Jiri Prochazka picked up a huge knockout win over Volkan Oezdemir in his UFC debut at UFC 251 in Abu Dhabi.
One of the most anticipated UFC debuts in years took place at UFC 251 on Fight Island. The stacked event, going down in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, saw former RIZIN FF light heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka step into the octagon for the first time.
Prochazka had long been one to watch among dedicated MMA fans. He’d beaten a number of solid names — King Mo and CB Dollaway among them — but on Fight Island, he had drawn a former title challenger in Volkan Oezdemir. No easy out, in other words. A heck of a test for a promotional debut.
Both guys get at it early as Jiri is taunting Oezdemir play mindgames. Jiri does land a beautiful combination with a lead uppercut and left hand. Prochazka is looking away showboating and Oezdemir makes him pay with a straight punch slightly wobbling Jiri. Jiri is getting off first from a lot of odd angles as Volkan is countering well. Both these guys are staying active but Jiri holding his hands low is allowing Oezdemir to land the better strikes.
Round two saw Jiri switching stances to give Oezdemir different looks. Prochazka lands a sniper left head kick wobbling Volkan. Jiri presses forward pawed with the jab and a right hook on the button knocking Oezdemir out cold.
Jiri Prochazka def. Volkan Oezdemir by knockout (right hook), round 2, 0:49
