LAS VEGAS – Alex Pereira's head kick KO of Jiri Prochazka was one of the best knockouts we've seen in 2024. But despite its impressive execution, it was a last-minute addition to the fight plan.
The UFC light heavyweight champion told reporters at the UFC 303 post-fight press conference that the idea to hit Prochazka (30-5-1 MMA, 4-2 UFC) with the head kick that marked the beginning of the end of the bout was something that was added to the plans just hours before the championship bout after he saw Prochazka warming up in the locker room.
Pereira (11-2 MMA, 8-1 UFC) noticed a mistake from Prochazka and capitalized on it the moment the two men entered the Octagon.
“Actually, I was talking with my coach in the locker room and he showed me a video of Jiri warming up and I could see he was trying to counterattack with a kick to the calf, defending and trying to counter,” Pereira said. “But I told Plinio (Cruz) that the timing was wrong. It wasn't good. He was too focused on taking the kick, his hands were down and he was vulnerable, so I told him I was going to try a high kick.”
With the win, Pereira made his second title defense at 205 pounds and is looking to extend his unbeaten streak since moving up from middleweight.
Although he turns 37 next month, “Poitan” said he believes his MMA journey is just beginning and that he has a lot to grow from here.
“I'm in the process of evolving,” Pereira said. “I'm new to MMA and he's older (in the game), so I think he's evolved a lot, but so far his evolution is minimal and for me, it's just starting.”
For more on the card, check out MMA Junkie's UFC 303 event hub.
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