5 stunning Jiri Prochazka finishes outside the UFC

#2. Jiri Prochazka vs. Karl Albrektsson

The light heavyweight scrap between Jiri Prochazka and Karl Albrektsson in the 2nd stage of the RIZIN World Grand Prix in 2017 remains one of the greatest fights in RIZIN FF history.

The Japanese promotion is known for having a unique format and famously has 10-minute first rounds, unlike other MMA organizations. The first frame of the Prochazka vs. Albrektsson bout was a back-and-forth slugfest from start to finish and is one of the toughest fights of Prochazka's career.

The first eight minutes of the bout were fairly even, with both fighters enjoying moments of success on the feet. Prochazka's relentless forward movement pressured his Swedish counterpart to move backwards throughout the bout, and with Albrektsson clearly struggling with the lack of space to use his range, he was forced into a firefight with 'Denisa'.

In the dying seconds of the first round, the two light heavyweights found themselves exchanging heavy leather in the pocket. Prochazka's non-stop offense eventually prompted the referee to step in, as it was evident that Albrektsson just couldn't absorb any more strikes.

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#1. Jiri Prochazka vs. C.B. Dollaway – Prochazka's final fight before joining the UFC

In Jiri Prochazka's last fight under the RIZIN FF banner, he took on former UFC fighter C.B. Dolloway. Prochazka was the reigning and defending light heavyweight champion going into the bout and was likely looking to end his run in the Japanese organization on a high, considering it was the final fight of his contract.

Dolloway competed in the UFC for close to a decade after appearing on a season of the promotion's staple reality series The Ultimate Fighter. During his time in the American promotion, he fought the likes of former champions Lyoto Machida and Michael Bisping, but struggled to truly make a name for himself.

He left the UFC in 2018 and his first fight outside the octagon was this light heavyweight championship bout against Jiri Prochazka in RIZIN.

Prochazka came away with a resounding statement-making first-round knockout victory to solidify his standing as one of the best fighters outside the UFC. He caught Dolloway with a crisp uppercut-left hook combination, which lifted the challenger off his feet and put him to sleep.

Prochazka's iconic run prior to signing with the UFC will always be remembered as one of the greatest highlight reels we've ever seen in MMA. Now performing at the highest level and on the biggest stage, expect 'Denisa' to continue adding to his scintillating collection of knockouts.