Jiri Prochazka Punched His Way Through Fabio Maldonado And Kept The Belt!
Rizin FF 19 took place in Osaka, Japan, and it was headlined by the clash between the light heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka and Fabio Maldonado. The referee was Ryogaku Wada.
Prochazka was cautious in the opening minute of the contest, provoking Maldonado to go forward with his jab. Then he started delivering big shots, finishing his combinations with big right straight punches.
But a short left hook was devastating. The punch stung the Brazilian competitor, who was pressed in the corner. Maldonado didn’t fire back, so Prochazka attacked him with another big left hook and followed with another right hook. The referee stepped in and stopped the contest as soon as the Brazilian competitor fell on the canvas.
Final Result: Jiri Prochazka defeats Fabio Maldonado (KO, punches, 1:49, round 1)
Here is the highlight knockout:
Jiří Procházka (25-3-1) catches a body to close #RIZIN19, collapsing a hapless Fábio Maldonado in under two minutes. The Czech samurai and LHW champ rides a nine-fight tear with seven straight knockouts. He owns 22 first-round finishes and knockouts each. #RIZINFF #RIZIN2019 pic.twitter.com/fHByoHuo4o
— Kyle Johnson (@VonPreux) October 12, 2019
Prochazka improved the score to 25-3-1 MMA, 10-1 Rizin; while Maldonado dropped to 25-14 MMA, 0-1 Rizin.