Jiri Prochazka dethroned Glover Teixeira to become the new UFC Light Heavyweight champion.
This past weekend, Jiri Prochazka came out on top in his contest against the former champion Teixeira at UFC 275. In a close-fought battle that Teixeira seemed to be ahead on, Prochazka made a comeback in the final 30 seconds. He also became the first man to submit Teixeira in his professional career.
Jiri Prochazka hailed Glover Teixeira for his toughness
In a recent appearance on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, ‘BJP’ talked about becoming the first UFC champion from the Czech Republic. He heaped praises on Teixeira and remarked his mindset to be a great asset to him.
“He was tough, he was a tough fighter like his mindset… was amazing”
“I think one of the toughest fighters I ever met. I met a lot of guys who was so strong. Glover wasn’t so strong, he wasn’t so fast but his mindset to going, still going, through all these obstacles and all these things, still keep going. That was, from him, very smart and that was something that made him dangerous.”
Prochazka sees Jan Blachowicz next
Teixeira called for a rematch right after the result. The winner of Anthony Smith vs. Magomed Ankalaev is also expected to get a title shot. Former UFC Light Heavyweight Jan Blachowicz seems to be the frontrunner, as per the 205-lbs champion himself.
“First, I don’t know what’s the preference of the UFC, the organization. I want to communicate more with the UFC, about what they want from me”
“Second thing, I think the most dangerous man here, in the light heavyweight division after me, under me, there is Jan Blachowicz and I think he can be the next challenger for m. But still, I have to keep respect for Glover so one thing is to offer Glover a rematch and the second thing is to fight Jan Blachowicz”
When asked about the prospect of facing Blachowicz in Prague or a similar venue in Eastern Europe, Prochazka shared his hope of having the idea come to fruition.
“That’s something what I’m thinking about. I think for Europe, that will be the biggest influence ever of the martial arts. Me and him, Polish and Czech Republic, they are next to… I will be ready and I will win.”
Prochazka indicated that the priority would be to communicate with the UFC to plan his route ahead. While he does want a mega European showdown with Blachowicz, the promotion will influence what his next fight is.
