Alex Pereira made history at UFC 295 by knocking out Jiri Prochazka to capture the vacant light heavyweight belt, becoming a two-division king, while Tom Aspinall also impressed with a second-round victory, but Mackenzie Dern‘s future as a potential UFC champion seems less certain after a disappointing performance.
Alex Pereira made history yet again at UFC 295. He knocked out Jiri Prochazka in the second round, capturing the vacant light heavyweight belt and making him a two-division champion. Tom Aspinall also had a victorious night, winning an interim heavyweight belt after taking on Sergei Pavlovich on short notice. The event was filled with excitement and memorable moments, leaving fans with plenty to discuss and analyze.
Pereira’s ascent to becoming a two-division king at UFC 295 is a surreal feat. Despite having only seven UFC fights, and starting his second act in his mid-30s, he now holds legitimate Hall of Fame credentials, with a decade-long kickboxing career before his switch to MMA. Pereira’s accomplishment puts him among nine two-division champions in the 30-year history of the UFC. This makes his career truly unique and unparalleled, with a record-breaking pace in filling his trophy case, and an undefeated 3-0 record at Madison Square Garden. His victory sets the stage for possible future showdowns with Israel Adesanya, making Pereira’s career one to watch.
Tom Aspinall’s performance also drew attention, with an impressive victory despite fighting on short notice and with a back injury. His precision and athleticism showcased his potential to be a standout talent in the heavyweight division. However, the disappointment lies in the fact that matchups fans would love to see, such as Jones vs. Ngannou, Jones vs. Aspinall, and Ngannou vs. Aspinall may not come to pass due to the unpredictability of fight sports. The outlook for fighters like Mackenzie Dern also seems uncertain, raising questions about her potential to become a future UFC champion after UFC 295.