Jiri Prochazka Rolls in Stinging Nettle to Sharpen Fight IQ

Jiri Prochazka has found a new way to suffer for his craft.

The former UFC heavyweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">light heavyweight champion stripped down to his shorts and walked barefoot through a patch of stinging nettle, plants covered in microscopic barbs that lodge in the skin and cause burning, itchy rashes. Per MMA Mania, Prochazka documented the session as part of his training camp ahead of his return to the Octagon later this year.

Another Unconventional Method After Miami Loss

The move follows his decision loss to Carlos Ulberg at UFC 327 in January, where Prochazka dropped the 205-pound title despite Ulberg fighting much of the bout on a compromised leg. Prochazka has cycled through various explanations for that defeat, which marked his third setback inside the UFC alongside two losses to Alex Pereira.

Stinging nettle does have documented medicinal uses when consumed and is described by foragers as having a mild, earthy flavor rich in minerals. Whether rolling around in it helps fight preparation is less established. Prochazka did not stay long enough to throw 500 punches at the plants, an exercise he has used in past camps.

The 33-year-old Czech fighter is 32-6-1 overall and 6-3 under the UFC banner. No date for his next bout has been announced.

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• MMA Mania — Jiri Prochazka disrobes, wanders into stinging nettle because itchy rash, burning skin improve fight IQ (obviously)