Czech · Plzeň, Czech Republic · Born 14 October 1992Unorthodox Czech striker who won UFC gold submitting Glover Teixeira in 2022 but vacated it due to injury before defending.
Jiří Procházka was born on 14 October 1992 in Znojmo, in what was then Czechoslovakia, and grew up in the nearby village of Hostěradice, losing his father at just six years old. As a teenager he became involved in football hooliganism and street fights connected to local club FC Zbrojovka Brno, before channelling that aggression into structured martial arts training from 2009, winning the Czech amateur Muay Thai national title within two years. Procházka turned professional in April 2012, and after building his reputation in the Czech Republic's Gladiator Fighting Championship, moved to Japan's Rizin Fighting Federation, becoming a two-time light heavyweight champion there before signing with the UFC in January 2020 on a ten-fight win streak. Procházka, nicknamed "The Czech Samurai" for his adherence to Bushido values and love of solitude at a remote mountain cottage, won the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship in June 2022, submitting Glover Teixeira in the fifth round to become the first Czech fighter ever to win a UFC title. Procházka relinquished the belt through injury before losing a rematch attempt to Alex Pereira, and reclaimed the vacant title in 2025 against Carlos Ulberg, continuing to represent the Czech Republic's rapidly growing MMA scene through his BJP Foundation.
Former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, first Czech UFC champion, highlight-reel finisher
How They Played
Procházka is known for his aggressive, unorthodox striking style that combines traditional martial arts techniques with modern MMA. He utilizes spinning strikes, elbows, and creative angles that make him unpredictable and dangerous on the feet. His willingness to engage in wild exchanges and his exceptional cardio allow him to maintain a relentless pace throughout fights.
Lasting Impact
Procházka brought an exciting, fan-friendly fighting style to the UFC that helped elevate the light heavyweight division's popularity during his championship reign.
Career Honours
- UFC Light Heavyweight Champion 2022
- RIZIN Light Heavyweight Champion, inaugural, 2018
- Gladiator FC LHW Champion, inaugural
Czech Athletes