Pereira does it again: knockout win on short-notice UFC Championship fight
The Brazilian, who saved the UFC 303 main event by accepting the fight two weeks ago, finished Jiri Prochazka in the second round with a high kick.
Alex Pereira is from another planet. The Brazilian knocked out an opponent again on a short notice fight. After Conor McGregor got injured and couldn’t compete at UFC 303, Poatan was called by the company two weeks in advance to feature in the main event in a rematch with Jiri Prochazka.
Once again, he shone in the cage with fans applauding him, as they are used to seeing him get the job done in a few minutes. He won by TKO in the second round against the Czech with an impressive high kick. He has previously defended his title in a successful performance against Jamahal Hill at UFC 300 after accepting the fight on short notice too.
Prochazka went all out. The Czech came in strong, trying to control the distance with the jab, but Pereira quickly stopped him. The Brazilian started kicking and landed a hard left hand on his face. Jiri also tried to answer with kicks, but couldn’t connect them.
Pereira sent him to the canvas with a left counter, but the European was saved by the bell. He didn’t have the time to react in the second round and Pereira landed an impressive high kick in the Czech’s face, who went down again. His punishment continued until the referee got between the two men to stop the match.
Pereira’s next UFC plans: going up to heavyweight
Poatan’s power made the difference again. Prochazka couldn’t stand up when the clash ended.
“It has been great. I’ve been saying all week that I was going to come out here and be victorious. I didn’t know how I was going to win, but I knew I was going to come here, and I was going to leave this octagon happy. I don’t know what’s next. Things happen if you put effort into it. I’m taking these opportunities. Everything that’s coming my way is positive, so this is what I’m doing,” the Brazilian said.
Going up to heavyweight is one of his goals. If he managed to win the belt in that division, he would be the first UFC fighter to be a champion in three different weight classes.
“I think heavyweight is in my future, we’ll see if the UFC wants it. I think the fans have a big say, if the fans want it then it will be inevitable,” he added.
While Pereira’s most immediate future looks uncertain if the Brazilian fighter finally decides to move up to heavyweight, UFC president Dana White would probably try to set a mega fight with MMA legend Jon Jones.