
MMA fighter Jiri Prochazka speaks to journalist after his arrival to Vaclav Havel Airport Prague from Las Vegas, where he won the UFC fight with Khalil Rountree, October 6, 2025. CTKxPhoto/VitxSimanek CTKPhotoP2025100606554 PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxCZExSVK CTKPhotoP2025100606554
MMA fighter Jiri Prochazka speaks to journalist after his arrival to Vaclav Havel Airport Prague from Las Vegas, where he won the UFC fight with Khalil Rountree, October 6, 2025. CTKxPhoto/VitxSimanek CTKPhotoP2025100606554 PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxCZExSVK CTKPhotoP2025100606554
Aug 1, 2026, 11:30 AM CUT
Jiří Procházka climbs Mount Fuji for intense fight preparation
Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jiří Procházka has built a reputation for his warrior-like, unpredictable fighting style. The Czech star is best known for his knockout power, warrior mentality, and wild striking skills. After taking some time out to regroup following his UFC 327 loss against Carlos Ulberg, Procházka is back to training with a twist – this time, at Mount Fuji.
Although he doesn’t officially have an upcoming fight, Procházka has hinted at potential matchups with Paulo Costa or Magomed Ankalaev. His Instagram post shared on July 28, 2026, highlighted the end of a particularly physically and mentally grueling training challenge on Japan’s highest mountain with almost 48 hours without sleep.
“Thank you, Mt. Fuji, mission accomplished. Almost two days no sleep and Great Training in high altitude on a volcano. #SHINGODZILLA ⚡️Looking forward to being back and start to work and settle the Fight. Right now it look for Ankalaev or Costa. Anyway, no matter who🔥,” the Instagram caption reads.
Procházka declared himself ready for any opponent after the Mount Fuji challenge.

October 4, 2025, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA: JIRI PROCHAZKA 32-5-1 of Hosteradice, Czech Republic defeats KHALIL ROUNTREE JR. 14-7-1 of Los Angeles, CA by KO Strikes at 3:04 of Round 3 during UFC 320 at the T Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Las Vegas USA - ZUMAo117 20251004_zsp_o117_093 Copyright: xMikaelxOnax
October 4, 2025, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA: JIRI PROCHAZKA 32-5-1 of Hosteradice, Czech Republic defeats KHALIL ROUNTREE JR. 14-7-1 of Los Angeles, CA by KO Strikes at 3:04 of Round 3 during UFC 320 at the T Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Las Vegas USA - ZUMAo117 20251004_zsp_o117_093 Copyright: xMikaelxOnax
Over 48 hours, Procházka scaled Mount Fuji's 3,776-meter peak, training in thin air while fighting exhaustion and his own mind.
This isn’t the first time that Procházka resorted to unconventional training methods. Fans know him for his unusual training methods inspired by samurai and bushido philosophy.
A history of extreme training: how Procházka built his warrior mindset
Taking on unusual training challenges has become Procházka’s signature style. Throughout his career, he has engaged in several unconventional training routines that he said are samurai and bushido-inspired.
According to MMA Fighting, one of his most unusual training methods comprised punching a tree 500 times. He later revealed that this odd training method improved his striking and conditioned his fists, making the heavy bag work feel much easier later.
Back in September to October 2022, Procházka spent three days locked in a completely dark room without food and water. This form of sensory deprivation, he revealed, was designed to strengthen his mind and “work with his demons.”
The incident was one of his most popular stunts. He performed it ahead of the planned rematch at UFC 282 against former light heavyweight champion Glover Teixeira. Unfortunately for him, that bout got cancelled.
But that’s not all. Procházka has also completed unusual training challenges like an ice dive 30 meters under a frozen lake and sprinting while holding his breath, alongside solo mountain treks.
Which of Procházka’s training challenges did you find the most unusual? Let us know in the comments.
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Written by

Avantika Das
Edited by
Zaid Quraishi