Jiri Prochazka on Training and Life Philosophy: Every Day, 1% Better and Visualize
Former UFC champion Jiří Procházka has become one of the most intriguing figures in MMA due to his unorthodox training methods and unique life philosophy. Known for his wild fighting style and mental fortitude, Procházka continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible. He outlines his mental training with Joe Rogan.
Jiri Prochazka Training
In a recent interview with Joe Rogan, the top-ranked Czech athlete shared his approach to both training and life, emphasizing continuous self-improvement.
“I feel like self-confidence is still there. There is something you can do better, yeah, every day,” he explained. “And that’s my idea of the training life, life idea—to go better every day. 1% better, 1% better. Even if you can’t train, you can sit in meditation and visualize it, how you train, how the body is working.”
Jiri Procházka’s rise to prominence began in 2020 with a knockout victory over Volkan Oezdemir, and his unorthodox fighting style quickly made him a fan favorite. His crowning achievement came in 2022 when he defeated Glover Teixeira to claim the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship.
However, a subsequent injury forced him to vacate the title. His journey continued with two knockout losses to Alex Pereira in 2023 and 2024, but Procházka showed resilience, bouncing back with a dominant third-round TKO victory over Jamahal Hill in January 2025.
What sets Procházka apart is his unconventional training routine. Inspired by the samurai philosophy in Miyamoto Musashi’s The Book of Five Rings, Jiri Procházka pushes his body and mind to their limits. He regularly trains in nature, using trees as punching bags, and engages in sensory deprivation exercises to sharpen his focus. His physical conditioning includes striking trees and makiwara boards up to 500 times a day to develop powerful punches.
His training also includes meditation and visualization, practices he believes are crucial to his success. “You can visualize how the body is working even if you can’t physically train. It’s all about mental strength,” Procházka said.
This holistic approach, combining mental clarity with physical preparation, has played a significant role in his rise to the top.
Procházka’s unorthodox methods have garnered both admiration and skepticism from fans and critics alike. Whether it’s training in the wilderness, shadowboxing on treadmills, or practicing ancient sword techniques, Procházka’s commitment to improving 1% every day reflects his warrior mindset.
