Previously, Glover Teixeira took on Jiri Prochazka at UFC 275. Making his first title defense after winning against Jan Blachowicz at UFC 267, Glover chose to fight Jiri. Despite putting in a commendable performance, Teixeira lost the fight.
However, many fans were pointing out a strange action from Jiri throughout the fight. Turns out, Jiri was ‘tapping’ on Glover during the fight. Whilst many claimed that the Czech fighter was tapping out to Glover’s move, it was later revealed to not be the case.
Speaking on the incident with Eryk Anders, Joe Rogan has his say. “But he’s doing something that’s not wise, though. He was patting Glover, saying ‘Good job, you’re doing a good job,’ and [referee] Marc Goddard was telling him ‘You’re playing a dangerous f***ing game because it seems like you’re tapping.’ Like what are you doing? That’s a tap! You can’t do that.”
As Rogan and even the referee Marc Goddard later clarified, Jiri was simply encouraging Glover. Further, Rogan says, that ‘tapping’ like that can lead to a lot of confusion for the opponent and even the referee. As such, a referee could see that and infer that the fighter has taken an injury or otherwise.
After the fight, Jiri Prochazka has also come out and given his explanation on the matter. Moreover, he understood the implications of his ‘taps’ and confirmed that he will not be doing them again.
Why was Glover Teixeira vs Jiri Prochazka 2 canceled?
Previously, Jiri Prochazka was meant to run it back against Glover Teixeira at UFC 282. However, due to an unfortunate injury, Jiri declared himself out of the fight. Additionally, Jiri did not wish to keep the division on hold, as such he immediately forfeited his title as well.
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Thus, the UFC brought in Magomed Ankalaev to fight Texeira instead. However, Glover was apprehensive about taking on Ankalaev at such short notice and asked for more time. Now 42, it is understandable why the veteran was not willing to take such a risk. Unfortunately, the UFC was not willing to wait and booked Blachowicz against Anakalaev at UFC 282.
As it turns out, the fight was a bore-fest, with some fans even wanting a refund. Seeing that the fight ended in a draw, UFC President Dana White immediately booked Glover against #7 ranked Jamahal Hill for the vacant title at UFC 283. Now, Glover gets the fight he wanted on his home turf.
Taking on Jamahal Hill at UFC 283 in Rio De Janeiro for the light heavyweight championship, Glover is getting what he asked for. Many believe that should he win, Glover will once again face Jiri in a rematch of their brilliant back-and-forth bout at UFC 275. However, others also believe that Glover could call time on his career if he loses the fight against Hill.
With UFC 283 almost upon us, who do you think becomes the new light heavyweight champion? Will Glover be able to get his rematch against Jiri? Will Jan Blachowicz try to fight the winner next? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
