Jan Blachowicz says the UFC light heavyweight champion broke the samurai code.
Rematch
On Monday, Jiri Prochazka announced on his social media that he wants to rematch Glover Teixeira for his first UFC light heavyweight title defense.
“I have made [a decision] for my next fight. I want to fight Glover my next fight,” Prochazka said on his social media. “Not because it will be another big fight, but just one reason: My performance was bad in the first fight, and I will show you why I’m the champion clearly, decisively. And I think Glover deserves it. So here’s the offer: I will show you why I am the champion.”
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— Jiri BJP Prochazka (@jiri_bjp) July 11, 2022
Samurai code
Prochazka is coming off a five-round Fight of the Year candidate with Teixeira, in which he ended up submitting the Brazilian to win the belt. With the light heavyweight division still heating up with new contenders, everyone seemed fine with an immediate rematch between Prochazka vs. Teixeira. Everyone except former champion Blachowicz, who himself defeated Aleksander Rakic earlier this year.
Blachowicz tweeted at Prochazka a few hours after the champion’s request.
“Jan is for me the biggest challenge – your words. Respect you Champ, but the samurai code was not upheld,” Blachowicz said.
"Jan is for me the biggest challenge" – your words.
Respect you Champ, but the samurai code was not upheld.— Jan Blachowicz (@JanBlachowicz) July 11, 2022
Prochazka then responded to Blachowicz, saying it is a matter of honor to rematch Teixeira.
“With Glover, it’s a matter of honor and duty to show pure Fight. This is more than a challenge.“
With Glover, it's a matter of honor and duty to show pure Fight. This is more than a challenge.
— Jiri BJP Prochazka (@jiri_bjp) July 11, 2022
While a fight between Prochazka and Blachowicz made a ton of sense, especially if the fight took place in Europe, and because they went face-to-face after Prochazka’s victory, sometimes plans change.
If the champion wants to give Teixeira a rematch, who is going to tell him no? (besides the UFC)
