Tag: Jiri Prochazka

Hill Explains Why A Fight Against Procházka Is A Promoter’s Dream

Immediately after sleeping Johnny Walker in the UFC Vegas 48 main event, Jamahal Hill is already laying out plans for what would be the biggest fight of his career. Jamahal Hill once complained that the UFC was not promoting him as well as they are other fighters. With performances like what he turned in last…

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Immediately after sleeping Johnny Walker in the UFC Vegas 48 main event, Jamahal Hill is already laying out plans for what would be the biggest fight of his career.

Jamahal Hill once complained that the UFC was not promoting him as well as they are other fighters. With performances like what he turned in last night, he has done a fine job of promoting himself while making it harder for the UFC to not promote him to his liking as well.

Shortly after the halfway point of the first round, Hill showed why he entered the bout as the favorite while putting to sleep any doubters that may have lingered, right alongside Johnny Walker.

Now with back-to-back first-round KO wins and a top-10 ranking likely in his near future, Hill is already plotting his next move, not unlike other stars who masterminded their ascent into superstardom.

The next phase of Hill’s self-rocketing push is facing another flashy KO artist and one who has captured the imaginations of MMA fans worldwide: Ji?í Procházka.

“Right now, like other than really the Ji?í (Procházka) fight, not really,” Hill responded when asked of ideas for his next opponent during the UFC Vegas 48 post-fight press conference. “Nobody else is really, like, everybody else is tied up.

“The reason I want Ji?í so bad is ’cause I feel like that’s a fight that, like, from both ends, it would be a banger. It would be a banger. I think it would be promoted well, and I think not that many other people have that star ability. Like, I feel like I talk well, I feel like I dress well, I feel like I fight well, you know what I mean? So I feel like I got that swag, and I feel like he’s one of those guys, so, yeah.”

It goes without saying that Hill’s wish is likely only plausible if Procházka were to lose his upcoming title fight against champion Glover Teixeira at UFC 274 in May. Should Procházka win, there would be quite a few potential opponents who are ranked higher than Hill that the promotion would probably select ahead of him.

Still, Hill is climbing the ranks after another big KO, so if he is willing to fight someone not named Ji?í Procházka for his next fight and earn yet another KO, then who knows, maybe he will get that dream fight that he’s looking for, whether or not “Denisa” possesses the light heavyweight gold.

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Procházka Gives His Assessment of A Light Heavyweight Usman

UFC light heavyweight number one contender Ji?í Procházka has given his thoughts on the idea of Kamaru Usman transitioning to 205 pounds. Having long reigned over the welterweights, Usman reached another mountaintop last year. After closing the gap to Georges St-Pierre in the 170-pound GOAT conversation, even surpassing the Canadian in the eyes of some, […]

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UFC light heavyweight number one contender Ji?í Procházka has given his thoughts on the idea of Kamaru Usman transitioning to 205 pounds.

Having long reigned over the welterweights, Usman reached another mountaintop last year. After closing the gap to Georges St-Pierre in the 170-pound GOAT conversation, even surpassing the Canadian in the eyes of some, “The Nigerian Nightmare” found himself in the coveted #1 spot in the UFC’s male pound-for-pound rankings.

While his position in the GOAT debate, both at welterweight and across all divisions, is up for debate, not many could build a solid case to dispute Usman’s status as P4P number one.

Since dominantly dethroning Tyron Woodley in 2019, the Nigerian-born star has gone on to defend the belt against Colby Covington, twice, Jorge Masvidal, twice, and Gilbert Burns.

Having defeated the majority of top contenders before, and being set to continue his second lap around them in his next defense, expected to be versus Leon Edwards, Usman has considered pursuing success in other pastures and proving his P4P dominance.

During a recent interview with GQ, Usman revealed that he once trained his aim on a potential super fight with Jan Blachowicz when the Pole was light heavyweight champion.

“I was going to skip Israel (Adesanya) and go fight Jan at 205 (pounds),” Usman said. “Because I’m pound-for-pound, I want to prove it. No matter what weight it is, I thought he was a really good matchup for me.”

Now, during a recent interaction with The AllStar’s John Hyon Ko, #2-ranked light heavyweight Procházka has given his take on how Usman would fare at 205 pounds.

While he didn’t write off the welterweight titleholder’s chances, the Czech knockout artist was surprised to hear Usman’s confidence of how a matchup with Blachowicz would go and suggested his speed and power wouldn’t translate well to light heavyweight.

“Man, Kamaru Usman? Woah. He will be the big challenge,” said Procházka. “I don’t want to think about Kamaru Usman as an opponent right now, but I think he will be not so quick in our division, and the power, too, will be not on the same level like in our weight. He’s two weights under us, yes? Yeah, so that will be the challenge for him and a little problem.

“He will beat Jan, that’s what he said? Adesanya didn’t beat Jan, and he thinks he will do that?” Procházka added. “That’s a big and strong word, man. I’m not in his position; he defended in his weight many times and he proved he is a very big name in the fights, but this is very strong.”

Procházka May Become Champion Before An Usman Arrival

While he’s not interested in considering a potential clash with Usman down the line just yet, Ji?í Procházka may be in a position to do so if he emerges triumphant in his next Octagon outing.

Since arriving in the UFC in 2020, Procházka has lived up to his reputation; knockouts, elbows, crazy striking, and more knockouts.

After sleeping Volkan Oezdemir on debut, “Denisa” met former title challenger Dominick Reyes in the main event of UFC Vegas 25 last May. In the second round of what many consider to have been an underrated Fight of the Year contender, Procházka brutally knocked “The Devastator” out with a spinning back elbow.

Now, with an emphatic first impression and even more impressive sophomore showing behind him, the Czech star has cemented his spot as the next challenger to the throne. He’ll have his chance to win UFC gold at UFC 274 on May 7 when he challenges newly-crowned champ Glover Teixeira.

While a victory will likely lead to a grudge match with Aleksandar Raki? or a bout with former champ Blachowicz, Procházka may also have Usman’s name on his mind moving forward.

Should both men continue their winning ways in the promotion, and should Usman and Adesanya’s reluctance to fight remain, perhaps “The Nigerian Nightmare” will be forced to climb to light heavyweight in order to find two-division success.

If he does so, “Denisa” may be waiting…

How do you think Kamaru Usman would fare against Ji?í Procházka at light heavyweight?

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Procházka Plans To Train With Three Former UFC Champs For Title Fight

Ji?í Procházka is planning on getting some outside help in the lead-up to his title fight.

Ji?í Procházka has secured his first title shot in the UFC. He will be challenging newly crowned champion, Glover Teixeira, in May at UFC 274. The Czech Rep…

jiri prochazka

Ji?í Procházka is planning on getting some outside help in the lead-up to his title fight.

Ji?í Procházka has secured his first title shot in the UFC. He will be challenging newly crowned champion, Glover Teixeira, in May at UFC 274. The Czech Republic? native has been looking for this shot for some time now and he is willing to do what it takes to be successful when that big moment arrives, even if that means changing up his training situation.

Procházka spoke to CBS Sports about what he is planning for this training camp.

“In February, I am thinking about and working towards preparation in America. Especially with Henry Cejudo and Jon Jones there. I want to go there and work on my wrestling. I especially want to take my wrestling to the next level. I’m really looking forward to that,” Procházka said. “I’m a big fan of Figueiredo. His style is great. It’s an honor to go there and train with these guys.”

It is not crazy that Procházka wants to be a part of this group. Jon Jones is the former light heavyweight champion, and one of the all-time greats. Cejudo was a two-division champion and has now shifted his focus to work with other fighters and make them champions. Recently, he helped Weili Zhang in her fight against Rose Namajunas and Deiveson Figueiredo in his training camp before reclaiming his belt against Brandon Moreno.

Procházka came to the UFC in July of 2020 and after just two wins in the organization, he has reached the point of fighting for the title. His prior fights have been mostly in Rizin, and he is undefeated since 2016. Just because Procházka is a newcomer to the UFC light heavyweight division doesn’t mean he is new to this game.

“I fought ‘King Mo’ two times. The second time, when I defeated him in the Rizin title fight, I was a different guy than the first time he won,” Procházka said. “From that Rizin title fight to now, I’m five levels up. He can talk with [Teixeira] and give him special tips for me, but I think I’m another person. I’m a different person in character. I changed myself completely since that time. It doesn’t matter. If ‘King Mo’ will help him to be a better fighter, I’ll be glad for that. I want to fight the best version of Glover’s style.”

Procházka’s ten last fights have all ended in TKO or KO. He is a finishing machine and now looks to make Teixeira his next target. Teixeira will be making his first title defense at 42 years old after securing the title from Jan Blachowicz in October.

Do you think Jiri Procházka has what it takes to beat Glover Teixeira and win the title on May 7?

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Glover Teixeira vs. Ji?í Procházka Moved to UFC 275

Glover Teixeira vs. Ji?í Procházka has been pushed back to UFC 275. Teixeira was originally lined up to face Procházka at UFC 274 on May 7, but Combate was the first to reveal that the bout will now take place in June. The reason for the change is currently unknown. The fight will mark Teixeira’s…

Continue Reading Glover Teixeira vs. Ji?í Procházka Moved to UFC 275 at MMA News.

Glover Teixeira vs. Ji?í Procházka has been pushed back to UFC 275.

Teixeira was originally lined up to face Procházka at UFC 274 on May 7, but Combate was the first to reveal that the bout will now take place in June. The reason for the change is currently unknown.

The fight will mark Teixeira’s first time attempting to defend the UFC light heavyweight championship. The veteran fighter first earned the belt in October, securing a second-round rear-naked choke submission over Jan Blachowicz.

That victory was his sixth consecutive victory. This winning streak dates back to 2019 and includes two previous main event wins.

Procházka Given Teixeira Fight In Third UFC Appearance

Ji?í Procházka

Prochazka is getting a title shot after just two fights in the UFC. The former RIZIN light heavyweight champion made his promotional debut in 2020, finishing Volkan Oezdemir in the second round.

Procházka earned a big win last year, scoring his second victory. He knocked out former title challenger Dominick Reyes in the main event of a “Fight Night” card.

Procházka is known for his explosive striking skills. He is currently on a 12 fight winning streak, with just one of those fights going the distance.

Who do you think will win? Do you have Glover Teixeira retaining, or Jiri Prochazka claiming the belt?

Continue Reading Glover Teixeira vs. Ji?í Procházka Moved to UFC 275 at MMA News.

REPORT | Glover Teixeira Defends Title Against Jiri Prochazka At UFC 274 On May 7.

Glover TeixeiraA UFC light heavyweight championship bout between reigning titleholder, Glover Teixeira, and the surging #1 ranked contender, Jiri Prochakza has been booked for UFC 274 on May 7. – with the event expected to take place from the Jeunesse Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Attempting his first defense of the light heavyweight crown, Minas […]

Glover Teixeira

A UFC light heavyweight championship bout between reigning titleholder, Glover Teixeira, and the surging #1 ranked contender, Jiri Prochakza has been booked for UFC 274 on May 7. – with the event expected to take place from the Jeunesse Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Attempting his first defense of the light heavyweight crown, Minas Gerais veteran, Glover Texeira managed to scoop the undisputed title at the second time of trying back in October in the main event of UFC 268 – stopping defending champion, Jan Blachowicz with a one-sided second round rear-naked choke in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Glover Teixeira finally clinched UFC gold following a prior title challenge loss to Jon Jones

2-0 in the UFC since his July 2021 debut, former Rizin FF light heavyweight champion, Prochazka most recently headlined UFC Vegas 25 in May – stopping two-time light heavyweight title chaser, Dominick Reyes with a Knockout of the Year contender courtesy of a stunning spinning-back elbow. ESPN MMA reporter, Brett Okamoto was first to report the news of Teixeira vs. Prochazka. 

In the midst of a stunning six-fight winning spree, Connecticut resident, Glover Teixeira will make a Brazil homecoming for the first time since a November 2015 knockout win over Patrick Cummins. 

The veteran 42-year-old earned his second promotional title tilt with a third round rear-naked choke win over compatriot, Thiago Santos back in November 2020, which followed a one-sided bludgeoning of Anthony Smith in May of that year. To go with those finishes, Teixeira also bested Nikita Krylov, Ion Cutelaba, and Karl Roberson on his run to the title.

28-3-1 as a professional, Czech Republic-born wrecker, Prochazka made his much-anticipated UFC bow back in July of last 2020 at UFC 251 on ‘Fight Island’ – stopping one-time title challenger, Volkan Oezdemir with a spectacular one punch knockout in the second round. 

The knockout win came as Prochazka’s whopping twenty fifth professionally. And the 29-year-old is undefeated since April 2016, embarking on a run of 12 consecutive wins over the likes of Karl Albrektsson, Brandon Halsey, Muhammad Lawal, Fabio Maldonado, and C.B. Dollaway – prior to his wins against both Oezdemir and Reyes.