“Now I am free!” After falling victim to USADA’s sudden testing schedule, Jiri Prochazka celebrates rift with UFC
Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka spoke about his experiences with the USADA.
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Jiri Prochazka recently discussed USADA’s testing methodology during a recent interview on The MMA Hour, hosted by Ariel Helwani. The former UFC light heavyweight champion revealed that he had panic attacks after USADA came to his home frequently. He entered the testing pool before making his UFC debut in July 2020 and quickly gained attention for his exciting fighting style and striking abilities.
He is known for his knockout power and unorthodox striking techniques. USADA’s contract with the UFC is set to expire at the year’s end. Hence, many fighters, including the former champ, Jiri Prochazka, have expressed relief about this. He remembered how USADA would come to his home in the Czech Republic in the early hours of the morning. Furthermore, Prochazka stated that they would come to collect blood samples at six in the morning.
In the Czech Republic, it was not like here in the U.S. they just take little blood, like a drop, small drop [from the thumb] but they took a lot of blood... Now I'm free.Jiri Prochazka
Prochazka also revealed that the USADA people would often come unannounced or would decide on a date themselves.
In addition, the former light heavyweight champion of the UFC also discussed how the USADA’s testing procedures differ from those of other countries. He stated that in his home country, they take a slight amount of blood, like a drop. However, the USADA people would often take a lot of blood and would conduct several tests across the year.
Jiri Prochazka talks about Jamahal Hill
The light heavyweight division in the UFC has seen a lot of ups and downs in the past year. Last June, Prochazka became the new light heavyweight champion after beating Glover Teixeira. The two were supposed to face each other again in December, but Prochazka had to pull out due to an injury.
Subsequently, Jamah Hill won the vacant title in January of this year, only to suffer an injury and have to vacate it. Hence, the best in the light heavyweight division will be determined in the fight between Jiri Prochazka and Alex Pereira. In the run-up to the fight, Hill has been talking trash about both Prochazka and Pereira. Furthermore, Hill has been claiming that he is the “real champion” while undermining both fighters.
The 31-year-old responded to Jamah Hill’s comments on The MMA Hour and stated that he knows that Hill has spoken about him. Furthermore, Prochazka acknowledged that some things were bad and some were good, but it didn’t matter to him. Subsequently, he stated that he likes the other fighters in the division and only wishes to prove himself as the best.
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Subhasish Deb
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