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via Imago

via Imago

Following the magnificent victory in UFC 300, Alex Pereira is now preparing for UFC 303 and will defend his light heavyweight title against Jiri Prochazka. This fight came after Conor McGregor had to pull out of the card at the last moment because of an injury. While the Brazilian’s move to become a double champ is impressing the fans, Pereira is preparing hard for the fight.

The LHW champion has shown his interest in fighting the Czech MMA artist on several occasions, and finally Dana White granted this wish. However, since it is a short-notice fight, the training is in full swing. Pereira is wary of his opponent and has made some big changes in his fighting stance. 

Alex Pereira changes his technique

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Alex Pereira uploaded a video on his YouTube channel, showcasing his intense training and preparation for the fight. In the video titled, ‘Alex Pereira’s FULL SPARRING Session in Australia – 12 days until UFC 303′, Poatan could be seen indulging in an intense sparring session. There have been some concerns in the UFC world regarding how the fight would be able to cut down his weight for the fight and get ready to defend his title in such a short period. However, all seemed well as in the YouTube video, Pereira was spotted giving powerful punches and strategizing with his team.

While practicing his punches and sparring techniques he said, “Got to learn to defend, to attack. I’m waiting for it. He won’t cross from here look (while showing the stance). Look, he is here, throw the jab…Got to go in the sequence, come in throw the jab.” He was seen telling this to his fighting partner. Coach Plinio also gave his inputs saying, “Told him he is here. Lefty has to throw like this. Then again you know everything.” ‘Poatan’ smiled at the compliment and said, “But who is he training with.”

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Jiri Prochazka is training with Martin Karaivanov and he has unique ways of increasing his endurance such as rubbing poison ivy on himself. Meanwhile, the remark by Pereira proves that he knows the strength of his 30-4-1 record-holding opponent. However, his coach seems to be positive about his fighter.

Along with keeping his fans in loop with his preparation, the champion also shared a message for Conor McGregor. 

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Alex Pereira shares positive hope for McGregor’s recovery

There had been speculation about Conor McGregor pulling out of his fight with Michael Chandler because of an injury and people expected the worst after the Dublin press conference cancellation. The worst fears did come true for the fans as ‘Mystic Mac’ revealed his injury update and withdrew from the fight. After White announced that Pereira would fight on the card instead, ‘Poatan’ came onto his YouTube channel and addressed the matter.

He said, “Big news, I will fight in UFC 303 in Las Vegas. Conor got hurt, I hope it’s nothing serious, and that he can recover and come back fast. But yesterday I had a call from my manager, Ed. They want me to do the main fight, on the card. I gave my proposition, my manager called me, and came with the big news that everything was good.”

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The 36-year-old mentioned that UFC accepted his position and everyone was happy, according to him. Pereira also revealed his training schedule in Australia, which was filled with a lot of rigorous work and training. The main concern of the fans was regarding the injury that he suffered in UFC 300. He declared that he injured his toes, but now everything is fine. On the other hand, Prochazka recently uploaded a picture of him drinking beer with his friends, even though he claimed he would not make any mistakes this time against Pereira.

Who do you think will win this fight? Drop your predictions in the comments below.