Jamahal Hill respects Jiri Prochazka’s decision to prioritize his university studies over a UFC title shot.
Manager Tim Simpson confirmed that his client, Prochazka, was approached about challenging light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 317 on June 28, but he declined due to upcoming exams he had to prepare for at Masaryk University in the Czech Republic. Hill (12-3 MMA, 6-3 UFC), who was knocked out by Prochazka in his most recent fight at UFC 311 in January, was asked what he thought of his decision.
“I believe that he’s a man of certain principles and morals and things like that,” Hill told Inside Fighting of Prochazka. “If he’s not willing to bypass those, if he feels this is important for something that he needs to do before he returns, I applaud him. If you have something you stand for, and you stand on it, I support you 100 percent.
“If that’s what he feels he needs to do before he gets back to this lane because fighting isn’t guaranteed, fighting isn’t forever. Now is the best time to put yourself in a position to where you can still live the life you want to live, make the money you want to make, and all these things after.”
Former champion Hill will look to rebound when he meets Khalil Rountree (13-6 MMA, 9-6 UFC) on June 21 in the UFC on ABC 8 headliner from Baku Crystal Hall in Baku, Azerbaijan.
