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via Imago

via Imago

Alex Pereira reminded the world why he’s one of the most dangerous men to ever step foot into the Octagon at UFC 303! After Conor McGregor’s injury forced his withdrawal from the main event, fans eagerly anticipated the rematch between ‘Poatan’ and Jiri ‘BJP’ Prochazka as they stepped in on short notice. Their previous fight at UFC 295 had ended in a controversial stoppage, adding to the excitement for this bout.

While McGregor was out recovering from his toe injury, he was watching the event as ‘The Notorious’ took to social media to share his reaction to the spectacular finish by Pereira whose heroics in accepting this short-notice fight ended up saving the card for the fans!

UFC 303 main-event finish draws an interesting response from Conor McGregor  

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The fight began with Pereira utilizing his renowned leg kicks, targeting Jiri Prochazka‘s calf and body as both fighters exchanged strikes, with Pereira focusing on body jabs and low kicks to keep Prochazka at bay. Prochazka, known for his unpredictable movement, employed feints and stance switches to unsettle Pereira. However, the champion’s defense held strong as he defended a takedown attempt against the fence by his opponent and avoided most shots being thrown back at him.

In a dramatic end to the first round, Alex Pereira delivered a huge left hook that knocked Prochazka down. The horn sounded as ‘BJP’ wobbled back to his corner, clearly shaken by the blow. The second round commenced with a bang as Pereira unleashed a massive head kick that connected flush. Prochazka, already rocked from the previous round, could not withstand the onslaught.

Pereira followed up with strikes, prompting referee Herb Dean to stop the fight, declaring Pereira the winner by knockout. In a response to the stunning end of the fight, Conor McGregor took to X and posted, “Left high kick 😞👏”, indicating his awe at the finish while still being disheartened at the fact that he couldn’t make his return at the event that the fans had been waiting for.

Fans will undoubtedly look forward to Pereira’s next fight, as he has indicated that he is not content with being a 2-division champion and has his sights set on a challenge that no one else in the UFC has accomplished so far! 

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‘Poatan’ reveals move up to heavyweight in his “future” plans

Alex Pereira took only 11 bouts to become a two-division champion in the UFC, and with his spectacular knockout victory over Jiri Prochazka at UFC 303, he has confessed that he still wants to continue to take on unprecedented challenges to cement his legacy in the sport. Jon Jones, the undisputed heavyweight champion, has already made it known that he will be interested in facing Pereira as he stated on social media, “The most massive fight the UFC could make. Give Alex a chance to avenge all those great Brazilian champions I’ve defeated.”

‘Poatan’ himself had responded by stating that he’d be interested in the matchup to claim his third title in the UFC, and at the post-fight interview with Joe Rogan at UFC 303, he stated through his translator, “I think that’s in my future, you know, I said that the last time I was here. There didn’t seem to be a lot of interest in the organization, but I’m here, and I’m available and I do think that’s in my future. ”

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Jones has been out of action since a pectoral tendon tear forced him to withdraw from UFC 295 last year, but there have been recent reports that the UFC is planning to set up a clash between him and Stipe Miocic once he is ready to return. As such, it remains to be seen whether this matchup will materialize in the near future as the crowd at UFC 303 responded with a roar of approval once Rogan brought up the move to heavyweight for Poatan.

Do you think Alex Pereira will be able to become a three-division champion in the UFC? Share your thoughts in the comments below.