UFC Knockout Specialist with Higher Finish Rate Calls Out Jiri Prochazka—Fans Buzzing

Mingyang Zhang Shocks UFC World with Bold Call-Out of Jiri Prochazka After Kansas City KO

The UFC light heavyweight division just got a massive shake-up. An unranked knockout artist from UFC Kansas City has thrown down the gauntlet, calling out none other than former champion and #2-ranked contender Jiri Prochazka. This unexpected challenge from Mingyang Zhang, a rising Chinese star with a perfect 100% finish rate, has MMA fans buzzing with excitement. Could this bold move catapult Zhang into the spotlight, or is he biting off more than he can chew against one of the division’s most dangerous warriors?

A Star-Making Moment at UFC Kansas City

UFC Kansas City delivered fireworks, but no moment was bigger than Mingyang Zhang’s first-round TKO over former title challenger Anthony “Lionheart” Smith. The Chinese powerhouse, nicknamed “Mountain Tiger,” came out swinging, overwhelming Smith with a barrage of heavy punches and precise combinations. Smith, a veteran known for his durability, landed a few sharp elbows but couldn’t withstand Zhang’s relentless pressure. A nasty gash opened on Smith’s forehead, and referee Jason Herzog called the fight, handing Zhang the biggest win of his career.

Post-fight, Zhang didn’t waste his moment in the spotlight. Speaking through a translator in an interview with Full Send MMA, he dropped a bombshell: “Next fight, I want Jiri Prochazka. I like your style. I respect your warrior spirit.” The call-out, paired with Zhang’s admiration for Prochazka’s epic war against Glover Teixeira at UFC 275, sent shockwaves through the MMA community. Suddenly, an unranked fighter was making headlines by targeting one of the UFC’s most electrifying stars.

Who Is Mingyang Zhang?

If you’re new to Mingyang Zhang, here’s the rundown: this 27-year-old Chinese phenom is a finisher in every sense of the word. Boasting a flawless 19-0 record, Zhang has never gone the distance in a professional fight. His resume includes 13 knockouts and 6 submissions, with his last 12 wins all ending in the first round. Since his breakout on Road to UFC in 2022, Zhang has been a wrecking ball, blending crushing power with slick grappling, particularly his signature rear-naked choke.

Zhang’s rise hasn’t been without challenges. He’s yet to face the elite of the 205-pound division, but his dominant performance against Smith—a grizzled veteran with over 50 fights—proved he’s ready for bigger tests. “I want to show the world what China can do,” Zhang said at a 2022 press conference, and he’s backing it up with highlight-reel finishes that have fans and fighters taking notice.

Jiri Prochazka: The Warrior in the Crosshairs

Jiri Prochazka is no stranger to bold challenges. The Czech superstar, known for his samurai-like approach to fighting, has a 97% finish rate and a resume stacked with knockouts. His only losses in the last 17 fights came against light heavyweight kingpin Alex Pereira, but Prochazka bounced back with vicious stoppage wins over Aleksandr Rakic and Jamahal Hill. His latest triumph, a TKO over Hill at UFC 311 in April 2025, solidified his spot as the #2 contender and fueled talk of a trilogy with Pereira to reclaim the title.

Prochazka’s fighting style—explosive, unorthodox, and relentless—makes him a fan favorite. His 2022 war with Glover Teixeira, which Zhang cited as inspiration, is still hailed as one of the greatest title fights in UFC history. Now, with no fight scheduled, Prochazka finds himself the target of Zhang’s ambition, adding a new layer of intrigue to his next move.

Fan Reactions: Hype or Hypebeast?

The MMA world thrives on bold call-outs, and Zhang’s challenge has sparked a firestorm on platforms like X. Fans are split on whether this fight makes sense. User @ProchazkaSzn posted, “Jiri would finish Mingyang brutally—too much experience and power.” Meanwhile, @jirienjoyer cautioned, “Zhang’s first-round aggression could catch Jiri early. This would be a banger!” Content creator Krazy Kev amplified the buzz, sharing a photo of the two fighters with the caption: “Mingyang Zhang calls out Jiri Prochazka after his #UFCKansasCity victory via Full Send MMA.”

While the fanbase is hyped, many question the UFC’s willingness to book this fight. Prochazka, firmly in the title picture, is more likely to face top contenders like Magomed Ankalaev or Alonzo Menifield next. Zhang’s unranked status makes him a long shot, but in the unpredictable world of MMA, stranger matchups have happened. A clash between Zhang’s relentless first-round blitz and Prochazka’s battle-tested resilience would be must-see TV.

Why This Call-Out Matters

Zhang’s bold move isn’t just about grabbing headlines—it’s a statement of intent. The light heavyweight division is stacked with talent, from Pereira’s reign at the top to veterans like Ankalaev and rising stars like Menifield. For an unranked fighter like Zhang to call out a former champion shows fearless ambition. His 100% finish rate and 12-fight first-round streak make him a dangerous wildcard, capable of shaking up the rankings with one punch.

For Prochazka, this call-out adds pressure to his already high-stakes path. A trilogy with Pereira is his primary goal, but Zhang’s emergence could force him to consider other options. If the UFC sees money in a Zhang-Prochazka slugfest, it might not be as far-fetched as it seems. After all, Zhang’s knockout of Smith proved he can hang with the division’s best.

What’s Next for Zhang and Prochazka?

For now, Zhang’s call-out remains a hot topic rather than a confirmed fight. The UFC is likely to test him against a ranked opponent—perhaps someone like Shamil Gaziev or Don’Tale Mayes—to justify a leap to Prochazka. Meanwhile, Prochazka’s focus is on Pereira or Ankalaev, but Zhang’s name will linger as a potential future challenge.

One thing’s certain: Mingyang Zhang has put the light heavyweight division on notice. His knockout prowess and fearless attitude make him a fighter to watch. Whether he gets Prochazka next or not, the “Mountain Tiger” is clawing his way to the top, and the UFC world can’t look away.