History of Jiří Procházka in Timeline

Jiří Procházka is a Czech professional mixed martial artist competing in the UFC's Light Heavyweight division. A former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, he's the first Czech to win a UFC title. He also held titles in Rizin and Gladiator Fighting Championship. As of late October 2024, he is ranked #2 in the UFC light heavyweight division.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

October 14, 1992: Jiří Procházka's Birth

On October 14, 1992, Jiří Procházka was born. He is a Czech professional mixed martial artist.

Others born on this day/year

April 2012: Professional MMA Debut

In April 2012, Jiří Procházka made his professional MMA debut for Gladiator Fighting Championship.

December 7, 2013: GCF Light Heavyweight Championship Win

On December 7, 2013, Jiří Procházka won the inaugural GCF Light Heavyweight Championship against Martin Šolc at GCF 26 FN via flying knee knockout. He also received a post-fight bonus and the fight was awarded 'Czech Fight of the Year'.

June 6, 2014: Title Defense Against Tomáš Penz

On June 6, 2014, Jiří Procházka defended his title against Tomáš Penz at GCF 28: Cage Fight 4, winning via technical knockout due to a flying knee in 41 seconds.

December 29, 2015: Promotional Debut Against Satoshi Ishii

On December 29, 2015, Jiří Procházka made his promotional debut against Satoshi Ishii in the World Grand Prix 2015 –100 kg tournament at Rizin FF's event Saraba no Utake, winning via knockout in the first round.

2015: Signs with Rizin Fighting Federation

In 2015, after a 14–2–1 record, Jiří Procházka became the first Czech fighter to join the Rizin Fighting Federation after signing a deal shortly after his win against Evgeni Kondratov.

December 31, 2015: Rizin FF Tournament

On December 31, 2015, Jiří Procházka won the semi-final fight against Vadim Nemkov via technical knockout at Iza no Mai, but lost to Muhammed Lawal in the final round via knockout.

April 17, 2016: Fight against Kazuyuki Fujita

On April 17, 2016, Jiří Procházka faced Kazuyuki Fujita at Rizin 1 at a catchweight of 110 kgs, winning via technical knockout in the first round.

September 25, 2016: Fight Against Mark Tanios

On September 25, 2016, Jiří Procházka faced Mark Tanios at Rizin 2 - Rizin Fighting World Grand Prix 2016: Opening Round, winning by unanimous decision but was pulled from the tournament due to a knee injury.

September 29, 2017: Fight against Willian Roberto Alves

On September 29, 2017, Jiří Procházka fought Willian Roberto Alves at Fusion FN 16 - Cage Fight, winning via technical knockout in the first round.

December 29, 2017: Fight against Karl Albrektsson

On December 29, 2017, Jiří Procházka faced Karl Albrektsson at Rizin Fighting World Grand Prix 2017 - Bantamweight Tournament: 2nd Round, winning via technical knockout in the first round.

2017: Moves to Cottage near Brno

Since 2017, Jiří Procházka has lived in a cottage near a reservoir outside of his hometown of Brno.

July 28, 2018: Fight against Bruno Cappelozza

On July 28, 2018, Jiří Procházka faced Bruno Cappelozza at Rizin 11, winning via knockout in the first round.

September 30, 2018: Fight against Jake Heun

On September 30, 2018, Jiří Procházka faced Jake Heun at Rizin 13, winning via technical knockout in the first round.

December 31, 2018: Fight against Brandon Halsey

On December 31, 2018, after Emanuel Newton was pulled out, Jiří Procházka faced Brandon Halsey at Rizin 14, winning via technical knockout in the first round.

April 21, 2019: Rizin FF Light Heavyweight Championship Win

On April 21, 2019, Jiří Procházka faced Muhammed Lawal in a rematch at Rizin 15 for the inaugural Rizin FF Light Heavyweight Championship, winning via technical knockout in the third round.

October 12, 2019: Fight against Fábio Maldonado

On October 12, 2019, Jiří Procházka faced Fábio Maldonado at Rizin 19: Lightweight Grand Prix 1st Round at a catchweight of 100 kgs, winning via knockout in the first round.

December 31, 2019: Title Defense Against C. B. Dollaway

On December 31, 2019, Jiří Procházka defended his title against C. B. Dollaway at Rizin 20, winning via knockout in the first round and subsequently signing with the UFC, vacating his title.

January 2020: Signs with UFC

In January 2020, Jiří Procházka signed a contract with the UFC.

July 11, 2020: UFC Debut and Win Against Volkan Oezdemir

On July 11, 2020, Jiří Procházka made his UFC debut against Volkan Oezdemir at UFC 251, winning via knockout in the second round and earning a Performance of the Night bonus award.

February 27, 2021: Dominick Reyes Fight Postponement

On February 27, 2021, Jiří Procházka was expected to face Dominick Reyes at UFC Fight Night 186, but Reyes was injured, and the bout was rescheduled.

May 1, 2021: Win Against Dominick Reyes

On May 1, 2021, Jiří Procházka fought Dominick Reyes at UFC on ESPN, winning via knockout in the second round and earning the Performance of the Night and Fight of the Night bonus awards.

May 7, 2022: Glover Teixeira Fight Postponed

On May 7, 2022, Jiří Procházka was scheduled to face Glover Teixeira at UFC 274, but the bout was postponed.

June 11, 2022: UFC Light Heavyweight Championship Win

On June 11, 2022, at UFC 275, Jiří Procházka defeated Glover Teixeira via rear-naked choke in the fifth round, becoming the first Czech fighter to win a UFC championship. He earned the Fight of the Night award and the Crypto.com "Fan Bonus of the Night" award of US$20,000 in bitcoin.

November 23, 2022: Vacated Title Due to Injury

On November 23, 2022, Jiří Procházka was forced out of the fight at UFC 282 due to a right shoulder injury and vacated the title.

December 10, 2022: UFC 282

Jiří Procházka was booked to rematch Teixeira at UFC 282 on December 10, 2022.

November 11, 2023: Loss to Alex Pereira at UFC 295

On November 11, 2023, Jiří Procházka faced Alex Pereira for the vacant UFC Light Heavyweight Championship at UFC 295, losing by knockout in the second round.

April 13, 2024: Victory Against Aleksandar Rakić at UFC 300

On April 13, 2024, at UFC 300, Jiří Procházka defeated Aleksandar Rakić by technical knockout in the second round, earning a $300,000 Performance of the Night award.

June 29, 2024: Loss to Alex Pereira in Rematch at UFC 303

On June 29, 2024, Jiří Procházka faced Alex Pereira in a rematch for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship at UFC 303, losing by knockout in the second round.

October 29, 2024: UFC Light Heavyweight Rankings

As of October 29, 2024, Jiří Procházka is ranked #2 in the UFC light heavyweight rankings.

January 18, 2025: Victory Against Jamahal Hill at UFC 311

On January 18, 2025, Jiří Procházka defeated Jamahal Hill at UFC 311 by technical knockout in the third round, earning another Performance of the Night award.