Jiri Prochazka thinks “two, three more seconds and it’d be different way” while addressing referee Marc Goddard’s early stoppage call

Jiri Prochazka and Alex Pereira faced off in the main event of UFC 295. Originally scheduled as the co-main event of the PPV for the vacant light heavyweight title, it was elevated to the main event after Jon Jones withdrew due to injury.

Nevertheless, the bout ended in the second round with a TKO victory for Alex Pereira. However, many fans and fighters, including the commentators at the event, felt that the bout was stopped too early.

Jiri Prochazka addresses early stoppage controversy

Referee Marc Goddard was the referee for the main event of UFC 295. Goddard is one of the best referees in the game and has been appointed in many high-profile bouts recently. He officiated all the main events of the UFC 292, UFC 293, and UFC 294.

At UFC 295, a series of elbows from Alex Pereira hurt Jiri Prochazka after he went down with a short left hook. Goddard stopped the fight the moment Prochazka fell on his back. The decision was met with a negative response on social media and by commentators Joe Rogan and Daniel Cormier.

In his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan, both Pereira and Prochazka did not question the stoppage. However, in the aftermath of UFC 295, Prochazka took to Instagram to clarify his thoughts about the referee’s decision.

“I just want to say to all of you, thank you for your support. This is, for me, just a motivation, nothing else. Marc Goddard was right. Maybe two, three, two, three more seconds, and it would be a different way, but what happened happened. I accept that. Watch me now. I’ll be back stronger than ever. Thank you for your support.”

Jiri was the undisputed champion of the division after claiming the title from Glover Teixeira at UFC 275. Unfortunately, he had to vacate the title due to an ugly shoulder injury. Jan Blachowicz and Magomed Ankalaev then fought for the vacant title, but the fight ended in a split draw at UFC 282.

This led the promotion to schedule another title fight between Glover Teixeira and Jamahal Hill at UFC 283, which the latter won via unanimous decision. Ironically, Hill too had to vacate the belt after injuring his Achilles Tendon, causing an extended lay-off.

MMA community left in split over Prochazka stoppage

The initial reaction of the MMA community after the main event of UFC 295 was overwhelmingly in favor of an early stoppage. However, upon further review of the sequence that unfolded many have called it an apt stoppage as in the case of commentators Joe Rogan and Daniel Cormier.

Nevertheless, many fighters found the stoppage early and vented their frustration on social media. Merab Dvalishvili was quick to criticize the early stoppage, having previously urged the promotion not to let Goddard officiate important bouts. However, Aljamain Sterling did not perceive the stoppage as early.

Dominick Cruz, who still to this day berates referee Keith Peterson for stopping his bout with Henry Cejudo after the latter dropped him, also criticized the stoppage at UFC 295 as early. Alan Jouban, Nicholas Dalby, Lando Vanatta, Josh Barnett, Terrence McKinney, Max Holloway, and Henry Cejudo also believed the stoppage was early.

The overwhelming sentiment was that a fight of such magnitude should have been allowed to continue further to obtain a conclusive result. Nevertheless, Jiri Prochazka has accepted the decision and has vowed to come back even stronger. Moreover, Dana White acknowledged Prochazka’s decision and refused to comment further.

Do you feel Marc Goddard pulled the trigger quickly at UFC 295: Alex Pereira vs Jiri Prochazka? Leave your thoughts below!