UFC 275: The Unprecedented Rise of UFC Light-heavyweight contender Jiri Prochazka

Prochazka made his pro debut in 2012 after winning the Czech National Muay Thai Championship. Before joining the UFC, he held the RIZIN light heavyweight title. Prochazka made his UFC debut in 2020 and last fought in May 2021, when he knocked Dominick Reyes

There was something mystique around this Czech Samurai When he made his debut against former title challenger Volkan Oezdmir. Although Prochazka’s style is unique and different It’ll be unfair to call Jiri Prochazka just unorthodox. In the second round, he removed Ozedmir from his consciousness announcing his name in the big league.

The intention of Jiri was clear. He was not there to pick and choose the just wanted to become the undisputed LHW champion.

So his next fight was also scheduled against a former Title challenger Dominic Reyes. Although Dominic was coming off a loss to then-champion Jan Blachowicz, he was still dangerous. Many people to the day believe that he won against LHW royalty Jon Jones.   

Bonus Machine Jiri Prochazka is a must-watch TV

Having earned 3 performances in his 2 fights in UFC, Jiri Prochazka’s rise in UFC couldn’t have been better. Knocking out two former title contenders in the process only makes things sweeter. He was then assigned to the backup fighter for a showdown between Glover and Jan. Although he didn’t step into the cage that night he still would have learned that Glover ain’t an easy night out. 

Both the main events were face-to-face in the UFC 267 as Glover said to Prochazka that “you are next”.

Glover is an old dog whereas Prochazka is the young samurai that has looked unstoppable. 

Opponents have struggled with Prochazka’s unpredictability on the feet. In his two UFC fights, he landed 110 significant strikes. The precision and quantity with which he lands those shots are unearthly and terrifying, with 7.19 significant strikes per minute. His strength is his most powerful weapon, as he has won 90% of his fights by knockout.

Jiri is interesting in that he was previously offered a UFC contract, which he declined. He thought he wasn’t ready for the big leagues at the time.

There are rarely any fighters that’ll reject a UFC contract which hence proves his mental fortitude. His faith in himself and his abilities is unparalleled. In the latest UFC embedded vlogs, Jiri credited his success to his ability to control his mind

UFC legend GSP impressed with Prochazka’s fighting style

Jiri’s samurai spirit appears to have impressed UFC legend GSP as well. GSP regards him as extremely dangerous and appears to be impressed by his striking.

Despite being pleased, GSP remains skeptical of Jiri’s ground game and wishes to see more of it in the future. GSP also predicted that Jiri will be a future world champion and hopes that he will appear in the octagon many more times