Jiri Prochazka has released some new sparring footage ahead of his return to the cage at UFC Qatar.

This coming November 21, the premier MMA promotion returns to the Middle East for UFC Qatar, headlined by a light heavyweight title fight between Jiri Prochazka and Navajo Stirling.

The former 205lb champion hasn’t fought since this past April when he took on Carlos Ulberg in a vacant light heavyweight title fight, losing in shocking fashion when ‘Black Jag’ knocked him out in round one.

And ahead of his return fight against Stirling, the popular Czech star has been attempting to polish up his striking by sparring with one of the best kickboxers in the world.

Give us your early predictions for the UFC Qatar main event between Jiri Prochazka and Navajo Stirling!👀

The UFC returns to Qatar on November 21 for just their second event in Doha🇶🇦

Prochazka spars with Artem Vakhitov ahead of UFC Qatar

The UFC announced Prochazka’s fight before he signed the contract, which seems to have become standard for the promotion, attempting to strong arm their fighters into certain fights. Despite that, the 34-year-old will have had to fight a contender below him in an attempt to re-earn another title shot.

And ahead of his clash in the Middle East against the soaring Stirling, Prochazka has welcomed Artem Vakhitov into his camp. Vakhitov is well-known in the combat sports world for his kickboxing career and he has fought Alex Pereira twice, winning on one occasion.

Over the years, Prochazka’s training methods have received criticism, with the eccentric star known for taking himself into isolation in the woods to prepare for his fights. Not only that, but Prochazka has been criticized for his striking work and his lack of defense.

This time around, though, fans were pretty pleased to see the 34-year-old striking with his hands up and looking more polished on the feet. “Do I see Jiri with his hands up?” one fan commented. “Jiri working on keeping his hands up is a positive move,” another fan said.

“Hands up Jiri. Navajo can count his final days,” a third fan commented. “If Jiri actually tries his best to win he is gonna win easily,” another fan predicted. Whether or not Prochazka does beat Stirling, though, he may need another win after that to secure himself another title shot.

Vakhitov was also brought into Ciryl Gane’s camp earlier this year while the Frenchman was preparing to fight Pereira at UFC Freedom 250.