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Jiri Prochazka, the No. 1 UFC light-heavyweight contender, has revealed a retooled grappling skill-set for his UFC 275 main event against Glover Teixeira.
Appearing at the media day in Singapore, “Denisa” said he’s spent time focusing on changing his reaction time to wrestling and grappling throughout his fight camp, aiming to achieve a seamless flow with his unorthodox striking.
The 29-year-old told reporters he’s confident he can wrestle with current champion Teixeira – and even end the fight on the ground if needed. He believes he can limit Teixeira’s Brazilian jiujitsu offence, and “ground and pound” out the eventual finish. He has no intention of participating in ‘the gentle art.’
“I don’t play jiu-jitsu,” Prochazka said at the media event held Wednesday in the Mandarin Oriental hotel.
Though his supreme confidence in his new found wrestling ability is evident, he admitted he wasn’t thrilled to add that specific tool to his arsenal.
“To include wrestling in my stand-up style… I think that was the hardest thing that I had to accept.”
Prochazka, who proclaimed to be in the “best shape” of his life, revealed little about his gameplan for the looming championship bout.
Quizzed on whether he had his eye on former champ Jan Blachowicz, who will be seated cage-side for the main event, the rising star said that he’s not paying attention to who is next – he’s laser-focused on the task in front of him.
