Jiri Prochazka (29-4-1) was on top of the world on November 11, 2023. The Czech fighter was the UFC Light Heavyweight champion, etching his name in the promotion’s most prolific divisions. Then, he ran into a Brazilian buzzsaw in Alex Pereira.
Pereira was actually less experienced in MMA fighting than the Czech fighter. It gave him an opportunity for another title defense, right? Wrong. “Poatan” made light work of Prochazka, knocking him out in the second round via punches. Suddenly, life wasn’t so fun anymore.
Now? “BJP” is relegated to the undercard, preparing for his fight against Aleksander Rakic. So how is our intrepid hero taking the moment?
Jiri Prochazka was spotted, alone and in the middle of the night, standing in front of the T-Mobile Arena the night before his fight ðŸ˜
Even the fans were afraid to approach him 💀
🎥 @OGICEY #UFC300 #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/3Q7qQWY1lA
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) April 13, 2024
UFC 300 is a Chance for Jiri Prochazka to Rebound
But Jiri Prochazka has an opportunity to redeem himself, starting at UFC 300. With his fight against Austrian fighter Aleksander Rakic (14-3), he can begin his ascent back to the top of the light heavyweight division.
Rakic is a good defensive fighter, keen on watching his opponent’s movements. That’s a similar fighting style that Pereira embraced, leading to “Poatan’s” inevitable victory.
But let’s examine that fight again. What can Prochazka learn from that previous fight? How can the Czech fighter change his fighting style for the better?
Learning to Be Patient
What stood out in “BJP’s” championship fight against Pereira was his lack of patience. There were moments in the fight where Prochazka went in for the kill, leading “Poatan” to immediately counter.
Such a brash fighting style led him to lose his title, leaving him in his current predicament. Rakic is a defensive fighter in his own right, which means the Czech fighter must be more cautious. If Prochazka isn’t careful, Rakic will also make quick work of him.
Jiri Prochazka Must Time His Strikes
Jiri Prochazka must also learn to time his strikes accordingly. That means looking for ample openings and opportunities to strike, giving himself enough time to act. Granted, Pereira did a great job of not giving any open looks. However, “BJP” could’ve baited the Brazilian fighter into making the first move and countering.
Timing your strikes and not getting overly aggressive is a fine line to walk. However, it’s one where the fighter can greatly benefit if they know how to walk it. For Prochazka, balancing such a style can lead to a redemption story like never before.
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Jacob Walters is a boxing/MMA writer for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @IceColdWJacob
