Alex Pereira (red gloves) fights Jiri Prochazka (blue gloves) at UFC 303 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA on June 29, 2024. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebillas – USA TODAY Sports
What more needs to be said about Alex Pereira's first half of 2024? “Poitan” made two appearances in a short space of time, adding two knockout highlights to his ever-growing body of footage during his incredible light heavyweight title run.
First, Pereira (11-2 MMA, 8-1 UFC) faced former champion Jamahal Gil at the historic UFC 300 in April. “Poitan” dodged an unintentional low blow and then ended the bout in just 3 minutes and 14 seconds with a flurry of strikes, starting with his signature left hook.
Second, Pereira returned two months later for a rematch against former champion Jiri Prochazka in the main event of International Fight Week. Like the first bout, this one went to the second round, but Pereira's first attack in the second round was a quick left head kick to take down Prochazka, which led to a flurry of punches for the finish.
After just nine fights in the UFC, Pereira has already won titles in two weight classes and has his sights set on a third for a heavyweight title fight. What else will UFC's hottest star accomplish later this year?
Other candidates:
- Islam Makhachev (1 win, 0 losses, 1 substitution, 1 title defense)
- Ilia Topuria (1 win, 0 losses, 1 knockout, 1 title)
- Drix du Plessis (1-0, 1 decision, 1 title)
- SO'Malley (1-0, 1 decision, 1 title defense)
- Max Holloway (1-0, 1KO, BMF title winner)
