What’s Next For The Czech Samurai?

Jiří Procházka became the new UFC Light Heavyweight Champion this past weekend in sporadic fashion by submitting Glover Teixeira in the fifth round with only 28 seconds left in the final round. If Teixeira would’ve made it to the final bell he would still be champion because he was winning on all three judges’ scorecards. However, Teixeira was submitted and Prochazka was crowned the new Light Heavyweight champion. Jiří Procházka is the first Czech Republic fighter to ever become champion in the UFC and has become one of Europe’s biggest stars. I believe he did take some brutal damage in this past fight and he might be out sometime so what awaits him when he decides to enter that octagon again. I would love for him to take a rematch against Teixeira due to the fight being so close and Teixeira being at the end of his career, Teixeira is 42 so father time is against him. Hopefully Teixeira gets a rematch.

I believe Procházka’s next opponent is Jan Błachowicz, two of Europe’s biggest UFC stars going head to head for the Light Heavyweight championship belt. Poland Vs. Czech Republic would most likely sell out the biggest arena in Europe. Błachowicz is coming off a win and was the former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion before Teixeira so he is more than deserving of a fight against Procházka for the belt. I do believe the threat that Błachowicz has is his power and great stand up, he’s wise and very patient and that will be something Procházka will have to worry about.

If that fight falls through the next runner up who will deserve a titled shot would be the winner of Anthony Smith Vs. Magomed Ankalaev. Both fighters bring their uniqueness and will cause some troubles for Procházka. Ankalaev has amazing wrestling but he also is a very good striker and has great up the middle and high kicks but after watching Procházka last fight I think he is capable of holding his own in the wrestling department against Ankalaev. I think Procházka’s bizarre ways of striking will be a handful for Ankalaev and will be a big test for him. If Smith is the next opponent for Procházka I believe he would be the biggest test for Procházka because Smith has incredible Muay Thai and kickboxing. Also is very tricky in his Jiu Jitsu. Smith Vs. Procházka would be a very high-level striking match.

Therefore when Jiří Procházka does return to the octagon hes has a lot of options to pick from.