Alex Pereira is rapidly ascending the ranks of all-time greats after delivering another jaw-dropping knockout to defend his title in the UFC 303 main event. Despite stepping in on short notice to replace an injured Conor McGregor, Pereira showcased a performance that appeared as if he had undergone a full 10-week training camp, surgically dismantling Jiri Prochazka on the feet. Pereira exhibited his extensive arsenal, from devastating leg kicks to arguably the most powerful hands in the UFC.
Pereira almost ended the fight at the end of the first round with a left hook that rocked Prochazka. However, he sealed the victory with a highlight-reel head kick just 13 seconds into the second round, retaining his championship and ending Prochazka’s night early at UFC 303.
“It was great,” Pereira said of the win. “I was saying all week, I was going to come out here and be victorious. I don’t know what the next step is. I’m taking these opportunities. Everything that’s coming my way is positive, so this is what I’m doing.”
Prochazka attempted to adapt his strategy from their first encounter by switching stances to protect his legs from Pereira’s powerful kicks. Despite this, Pereira landed several leg kicks with a sickening thud, setting up his opportunity to go for the head with his signature left hook. Near the end of the first round, Pereira landed another stiff left hook that knocked Prochazka to the ground just as the horn sounded.
Although Prochazka smiled and rose to his feet, he stumbled back to his corner, using the one-minute break to try and recover. As soon as the second round began, Pereira launched a kick that connected with Prochazka’s head, sending him crashing to the canvas. Despite previous complaints about an early stoppage in their first fight, referee Herb Dean allowed the action to continue for a few more seconds as Pereira hammered away with punches before stepping in to save Prochazka from further harm.
It was another unbelievable performance in a UFC career filled with them, as Pereira wins again in spectacular fashion. Having already conquered two divisions in a short span, Pereira might be eyeing a third championship in the near future.
“I think that’s in my future,” Pereira said of potentially moving to heavyweight. “I said that last time I was here. I said it a lot, but it didn’t seem to be too much interest in the organization. But I’m here, I’m available, and I do think that’s in my future. I think the fans have a lot of say in this. If this is what they want, I think this is going to be inevitable.”
