UFC light heavyweight champion Jiří Procházka has delivered one amazing performance as he went to war with Glover Teixeira and snatched the belt from the Brazilian veteran. However, there is one moment that ia stuck in the mind of many – Procházka appeared to be tapping out.
The Czech only had two fights in the UFC prior to the title fight. On the path to the title, he knocked out two former title challengers in Volkan Oezdemir and Dominick Reyes.
And last Saturday, ‘Denisa’ finally earned his shot at the light heavyweight crown held by Glover Teixeira. Procházka and Teixeira were set to headline the first UFC PPV card in Singapore Indoor Stadium, Singapore.
Ahead of the fight, both fighters were respectful toward each other and show no signs of hostility. But when the bell rang, the pair were trying to finish each other and delivered arguably the best fight in 205 pounds division.
Throughout the Fight of the Night main event, Procházka found himself on his back and eating Teixeira’s ground and pound. He often responded by smiling and encouraging his 43-year-old counterpart to give him more. And one way he did that was by playfully taping on Teixeira’s back.
Many have since wondered what the 29-year-old tries to achieve with the tap. In a recent appearance with The MMA Hour, Procházka explained the reason behind it.
“I did that because I tried to push him, like to push him to give me more, give me more, show me more,” said Procházka. “Because I tried to make him (make) some action, and I wait for that action to do some (techniques) to reverse it. And that’s why I do I did that. Not for tapping, just for a strategy, but it was very dangerous. Now I realized that.”
“Maybe (I’ll do it again), but not in the same (way), like with the same moves. Not with tapping.”
The third man on the octagon, Marc Goddard also explained what happens from his side. According to him, it’s not a sign of submitting, but an encouragement, although he’s agree that it is a risky game to pull.
“Lol. Jiri was actually congratulating & encouraging his opponent! He done it a couple of times and I told him it’s a risky game lol! But it’s very clear what he was doing and intending. Lets celebrate the incredible feat from both gentleman.”
Lol. Jiri was actually congratulating & encouraging his opponent! He done it a couple of times and I told him it’s a risky game lol! But it’s very clear what he was doing and intending. Lets celebrate the incredible feat from both gentleman. https://t.co/F2TU3FP3zN
— Marc Goddard (@marcgoddard_uk) June 12, 2022
Despite the minor controversy, both Procházka and Teixeira has delivered the performance of the ages that will be remembered as one of the best fights in the promotion’s history.