UFC fans around the world were treated to an unexpected dose of hilarity and confusion during UFC Fight Night, but it didn’t come from the Octagon.
As the co-main event was just getting underway during the UFC fight night in Iowa, the attention of the fans briefly shifted to a surprising, almost surreal cameo — former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jiri Prochazka, shirtless and dressed in a sumo-style mawashi, banging on traditional Japanese drums with wild intensity.
As the camera panned across the arena during the opening ceremony of RIZIN’s Tokyo event, viewers noticed the unconventional performance unfolding near the fighter walkout area. UFC fans on Twitter and Instagram were quick to share screenshots and video clips of Prochazka’s drumming display.
What is Jiri Prochazka up to!? 💀#RIZIN男祭りpic.twitter.com/CutopvXutv
— Bovada (@BovadaOfficial) May 4, 2025
“Bro went full samurai drummer in a diaper mid-fight night 😭,” one user tweeted.
“I didn’t know I needed to see Jiri Prochazka in a mawashi until now,” another fan quipped.
RIZIN picked Jiri Prochazka, Mark Coleman, Tsuyoshi Kosaka, Tatsuya Kawajiri, Shintaro Ishiwatari, Kandori Shinobu and Buakaw Banchamek to make a special introduction at the opening Ceremony…
#RIZIN男祭り#RIZINhttps://t.co/4HaG2eoynxpic.twitter.com/MRffYyz9IT
— Bruno Massami (Бруно Массами) (@BrMassami) May 4, 2025
Known for his unorthodox training methods and strong connection to Japanese bushido philosophy, Prochazka has never shied away from doing things his own way. Still, even longtime fans were taken aback by this unexpected appearance.
Jiri was hitting a drum 🥁 at the opening ceremony.
#RIZIN男祭りpic.twitter.com/aijZSFQ9Co
— Tetsuya (@TetsuyaMT789) May 4, 2025
Those familiar with Prochazka’s eccentric mindset noted that the moment may have been a symbolic tribute or spiritual performance. “This is just peak Jiri,” one commenter wrote. “He’s not just fighting — he’s living a warrior’s life.”
Jiri Prochazka loving his best life 😂 pic.twitter.com/d3Qpp5yo5j
— Combat Casuals (@Combat_Casuals) May 4, 2025
While UFC is known for high-octane fights and intense drama, Prochazka’s drumming antics offered a light-hearted distraction that nobody saw coming. It remains unclear whether this appearance was part of a larger promotional segment or simply Jiri being… well, Jiri.
— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) May 4, 2025
The UFC has yet to release an official comment on the performance, but the moment has already been immortalized as a fan-favorite meme and highlight of the night.
In a sport filled with knockouts, submissions, and surprises, Jiri Prochazka once again proved that when it comes to stealing the show — even off the canvas — he’s in a league of his own.
UFC fans around the world were treated to an unexpected dose of hilarity and confusion during UFC Fight Night, but it didn’t come from the Octagon.
As the co-main event was just getting underway during the UFC fight night in Iowa, the attention of the fans briefly shifted to a surprising, almost surreal cameo — former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jiri Prochazka, shirtless and dressed in a sumo-style mawashi, banging on traditional Japanese drums with wild intensity.
As the camera panned across the arena during the opening ceremony of RIZIN’s Tokyo event, viewers noticed the unconventional performance unfolding near the fighter walkout area. UFC fans on Twitter and Instagram were quick to share screenshots and video clips of Prochazka’s drumming display.
What is Jiri Prochazka up to!? 💀#RIZIN男祭りpic.twitter.com/CutopvXutv
— Bovada (@BovadaOfficial) May 4, 2025
“Bro went full samurai drummer in a diaper mid-fight night 😭,” one user tweeted.
“I didn’t know I needed to see Jiri Prochazka in a mawashi until now,” another fan quipped.
RIZIN picked Jiri Prochazka, Mark Coleman, Tsuyoshi Kosaka, Tatsuya Kawajiri, Shintaro Ishiwatari, Kandori Shinobu and Buakaw Banchamek to make a special introduction at the opening Ceremony…
#RIZIN男祭り#RIZINhttps://t.co/4HaG2eoynxpic.twitter.com/MRffYyz9IT
— Bruno Massami (Бруно Массами) (@BrMassami) May 4, 2025
Known for his unorthodox training methods and strong connection to Japanese bushido philosophy, Prochazka has never shied away from doing things his own way. Still, even longtime fans were taken aback by this unexpected appearance.
Jiri was hitting a drum 🥁 at the opening ceremony.
#RIZIN男祭りpic.twitter.com/aijZSFQ9Co
— Tetsuya (@TetsuyaMT789) May 4, 2025
Those familiar with Prochazka’s eccentric mindset noted that the moment may have been a symbolic tribute or spiritual performance. “This is just peak Jiri,” one commenter wrote. “He’s not just fighting — he’s living a warrior’s life.”
Jiri Prochazka loving his best life 😂 pic.twitter.com/d3Qpp5yo5j
— Combat Casuals (@Combat_Casuals) May 4, 2025
While UFC is known for high-octane fights and intense drama, Prochazka’s drumming antics offered a light-hearted distraction that nobody saw coming. It remains unclear whether this appearance was part of a larger promotional segment or simply Jiri being… well, Jiri.
— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) May 4, 2025
The UFC has yet to release an official comment on the performance, but the moment has already been immortalized as a fan-favorite meme and highlight of the night.
In a sport filled with knockouts, submissions, and surprises, Jiri Prochazka once again proved that when it comes to stealing the show — even off the canvas — he’s in a league of his own.
