June 12, (THEWILL) – Jiri Prochazka won the light heavyweight title in the main event of UFC 275 from Kallang, Singapore, with a fifth-round submission win over Glover Teixeira.
Prochazka immediately faced greater difficulty than in his first two UFC contests when Teixeira secured a single-leg takedown early in the opening round, and the challenger struggled to get back to his feet for the rest of the round. Prochazka produced some of the high-level striking that had propelled to the title in second round controlling the round with a few uppercuts but Teixeira rallied as well.
In the third round, Prochazka’s soaring knee and two clean nose jabs provided a turning point. Teixeira had all to do to hold on for the rest of the round. In the fourth, the unexpected shifts in momentum persisted. Prochazka slid out and inflicted some damage of his own before Teixeira could secure in an arm-triangle choke.
When a fatigued Prochaazka grabbed a Hail Mary rear-naked choke and drew the tap from Teixeira, the back-and-forth came to a surprising finish. In the UFC, Prochazka’s journey to the top has been swift. He came into his first bout with a ten-fight winning streak under his belt. Only one of those ten victories came by decision.
Prochazka earned his shot at the title after only two fights. He is now the first UFC champion from the Czech Republic and he broadens the UFC champion club’s global reach, breathing new energy into the light heavyweight title scenario. Prochazka possesses the confidence, distinct flair, and abilities to establish himself as a long-term champion in the division.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
