When asked about studying opponent footage, the shared an unexpected approach to mental and spiritual readiness.
“I was five days sick before the fight, so I just watched Spartans 300,” he told Rogan. His cinematic preparation continued with “Ongbak,” the martial arts film starring Tony Jaa, which he described as “wild.” Prochazka explained that his viewing choices stemmed from a desire to find motivation, noting, “I was really hungry to see something, because a long time I didn’t see some good, not good movie.”
Hands Down
Prochazka’s approach to MMA goes beyond traditional techniques.
“It’s about just feeling the space… when I am in the flow, I want to be between the flow and uncomfortable, somewhere in the center. When I achieve this attitude, that’s why I don’t need to keep my hands up. For me, keeping hands up means defending, and I don’t need to defend myself when I see everything, when I feel everything.”
He believes that by maintaining a natural, relaxed posture, he can react more instinctively to his opponent’s movements. This philosophy reflects a broader martial arts perspective that emphasizes consciousness, presence, and connection with the moment.
Black Magic
During his preparation for Alex Pereira, Prochazka revealed an obsession with spiritual influences.
“I went so deep… I got lost really,”
he admitted, explaining his fascination with finding the “source” of Pereira’s power.
His investigation into potential black magic influences led him to a critical realization.
“I started to believe in other people, not just myself – and this is the way to hell when you stop believing in yourself,”
he explained. The light heavyweight acknowledged that this obsessive thinking became a significant psychological disadvantage.
Meditation Approach
Prochazka’s training extends far beyond physical preparation. During his brutal training regimen, he spends significant time in dark rooms, seeking to unlock deeper levels of consciousness.
“After three days, there is an opening of the third eye is opening and you can truly see who you are,”
he explained.
His meditation involves extended periods in complete darkness, sometimes lasting multiple days. Often practicing without food and drinking only water, he views these experiences as a way to train not just his body, but his mental capabilities.
Inspired by martial arts philosophers like Masatsu Oyama, Prochazka believes in developing an unshakeable mind and pure consciousness.
“I went to the mountains and slept there for one week. I punched rocks and wanted to fight with the environment around me. In the end, you realize there is no fighting – this is pure life.”
His approach culminates in a profound philosophy:
“The biggest special weapon is to be yourself – the realest yourself. That’s the key.”
As a throwback to his cinematic inspirations, Prochazka fondly recalled classic martial arts films, particularly those starring Jean-Claude Van Damme. “These old classics of the fighting, Jean-Claude Van Damme with Kickboxer and all these things… That’s what made a spark inside me,” he shared.
