen in UFC history” and had to vacate the title due to his inability to defend it.
UFC president Dana White later revealed that Prochazka dislocated his shoulder in training then tore ligaments when his fight team improperly tried to put it back into place.
Prochazka had to sit by idly this past weekend as Jamahal Hill defeated Teixiera in Brazil to win the title that was once his. But he quickly sent a warning to Hill that he was coming for his belt.
Now we know exactly when Prochazka plans to get his belt back.
Jiri Prochazka Aiming For Late Summer Return For Title Fight With Jamahal Hill
Prochazka spoke about the injury, recovery, and his plans to return on Monday’s episode of the MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani.
He told Helwani that while a return is not imminent, he does have a timetable in mind.
“I think I can be back in July or August, something like that. Six or seven months, something like that. Because I don’t want the fastest way back just to fight. I know this is not the best attitude. I want to be sure that my body works for 200 percent, and I think it can be in summer of this year. Just let me work on that and I will be back as soon as possible.” – via MMAFighting.com
Hill, meanwhile, finds himself in a state of limbo. Prochazka is the clear rightful challenger to the belt. But seven months is a long time away. But with no obvious fight there to make, the new champ may just have to play the waiting game.