Jiří Procházka Submitted Glover Teixeira, Became UFC Champion After Three Outings In MMA’s Fight Of The Year
Prochazka made a comeback in the fight.
2022 was one of the best years to be an MMA fan. The promotion held crazy fights and great events, but there can only be one Fight of The Year.
It was hard to choose the best fight when we witnessed the master class of striking by two of the best strikers, Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson and Kevin Holland, also a lightweight banger between Dustin Poirier and Michael Chandler. Then there was an absolute chess battle of striking between Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira and the first ever biggest test for Khamzat Chimaev, where Gilbert Burns welcomed with blood and fire.
However, this time, the best fight of the year was the light heavyweight title between Glover Teixeira and Jiri Prochazka.
The surprises stuck in an absolute war between the striker and a grappler.
JIRI PROCHAZKA TAPS OUT GLOVER TEIXEIRA! 🤯
🇨🇿🏆 @Jiri_BJP is the LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION! #UFC275 pic.twitter.com/XUE1cV4dxr
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) June 12, 2022
In each round, both fighters had their moments. In striking, Prochazka was landing big punches, flying knees and kicks, while Teixeira was trying to earn a takedown and win the fight on the ground.
As soon as the fight was going on the ground, Teixeira managed to find a comfortable position for ground and pound and was landing brutal elbows and punches while Prochazka was throwing a bunch of combinations in standing.
Finally, the final round was different from the previous four, which Teixeira had been winning.
Teixeira landed a great right hand and stunned Prochazka – his opponent was barely standing on his feet when Teixeira landed a huge overhand
Teixeira was earning takedowns and controlling Prochazka from the top mount and side control positions, but just one minute before the final bell, Prochazka reversed. He had the dominant position, and just 28 seconds before the bell, he choked Teixeira via rear naked choke.
It ended Teixeira’s historic reign – who became one of the oldest UFC champions at 42 – in just one fight.