Jiri Prochazka is the truth.

The now-former champion is waiting on the sidelines until his eventual return to action after a severe shoulder injury forced him out of action. Prochazka is chomping, at the bit, hoping a title return bout takes place sooner rather than later.

Ideally, Prochazka would face the new undisputed light heavyweight kingpin Jamahal Hill, but for “Denisa’s” old rival Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal, the sky is the limit for Czech Republic’s finest.

“I honestly think that a healthy Jiri is the style to beat Jon Jones,” King Mo told Chael Sonnen. “I think Jon Jones is a great fighter, probably one of the best of all time, but in order to beat someone that technical, you have to get in his ass. You have to fight him like it’s a three-minute tough-man bout. Jiri fights at a high pace. He’s reckless. He’s not gonna try to out-technique you, he’s just gonna try to beat you.

“I think that’s the style that would give Jon Jones problems. I’m not saying he’s gonna win, but that’s the style that Jon Jones at 205 would have issues with.”

Since Jones vacated the 205-pound title in early 2020, Prochazka has remained a model of consistency, debuting in the UFC with stellar knockout wins over former title challengers Volkan Oezdemir and Dominick Reyes. Prochazka first claimed light heavyweight gold with a June 2022 win over Glover Teixeira.

“Jiri was used to 20-5-5 and you see what he did when he made his debut in the UFC,” Lawal said. “Just, he was confident, had his hands down, had a good chin, had a great gas tank. To see him not tap [against Teixeira] was pretty f****** amazing. Jiri just sat there.”

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VIDEO STEW

Fedor Emelianenko Explained: The Legend Of The Last Emperor

Between the Links.

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LISTEN UP

DAMN! They Were Good. MMA Fighting’s Jed Meshew, Shaheen Al-Shatti, Alexander K. Lee, and E. Casey Leydon celebrate the GOAT, Fedor Emelianenko, before the last walk of ‘The Last Emperor’

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SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE

Anticipation.

Missed opportunity.

Leg kick challenge...

Back at it.

Pantera meets the Diamond.

Alright.

Comradery.

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FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Brendan Loughnane (26-4) vs. Marlon Moraes (23-10-1); 2023 PFL 1, April 1

Rob Wilkinson (11-2) vs. Thiago Santos (22-11); 2023 PFL 1, April 1

Ante Delija (23-5) vs. Yorgan De Castro (6-3); 2023 PFL 2, April 7

Larissa Pacheco (19-4) vs. Julia Budd (16-5); 2023 PFL 2, April 7

Olivier Aubin-Mercier (17-5) vs. Shane Burgos (15-3); 2023 PFL 3, April 14

Sadibou Sy (13-6-2, 1 NC) vs. Jarrah Al-Silawi (18-4); 2023 PFL 3, April 14

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FINAL THOUGHTS

Oh, how I wish we could see it. Just fascinated by Jones returning at all, to be honest. Thanks for reading!

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EXIT POLL

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