Jiri Prochazka’s got a bone to pick with Alex Pereira. Yep, you heard that right.
After knocking Aleksandar Rakic out cold at UFC 300, Prochazka’s eyes are set on a rematch. And not just any rematch, but one with Pereira, who also shone brightly on the same night.
Now, Pereira’s win was nothing short of spectacular, defending his title with a knockout that had fans on their feet. But Prochazka? He’s been there, done that, and got the TKO loss to prove it. November 2023 was tough, but he’s itching for round two at UFC 301 in Rio.
Prochazka’s pretty clear about what he wants. “I’m gunning for that title fight,” he spilled to Michael Bisping. “Brazil? I’m all in. Let’s see what the UFC decides.” He’s game for another fight if that’s what it takes, but deep down, he feels he’s earned his shot.
But here’s the kicker: Pereira might not make it to UFC 301. Yeah, turns out he’s nursing a broken toe. So, Prochazka’s dream rematch? On hold, for now.
Controversy swirled around Prochazka’s loss to Pereira. “Early stoppage,” some cried. At first, Prochazka shrugged it off. But after a rewatch? “It was an early stoppage,” he admits. He’s convinced he wasn’t given a fair chance to bounce back, unlike Pereira’s latest opponent, Hill.
Prochazka’s no stranger to tough spots. His last fight had him limping and bleeding before he turned the tables on Rakic. But Pereira’s a different beast. After seeing Pereira smash Ngannou’s record, Prochazka knows there’s no room for error.
“It’s tricky,” Prochazka muses. “My fight with Rakic taught me a lot. But Pereira? That’s a whole other story. One or two punches could end it all. Yet, I’m adapting, evolving. I won’t be the same fighter against Pereira as I was with Rakic. I’m transforming.”