Alex Pereira, a relatively new fighter in the UFC, has quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. In the main event of UFC 295 at Madison Square Garden, Pereira triumphed over Jiri Prochazka to claim the vacant UFC light heavyweight championship. With this victory, Pereira became the ninth athlete in UFC history to hold titles in two weight classes. It is worth noting that earlier this year, Pereira had already secured the UFC middleweight championship.
UFC CEO Dana White expressed his admiration for Pereira’s accomplishments in a postfight news conference, stating, “It’s incredible… It’s incredibly impressive what he’s done in a short amount of time.” Pereira’s journey to two championships has been extraordinary, as he achieved this feat in just seven UFC fights, making him the fastest fighter to accomplish this milestone in UFC history.
An Explosive Finish in the Second Round
Pereira’s victory came in the second round of the bout against Prochazka. Pereira stunned his opponent with a powerful left hook, causing Prochazka to fall against the cage. Pereira swiftly capitalized on the opportunity, transitioning to mount and delivering a barrage of punches and elbows. Referee Marc Goddard eventually stepped in to stop the fight, prompting mixed reactions from the fans in attendance. Pereira defended the stoppage, stating, “I don’t think it was a bad stoppage.” Prochazka himself acknowledged the referee’s decision, admitting that he was out but emphasizing his determination to continue fighting.
Pereira’s Potential to Bring Stability to the Division
The light heavyweight division has experienced a period of instability after Jon Jones, the division’s most esteemed fighter, relinquished the title before moving up to the heavyweight division. However, Pereira’s rise to prominence presents an opportunity for stability in the weight class. Prochazka, who vacated the belt due to injury, was succeeded by Jamahal Hill, but his reign was cut short after tearing his Achilles tendon. ESPN had ranked Pereira as the number two fighter in the division leading up to the event, indicating his potential to bring stability to the weight class.
Following his victory, Pereira expressed his desire to face Israel Adesanya again, this time at light heavyweight. Pereira and Adesanya have previously met twice in the UFC, with Pereira emerging victorious on both occasions in kickboxing. However, it is more likely that Pereira’s next opponent will be Jamahal Hill, pending Hill’s recovery from his injury. Adesanya, who recently lost the middleweight title to Sean Strickland at UFC 293, has stated that he will not be fighting for an extended period. Pereira, nonetheless, believes that a showdown with Adesanya would be an enticing matchup, stating, “He doesn’t seem motivated, and I think it’s a fight everybody would like to see.”
Throughout the fight, Pereira showcased his skills, particularly with his devastating leg kicks. In the first round, Pereira dropped Prochazka with a well-executed leg kick. Although Prochazka retaliated with a late takedown and inflicted damage with his elbows, Pereira’s leg kicks remained a consistent factor. UFC President Dana White praised Pereira’s kicking power, remarking, “The kicking power. The punching power. He moves like a middleweight. He’s pretty nasty.”
Beyond his achievements in the UFC, Pereira’s combat sports journey is nothing short of remarkable. Originally from Brazil, Pereira now resides and trains in Connecticut. Prior to his success in the UFC, Pereira was a two-division Glory Kickboxing champion and was recently inducted into the promotion’s Hall of Fame. Furthermore, Pereira’s connection to Madison Square Garden is undeniable, as he is the only fighter to have headlined back-to-back UFC cards at the renowned venue. His victory over Adesanya in 2022 to claim the UFC middleweight title solidified his standing as a force to be reckoned with. Pereira’s dominance in the octagon, combined with his accomplishments in kickboxing, has undoubtedly secured him a place among the most formidable fighters in the UFC.
Alex Pereira’s victory at UFC 295 marks a significant milestone in his career. With his rapid rise to two-division champion status, Pereira has firmly established himself as one of the most impressive fighters in the history of the UFC. His explosive finishes, potent striking abilities, and unwavering determination make him a truly formidable force in the octagon. As Pereira looks towards the future, fans and pundits alike eagerly anticipate his potential matchups against notable opponents, such as Israel Adesanya. It is clear that Pereira’s journey is far from over, and his impact on the sport is set to endure.
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