Jiri Prochaska appreciates the $300,000 bonus he received for his performance at UFC 300, but insists mixed martial artists don’t fight for money.
Prochaska scored a come-from-behind victory over Aleksandar Rakic on Saturday’s UFC 300 preliminary card with a second-round technical knockout at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Prochaska also earned him one of his two “Performance of the Night” bonuses, which increased from his $50,000 on this iconic card to $300,000.
Known for embodying the samurai spirit, Prochaska insists that he and all martial artists fight for show, not money. However, the ‘BJP’ certainly values the freedom to do good that comes with money.
“I thought about it a few minutes ago when they told me that,” Prochaska told The Schmo. “For all fighters, there’s a point. We don’t fight for the money, we fight because it’s in our blood. It’s not about the money, it’s about winning fights and being the best.” It’s our desire to perform. But money gives us freedom and allows us to do good things, so we’re grateful for it.”
Alex Pereira, who won the vacant light heavyweight title from Prochaska by knockout at UFC 295 this November, lost the title with a highlight-reel first-round KO win over former champion Jamahal Hill in the main event of UFC 300. defended. Prochaska is currently expected. In order to have the opportunity to avenge the loss of the title against “Poitin” later this year. Judging by Pereira’s performance at UFC 300, Prochaska is already getting serious.
“Yes, I saw him, his performance was great,” Prochaska said. “And now I have to say that I’m starting to take it seriously, because this is what I want to achieve this victory for. And when I want something, I want to achieve it. So look at me, to create a perfect storm with Alex, you have to upgrade yourself a little bit so you don’t catch any punches.
