Pereira Earns Second UFC Title, Knocks Out Prochazka In Round Two
In just his seventh appearance with the organization, Alex Pereira has earned his second world title by defeating Jiri Prochazka tonight at UFC 295.
Live from Madison Square Garden in New York, UFC 295 featured a five fight main card, culminating in the contest between the Pereira and Prochazka to crown a new light heavyweight king.
The time is now 🤜 🤛 #UFC295 pic.twitter.com/3SbmmdQTU4
— UFC (@ufc) November 12, 2023
In the opening stanza of this 205-pound contest, Pereira began to study his opponent, while landing several of his trademark outside low kicks in the process. Meanwhile, staying true to his nature, Prochazka kept the former middleweight champion guessing by throwing unorthodox strikes and exaggerated feints.
After receiving numerous powerful leg kicks, Prochazka decided enough was enough, and took the fight to the ground with a high crotch takedown. The former light heavyweight titleholder controlled things well from the top half guard position, but “Poatan” eventually escaped to his feet before any serious damage was inflicted.
Prochazka came out with an aggressive mindset in the following round, pressuring his Brazilian opponent’s back to the cage while landing strong and precise strikes. Unfortunately for Prochazka, opening up with these types of punches was exactly what Pereira was waiting for.
After landing a clean right hand, Prochazka stepped forward once again and threw an additional overhand right, but at this point Pereira’s trap was already set. He evaded his opponent’s power shot and countered back with a two punch combination own his own, dropping Prochazka to the canvas.
The Czech striker attempted to recover following the left hook that ultimately dropped him by shooting toward’s Pereira’s legs. The desperate takedown attempt was defended intelligently, and Pereira closed the show with a series of damaging elbows, forcing referee Marc Goddard to intervene.
Poatan does it again 🏹
He gets the finish in round 2 to become the LHW champion! #UFC295 pic.twitter.com/7BXxXE81nr
— UFC (@ufc) November 12, 2023
While Pereira is just two years into his UFC career, he has already conquered more than most fighters can even dream of. Not only has he achieved world title gold in two different weight divisions, but Prochazka serves as the fourth former champion that Pereira has defeated in his seven total matches with the organization.
The belt is going back to Brazil! 🏆@AlexPereiraUFC is bringing LHW gold back home with him😤 #UFC295 pic.twitter.com/NJdM7uCR6Y
— UFC (@ufc) November 12, 2023
Official Result: Alex Pereira def. Jiri Prochazka via KO (Left Hook and Elbows) – Round 2, 4:08