Jiří Procházka

Jiří Procházka is a Czech mixed martial artist and former Rizin Fighting Federation light heavyweight champion who has risen to prominence as one of the most unpredictable and dangerous fighters in the UFC’s light heavyweight division. Born on October 14, 1992, in Hostěradice, Czech Republic, Procházka grew up playing soccer and practicing martial arts before dedicating himself fully to combat sports. He began training in Muay Thai as a teenager and transitioned to mixed martial arts in his early 20s, developing a striking-heavy style that would eventually define his career.

Procházka made his professional MMA debut in 2012 on the Czech regional circuit. Early on, he displayed a willingness to engage in wild exchanges, relying on his knockout power and aggressive style to overwhelm opponents. His rise accelerated when he joined Japan’s Rizin Fighting Federation in 2015, where he became a fan favorite for his highlight-reel finishes and unconventional movement inside the ring. In Rizin, Procházka amassed a series of victories, including a tournament win at Rizin 2015 and ultimately capturing the Rizin Light Heavyweight Championship in 2019 by defeating Fábio Maldonado. He successfully defended the title before being signed by the UFC in 2020.

Standing 6’3” with a long reach, Procházka’s style blends elements of Muay Thai, unorthodox footwork, and constant pressure. He often fights with his hands low, relying on head movement, reflexes, and unpredictable striking angles to catch opponents off guard. Known for his knockout power, he has earned the majority of his victories by KO or TKO. Beyond his striking, Procházka emphasizes a warrior philosophy inspired by bushidō—the code of the samurai—approaching fighting as both a sport and a spiritual journey.

Procházka’s UFC debut came in July 2020 against former title challenger Volkan Oezdemir at UFC 251. He announced himself in spectacular fashion with a second-round knockout, immediately putting the division on notice. In his second UFC fight, in May 2021, Procházka faced Dominick Reyes in a main event bout. After a back-and-forth battle, Procházka secured one of the most iconic knockouts in UFC history, landing a spinning back elbow in the second round. The victory earned him multiple performance bonuses and set him up as a title contender.

In June 2022, at UFC 275 in Singapore, Procházka fought Glover Teixeira for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. In a grueling five-round war, Procházka showcased his resilience and versatility. Despite being tested on the ground by Teixeira’s grappling, Procházka secured a rear-naked choke submission in the final minute of the fight, capturing the title and becoming the first Czech-born UFC champion. The fight was hailed as one of the greatest in UFC light heavyweight history.

Unfortunately, Procházka’s momentum was interrupted later that year when he suffered a severe shoulder injury that forced him to vacate the title in late 2022. After a lengthy recovery, he returned to competition in November 2023 at UFC 295, where he faced Alex Pereira for the vacant light heavyweight belt. Although Procházka showed his trademark aggression, Pereira won the fight by TKO, halting Procházka’s bid to immediately reclaim the title.

Despite setbacks, Procházka remains one of the most exciting and respected fighters in the division. His unorthodox style, knockout ability, and warrior mindset make him a perennial threat to the title. Beyond the cage, he is known for his philosophical approach, often discussing mindfulness, discipline, and the mental aspects of martial arts.

Still competing at the highest levels, Procházka has already made history for his country and has established himself as one of the most entertaining fighters of his generation. His highlight finishes and championship victory ensure his place in the UFC’s growing legacy of international champions.

Career Highlights

• Rizin Light Heavyweight Champion – Captured and defended the Rizin FF title, establishing himself as one of the top fighters outside the UFC before signing in 2020.
• UFC Light Heavyweight Champion – Defeated Glover Teixeira at UFC 275 in 2022, becoming the first Czech-born fighter to win a UFC title.
• Iconic Knockouts – Delivered spectacular finishes in the UFC, including a spinning back elbow KO against Dominick Reyes, one of the most memorable knockouts in light heavyweight history.