While Jiri
Prochazka appreciates the $300,000 bonus he received for his
UFC
300 performance, he insists that mixed martial artists don’t
fight for money.
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Prochazka scored a come-from-behind second round technical knockout
win over Aleksandar
Rakic on the UFC 300 preliminary card at the T-Mobile Arena in
Las Vegas on Saturday. Prochazka also won one of two “Performance
of the Night” bonuses, which was raised to $300,000 from $50,000
for the iconic card.
Known for his embodiment of the samurai mindset, Prochazka insists
that he and all fighters fight to put on a show and not for money.
However, “BJP” certainly appreciates the freedom to do good deeds
that comes with money.
“You know I thought about that a few minutes ago when they told me
that,” Prochazka told The
Schmo. “For all the fighters, there is a point, we’re not
fighting for the money, we’re fighting because it’s in our blood.
It’s our will to win the fight, to make a best performance, not
because of money. But with the money you are free and you can do
good, so I appreciate it.”
Alex
Pereira, who won the vacant light heavyweight title against
Prochazka via knockout at UFC 295 this past November, defended his
strap with a highlight reel first-round knockout win over former
champ Jamahal
Hill in the main event at UFC 300. Prochazka is now expected to
get an opportunity to avenge his title loss against “Poatan” later
this year. Judging by Pereira’s UFC 300 performance, Prochazka is
already getting serious.
“Yes, I saw him, saw his performance, amazing,” Prochazka said.
“And I have to say, now I’m starting to take it seriously. Because
this is for me something what I want to achieve this victory. And
when I want something I will achieve that. So watch me. I have to
do some little upgrade on myself, to not catching some punches, to
make a perfect storm with Alex.”