Pereira Defies ‘Witchcraft’ Allegations To KO Prochazka With A Brutal Leg Kick
Alex Pereira knocked out Jiri Prochazka in the second round to retain his UFC Lightweight Title.
The UFC 303 card served up a rematch of their UFC 295 fight which also ended in a stoppage win for Pereira. Prior to the fight, much had been said by Prochazka over Pereira’s alleged use of ‘witchcraft/spirits.’ The Czech attempted to get into the Brazilian’s head, but Pereira remained composed and did his talking in the Octagon.
Pre-Fight
“I think he believes a lot in the help of spiritual things, and that’s something that I think he can’t fight without because I want to keep that in a clear line. Just the sport performance, pure performance, man versus man, but I think he doesn’t know how to fight without that because he used these things every time, so I think right now, I’m looking forward to that.
“Yes everybody knows that he is doing these rituals ahead of his fight everybody can feel that what’s around him and what’s going on Alex can’t fight without that. That something that he’s been using normally in fights,” Prochazka said
Pereira’s KO
Pereira started the fight on the front foot, landing with numerous low kicks. He followed that up with a couple of left hooks. The plan was to avoid going to the ground. Prochazka threw a right hand but missed as he attempted to get on the inside. The Czech closed distance and clinched. However, a left hook just near the end of the round dropped Prochazka.
The fight was soon over. The champion began the second round with a head kick that sent Prochazka to the canvas. Pereira followed up with ground-and-pound strikes as the fight was called off. The victory meant that Pereira has won four on the bounce. As for Prochazka, he has only lost two times in nine years. Both of those losses have come against Prochazka. Pereira hinted that his future could be at heavyweight, as fans dream over a potential Jon Jones fight.
Post-Fight
“It was great. 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. I think that’s in my future. I said that last time I was here. [And] 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,” Pereira said
Full Results
Alex Pereira defeated Jiri Prochazka by TKO in the 2nd round (0:18).
Diego Lopes defeated Dan Ige by unanimous decision (29-28 x3).
Roman Dolidze defeated Anthony Smith by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 x2).
Macy Chiasson defeated Mayra Bueno Silva by TKO in the 2nd round (1:58, doctor stoppage).
Ian Machado Garry defeated Michael Page by unanimous decision.
Preliminary Card
Joe Pyfer defeated Marc-Andre Barriault by KO in the 1st round (1:25).
Andre Fili defeated Cub Swanson by split decision (29-28 x2, 28-29).
Jean Silva defeated Charles Jourdain by KO in the 2nd round (1:20).
Payton Talbott defeated Yanis Ghemmouri by KO in the 1st round (0:19).
Gillian Robertson defeated Michelle Waterson-Gomez by unanimous decision (30-27 x2, 30-26). Note: Waterson-Gomez decided to retire after this loss.
Martin Buday defeated Andrei Arlovski by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27).
Rei Tsuruya defeated Carlos Hernandez by unanimous decision (29-28 x3).
Vinicius Oliveira defeated Ricky Simon by unanimous decision (30-27 x2, 29-28).
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