Prochazka and Hawkitt exchange heated words at UFC 327 media day

Tensions boiled over at UFC 327 media day in Miami on Tuesday when Jiri Prochazka and Josh Hawkitt became involved in a heated backstage confrontation, with the exchange captured on video by GifdSports.

Prochazka, the 33-year-old Czech contender ranked second in the light heavyweight division, instructed Hawkitt to stay in his place during the altercation. Hawkitt escalated the confrontation by threatening to cut Prochazka and attach his head to champion Alex Pereira's body. Both fighters appeared close to letting the verbal clash turn physical before the situation was contained. Prochazka carries a record of 32-6-1 and trains out of Jetsaam Gym Brno. Standing six-foot-three with an 80-inch reach, he is one of the division's most dangerous strikers, landing 5.69 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy.

Pereira, the reigning light heavyweight champion, was not directly involved in the confrontation but was referenced pointedly in Hawkitt's threat. The Brazilian, known as Poatan, holds a record of 13-4-0 and is 38 years old. He stands six-foot-four with a 79-inch reach and connects on 62 percent of his significant strikes, landing 5.16 per minute — one of the highest accuracy marks among active champions in the division.

Why it matters

• Prochazka and Hawkitt are both scheduled to compete at UFC 327 on April 11, making the backstage friction a direct preview of fight-week hostility.
• The incident raises the emotional stakes heading into what is already a heavily scrutinized Miami card.
• Pereira being name-dropped by Hawkitt signals the champion's shadow looms over the entire light heavyweight picture at this event.