Jamahal Hill parties with Jiri Prochazka, issues statement on UFC 311 knockout loss – ‘My fire has never burned hotter’

Welcome to Midnight Mania!

Jamahal Hill is handling his knockout loss to Jiri Prochazka admirably (highlights).

Their UFC 311 main card clash was a significant fight for the 205-pound division. The two former champions were hoping to rebound from defeats to current kingpin Alex Pereira, as well as potentially line themselves up for another title shot. Prochazka started the bout strong, stunning Hill in the first with a heavy connection. Hill effectively worked his way back into the fight in round two, using powerful body shots through the “BJP” head movement.

It was all up for grabs in the third. Unfortunately for “Sweet Dreams,” Prochazka seized the moment and flurried for the final frame KO. Despite the surely bitter defeat and a bit of pre-fight trash talk, it seems that Hill and Prochazka have grown to respect one another greatly after their back-and-forth war.

In the video above, Hill and Prochazka share a drink and a hug despite the damage still visible on Hill’s left eye. In the caption, Hill was very positive and respectful to his opponent, promising to come back strong from the loss.

“First of congratulations to [Jiri Prochazka]” Hill wrote. “You made great adjustments and gave me a hell of a fight!!! I want to thank everybody that reached out with love and support I truly appreciate you all!!! My fire has never burned hotter or brighter for my future and growth!! Fighting against the elite of the elite is an honor and blessing that I don’t take for granted and yes it comes with some hard lessons but this is my journey and I’m going to set the course back right!!! Negative and hate are from those that know where they stand beneath you and want to bring you down to their level!! My head is high my heart is full and I can’t wait for my time to shine again Sweet Dreams Nation we move forward and onward!!!”

The loss is Hill’s third in his 16-fight professional career. Hill received quite a bit of criticism for how he handled his “Poatan” defeat, but longtime fans may remember him partying with Paul Craig right after the Scottish athlete dislocated his elbow. At 33 years of age, it will be interesting to see how Hill adjusts and rebounds moving forward.

Insomnia

The dude who had an organized gym fight versus Paddy Pimblett nixes any controversy and says it was all fair game. Respect!

More from the Izzy-Whittaker bromance:

Prochazka vs. Hill is going to be my most rewatched fight of 2025, I can already tell.

A goat vs. a horse.

I’d really love to ask Islam Makhachev if his short d’arce variation is so effective because of some secret technique or because he has the strength to bend metal bars.

I think Merab Dvalishvili won over a lot of critics at UFC 311. Best 135-pounder ever or not, I think his current win streak is clearly the best in Bantamweight history.

Slips, rips, and KO clips

Just an outstanding way to win a fight.

With giant strong men, there’s like a 6-month period where they make enough mistakes that an expert grappler can still handle them without too much difficult. Afterward, things get difficult …

Blowing the minds of the commentary crew:

Random Land

A nightmare scenario.

Midnight Music: 50 years ago today (Jan. 20, 1975), Blood on the Tracks released. Somedays, it’s not my favorite Bob Dylan album, and other days, I think it’s the greatest album by anyone ever. A song that didn’t even make the official track list is an all-time favorite as well.

Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.