Early Career
Jiří Procházka, a name that resonates with force and determination in the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), is a fighter whose record speaks for itself. Turning pro in 2012, Procházka has since shown his mettle, with an impressive 25 of his victories claimed by knockout and three through submission techniques.
Fighting Style and Knockout Power
Known for his swift and decisive victories, Procházka has ended 23 bouts in the first round itself, demonstrating his offensive prowess and tactical brilliance. His knockout power is evident in his recent performances, with 10 of his last 12 wins achieved via knockout.
Pre-UFC Achievements
Procházka’s pre-UFC victories include defeating notable opponents like CB Dollaway, Fabio Maldonado, and King Mo Lawal. He also holds victories over Kazuyuki Fujita, Satoshi Ishii, and Darko Stosic. His combat experience is further broadened by his encounters with Abdul-Kerim Edilov and Bojan Velickovic.
UFC Success
During his stint in the UFC, Procházka has proven to be a formidable competitor. At UFC 251, held on July 11, 2020, he stopped Volkan Oezdemir in just 49 seconds of the second round. Procházka continued to display his dominance when he knocked out Dominick Reyes at 4:29 of the second round during UFC on ESPN on May 1, 2021.
Championship Achievement
His crowning achievement came on June 12, 2022, at UFC 275, when he submitted Glover Teixeira via a rear naked choke at 4:32 of the fifth round to seize the UFC light heavyweight title. However, an injury later forced Procházka to vacate the title.
Recent Setback and Legacy
Procházka’s most recent bout, at UFC 295 on November 11, 2023, ended in defeat, with Alex Pereira stopping him via strikes at 4:08 of the second round in a battle for the UFC light heavyweight title. Despite the setback, Procházka’s reputation remains untarnished; his career is a testament to his relentless fighting spirit, and he continues to be one of the most exciting figures in MMA.