Simply after I thought there was a second to close down and relaxation within the aftermath of post-event protection, a video popped up on the ol’ social media feed of Jiri Prochazka, sitting alongside and reflecting on his important occasion loss to Alex Pereira.
It was on-brand for the distinctive character that’s Prochazka (30-5-1 MMA, 4-2-1 UFC), but additionally very actual. The quote that stood out, although, was in fact his point out that if he can’t “evolve” on the heels of his second-round knockout loss to Pereira, then maybe he received’t ever combat once more. And that’s actually a captivating assertion.
Prochazka now is 0-2 in head-to-head matchups with Pereira, which is the worst spot he might be in. You may name it the Wealthy Franklin expertise in case you’re an older fan, however in case you’re a more moderen one, consider the Alexander Volkanovski vs. Max Holloway dynamic, besides worse.
After some controversy surrounded the stoppage of their first combat in November, the rematch left little doubt. Prochazka was outclassed and completed in a definitive method, and now he’s trapped on the surface trying in so long as Pereira is on this division holding the belt, as a 3rd bout is unlikely. That really sucks for him, as a result of Prochazka is a hell of a fighter. However even he appears to know his method to the sport has a ceiling.
As enjoyable as Prochazka’s model is to look at each time he steps in that octagon, he leaves himself open to be hit so much. Pereira is the final particular person you need to give these alternatives to, and he’s proven why in each fights.
Prochazka is an enormous man who hits arduous so he has an opportunity in any combat, however the recklessness is a coin toss on the absolute highest degree. We’ve seen that twice now in title bouts, and if he ever finds himself in that spot once more, he’s not giving himself one of the best probability to win. This appears to be who Prochazka inherently is, although, so altering it could be simpler mentioned than completed.
If Prochazka involves the conclusion he can’t attain that subsequent degree he needs, then possibly this was the final we’ve seen of him. However all MMA followers needs to be hopeful that’s not the case.