The controversy surrounding Tom Aspinall`s eye poke incident at UFC 321 continues to generate discussion among his fellow fighters, with former light heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka now offering his perspective.
Aspinall’s first defense of his undisputed heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane ended abruptly. In a highly competitive first round, Aspinall suffered a double eye poke from Gane, rendering him unable to continue. The fight was declared a `No Contest`, leading to widespread debate.
Jiri Prochazka: Victory is `Essential`
Jiri Prochazka, known for his aggressive fighting style and growing fanbase, has joined the chorus of fighters commenting on Aspinall`s situation. Echoing sentiments similar to former interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier, Prochazka firmly believes that winning should always be the priority, regardless of the severity of an eye poke.
“I really don’t know how much it was in the last week’s title fight, but for me it’s essential to win,” Prochazka shared on his official social media. This statement highlights his unwavering commitment to victory, even in challenging circumstances.
Prochazka`s Unyielding Stance on Eye Pokes
Prochazka`s stance isn`t just theoretical; he himself endured a notable eye poke during his comeback fight earlier this year against Jamahal Hill. Despite the foul, the former Rizin FF champion continued to fight, securing an impressive third-round knockout victory.
Following that fight, when questioned by the media about eye pokes and other fouls, Prochazka articulated his philosophy clearly:
“I will play the game for the doctor, no way to stop the fight because of an eye poke,” Prochazka stated emphatically. “I’ve got one more eye. This is the true sport of man.”
He continued, emphasizing his warrior mentality: “Fighting with eyes, no eyes, doesn’t matter. Fight until the end.”