In just two years since joining the UFC, Alex Pereira has already made a name for himself. On Saturday night at Madison Square Garden, Pereira defeated Jiri Prochazka via TKO in the second round to become the new UFC light heavyweight champion. This victory made Pereira the ninth two-division champion in UFC history, a remarkable achievement considering his short time in the organization.
Pereira’s journey to two UFC titles has been nothing short of impressive. With this win, he became the quickest fighter in UFC history to capture two championships, achieving the feat in just seven UFC fights. No other fighter has managed to win titles in both the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions. UFC CEO Dana White acknowledged Pereira’s extraordinary accomplishment, stating, “It’s incredible…what he’s done in a short amount of time.”
The championship fight against Prochazka showcased Pereira’s skills and power. In the second round, Pereira connected with a devastating left hook that dropped his opponent. Seizing the opportunity, Pereira swiftly transitioned into mount and unleashed a barrage of punches and elbows. Referee Marc Goddard ultimately called a stop to the fight, leading to mixed reactions from the crowd. Pereira defended the stoppage, believing it was justified, while Prochazka agreed, acknowledging that he was out but expressing his resilience.
The UFC light heavyweight title has faced significant turbulence in recent years. After Jon Jones relinquished the championship and moved to the heavyweight division, stability has been elusive. Pereira now has the opportunity to bring some consistency to the weight class. Prochazka had vacated the belt due to a severe shoulder injury, and Jamahal Hill subsequently won it. However, Hill’s Achilles tendon tear forced him to give up the title as well. ESPN had already ranked Pereira as the second-best fighter in the division, further solidifying his claim to the championship.
A Potential Rematch
Following his victory, Pereira wasted no time in calling out Israel Adesanya, suggesting a move up to light heavyweight for a rematch. Pereira and Adesanya have previously fought twice in the UFC, with Pereira winning on both occasions in kickboxing. However, it is more likely that Pereira’s next opponent will be Jamahal Hill once he has fully recovered. Adesanya, on the other hand, has expressed a lack of motivation and is not expected to compete for an extended period of time.
Pereira’s performance against Prochazka showcased his exceptional striking ability. He dropped his opponent with a powerful leg kick in the first round and continued to employ devastating kicks in the subsequent round. His proficiency in both kicking and punching, combined with his agility and movement reminiscent of a middleweight fighter, makes Pereira a formidable force in the light heavyweight division.
Alex Pereira’s journey to becoming a dual division UFC champion is remarkable. Born in Brazil and currently residing and training in Connecticut, Pereira has established himself as a force to be reckoned with. With a background as a former two-division Glory Kickboxing champion and recent induction into the promotion’s Hall of Fame, Pereira has shown his expertise across multiple combat sports. Having won all three of his fights at Madison Square Garden, Pereira has come to consider the iconic venue his home.
The Legacy of Jiri Prochazka
Jiri Prochazka, despite his loss to Pereira, has an impressive fighting record. He had won 13 consecutive fights, with three of his victories coming in the UFC. Prochazka had previously defeated Glover Teixeira to claim the UFC light heavyweight title in June 2022. Although unsuccessful in this recent bout, Prochazka remains a formidable contender in the division.
Alex Pereira’s lightning-fast rise in the UFC has reached unprecedented heights. With his back-to-back championships in two weight classes, Pereira has cemented his place among the greatest fighters in the organization’s history. Whether he faces Israel Adesanya in a rematch or takes on Jamahal Hill, Pereira will undoubtedly provide thrilling fights and continue to leave a lasting impact on the sport of mixed martial arts.
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