"Obviously he's getting older and older" - Volkan Oezdemir believes training with Alex Pereira should help Glover Teixeira for Jiri Prochazka rematch (Exclusive)
UFC light heavyweight contender Volkan Oezdemir has backed Glover Teixeira's decision to train with fellow Brazilian Alex Pereira ahead of his 205lb title rematch against Jiri Prochazka.
'Denisa' defeated Teixeira for the light heavyweight title in only his third fight in the UFC. The victory came deep into the 5th round after a grueling war between the two competitors at UFC 275. Prochazka was able to find a rear-naked choke on the Brazilian jiu-jitsu expert, handing the veteran the first submission loss of his MMA career.
'No Time' recently sat down with Sportskeeda MMA's Andrew Whitelaw and offered his take on the UFC 282 rematch between Prochazka and Teixeira. According to the Swiss fighter, 'Sledgehammer's recent training with middleweight contender Alex Pereira will benefit him:
"I think it's going to be hard [Jiri Prochazka retaining the title] because the first fight was so hard. But also, what we never know is how well will be Glover's health because obviously he's getting older and older and the last fight was a big war."
Oezdemir added:
"But I think now he's spent more time with Pereira, I think the more training with Pereira will help him even more for his next fight."
Check out the full exclusive interview here:
RIZIN announcer compares Jiri Prochazka to Georges St-Pierre
Joe Ferraro has made a bold claim in regards to the career of Jiri Prochazka and UFC Hall-of-Famer Georges St-Pierre.
Prochazka, a former RIZIN light heavyweight champion, last appeared for the organization in December 2019 where he successfully defended his title. The Czech fighter has followed suit since joining the UFC as he now reigns at the top of the 205lb division.
According to Ferraro, Prochazka is one of the most serious athletes he's seen during his time working in MMA. The commentator added that Prochazka's modern-day samurai code of living and his attitude reminds him of 'GSP':
"He's your modern day samurai. He believes in that Bushido spirit. We knew that... [we knew] you're dealing with somebody a little bit different... Always had time for you, always had a smile but always intense, from weigh-ins to competing."
The RIZIN commentator added:
"It's no different than when I was with Georges St-Pierre back in the day, right. As soon as they get to the big show, the UFC, you're worried... Then they win their first fight and you're like, 'Okay well, but are you really, really that good? Let's see your second fight.' And they pull it off. And then they both became champions."
Check out Joe Ferraro discussing Jiri Prochazka here: