Jiri Prochazka was fighting for the undisputed UFC light heavyweight title last November in the main event of UFC 295 against the man headlining UFC 300 this weekend, Alex Pereira. Prochazka ultimately came up short, but it's crazy to see a fighter of his style and popularity competing on the featured prelim this weekend on a monumental card. Jiri has had a very short UFC career, but he has become a champion, fought for two titles, and has fought the absolute best competition.
Let's take a look at his best and most memorable fights in his mixed martial arts career.
Jiri Prochazka's final fight before entering the UFC was likely the one that made Dana White pull the trigger and sign the light heavyweight standout. This fight was an entertaining back-and-forth, with Prochazka earning the third-round finish, winning the RIZIN Light Heavyweight title. Dana White immediately saw something in Prochazka and signed him to fight in the UFC. From there, the rest is history.
Jiri's UFC debut came against Volkan Oezdemir, who was a staple of the Light Heavyweight division and a former title challenger. This was the biggest fight of his career, and a huge test to see if the Czech prospect had what it took to become something in the UFC. Jiri came out of the gate very aggressively and earned a quick finish early into the second round over Oezdemir. The UFC had their contender.
The fight that got Jiri his title shot was a memorable one. Dominick Reyes was looking to get back on track with a win, but Prochazka was looking to announce his arrival in the Light Heavyweight division in a big way and declare himself next for the title. Prochazka earned himself a title shot in spectacular fashion, missing on an overhand and following it up with a spinning back elbow that connected and sent Reyes falling face-first into the UFC canvas. Truly one of the most spectacular knockouts of the year, and a samurai was born.
The final fight on this list is Jiri's most memorable performance, his mark as a UFC fighter. Jiri Prochazka took on Glover Teixeira for the UFC lightweight title in Singapore at UFC 275. This was one of the best fights of the year, with both men having significant moments in the fight and coming very close to finishing one another. Glover was intent on grappling, and after hurting Jiri in the fifth and final round, he made the crucial mistake of going for a takedown and ended up in a vulnerable position in which he was choked out in the last round. It was a bloody, violent affair and in the end, Jiri Prochazka was the best Light Heavyweight in the world.
Jiri Prochazka has had a fantastic career in mixed martial arts and has quickly risen to the top of the heap in the UFC. He takes on a returning Aleksandar Rakic this weekend at UFC 300, one of the most monumental cards in the promotion's history.