Despite Francis Ngannou’s Warning, Jiri Prochazka Finally Reveals Why He Vacated the LHW Championship

UFC 282 goes down this weekend in Las Vegas without the original main event between Jiri Prochazka and Glover Teixeira. The former light heavyweight champion revealed a few weeks ago that he was out of the bout due to a shoulder injury. He also added that he was vacating the belt. The ‘Czech Samurai’ is currently back in his hometown. He revealed recently that it was not his own idea to vacate the belt. He also mentioned the advice from heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou following the unfortunate injury.

Following Prochazka’s injury, UFC 282’s main event now is Jan Blachowicz vs. Magomed Ankalaev for the vacant light heavyweight title. With the original co-main moving up to the main event, Paddy Pimblett vs. Jared Gordon is the new co-main.

Jiri Prochazka on vacating the light heavyweight title

According to the press release from the UFC, Jiri Prochazka suffered a shoulder injury that would put him out of action for at least a year. It also stated that Prochazka vacated the belt out of respect for the athletes and the division, adding that he would compete for it after receiving the medical green light.

Prochazka’s decision to vacate the belt was widely appreciated. However, the ex-champion has now revealed that it was not his idea in the first place. According to him, the UFC came up with it. The 30-year-old agreed to it for the promise of a title shot when he returns.

Prochazka also added that UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou advised him not to vacate the title. Ngannou has been out of action since his fight against Ciryl Gane in January 2022. Despite injury forcing him to the sidelines, ‘The Predator’ did not vacate his title.

Prochazka estimated he would be out for a year. He added, “UFC spooked about that year a little so I would vacate that title.” The former champion expects to return to action in September 2023.

Read More- Dana White’s “Alarming” Statement on Jiri Prochazka, Who Had to Vacate His UFC Title, Creates Concern

After talking about his injury and the title situation, Prochazka also gave his thoughts on the new main event title fight.

Prochazka on the new title fight at UFC 282

Jiri Prochazka is not the only one who lost his UFC 282 bout. His opponent Glover Teixeira is also off the card after the UFC could not reach an agreement with him for a new main event. The Brazilian preferred to fight Blachowicz for a second time, but the promotion wanted him to face Ankalaev for the vacant title.

Prochazka addressed the Teixeira situation, adding it was unfair on the UFC’s part to not adjust to him. The former champion also said he apologized to Teixeira via a message.

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What do you make of Prochazka’s latest revelation? Should he have vacated the belt? And what are your thoughts on the UFC not giving Teixeira the title fight he wanted? Let us know in the comments below.