Jiri
Prochazka wants fighters to walk the talk.
Khamzat
Chimaev put his middleweight title on the line against Sean
Strickland in the main event at UFC 328
on Saturday in Newark, New Jersey. There appeared to be serious bad
blood between the two leading up to the fight. However, Chimaev and
Strickland surprised fans by touching gloves and exchanging smiles
before the opening bell.
While Chimaev (15-1) dominated Strickland (31-7) on the ground in
the first round, the tide turned in the second round. Chimaev
completely discarded his wrestling following a failed shot in the
second round, while Strickland gradually took over. Although
Chimaev held his own on the feet, Strickland did enough in the
judges’ eyes to earn a split decision victory in a huge upset.
Strickland and Chimaev also showed mutual respect after the
fight.
A Warrior’s Duty
Prochazka called out Chimaev for failing to back up his trash talk
with action. While Chimaev had promised to be a “bully” and a
“terrorist” to Strickland, he was all smiles inside the Octagon.
Prochazka says that while one might portray a persona to fans, they
have to live the part when the time comes. Prochazka also
congratulated Strickland on his performance.
“Whatever was decided, it was already before the match,” Prochazka
wrote on X. “You can show the world anything, but you have to live
this role to the fullest. Big congrats to Sean, to show strength
and handle this pressure. On the other side, pure hate in press
conference and smile in the cage? No, we are warriors and it’s our
mission to handle fully the fire in our heart and stillness in our
mind. Good morning from Czech, lets go to Training Chapter 1.”
whatever was decided, it was already before
the match.
You can show the world anything, but you have to live this role to
the fullest.
Big congrats to Sean, to show strength and handle this
pressure.
On the other side, pure hate in pressconference and smile in the
cage ?
No, we…— Jiri BJP Prochazka (@jiri_bjp)
May 10, 2026