After shockingly submitting Glover Teixeira in the fifth round of UFC 275, the Czech star was crowned the new light heavyweight champion of the organisation.
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One of the best championship battles in the promotion’s history occurred at UFC 275 last month. When Jiri Prochazka challenged Glover Teixeira (33-8) for the light heavyweight championship, the belt was on the line (29-3-1). When the bout started, it was clear that Teixeira’s tenacity and grappling would be pitted against Prochazka’s erratic but efficient hitting. At UFC 275, we witnessed tremendous success for both guys. Prochazka was brutalised on the ground after Teixeira repeatedly brought him to the ground. Prochazka repeatedly injured Teixeira when they were exchanging blows, as we could see. Both guys were beaten and covered in blood throughout the back-and-forth battle.
Teixeira appeared to be ahead on all of the scorecards in the fifth round. In the fifth, Teixeira was the one who genuinely seriously injured Prochazka’s feet. The former UFC champion attempted to jump a guillotine, but failed, losing all momentum to Prochazka, who prevailed. Teixeira was still able to dominate the most of the round, though. Both men were worn out when they got into a scuffle. Prochazka locked up a choke with just a few minutes remaining in the battle. Teixeira was forced to tap out when he was only 30 seconds away from winning the decision and keeping his belt.
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When Jiri Prochazka won the UFC light heavyweight title that evening, he demonstrated so much to the world. It wasn’t apparent what the champion would do when the match was ended. The potential of a rematch with Glover existed. A matchup with former champion Jan Blachowicz in Eastern Europe was also a possibility. Additionally, Anthony Smith and Magomed Ankalaev’s bout at UFC 277 might result in the emergence of a top contender.
The champion turned to social media this week to discuss how a lot was likely to depend on what he desired. According to Prochazka, a rematch between him and Teixeira should be scheduled by the UFC. Although he did defeat Teixeira, he made it clear that he was quite dissatisfied with his performance. He wants the fight because he wants to dominate Teixeira and prove that he is the best in the world.
My hunch is that the winner of Smith/Ankalaev will also desire the shot as much as Blachowicz does. Whoever is denied the opportunity will probably square off against the other runner-up for the chance to win UFC gold. Despite the fact that the situation is still very shaky, Prochazka’s request for Teixeira makes it unlikely that it will be what happens next.
Stephen Thompson declines the quick turnaround fight and wants Usman next.
