Jiri Prochazka defeated Glover Teixeira to win the new UFC Light Heavyweight title at UFC 275 on Saturday. Prochazka won the match in spectacular style.
During the match, Teixeira seemed to be ahead on the judges’ scorecards. Both men seemed to have their moments in the close-fought contest at UFC 25. Teixeira needed to pace himself in order to win the bout.
However, with fewer than 30 seconds remaining on the clock, Prochazka staged a comeback in the waning minutes of the match. He ended up winning in the fifth round via submission.
The audience was so pleased with the amazing match that the fight ended with a standing ovation from the crowd.
Jiri Prochazka is now the first UFC champion from the Czech Republic. After winning the championship, Prochazka got an unexpected call from Tyson Fury.
Tyson Fury, the two-time World Heavyweight Champion, congratulated Prochazka on his triumph through video call.
“Thank you! Thank you so much for your call,” said Prochazka.
“Congratulations! All the best, god bless you,” said Tyson.
“Victory, all the time,” said Prochazka.
Jiri Prochazka has had one of the most unusual paths to the UFC championship. Prochazka only fought twice before having a crack at the gold after joining the promotion in July 2020.
Prochazka’s opportunity was based on his accomplishments before joining the organization, as well as what he could do in the short time he was there.
In his debut match, Prochazka knocked out Volkan Oezdemir in the first minute of round two. His second fight, against Dominick Reyes, ended similarly. Prochazka knocked out the former championship contender, Reyes, in round two with a spinning back elbow.
Prochazka is slated to face Jan Blachowicz, the former 205-pound champion, in his next bout.