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Andrew Whitelaw

The UFC’s light heavyweight division is undeniably going through a period of transition.
Jon Jones vacated his belt and has departed for heavyweight, and new champion Jan Blachowicz (28-8) has expressed his intention to make the jump as well.
Then there’s Israel Adesanya, who hopped up from 185 pounds to take on the Pole at UFC 259 only to be outmuscled in a unanimous decision defeat.
But despite “The Last Stylebender” Adesanya (20-1) failing in his attempt at winning a second UFC title, No 5-ranked contender Jiri Prochazka – a new pretender to the 205-pound throne – was left impressed. 


“Maybe, yeah,” Prochazka told SCMP MMA regarding the prospect of fighting the UFC’s middleweight king. 
“But I really like him. Not personally, I don’t know him. But his style – it’s very unique. That’s what I want to do. That’s the level – and much better – where I want to be. Against Jan Blachowicz he showed very nice control of movement and it was incredible. Very nice.”

There are plenty of parallels to be drawn between Adesanya and Prochazka (27-3-1), who will step into his first UFC main event this weekend event to take on No 3-ranked Dominick Reyes (12-2).
 The Nigeria-born Kiwi arrived in the UFC having fought mostly in Asia and Australasia and completely shook up his division. Similarly, 28-year-old Czech “Denisa” established himself as a dominant champion in Japan with Rizin before knocking out former challenger Volkan Oezdemir (17-5) on his debut last July.
If he wins his second fight in the promotion against Reyes at UFC Vegas 25, he is likely to be awarded a title shot – in what could be an even quicker rise to the title than Adesanya. 




















View this post on Instagram























A post shared by Jiří “Denisa” Procházka (@jirkaprochazka)



“I’m glad to show my style because I’m trying to show the beauty of the martial arts and the beauty of using the mind in fighting, using the body,” Prochazka said.
“For me it’s not some fight. It’s not personal. This is for me art. I’m building some artist’s thing. I like to take it like that. I’m glad I’m now in the UFC and all the world can watch it.”


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Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)

UFC: Jiri Prochazka praises ‘very unique’ Israel Adesanya – ‘that’s the level – and much better – I want to be’

Jiri Prochazka catches Volkan Oezdemir in their light heavyweight fight at UFC 251. Photos: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Israel Adesanya punches Jan Blachowicz in their light heavyweight championship fight at UFC 259.

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Zhang Weili gets finished by Rose Namajunas at UFC 261. Photo: AFP

Zhang Weili after losing to Rose Namajunas. Photo: USA Today

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Cub Swanson punches Daniel Pineda in their featherweight bout at the UFC Apex on December 12, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Photos: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Cub Swanson ducks a punch from Daniel Pineda. https://www.instagram.com/p/COLP-v-Fsgc/

UFC 261: Zhang Weili did not deserve Florida fans’ boos – whatever their reason

Rose Namajunas of the United States celebrates after beating Zhang Weili of China during the women’s strawweight title fght at UFC 261. Photo: AFP

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YouTube star Jake Paul is confronted by ringside commentator Daniel Cormier before Anthony Smith at UFC 261. Photo: Jasen Vinlove/USA TODAY Sports

Jake Paul looks on before Anthony Smith fights Jimmy Crute at UFC 261. Photo: Jasen Vinlove/USA TODAY Sports

UFC 261: Zhang Weili’s manager Brian Butler-Au blasts ‘simpleton’ fans for ‘hateful’ treatment of Chinese former champ

Rose Namajunas celebrates as the referee kneels over Zhang Weili at UFC 261. Photo: AP

Rose Namajunas reacts after defeating Zhang Weili. Photo: USA TODAY Sports

Rose Namajunas cries after her win over Zhang Weili at UFC 261. Photo: AFP

Sport

Martial Arts

Mixed Martial Arts


Prochazka says he likes UFC middleweight champ Adesanya’s fighting style, and even aims to eclipse him
Czech 28-year-old returns for UFC Vegas 25 main event against Dominick Reyes, looking to seal light heavyweight title shot



Jiri Prochazka says he likes Israel’s Adesanya’s fighting style and even aims to be ‘much better’ than the UFC middleweight champ, as he returns to face Dominick Reyes.


UFC: Jiri Prochazka praises ‘very unique’ Israel Adesanya – ‘that’s the level – and much better – I want to be’

Prochazka says he likes UFC middleweight champ Adesanya’s fighting style, and even aims to eclipse him Czech 28-year-old returns for UFC Vegas 25 main event against Dominick Reyes, looking to seal light heavyweight title shot

Prochazka says he likes UFC middleweight champ Adesanya’s fighting style, and even aims to eclipse him

Czech 28-year-old returns for UFC Vegas 25 main event against Dominick Reyes, looking to seal light heavyweight title shot