In a candid revelation, former UFC champion Henry Cejudo has shed light on the enigmatic fighting style of Jiri Prochazka, dubbing him a “rhythm fighter” and emphasizing the danger it brings to the octagon.
Prochazka, boasting an impressive record of 29-3-1 MMA, 3-0 UFC, is gearing up to face off against Alex Pereira (8-2 MMA, 5-1 UFC) for the vacant light heavyweight title at UFC 295’s co-main event scheduled for November 11, 2023, at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York.
Cejudo, who assisted Prochazka in his preparations leading up to his title fight against Glover Teixeira at UFC 275, shared his insights on Prochazka’s unorthodox approach to fighting. While Cejudo had advised a more tactical approach, Prochazka opted for an unpredictable and wild brawl, ultimately securing victory with a late Round 5 submission.
“I have trained Jiri – Jiri’s come out here for a few weeks to train with me,” Cejudo revealed on his YouTube channel. “Jiri Prochazka, he is a different style of fighting. There is a belief in him that makes him dangerous, you know? The fact that he is a fighter that goes off of rhythm – he is a rhythm fighter. He is a guy that’s going to go out there and use all the rhythm that he has to start getting his striking and his wrestling to eventually look for these MMA finishes.”
Cejudo went on to explain that he had suggested a more strategic game plan for Prochazka, including focusing on leg kicks and defending against Teixeira’s wrestling. However, Prochazka’s determination to engage in every aspect of MMA combat ultimately prevailed.
“When I was speaking to Jiri here, it was almost like, ‘Yeah, I am just going to go all MMA with Glover.’ I was thinking more like, ‘No, let’s kick his legs, let’s defend his wrestling.’ And he is like, ‘No, I am just going to fight him in every position.’ I think looking at Jiri in that perspective, that’s what makes Jiri dangerous. That’s what makes Jiri Prochazka extremely dangerous.”
Prochazka’s journey to the title has been fraught with ups and downs. After dethroning Teixeira, he was forced to relinquish his belt due to a severe shoulder injury requiring surgery. However, with the light heavyweight title once again vacant after champion Jamahal Hill’s belt was relinquished due to an injury of his own, Prochazka finds himself on the cusp of an opportunity to reclaim the title he never lost.
Cejudo’s insights into Prochazka’s fighting style provide a fascinating glimpse into the mindset of a fighter who marches to the beat of his drum. As UFC 295 approaches, fans can expect an electrifying showdown between Prochazka and Pereira, with Prochazka’s unique approach and tenacity at the forefront.
While Prochazka’s unorthodox style may be a double-edged sword, it undoubtedly keeps fans on the edge of their seats. The clash for the vacant light heavyweight title promises to be a must-watch event, and Prochazka’s rhythm-fighting could very well be the key to his success in this high-stakes showdown.
