Jiri Prochazka gives damning assessment of Tom Aspinall eye poke controversy at UFC 321

Jiri Prochazka claims victory would’ve been ‘essential’ to him

Building himself a keen fanbase since his move to the Octagon, former light heavyweight champion Prochazka is the latest star to weigh in on the situation surrounding Aspinall.

And following a similar point of view of former interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier, Czech star Prochazka claimed that, regardless of eye poke severity, victory would be at the forefront of his mind in that scenario.

“I really don’t know how much it was in the last (sic) week’s title fight, but for me it’s essential to win,” Prochazka posted on his official social media.

Not so long ago, Prochazka himself dealt with a rather notable eye poke in his first outing since an ill-fated rematch with persistent rival Alex Pereira.

Jiri Prochazka’s firm stance on eye pokes

Returning to winning ways at the beginning of this year, former Rizin FF star Prochazka landed an impressive victory over fellow ex-champion Jamahal Hill.

Turning in a third-round knockout win over the Contender Series product, Prochazka was inadvertently poked by the Illinois star, leading to a stoppage in the action.

And post-fight, Prochazka laid out his stance on eye pokes and other fouls when broached by assembled media.

“I will play the game for the doctor, no way to stop the fight because of an eye poke,” Prochazka said post-fight. “I’ve got one more eye. This is the true sport of man.

“Fighting with eyes, no eyes, no eyes, doesn’t matter,” Prochazka explained. “Fight until the end.”