After last year’s gold in Abu Dhabi, Jana Lamačová once again took on the world’s best in MMA – this time in a heavier category and against a two-time world champion. The result was silver: a success for some, motivation for Jana. In this interview she talks about a difficult preparation and her plans.
Jana, what were your first feelings after the final?
Honestly? My head was pretty empty. Mostly I was thinking about what to do differently next time and how to keep improving.
Was this year’s championship harder than last year’s?
Definitely. The preparation was complicated – I had health issues, it was mentally tough and I struggled with my weight. In the end we decided I’d move up a weight category.
What was different this year?
Mainly the weight category. Unfortunately I had only one opponent – but a very strong one, who had already won the World Championships twice at this weight. It was definitely the hardest fight of my career so far.
How do you rate your performance?
As soon as we arrived in the UAE we started training twice a day, so there wasn’t much rest. Training went well and I felt good. But in the fight a lot of things didn’t work – it just wasn’t there. So I’m not satisfied.
What can you tell us about your opponent?
The Spanish fighter was very experienced, collecting medals not only in MMA but also in sambo, grappling and boxing. We watched her fights and prepared accordingly. But her strength surprised me – especially on the ground, where it was incredibly hard to move at all. She applied a lot of pressure and it was hard to get from guard into a better position.
Did you feel pressure as last year’s world champion?
Not really. I wasn’t defending a title because I’d moved up a category – my opponent was the one defending. So I didn’t feel any pressure.
What was different in your preparation compared to last year?
We added more compensation exercises. We had to be more careful in sparring because of my health issues, but otherwise we went all in.
Editor’s note: Jana’s coach is the talented fighter Tim Ha, who is also represented by JANDASPORT ®.
What helped you stay mentally strong during the championship?
My coaches, no question. They were with me the whole time. When you have people like that around you, you tell yourself you just have to hold on – for them too.
What was the atmosphere like in the team?
Great – better than good, which is why I really enjoy every championship.
What does the silver mean to you?
Honestly? Not much good. Some would call it a success, but I don’t see it that way. I see it as motivation for the future. I know I can do better.
What are you preparing for now?
Next up is the European Championships, this time in the junior category. That means different rules and three-minute rounds. I can’t wait!
Any message for your fans?
Thank you so much. Without that support I couldn’t travel to fight. There aren’t enough opponents for me in the Czech Republic, so competing internationally is really important. Thanks, everyone!
Jana Lamačová
A seventeen-year-old fighter who has already won:
- the Czech boxing championship (up to 66 kg),
- the U18 European MMA Championships,
- the MMA World Championships (up to 65.8 kg).
Jana also competes in K1, grappling and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
- 13–2–0MMA record (wins–losses–draws)
As of 31 July 2025.
Jana Lamačová2× MMA world champion · Athlete profile →
