Jiří Procházka

MMA Muay Thai Light heavyweight

With his unpredictable, almost trance-like fighting style and his Bushido philosophy, Jiří Procházka is considered one of the most colorful and dangerous light heavyweights the UFC has ever seen.

Profile

The story

Jiří Procházka grew up in the Czech rural village of Hostěradice, not far from Znojmo, where he began practicing kyokushin karate as a child. He later supplemented that foundation with Muay Thai, in which he became the Czech national champion in 2011, and a complete MMA arsenal. Alongside his fighting career, he earned a master's degree in Security and Strategic Studies from Masaryk University.

His professional MMA career began in 2012 and took him to RIZIN Fighting Federation, where he won the inaugural light heavyweight title in 2019. In 2020, he moved to the UFC.

In June 2022, Procházka defeated Glover Teixeira at UFC 275 by rear-naked choke and captured the UFC title. Shortly afterward, he relinquished the belt due to a serious shoulder injury. In 2025, he defeated Jamahal Hill and Khalil Rountree Jr., but in April 2026, he lost to Carlos Ulberg at UFC 327 for the vacant title.

In the ring

Fighting style

Procházka is known for his unorthodox, no-mind approach, inspired by Zen Buddhism and Bushido principles: a wide stance, low hands, plenty of head movement, and a willingness to take punches in exchange for a devastating counterattacking opportunity. His power lies mainly in surprising angles and explosive combinations, along with an underrated submission game.

Results

Performance

Former UFC light heavyweight champion in 2022; inaugural RIZIN Fighting Federation champion; professional record of 32-6-1 with 28 knockouts, 23 of them in the first round.

Over the years

Timeline

2012: Professional MMA debut.

2013: Wins the inaugural GCF light heavyweight title.

2019: Wins the inaugural RIZIN light heavyweight title.

2020: UFC debut on July 11.

2022: Wins the UFC light heavyweight title by submission against Glover Teixeira at UFC 275; later vacates the title due to an injury.

2025: Victories over Jamahal Hill at UFC 311 and Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC 320.

2026: Loses to Carlos Ulberg in April for the vacant title at UFC 327.

Influence

Legacy

Procházka brought a unique, philosophically inspired fighting style to the highest level of the UFC and proved that an Eastern European fighter with a completely individual approach can become a world champion. His fights consistently rank among the most talked-about in the division, and he remains a major crowd-pleaser even after losing the title.