Alex Pereira received a $303,000 bonus from UFC CEO Dana White for stepping in on short notice and winning his light heavyweight title defense at UFC 303 with a second-round knockout of Jiri Prochazka.
Alex Pereira got a little something extra for saving the day at UFC 303. That’s according to his longtime coach, Plinio Cruz.
Cruz revealed on The MMA Hour that UFC CEO Dana White gave Pereira a $303,000 post-fight bonus. This came after Pereira successfully defended his light heavyweight title at UFC 303.
Pereira knocked out Jiri Prochazka with a brutal second-round head kick. He accepted the bout on just two weeks’ notice following Conor McGregor‘s withdrawal due to injury.
“He was talking to Dana in the back,” Cruz said. They discussed various topics, and Dana mentioned, “You won Performance of the Night.”
Pereira asked, “$303,000?” Dana replied, “No, no, no, $50,000.” But reality was different.
Pereira didn’t get Performance of the Night; they gave two bonuses to Max Holloway instead. This left him feeling a bit salty.
Dana decided to take care of Pereira due to their history and the short notice fight acceptance. He joked about buying a supercar with the money.
Pereira responded that he had enough supercars and wanted a Cybertruck instead. The conversation added an amusing twist to an already eventful night.
Pereira has now saved UFC twice in three months. He defeated Jamahal Hill in another short-notice main event at UFC 300 in April.
If UFC 300 was a roller-coaster ride, UFC 303 was like the Formula Rossa. Cruz shared that negotiations were ongoing for a rematch against Prochazka when McGregor withdrew.
Initially against it, Cruz told Pereira his concerns. But “Poatan” was ready right away; by morning, details were ironed out for an impromptu title rematch.
Pereira previously defeated Prochazka via second-round TKO in November 2023. Cruz expected a longer fight this time around but some last-second film study changed everything.
“Alex is much better standup fighter than Prochazka,” Cruz said. Their game plan was patience: take it easy for two rounds and then push the pace as Prochazka’s discipline wanes.
They anticipated Prochazka might try grappling but knew neither could grind for five rounds due to short camp duration. Then something unexpected happened in the locker room…
Scrolling Instagram before the bout revealed an opening in Prochazka’s game plan through clips posted by UFC’s social media team. Less than 20 minutes before walkout—adjustments were made!
The locker room footage showed stark contrast between both teams’ vibes—Prochazka focused intensely while Pereira’s team casually line danced!
Cruz suspects this nonchalant yet focused demeanor played tricks on Prochazka’s mind—especially after accusing Pereira of practicing “black magic” before their first bout at UFC 295!
“The dance was magical ritual,” laughed Cruz—witchcraft right before fight! Alex honors his indigenous background; it might’ve gotten into Jiri’s head more than intended!
Now standing at 8-1 under UFC umbrella—with six wins against current/former champions—Pereira remains ninth fighter ever winning belts in two divisions! Chatter persists about moving up heavyweight making history as first three-division champion!
It’s been whirlwind ride—and Cruz has witnessed all from sidecar! Doubts long gone regarding anything Pereira sets mind upon achieving!
“[Pereira] has special vision [for] timing/distance/angles,” praised Cruz—it’s almost like unique fighting style combining boxing/kickboxing seamlessly ahead light years vision game!”