“He’s not a good martial artist…” Jiri Prochazka gives brutal critique of Alex Pereira’s all-round game despite success in UFC
Jiri Prochazka is itching to prove his might against Alex Pereira, who he credits as a good striker, but a docile overall performer.
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Jiri Prochazka vs. Alex Pereira (Source: IMAGO)
Light heavyweight contender Jiri Prochazka chose to take an advanced jab at Alex Pereira ahead of their matchup. The two are to face off for the vacant light heavyweight title at UFC 295 next month. Prochazka found it apt to criticize the opponent’s style, even before the bout. The matchup is set to be the second of the night, which holds great value. On the same card, Jon Jones faces off against former two-time heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic.
“I have to say, Alex, he’s not a good martial artist like on the ground on the wrestling but one thing he can do and knows what to do is his striking,” said Prochazka, in an interview with CBS Sports’ Shakiel Mahjouri. “He’s good in stand-up but not good in wrestling and all these things. He is too much focused on striking. He’s very good at that but on the other things, other styles, he’s not good, too.” Prochazka admitted to not being a good wrestler himself but counts himself better than Pereira.
Both fighters are famous for their variated yet flashy styles of fighting. Prochazka was the inaugural Rizin Fighting Federation Light Heavyweight Champion and the inaugural Gladiator Fighting Championship Champion. As of December 6, 2022, he was also ranked #1 in the UFC light heavyweight rankings. He thus felt it justifiable to mock the opponent’s style and form.
The 205 lbs division had been in disarray ever since Jones’ exit in 2020. Many fighters have been touch and go with the titular shot. Things had hit off on a better note with Prochazka’s rear-naked choke of Glover Teixeira in June. He however faced a sidebar due to an injury soon after. Prochazka thus vacated the title, suffering the same fate as the next champion, Jamahal Hill.
Jiri Prochazka says he wants to fight Khamzat Chimaev, and Jon Jones after UFC 295
Jiri Prochazka has taken to putting everyone on notice, be it in light heavyweight or any other division. Speaking to Shakiel Mahjouri of CBS Sports, Prochazka welcomed the opportunity to fight big names within the promotion. Names that are inclusive of Jon Jones and Khamzat Chimaev. Prochazka is set to return against Alex Pereira for the vacant UFC light heavyweight titular bout.
Breaking the unspoken rule of what happens in training stays in training, Khamzat Chimaev boasted about submitting Prochazka, on The MMA Hour. This was alleged during a training session in 2019. Prochazka has shunned the fighter for invoking training details ahead of his UFC 294 bout. He further said that what happens in training stays there. But now he is ready to fight anybody, be it light heavyweight, heavyweight, or middleweight. His hit list also includes Chimaev himself.
Prochazka returns to a fight card 11 months after vacating the UFC light heavyweight title due to injury. He stars in the UFC 295 poster with reigning heavyweight champion Jones, considered by many as the best light heavyweight champion in history. Moreover, he has expressed hopes of rising up to face him in the probable future.
In case you missed it:
- Alex Pereira guarantees blast for fans in epic clash with Jiri Prochazka
- Jiri Prochazka wants to defeat Alex Periera by doing everything
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Ajinkya Aswale
(1115 Articles Published)