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Earlier today, Jiri Prochazka was forced to vacate his UFC 205lb title after sustaining a serious shoulder injury said to be the worst in the promotion's history. He has now given insight into what happened and revealed his comeback plan.
The Czech captured the light heavyweight throne in dramatic fashion and was preparing to make the first defense of his new belt. During the incredible events at UFC 275, the European endured a five-round war against Glover Teixeira and ultimately won the bout just seconds from the final bell via a rear-naked choke.
In a post on social media, Jiri Prochazka cleared the air regarding his sudden actions to vacate the title. He insisted that he intends on getting it back once he's cleared to compete.
"I injured my shoulder and surgery is required which will put me out of action for at least 6 months... I will not hold light heavyweight division and will vacate the title. I will go for the UFC belt as soon as the doctors give me the green light to fight. I'm going to go for the belt and I'm going to get it no matter who currently holds it... I'll be back in six months and I'll take the title whoever holds it"
Prochazka was set to headline UFC 282 alongside Glover Teixeira in a rematch for the light heavyweight strap. He will now have to wait for months before he returns to the octagon, meaning he will possibly be away from the octagon for over a year.
What does Jiri Prochazka's injury mean for UFC 282?
UFC 282 will still go ahead on December 10, but due to Jiri Prochazka's untimely injury, the promotion was forced to book a new headliner and reshuffle the entire fight card.
Although he was offered an interim title clash, Glover Teixeira reportedly saw it as too short notice and was removed from the card. The new UFC 282 main event will see Jan Blachowicz and Magomed Ankalev compete for the vacant 205lb title in the champion's absence.
As they were made to adjust the card, the UFC opted to move Paddy Pimblett's fourth octagon appearance against the tough Jared Gordon into the co-main event slot.
Despite the huge light heavyweight title fight fallout, the UFC 282 card is still arguably one of the best potential showcases they have managed to put together throughout 2022.
