Sherdog’s 2022 Fight of the Year via TCritchfield52
The fact that Prochazka was able to wrest the light heavyweight strap from Teixeira on June 11 in Singapore was not surprising in and of itself. But the method by which he emerged victorious — a no-hooks rear-naked choke against a man who hadn’t been submitted in 40 previous fights — was quite shocking indeed, especially after a battle of attrition where Prochazka appeared to be less than a minute away from seeing his 12-fight winning streak come to an end on the judges’ scorecards.
Teixeira was something of a sentimental favorite heading into UFC 275. More than seven years removed from his first title shot, the affable Brazilian completed an improbable late-career resurgence by submittingin the second round at UFC 267 to claim the 205-pound throne just two days after his 42nd birthday.
Round 3 was arguably Prochazka’s best. He hurt Teixeira with a knee to the body, which prompted the Brazilian to shoot for another takedown. Prochazka denied the attempt and powered his way into top position, where he appeared to have his foe in serious danger with a barrage of punches and elbows. However, an ill-advised brabo choke attempt granted Teixeira the reprieve he needed, and the champion was able to reverse position and end the period with damaging offense of his own.
Teixeira appeared to be well on his way to victory in Round 5 — until he wasn’t. He rocked Prochazka on the feet and later assumed full mount with about 2:00 left. Had Teixeira survived until the final horn, he would have at worst won a split decision. Heading into the decisive frame, judges Ben Cartlidge and Clemens Werner had it 3-1 for Teixeira, while Michael Bell had it 2-2. As it turns out, Prochazka still had one last push left in him.
“My life’s plan is to be dominant in the fight and not just be a survivor. To be a hunter, and that will be my next fight, and I will show that. I don’t want to fight like that. It’s tough, it’s full of blood, and it’s not beautiful – maybe it’s beautiful for you, you like to be entertained. But for a fighter, I like to fight clean.”
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