In the high-stakes world of mixed martial arts, words can be just as sharp as a well-placed uppercut. Jiri Prochazka, the former light heavyweight champion, is no stranger to the power of both. As he prepares to reclaim the title he vacated due to injury, Prochazka has fired a verbal jab at his upcoming opponent, Alex Pereira, labeling him an “incomplete” fighter ahead of their UFC 295 title fight.
Prochazka, known for his devastating strikes and unorthodox fighting style, pointed out perceived gaps in Pereira’s game. “His standup is 90% [of his fighting style], and wrestling somewhere there, grappling somewhere there,” Prochazka said in a recent interview with Michael Bisping, implying that while Pereira’s striking may be top-notch, his grappling and wrestling leave room for exploitation.
Prochazka’s confidence is not unfounded. With a record of 29-3-1, he has proven his mettle inside the Octagon, stringing together 13 consecutive victories, including a memorable fifth-round submission win over Glover Teixeira last June. Now, as he faces Pereira, who transitioned to light heavyweight with a split decision win over Jan Blachowicz, Prochazka is ready to demonstrate his evolution as a fighter.
“I changed myself like totally,” Prochazka declared, hinting at a transformation in his fighting approach since his last bout. “I upgraded my style to another level.” This Saturday, fans will see if his self-proclaimed evolution will be enough to overcome Pereira’s striking prowess and secure the light heavyweight title.
The anticipation for UFC 295 is mounting, with the main card set to air on ESPN+ pay-per-view starting at 10 p.m. ET from the iconic Madison Square Garden. Prelims will be available on ESPN News, ESPN+, and the ESPNMMA YouTube page at 8 p.m., with early prelims on ESPN+ and the ESPNMMA YouTube at 6 p.m.
For those eager to witness every punch, kick, and submission attempt, the main event will be exclusively available on ESPN+ with a separate PPV purchase. Fans in the United States can tune in to see if Prochazka can back up his words with action, while international viewers should check local listings.
As the countdown to UFC 295 continues, the MMA community is left to ponder: Will Prochazka’s claim of being a more “complete” fighter prove true against Pereira? Or will Pereira’s hands do the talking and cement his own legacy as a champion in multiple weight classes? Tune in this Saturday for what promises to be an electrifying night of fights.