Jiri Prochazka poses like a martial artist at a weigh-in event. His distinctive topknot, reminiscent of a warrior from an unspecified culture, also draws attention. [Getty Images]
Jiri Prochazka poses like a martial artist at a weigh-in event. His distinctive topknot, reminiscent of a warrior from an unspecified culture, also draws attention. [Getty Images]

Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka is drawing criticism for what one fighter calls an over-the-top imitation of a Japanese warrior — all style, no substance.

Prochazka is well known for his unconventional training methods and fight preparation. He has pushed his body to extremes, including swimming 30 meters under a frozen lake, and is widely recognized for his embrace of the Japanese bushido — the way of the samurai.

That persona, however, has led some to view him as someone who exaggerates the spiritual dimension of his fighting philosophy.

Middleweight fighter Reinier de Ridder made no effort to hide that skepticism. In a recent interview with Full Mount MMA, when asked to name the best light heavyweight fighters, De Ridder said Prochazka should be left off the list.

"Skill-wise, it's Magomed Ankalaev," De Ridder said, adding that he believes Ankalaev would beat champion Carlos Ulberg if the two were to meet.

As for why he left Prochazka out, De Ridder was blunt. "I don't like him because of that ninja act he does," he said, calling the gimmick the reason Prochazka comes across as inauthentic as a fighter.

The criticism is not new. When Prochazka lost his title bid to Ulberg in April, failing in his second attempt to reclaim the belt, he sparked controversy by admitting he had held back his attacks out of sympathy after Ulberg suffered a torn ACL early in the fight — only to be stopped in a comeback finish.

De Ridder himself is now moving back up to light heavyweight after back-to-back losses at middleweight. His next opponent is Roman Dolidze, and both men are on two-fight losing streaks, making it a must-win matchup for each. If De Ridder, who holds a 21-4 record, can establish himself at light heavyweight, a future clash with Prochazka becomes an increasingly realistic possibility.

Reinier de Ridder (right), who dismissed Jiri Prochazka, throws a punch during his fight against Robert Whittaker. [UFC]
Reinier de Ridder (right), who dismissed Jiri Prochazka, throws a punch during his fight against Robert Whittaker. [UFC]

yjc@heraldcorp.com