Jiri Prochazka praises Alexander Gustafsson: “He was my idol”

Light heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka and UFC legend Alexander “The Mauler” Gustafsson. Photo: Per Häljestam-USA TODAY Sports and via Instagram (@jirkaprochazka)

In his third-ever UFC fight, Jiri Prochazka won the UFC light heavyweight championship when he defeated Glover Texiera at UFC 275. Even though Prochazka submitted the Brazilian veteran, he was not entirely happy with his performance.

“I can show much more, there is no finish line, you can be better and better all the life. That’s why I think I can grow and I can surprise my opponents,” Prochazka said in a recent interview with Petter Öhrling from SVT Sport,

Talking to SVT Sport, the 29-year-old champion also opened up about a light heavyweight fighter that meant a lot to him – Swedens Alexander “The Mauler” Gustafsson.

“He was my idol once, he had great boxing, great movement on the legs. The fight with Glover, he made that much better than me. Much better than me,” Prochazka said with a laugh. “I want to speak about his greatness, because he is a very great guy, he is a very nice guy, a humble guy. And as a fighter, man, very good fighter.”

Read more: Title bouts and beautiful knockouts: Here are the most memorable Mauler-moments ever!

 Jiri Prochazka wants Glover Texiera again

About a month ago Prochazka called out Texiera for a rematch. A fight he wants before the end of 2022.

“My performance was bad the first fight and I will show you why I’m the champion clearly, decisively. And I think Glover deserves it. So here’s the offer. I will show you why I am the champion,” Prochazka said.

Read more: UFC champion Jiri Prochazka made up his mind: This is the fight he wants next

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