Jiri Prochazka isn't buying the 'Comeback of the Year' narrative, and his reasoning might surprise you!
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It's official: Jiri Prochazka's stunning victory over Khalil Rountree last October earned him the UFC's 'Comeback of the Year' award. But Prochazka himself? He's not so sure. In a recent social media post, the former UFC light heavyweight champion made it crystal clear he doesn't see his win as a comeback at all.
Prochazka, after rewatching the fight, declared, "It was not comeback." He believes he was in control throughout the bout, even when Rountree seemed to be gaining the upper hand. According to Prochazka, he dictated the distance, rhythm, and precision of the strikes, regardless of Rountree's successful techniques.
But here's where it gets controversial... While Prochazka did secure a third-round knockout, the judges' scorecards painted a different picture leading into the final round. All three judges had Rountree ahead with a score of 20-18. This means that, technically, Prochazka was losing on points before his knockout. He also secured two $50,000 bonuses for 'Performance of the Night' and 'Fight of the Night' awards.
Prochazka, known for his incredible knockout power (with 28 out of 32 wins coming by knockout), appeared uncharacteristically less effective in the standup game against a well-prepared Rountree. However, Prochazka maintains that this was all part of his strategy. And given the outcome, it's tough to argue with his assessment.
What do you think? Was Prochazka's win a comeback, or was he truly in control the entire time? Did the judges' scorecards accurately reflect the fight's flow? Share your thoughts in the comments – let's get a discussion going!
