Jiri Prochazka reveals details about his ongoing college education aside from an MMA career

Jiri Prochazka is using his recovery time from his shoulder surgery to pursue other interests and stay busy.

Prochazka joined CBS Sports‘s Shakiel Mahjouri to discuss the UFC light heavyweight division. During the conversation, he was asked what he’s been up to that’s not fight related and mentioned that he is obtaining his college education, saying:

“Just reading book because now I’m still in the school and so I’m trying to catch all the things around.” {18:31 – 18:43}

The former UFC light heavyweight champion then described how much longer it will be before he achieves his Masters degree and mentioned what his area if study is, saying:

“Yeah, I’m studying college, but first three-years, so now I just have to do two more to have not Bachelor…{Masters}…yeah. I’m studying…it’s like to teaching of departments and all these soldiers, lawyors, and all these things…it’s a sport university.” {19:27 – 19:54}

‘Denisa’ pursuing a Masters degree is postive and could be benefiical to him, especially considering it will keep him preoccupied during the rehabilitation process from his shoulder surgery. For many athletes the rehabilititation process could take a mental toll, so it’s a great sign that he isn’t focused solely on fighting and rushing his recovery.

Check out the full interview:

Jiri Prochazka reveals timetable for his UFC return

Jiri Prochazka was put in an unfortunate situation as he was forced to withdraw from UFC 282 because of a shoulder injury that required surgery. He relinquished the title and the main event was changed, but a new champion wasn’t crowed because Jan Blachowicz and Magomed Ankalaev fought to a majority draw.

The promotion have booked another vacant UFC light heavyweight title fight between Glover Teixeira and Jamahal Hill at UFC 283. While speaking with CBS Sports‘ Shakiel Mahjouri, ‘Denisa’ provided an update on his recovery, saying:

“My doctor, he said I can have a fight in six months…But that’s the very optimistic view for that, that’s the very optimistic angle view for that…I would take time for that to be not so fast for my shoulder…I wanna repair all my body right now when I have time.” {6:34 – 7:19}

Based on the current timetable for his return and the vacant UFC light heavyweight championship being contested next month, it’s possible that Prochazka could either challenge the winner immediately after or take more time to heal and wait until after the new champion makes a title defence.