UFC 275 Teixeira vs Procházka Preview: Champ Prepares Another Upset

Teixeira Ready to Prove Odds Wrong, Again

Despite being the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, Glover Teixeira remains an underdog per the UFC odds. The Teixeira vs Prochazka preview could be another piece that underwrites the Brazilian. But Teixeira has constantly proven odds, predictions, and father time wrong by winning. He has a rare opportunity to take out Prochazka, defend his title, and ride off into the sunset.

Teixeira vs Prochazka Fight Info

  • Fight: Glover Teixeira (c) (33-7-0) vs Jiri Prochazka (28-3-1)
  • Location: Singapore Indoor Stadium
  • Day/Time: Saturday, 10:00 p.m. ET
  • Broadcast: Pay-per-view

Teixeira has Been a Lucrative Underdog

Prior to this Teixeira vs Prochazka preview, the champ has won six straight fights and was an underdog in three of them. In the other three fights, he was no more than a very slight favorite. In fact, Teixeira has won four straight fights as an underdog and is 5-2 as one since losing his first title fight to Jon Jones back in 2014.

The Brazilian burst into the UFC scene as a protégé of former champion Chuck Liddell. He had a quick ascent to a title shot by winning his first four UFC fights, three by finishes. But consistent losses to title contenders had all but put a shadow over him to the point he would be written off against hot up-and-comers.

But if Teixeira has proven anything, you can’t count him out. He submitted Jan Blachowicz as a +225 underdog. In fact, since Jon Jones surrendered the title, the underdogs have won the last three title fights at 205 lbs. At 42-years-old, Teixeira seems to still get better though he is admitting that his time in MMA is ending.

“The perfect plan would be winning this fight – which I have full focus on – and fighting one last time in November, in New York, which is close to the city I have lived in for 20 years and close to my gym,” Teixeira said to MMA Fighting. “It would be my farewell from fighting. That’s what I’m thinking now.”

If Teixeira does pull this off, it would be one of the best endings to a decorated career in combat sports. It has too often been a case where the sport retires a fighter and not the other way around. But Teixeira, at his age, can still crack and his well-rounded skillset could just give him the edge despite  betting odds.

Prochazka Faces the Ultimate Test

When betting on UFC fights, it’s hard to not go for a guy like Prochazka. The Czech fighter has only fought twice in the octagon but he knocked out two title challengers in Volkan Oezdemir and Dominick Reyes, both of who had never been finished in that way even by the likes of Daniel Cormier and Jon Jones.

Prochazka is a Muay Thai fighter who gained prominence for his exploits in RIZIN. There he compiled a 10-1 record and thrashed ex-UFC fighters like C.B. Dollaway and Fabio Maldonado. Like Teixeira, he had a fast track to a title shot thanks to how spectacularly he was winning. But one thing remains in question for him: His ground game (or lack thereof).

It’s plain to see that wrestling is not Prochazka’s forte. Dominant champions like Israel Adesanya and Joanna Jedrzejczyk have reigned for long periods without much of a ground game. But going against a savvy veteran like Teixeira will test Prochazka. That’s why he acknowledges the need to address this part of his game.

“I have to change this style, especially in the ground, especially in the wrestling,” Prochazka told MMA Fighting. “That’s why I drilled that with Henry [Cejudo] and then back in the Czech Republic with my coaches.”

Cejudo has become one of the most sought-after coaches in recent months. He’s had some success coaching Deiveson Figueiredo though Zhang Weili and Chan Sung Jung (Korean Zombie) both lost their title fights. Prochazka can improve his defensive wrestling and keep the fight standing against Teixeira. If he does, he may win this fight faster than folks can read this Teixeira vs Prochazka preview.

“I’m glad for that to have an opponent like Glover because he gave me the opportunity to prepare myself in these styles, to be better and better.”

A striker like Prochazka that becomes difficult to take down will be one of the scariest fighters we see in the octagon.

Follow us on Twitter
Back to top button

pointspreads

WHO WILL WIN?

NHL
carolina hurricanes
Carolina Hurricanes
New York Islanders
New York Islanders
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
50%
50%
NHL
tampa bay lightning
Tampa Bay Lightning
Vegas Golden Knights
Vegas Golden Knights
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
50%
50%
NBA
nuggets
Nuggets
Timberwolves
Timberwolves
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
50%
50%
NBA
76ers
76ers
Suns
Suns
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
50%
50%
NBA
bucks
Bucks
Celtics
Celtics
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
50%
50%
NHL
arizona coyotes
Arizona Coyotes
Dallas Stars
Dallas Stars
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
50%
50%
NHL
toronto maple leafs
Toronto Maple Leafs
Washington Capitals
Washington Capitals
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
50%
50%
CONCACAF Nations League
usa
USA
Jamaica
Jamaica
Thursday, March 21, 2024
50%
50%
CONCACAF Nations League
panama
Panama
Mexico
Mexico
Thursday, March 21, 2024
50%
50%
Submit your vote and view the results
Hey Again

vote all you can

pointspreads

PS-email

PS-email

pointspreads

pointspreads-email

Bet like a PRO!

pointspreads-email

Subscribe now and get Weekly Expert Free Picks