The now former UFC light heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka says that he will prove who the division’s rightful top dog is when he returns after suffering a serious injury to his shoulder.

The Czech fighter, 30, relinquished his championship last week just days out from a scheduled rematch with Glover Teixeira, prompting UFC officials to scramble to replace the UFC 282 main event with its original co-main, which will now see Jan Blachowicz face Magomed Ankalaev with the interim 205-pound title up for grabs.

Prochazka is expected to be on the shelf for a year or more; a factor which makes it less likely that he will fight Teixeira again given that the Brazilian would likely be 44 when the Czech is cleared to return.

But whatever happens, Prochazka says that not only will he regain the light heavyweight title — but that he will also be regarded as the best fighter on the planet.

Grateful.
There are no obstacles, just an opportunity to see the same path from a different angle and be Stronger and more human.
Once you accept the path of the Warrior or simply be absolutely honest to yourself, then you know deep inside what is false and what is true, where

— Jiri BJP Prochazka (@jiri_bjp) November 27, 2022

your Path is. Title? I became the UFC Champion 5 months ago and the current situation does not change my inner feeling of being a Champion, that is the Feeling and the Reason why I started MMA. To Be the Champion of the Best and to be the best of the best. ///\\\

— Jiri BJP Prochazka (@jiri_bjp) November 27, 2022

This is my Infinite Motivation and Spirit-Consciousness and Will to ACT. I can’t move it even if I force it, It’s like Gravity, a law of physics.
So if someone wins the LHW UFC title and proves they are the best NOW while I rest, I will be honored to see that performance and then

— Jiri BJP Prochazka (@jiri_bjp) November 27, 2022

get ready to show who is the Rightful Champion of this division and MUCH more 1P4P.
I Thank my fans for their support and trust.
This is the Beginning, of something Greater.
I love you. ///\\\#Bushido #Kaisen#Strongest#Unstoppable
1P4P

— Jiri BJP Prochazka (@jiri_bjp) November 27, 2022

“Grateful,” he wrote in a string of tweets. “There are no obstacles, just an opportunity to see the same path from a different angle and be Stronger and more human. Once you accept the path of the Warrior or simply be absolutely honest to yourself, then you know deep inside what is false and what is true, where your Path is. Title? I became the UFC Champion 5 months ago and the current situation does not change my inner feeling of being a Champion, that is the Feeling and the Reason why I started MMA. To Be the Champion of the Best and to be the best of the best.

“This is my Infinite Motivation and Spirit-Consciousness and Will to ACT. I can’t move it even if I force it, It’s like Gravity, a law of physics. So if someone wins the LHW UFC title and proves they are the best NOW while I rest, I will be honored to see that performance and then get ready to show who is the Rightful Champion of this division and MUCH more 1P4P. I Thank my fans for their support and trust. This is the Beginning, of something Greater. I love you.”