Jiri Prochazka dethroned Glover Teixeira to become the new champion at UFC 275.
This past Saturday, Prochazka became the first UFC champion from the Czech Republic at UFC 275. He took on Teixeira after just two fights in the promotion and managed to come out on top in the most dramatic way possible. In a close-fought war that seemed to favor Teixeira, Prochazka secured a submission with less than 30 seconds left in the final round.
There were moments in the match when ‘Denisa’ looked in trouble and appeared to tap.
Referee Marc Goddard says Jiri Prochazka was congratulating his opponent
During a submission attempt by Teixeira, Prochazka was seen tapping lightly on Teixeira’s body. Referee Marc Goddard did not immediately stop the fight and proceeded to ask ‘BJP’ if he was alright. Some speculated whether there might have been some mind tricks going on from Prochazka’s side.
Goddard came out to clear up the confusion surrounding Prochazka’s perceived tapping. As per the official, Prochazka was in fact congratulating his opponent and clearly did not intend to signal giving up.
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
“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.“
Prochazka expected to face Jan Blachowicz
The new 205-lbs. king is expected to face the former title holder Jan Blachowicz in his next fight. Prochazka has expressed a desire to fight this year and will be looking at a date after healing up from the battering he took at UFC 275.
With three fights in the UFC so far, Prochazka has a 100 percent finish rate with two knockouts and one submission. He knocked out Volkan Oezdemir in his debut and then also knocked out Dominick Reyes with a highlight-reel spinning back elbow finish.
Blachowicz is coming off a win over rising contender Aleksandar Rakic and was the top contender before the title changed hands. Teixeira had promised him a fight next and so did Prochazka following the win.
