Just when I thought there was a moment to shut down and rest in the aftermath of post-event coverage, a video popped up on the ol’ social media feed of Jiri Prochazka, sitting along and reflecting on his main event loss to Alex Pereira.
It was on-brand for the unique character that is Prochazka (30-5-1 MMA, 4-2-1 UFC), but also very real. The quote that stood out, though, was of course his mention that if he can’t “evolve” on the heels of his second-round knockout loss to Pereira, then perhaps he won’t ever fight again. And that’s certainly a fascinating statement.
Prochazka now is 0-2 in head-to-head matchups with Pereira, which is the worst spot he can be in. You can call it the Rich Franklin experience if you’re an older fan, but if you’re a newer one, think of the Alexander Volkanovski vs. Max Holloway dynamic, except worse.
After some controversy surrounded the stoppage of their first fight in November, the rematch left no doubt. Prochazka was outclassed and finished in a definitive manner, and now he’s trapped on the outside looking in as long as Pereira is in this division holding the belt, as a third bout is unlikely. That truly sucks for him, because Prochazka is a hell of a fighter. But even he seems to know his approach to the game has a ceiling.
As fun as Prochazka’s style is to watch every time he steps in that octagon, he leaves himself open to be hit a lot. Pereira is the last person you want to give those opportunities to, and he’s shown why in both fights.
Prochazka is a big guy who hits hard so he has a chance in any fight, but the recklessness is a coin toss at the absolute highest level. We’ve seen that twice now in title bouts, and if he ever finds himself in that spot again, he’s not giving himself the best chance to win. This seems to be who Prochazka inherently is, though, so changing it might be easier said than done.
If Prochazka comes to the conclusion he can’t reach that next level he desires, then maybe this was the last we’ve seen of him. But all MMA fans should be hopeful that’s not the case.
