The much-anticipated UFC 275 is here and it promises to be an epic event. From the rematch between Joanna Jedrzejczyk and Zhang Weili to Valentina Shevchenko defending her belt, the card has it all. However, the fight to end the night with a bang will be between Jiri Prochazka and the Light-Heavyweight Champion Glover Teixeira.
After 9 years of hard work in the UFC, Glover Teixeira got his due as he grabbed the 205lbs title. The Brazilian took on (then-champion) Jan Blachowicz in the main event of UFC 267. Many fans and pundits counted Glover out because of his age and the mileage on his body.
But proving the doubters wrong, The 42-year-old overcame all the odds and got the win. Not only did he win, but Glover also made Jan Blachowicz tap in the second round to win his career’s very first UFC championship. He became the second oldest UFC champion in history.
Up close and personal!@GloverTeixeira vs @Jiri_BJP at #UFC275 tomorrow night!! pic.twitter.com/lX1zTwEshy
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) June 10, 2022
The challenger for Glover’s throne this Saturday will be Jiri Prochazka. He only made his UFC debut in 2020 again Volkan Oezdemir. Jiri became the very first fighter to knockout Oezdemir. He repeated the same against Dominick Reyes next year.
Dominick was fresh off his loss against Jan Blachowicz for the vacant light-heavyweight title. But Reyes did have a lot of hype around him as it was perceived that he beat Jon Jones. However, Prochazka seemed unbothered as he KO-ed Reyes via a vicious spinning elbow.
Not since Anderson Silva against Rich Franklin at UFC 77, the fans have seen such a rapid rise to the top of the division. Much like Silva, Prochazka also has an aura of invincibility around him at the moment.
UFC 275 Main Event, Glover Teixeira vs Jiri Prochazka: Stats
Stats | Glover Teixeira | Jiri Prochazka |
---|---|---|
Wins | 33 | 28 |
Losses | 7 | 3 |
Height | 1.88 m | 1.91 m |
Division | Light-Heavyweight | Light-Heavyweight |
Reach | 193 cm | 203.2 cm |
Age | 42 | 29 |
Can Glover Teixeira survive Jiri Prochazka’s power punching?
Despite Glover’s recent greatness, he has had a recent history of getting dropped against heavy punchers. Fighters like Thiago Santos and Karl Roberson have dropped Glover Teixeira during their fights. But Teixeira managed to recover in both of those fights and managed a way to win.
Throughout his UFC career, Glover was never a fighter who relied on his striking skills to win a fight. It reflects on his stats as well. Teixeira has a negative strike differential as he absorbs 3.83 strikes per minute on an average while landing 3.72. Although it has stopped him from winning fights recently, Glover will look to be extra careful against a wild striker such as Jiri.
Will Jiri Prochazka struggle with Glover Teixeira’s grappling?
A look at grappling stats for Glover Teixeira is also warranted whenever he steps into the Octagon. Unlike striking, grappling is his bread and butter. As per his stats in the UFC, Glover averages 2.11 takedowns per fight. Since 2012, Teixeira has submitted 6 opponents in the UFC.
Glover Teixeira is 2nd degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt. Hence, Jiri Prochazka has to avoid being taken down by Glover. Although not much can be made from his UFC figures, Jiri has only had 1 loss via submission. However, that was in 2013 on his 8th professional fight.
The Czech fighter has 23 first-round knockouts in his career. He will certainly look to do the same to Glover as well. The longer the bout goes, it will increase the chances of Teixeira once again emerging victorious.
Will there be a new Light-Heavyweight Champion at UFC 275?
It is not very usual to see the champion as the underdog for a major UFC event. However, UFC 275 will be the exception where the champ is a betting underdog. Glover’s age and his questionable chin certainly give the edge to Jiri Prochazka.
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However, Prochazka has the knack of being really reckless during fights. He was getting tagged by both Oezdemir and Reyes regularly during their fights. Although he has shown a rock chin so far, Teixeira is a decent power puncher who has 18 knockout wins.
Hence, it is going to be a fascinating contest to behold. While the champ is leagues ahead of Prochazka on the mat, the challenger is the exciting striker. Jiri has the advantage with everything in mind, but Glover will also be in the fight for as long as it lasts.