“I Know How to Deal With Him”: Jiri Prochazka Assesses Alex Pereira

It’s just a few hours until UFC 303, where the main event features UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira defending his title against the #1 ranked light heavyweight contender, Jiri Prochazka, in a highly anticipated rematch. Prochazka aims to avenge his previous TKO defeat by Pereira at UFC 295. Previously, the card was set to mark the return of Conor Mcgregor after a 4-year hiatus, but McGregor pulled out due to injury.

In preparation for the fight, Jiri Prochazka revealed insights into how he has deciphered Alex Pereira’s moves during a recent interview with the UFC two-division champion Daniel Cormier.

Jiri Prochazka spots technique gaps in Alex Pereira

Jiri Prochazka recently joined Daniel Cormier for an interview at the UFC arena where the press conference took place, engaging in a personal conversation about his preparations for his upcoming fight. During the interview, Cormier asked Prochazka what winning the title meant to him, whether it was winning the belt itself or taking it from Alex Pereira as revenge for defeating him in their last fight at UFC 295.

“I don’t take it like that, really,” Prochazka said. “Like, for me, it’s not a vendetta or something like that. It’s more about showing my best, especially against the guy who found a way to beat me. Now, I know how to deal with him, especially with the information on how to beat him.” Attending to Prochazka’s response, Daniel Cormier raised an eyebrow and asked if he had observed something during their previous fight that he was now leveraging to his advantage.

But later, Jiri Prochazka clarifies his previous statement, emphasizing that it’s not just about knowing something specific but believing in himself. With discussions now focused on techniques last year, retired UFC former flyweight champion Henry Cejudo warned Jiri Prochazka about the importance of improving his defense, suggesting it could be crucial against Pereira.

Henry Cejudo’s note to Prochazka amid UFC 303

Previously, before their first encounter at UFC 295, former two-division UFC champion Henry Cejudo warned Jiri Prochazka to work on his defense skills, but Prochazka did not heed the advice and lost to Alex Pereira in their first meeting at Madison Square Garden in New York.

In his YouTube channel podcast with Kamaru Usman, Cejudo pointed out Jiri Prochazka’s weak points. “The technique, as good as you are with everything, there’s one area where I feel like you really need to get better at – two areas,” Cejudo said, “Your defense, with your hands: I don’t like seeing you get hit because that may cost you against a guy like Alex Pereira.”

However, this is worth noting that since his debut in the UFC, Jiri Prochazka has faced challenges, including being knocked out by Pereira. Despite tasting victory against everyone else, Prochzka has now had the chance to improve his fight record by addressing his weakness to defeat Alex Pereira.

Whose side are you on: Team Pereira or Team Prochazka? Let us know in the comment box.