"I told him it's a risky game" - Referee Marc Goddard explains why fight was not stopped after Jiri Prochazka perceivedly tapped

Glover Teixeira (left), Marc Goddard (center), Jiri Prochazka (right) [Image courtesy @marcgoddard_uk Instagram]

Referee Marc Goddard has clarified the concerns of UFC fans about Jiri Prochazka perceivedly tapping in his UFC 275 title fight. The English official tweeted that the new UFC light heavyweight champion was in fact "congratulating" and "encouraging" his opponent Glover Teixeira by tapping on his head.

The referee also stated that he warned Prochazka about the risks of doing such things in a fight. However, Goddard expressed that it was clear 'Denisa' was not tapping out anytime during the fight:

"Lol. Jiri was actually congratulating & encouraging his opponent! He done it a couple of times and I told him it’s a risky game lol! But it’s very clear what he was doing and intending. Lets celebrate the incredible feat from both gentleman."

Lol. Jiri was actually congratulating & encouraging his opponent! He done it a couple of times and I told him it’s a risky game lol! But it’s very clear what he was doing and intending. Lets celebrate the incredible feat from both gentleman. twitter.com/sake_lid/statu…

Many UFC fans were left perplexed after watching the fight, where Prochazka was seen open-palm striking Glover Teixeira on multiple occasions. They expressed their discontent on Twitter, saying that the Czech native tapped during the contest.

Fuuuuccckkkkk Yyyoooouuuu @UFC #UFC I WILL NOT SLEEP TONIGHT OVER THIS SHIT!!! #JiriProchazka @jiri_bjp TAPPED many times in that fight but here’s one that clear as DAY @gloverteixeira WON THAT FIGHT! FUCK YOU BITCH https://t.co/Z1ghblVBzS

Some fans even suggested that the fight was fixed, with the referee in on it. A Twitter user (@ToddWentworth) wrote:

"Anyone who watched UFC 275 watched a fixed main event. It’s either a fixed fight or Jiri tapped in the first round. But the ref didn’t stop it, so he was in on it too."

Anyone who watched UFC 275 watched a fixed main event.

It’s either a fixed fight or Jiri tapped in the 1st RD. But the ref didn’t stop it, so he was in on it too.

@danawhite greed got you pimp.

#JiriProchazka #GloverTexiera https://t.co/aI7XPosctF

Jiri Prochazka won the title fight against Glover Teixeira via submission in the fifth round, thus ending the title reign of the 42-year-old Brazilian.

KO artist Jiri Prochazka submits jiu-jitsu specialist Glover Teixeira

Jiri Prochazka is a Muay Thai striker known for his knockout power and pressure-based fighting style. However, in the main event of UFC 275, Prochazka beat Glover Teixeira by submitting the Brazilian jiu-jitsu specialist. Teixeira is a second-degree black belt in jiu-jitsu and an ADCC gold medalist.

#UFC275 results: Jiri Prochazka submits Glover Teixeira late in fifth of thrilling title-fight war mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2022/06/ufc-27…

Prochazka's win at the pay-per-view marks only his third victory to come by way of submission. Twenty-five of his 29 wins have come via KO/TKO.

With his victory over Teixeira, 'Denisa' also became the first Czech champion in UFC history. The most impressive thing about this achievement is that he captured his maiden UFC gold in just his third fight with the organization.