Jiri
Prochazka has shut down ongoing rumors about his return to
action in the
Ultimate Fighting Championship.

The former UFC light heavyweight champion recently addressed rumors
linking him to an interim title fight against Paulo Costa
while reigning champion Carlos
Ulberg recovers from injury. While Prochazka is staying
consistent with his training regimen, he's yet to lock in a
fight.

Prochazka says his next UFC fight is not confirmed amid Paulo
Costa speculation

Prochazka last competed at
UFC 327, suffering a first-round knockout loss to Ulberg in a
bid for the vacant light heavyweight championship. Ulberg suffered
an ACL injury in the bout and is expected to return next year,
paving the way for an interim title.

Amidst rumors linking him to an interim title bout with Costa,
Prochazka took to social media to clear the air, claiming that his
next bout is unconfirmed.

“Strong week, great rounds and teamwork,†Prochazka wrote on
Instagram. “Family and friend bachelors party for relax on weekend.
Let’s start a 3rd week. Just don’t believe to every bullsh*t on
internet. Fight is not confirmed yet, still working on that. One
thing is sure. I want my preparation to be truly thorough—to break
everything down—and to start from the roots that have long been a
part of me. There are still levels that can be reached, and right
now I am very grateful to see them clearly.â€

UFC
332, scheduled for Oct. 3 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City,
remains without an officially announced main event, fueling
speculation that Prochazka vs. Costa could headline the card.

Ultimate Fighting Championship Hall of Famer Michael
Bisping believes the rule under which Paddy
Pimblett's purse is being withheld is extremely
unreasonable.

Pimblett scored a first-round submission win over Benoit St.
Denis at
UFC 329 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas in July. “The Baddyâ€
hasn't yet received his purse for the fight due to a highly
criticized rule. Pimblett's purse is being withheld because he
celebrated his win by jumping on the cage. Max
Holloway and Gable
Steveson, who also celebrated their respective wins at UFC 329
by jumping on the cage, are also under investigation.

Paddy Pimblett’s UFC 329 purse remains withheld over his
post-fight cage celebration

Bisping believes this rule needs to change for good. The former UFC
middleweight champion believes it is absolutely justified to climb
on the cage after a win.

“It all goes back to when Paddy beat Benoit St. Denis. What did he
do? He celebrated. He jumped on the cage as a lot of fighters do,â€
Bisping said on his YouTube channel. “Max Holloway did it. Gable
Steveson did it. And they're also under investigation and could
have their purses withheld or potentially are going to get fined
thousands of dollars. This is utterly ridiculous. I hate this
rule…â€

The Englishman then discussed how he did the same after winning his
title and that it's hard to contain the excitement of a big win.
“The Count†also believes it's a way for the athletic commissions
to earn some money on the side.

“I did it at
UFC 199 in California, one of the strictest commissions in the
world,†Bisping added. “A lot of fighters jump on top of the cage.
You've just won in front of thousands of people and millions
watching around the world. You're allowed to celebrate winning.
Boxers jump on the ropes all the time. But MMA fighters jump on the
cage and suddenly they get fined or have their purses withheld.
It's nonsense. It's a crime. It's the athletic commissions trying
to get a few bucks for themselves. This rule needs to be
changed.â€

Paulo
Costa claims the
Ultimate Fighting Championship is “lost†without Dana
White being more actively involved.

With one fight remaining on his UFC contract, the Brazilian voiced
his frustration in an interview with Sexto Round, saying White is
“greatly missed†in the matchmaking process.

Costa criticizes UFC matchmaking with one fight remaining on
his current contract

Costa said he was ready to compete again shortly after his April
victory and reached out to the UFC in June about potential fights
in July or August. According to the former title challenger, the
promotion told him it had not yet made a decision. “Borrachinhaâ€
believes that the promotion is making mistakes and is failing to
capitalize on key matchups.

“Dana White is greatly missed,†Costa said. “The UFC is lost.
They're making a lot of mistakes because of fear and a lack of
timing. If I said, ‘OK, I don't mind being tied down, being
undervalued and getting paid less than I deserve,' I'd probably be
fighting for the interim title by now. But I think that would be a
mistake. I know UFC champions who make half of what I make.â€

When asked whether he had spoken with Eddie Hearn, Costa confirmed
that he had.

“It was a good conversation and he sent me a proposal to become
part of his management team,†Costa added.

The Brazilian is now seeking a meaningful matchup for the final
fight of his current contract. He broke down the light heavyweight
title mix, highlighting how he, former champ Magomed
Ankalaev and unbeaten contender Navajo
Stirling should be in the running for the rumored interim title
bout, rather than Jiri
Prochazka and Khalil
Rountree.

“I'm coming off a win, Ankalaev is coming off a win and this new
guy Navajo is also coming off a win; Jiri and Khalil are coming off
losses, so let’s see.â€