Alex Pereira has stepped up to save the day for the UFC fandom! The MMA sphere was sent reeling when it was recently reported that the UFC 303 clash between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler has now been canceled. While there were rumors about the fight being in jeopardy due to the cancelation of the June 3 press conference in Dublin, the fandom didn’t receive any clarity on the situation until a recent update shared by the UFC and CEO Dana White.

As such, the new main event for June 29 now features a rematch between Pereira and former UFC light heavyweight champion, Jiri Prochazka. In an update shared on social media, ‘Poatan’ has also revealed his perspective behind accepting this short-notice fight despite the considerable risk of facing a dangerous opponent like ‘BJP’!

Alex Pereira reveals why he took a dangerous short-notice matchup against Jiri Prochazka at UFC 303  

At UFC 295 in 2023, Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka stepped into the Octagon to face off for the vacant UFC light heavyweight title. Despite a valiant effort, Prochazka was stopped in the second round after getting caught by ‘Poatan’.

Now, with their rematch scheduled to take place on June 29, ‘Poatan’ took to Instagram to share his thoughts on the upcoming fight. He stated, “I understand that this fight is very close and there may be difficulties with the lead up time BUT if there is somebody that can make this happen it is me! POATAN! This is why I am one of the biggest names in the UFC Alex Pereira!!! I take risks that not one other person would be willing to take but I know I have my ancestors with me. The spirits are with me and I’m ready for it all.”

According to Ariel Helwani, who shared the update on X about Pereira vs Prochazka replacing McGregor vs Chandler for UFC 303, ‘Poatan’ may be dealing with some injury concerns going into this short-notice matchup! Helwani revealed, “Pereira is in Australia on a seminar tour and is getting over a couple broken toes.”

The rematch between Pereira and Prochazka is now set to be the highlight of UFC 303, ensuring that the event remains a must-watch for MMA fans. It remains to be seen if the heavy-handed Brazilian can once again remind the light heavyweight division of his dominance or if Prochazka’s ‘samurai spirit’ can help him reclaim the title he once held.

‘Poatan’ last stepped inside the Octagon when he defended his light heavyweight title against Jamahal Hill at UFC 300 in April and finished his opponent in the first round and the sequence caught the attention of not just the MMA fans but an NBA coach and team as well!

Boston Celtics head coach reveals how ‘Poatan’ inspired his team

During Alex Pereira’s fight against Jamahal Hill at UFC 300, ‘Poatan’ was struck by what appeared to be an accidental low blow by Hill. But instead of stopping to recover, Pereira pushed on, waved the referee off, and delivered a thunderous knockout blow instead!

As such, during the press conference before Game 3 of the NBA Finals, Boston Celtics head coach, Joe Mazulla revealed that he utilized this sequence to inspire his team before they went on to play their ‘away’ games. Mazulla stated, “You see Pereira gets hit in the nuts, looks at the referee, and knocks [Jamahal Hill] out five seconds later, so it’s the approach to what happens to you and how you handle it…”

In conclusion, Alex Pereira’s performances inside the Octagon have made him a recognizable and inspirational name outside the MMA sphere. As he gears up to return to action at UFC 303, the fans will be eagerly waiting to see the two warriors, Pereira and Prochazka, go to battle once again to determine who will be the king of the light-heavyweight division.

Do you think Alex Pereira will continue his reign or will Jiri Prochazka come out with a different strategy against ‘Poatan’ in the rematch? Share your thoughts in the comments below!