![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/WhatsApp-Image-2023-08-01-at-3.20.01-PM.jpeg?width=600)
via Imago
Image courtesy – Imago
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/WhatsApp-Image-2023-08-01-at-3.20.01-PM.jpeg?width=600)
via Imago
Image courtesy – Imago
Two weeks ago at UFC 303, Alex Pereira successfully defended his title with a knockout win against former champion Jiri Prochzka. Before the fight, Prochazka sparked controversy by accusing Pereira of performing a pre-fight ritual. The drama further escalated after the fight when a video emerged showing Prochazka seemingly fainting upon seeing Pereira after their fight.
Now, weeks later, the topic of this ritual still haunts Pereira, as he recently addressed it and held Jiri Prochazka accountable for his loss in a new official interview.
Alex Pereira defends himself against ritual allegations
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
At the pre-fight press conference, Jiri Prochazka targeted Alex Pereira, accusing him of being unable to defeat him without resorting to rituals associated with the Pataxo tribe, to which Pereira belongs. This statement received criticism from MMA fans and later explanations from others. Now, through his official YouTube channel, Alex Pereira responded to questions about the viral video showing Prochazka fainting after their fight.
‘Poatan’ clarified the situation, accusing Jiri Prochazka of having a weak mind. Alex Pereira firmly attributed the outcome solely to his finishing punches and emphasized that it had nothing to do with black magic. Having seen the video himself, he found it amusing.
Pereira further explained,” I didn’t do anything to him, I think he felt the punches because he just got up. Ref was holding him, the medics, I don’t know, he looked at me and fainted. Think he felt the punches there. Nothing to do with magic.”
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/imago1027544167h.jpg?width=150&blur=15)
Pereira almost finished the fight in the first round when he dropped Prochazka with his signature left hook right at the buzzer. ‘Deniza’ wobbled his way back to the stool between the rounds, but seemingly did not recover well enough. Barely a few seconds into the second, Pereira dropped him again with a head kick.
He was hesitant to follow up, but since the referee Herb Dean did not call the fight, he had to finish the job with a few hammer fists to ‘Denisa.’ After the ref stepped in Pereira attempted to help Prochazka up to the feet twice but was declined by the Dean. As he was walking away, Pereira and Prochazka exchanged a brief glance and the Czech star lost balance again.
Clearly, like Pereira said, his opponent was feeling the effect of ‘Stone hands.’ The Brazilian only wanted to help and even wished Prochazka a speedy recovery at the post-fight presser. But the clip of Prochazka losing balance clearly received some wild interpretations.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
However, his potential opponent Jon Jones has a different view on this matter, as he recently expressed his distinct opinion through his social media account, which differs from Alex Pereira’s stance.
Jon Jones responds to Prochazka’s claim about Alex Pereira’s shamanic magic
Jon Jones, the UFC’s heavyweight king with a nearly two-decade reign of dominance built on his aggressive style and undefeated record, has long instilled fear in his opponents. However, he recently added fuel to the fire surrounding Jiri Prochzka’s accusations regarding Alex Pereira’s alleged use of dark magic rituals by openly discussing his own experiences with unconventional practices.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
In his recent Twitter/X post, Jon Jones expressed his insight and emphasized his faith in Jesus Christ. He wrote, “There has been a lot of talk about spirit channeling and magic in MMA lately. This stuff is all very real.” Jones further said, “I felt all types of weird energies walking into those arenas. Looking certain opponents in the eyes. I want to let you all know that Jesus Christ is king. He is and always will be undefeated. Every knee shall bow.”
Meanwhile, Pereira continues to deny any statement regarding dark magic or shamanic ritual, but he did share his view on channeling the spirit of the indigenous Brazilian tribe to which he belongs. Now, all eyes are on Jiri Prochazka, who has not yet responded to Pereira’s accusation that he has a weak mind. What do you think his response will be? Stay tuned.
Debate
Did Jiri Prochazka's mental weakness cost him the fight, or is Pereira just talking trash?