Referee Marc Goddard Clears the Speculation on Winner Jiri Prochazka Apparently ‘Tapping’ Against Glover Teixeira at UFC 275

UFC 275, the promotion’s first event in South East Asia, had a cracking main event that lit off the roof of Singapore Indoor Stadium. The epic light heavyweight showdown between Glover Teixeira and Jiri Prochazka had many moments where both fighters could’ve finished the bout. However, the back-and-forth battle, for five rounds, had a move from ‘The Czech Samurai’ that raised some eyebrows.

Both fighters went toe-to-toe and hurt each other on the feet. Besides, they both found success in the ground-and-pound & grappling exchanges. Remarkably, during the chaotic bout, referee Marc Goddard told Jiri Prochazka to refrain from one move that saw criticism afterward.

Apparently, ‘BJP‘ was tapping on the forehead of the Brazilian competitor. Prochazka’s gesture was like when a fighter wants to quit the fight and tap. However, the UK-based ref revealed why the bout didn’t end when Jiri Prochazka was tapping Glover Teixeira‘s forehead.

“Lol. Jiri was actually congratulating & encouraging his opponent! He done it a couple of times and I told him it’s a risky game lol! But it’s very clear what he was doing and intending. Lets celebrate the incredible feat from both gentleman,” wrote the veteran ref to a fan who asked his views on Prochazka’s weird maneuver.

Earlier, the third man inside the Octagon, at the UFC 275 headliner, appreciated the bout for its pure martial arts display.

Read More: What’s Next for Valentina Shevchenko, Jiri Prochazka & Glover Teixeira After UFC 275?

The classic five-rounder had everyone on their feet. And even the UFC President Dana White, who missed the card because of his son’s 21st birthday, streamed the epic bout.

Dana White reacted to the crazy finish from Jiri Prochazka at UFC 275

The veteran MMA promoter is a big fan of the sport. Even though he couldn’t attend the show, he tuned in for the bouts. And the highest point of the PPV had him shocked, like the rest of the MMA universe.

“He’s choking him. He tapped; No way, no f***ing way. He, Jiri f***ing tapped him out. No way, no way. What a f***ing fight! What an absolute f***ing war man,” expressed White.

The 52-year-old had quite a reaction, as he couldn’t believe a striker in Jiri Prochazka submitted a jiujitsu specialist, Glover Teixeira, in the fifth round with only 28 seconds left on the clock. Besides, the Czech Republic fighter was behind on the judges’ scorecards.

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What do you make of ref Marc Goddard’s comments about Jiri Prochazka’s move?