Enter the electrifying world of Jiri Prochazka, a rising star in the world of mixed martial arts known for his explosive striking skills, unyielding fighting spirit, and rapidly growing reputation in the light heavyweight division.
Born on February 14th, 1992, in Havirov, Czech Republic, Jiri Prochazka has started making waves in the MMA world with his extraordinary performances inside the octagon.
Standing at 6’4″ tall, he competes in the light heavyweight division, where he has displayed his talents as a striking sensation and a force to be reckoned with.
Through his MMA career, which began in 2012, Prochazka has amassed an impressive record of wins and a minimal number of losses. Most of his victories have come by way of knockout, underscoring his dominance and expertise in striking. The only reason he isn’t the champion right now is because of an injury which forced him to vacate his belt.
Regarded as one of the most promising prospects in the light heavyweight division, Jiri Prochazka’s path in MMA world is well worth exploring!
Let’s delve into the highlights that have solidified him as a rising star and a formidable force in the combat world in Jiří Procházka’s Top 5 MMA Finishes! (in descending order)
5. Vs. C.B. Dollaway – RIZIN 20 (December 31, 2019)
At the year-end RIZIN event, Jiri Prochazka faced C.B. Dollaway in a light heavyweight showdown.
A low kick from Dollaway starts the fight as Jiri takes more than a few in the first minute of the round. We can see his frustration at the four-minute mark but then eventually he catches one of his low kicks almost getting the takedown.
However, the fight didn’t last long as, Prochazka displayed his striking creativity by landing an uppercut and a left hook, sent Dollaway crashing to the canvas. The referee quickly intervened, declaring Prochazka the winner by knockout.
This fight highlighted Prochazka’s ability to pounce on his opponent quickly adding to his growing reputation as an exciting fighter to watch.
4. Vs. Muhammed Lawal – RIZIN 15 (April 21, 2019)
Before his UFC debut, Jiri Prochazka showcased his skills on the international stage by squaring off against the legendary Muhammad ‘King Mo’ Lawal.
In the opening round, both fighters adopted a cautious approach.
King Mo initiated with one-two combinations, but Jiri artfully evaded his advances. The round unfolded with a dynamic dance as both fighters circled each other, constantly testing angles and each other’s abilities.
At the 2:22 mark, Jiri attempted a breathtaking flying knee, and it momentarily seemed like it would connect, only for King Mo to evade it.
The final minute of the round saw an increase in action as both fighters exhibited the courage to engage further, but the first round concluded.
The second round commenced with King Mo attempting an overhand right at 4:25, displaying his bravery. He then tried a double-leg takedown attempt, which Jiri sprawled to deny.
Jiri injected some unpredictability into the match with a spinning back fist, keeping his opponent on edge. He didn’t hesitate to throw unorthodox punches, kicks, and knees, as the fight progressed.
King Mo managed to land a couple of punches that caused Jiri’s eye to bleed, this lead to a pause in the match for treatment.
With just a minute and nineteen seconds remaining in the round, the action resumed. Jiri delivered a front kick to King Mo’s chest in the final 32 seconds, and the round concluded with Jiri attempting another daring flying knee.
As the third round kicked off, it was evident that both fighters were eager for a knockout. Jiri launched another flying knee, and King Mo countered with two takedown attempts, intensifying the pace of the round.
At 3:02 into the round, the fight reached its climax as Jiri jabbed King Mo, stunning him. Jiri then unleashed a precise flurry of punches, relentlessly pursuing King Mo until he crumbled to the canvas.
3. Vs. Volkan Oezdemir – UFC 251 (July 12, 2020)
Now, let’s dive into the UFC action!
In this highly-anticipated light heavyweight showdown, Jiri Prochazka stepped into the octagon against the seasoned Volkan Oezdemir.
Jiri adopted a striking strategy to maintain distance, but also used an unconventional defence tactic, using his forehead to deflect punches. Yes, you read that right! He demonstrated remarkable confidence in the fight, even incorporating elements of Shaolin Kung Fu stances into his striking repertoire!
However, it was a classic one-two combination that concluded the fight. Following a brief jump, seemingly teasing a flying knee strike, Jiri instead unleashed a flurry of fists.
The bout came to an abrupt end just 49 seconds into the second round, leaving spectators at the Emirates Arena in awe.
Jiri’s remarkable performance earned him a well-deserved “Performance of the Night” bonus for his electrifying victory.
2. Vs. Glover Teixeira – UFC 275 (June 12, 2022)
This bout commenced with both fighters eager to make a statement.
Glover Teixeira pursued a single-leg takedown, demonstrating his mastery of the ground game. Jiri, however, showcased his defensive prowess, successfully evading and preventing Teixeira from securing a rear-naked choke.
Despite his impressive defensive efforts, Jiri found himself in a vulnerable north-south position against the cage.
In a remarkable display of agility and determination, he sprang off the cage and executed a flying knee, followed by a series of powerful kicks.
Teixeira managed another single-leg takedown at the 1:30 mark of the round, surviving an onslaught from Jiri and manoeuvring to take Jiri’s back in search of a rear choke. Yet, Jiri’s leg strength proved instrumental as he reversed the game, placing Teixeira on his back and delivering a barrage of punches until the referee separated them. The first round was an action-packed spectacle, no less.
The second round witnessed Jiri landing precise shots, including a breathtaking flying knee, followed by a devastating uppercut that seemingly should have concluded the fight.
Teixeira, however, exhibited remarkable resilience, managing to get back on his feet while absorbing relentless shots from Jiri.
The pace remained relentless throughout the round, with Jiri attempting another flying knee but missing and slipping, allowing Teixeira to seize an opportunity and nearly apply a rear-naked choke.
Despite this adversity, Jiri eventually manoeuvred around, pummelling Teixeira until the round’s end between these cage warriors.
In the third round, a lethal left hook found its mark as Teixeira thwarted a barrage with a well-executed takedown. Jiri swiftly regained his footing, continuing the onslaught with lethal body shots. At 1:48, a knee strike from Jiri sent Teixeira to the canvas, briefly staggering his opponent.
As the fourth round commenced, Jiri’s jabs visibly hurt Teixeira, and a scuffle against the cage resulted in Teixeira lifting and slamming Jiri to the canvas.
However, Jiri executed a swift turnaround, securing top mount. With only a minute remaining, Teixeira appeared poised to pursue the rear-naked choke, but the round concluded with the bell’s resounding clang.
Entering the fifth and final round, the crowd’s roars bore testimony to the epic battle that had unfolded.
The fighters touched gloves, acknowledging the mutual respect that had developed throughout this gruelling contest.
The round commenced with Teixeira’s straight punch appearing to momentarily stun Jiri, yet the fight continued. It transitioned to the floor, where Jiri seemed on the brink of faltering at any second but continued to exhibit remarkable resilience and survival skills.
Teixeira, looking remarkably fresh, attempted a takedown with 2:20 left in the round. One minute later, Jiri executed a brilliant manoeuvre, securing a rear choke at 4:32 on the clock, prompting the referee to declare victory by submission via rear-naked choke.
This battle stood as testament to the indomitable spirit of these fighters and left spectators’ jaws agape.
1. Vs. Dominick Reyes – UFC Vegas 25 (May 1, 2021)
In a thrilling showdown against former title contender Dominick Reyes, Jiri Prochazka once again showed us his striking brilliance.
At 3:33 into the first round, Reyes delivered a powerful left hook, causing Jiri’s head to snap back. Remarkably, Jiri responded by acknowledging the hit with a point and a nod, showing his respect for Reyes’s striking prowess.
Following a mid-front kick from Reyes, Jiri countered with a precise straight right. Reyes attempted to take Jiri to the ground, but they engaged in a quick scramble back to their feet. During this exchange, Jiri connected with a strong right and initiated a relentless onslaught, applying intense pressure on Reyes.
Notably, a beautifully executed ducking right hand found its mark, slipping through Reyes’s guard with just one minute remaining in the round. The round concluded with Reyes on the defensive, struggling to fend off Jiri’s relentless attacks.
The second round was filled with engaging exchanges as Jiri utilized his legs more effectively, landing precise front kicks on Reyes.
At 2:30 into the round, Reyes unleashed a powerful left, which ultimately led to Jiri taking Reyes down and nearly securing a guillotine choke.
After successfully controlling the ground game, Jiri quickly regained his feet and proceeded to dominate Reyes with a series of kicks and a straight punch against the cage.
With just 34 seconds left on the clock, Jiri delivered a sensational elbow strike after converting from a right straight, concluding the round with a breathtaking finish.
This fight showcased Prochazka’s ability to take on elite competition and solidified his status as a legitimate contender in the division.
These five highlights represent just a tiny taste of Jiri Prochazka’s thrilling career potential. His striking wizardry, combined with his fearless fighting style, has caught the attention and excitement of MMA diehards hook, line and sinker!
Jiri on Czech TV
