UFC champion Alex Pereira is open to giving Jiri Prochazka a third fight opportunity after Prochazka’s recent knockout victory, despite Pereira’s previous two wins over him, as he prepares to defend his title against Magomed Ankalaev.
UFC champ Alex Pereira is open to facing Jiri Prochazka for a third time. After Prochazka’s stunning knockout of Jamahal Hill, the idea doesn’t seem so far-fetched.
Prochazka stopped Hill in the third round at UFC 311 in Inglewood, Calif. He mentioned to MMA Fighting his desire for another shot at Pereira, despite two prior knockout losses. Some think it’s a long shot, but Pereira believes Prochazka deserves another chance.
“I’m ready to fight anybody,” Pereira told ESPN via a translator. “It doesn’t matter who it is.”
“Right now, it’s Ankalaev’s time,” Pereira continued. “I’m going to fight Ankalaev. But after this fight, if everything’s good, we’re gonna give Jiri an opportunity as well. He said he wants it; he’s gonna have it.”
Their first encounter saw Pereira knock out Prochazka at UFC 295 in November 2023 for the vacant title. They clashed again at UFC 303 in June, stepping in after Conor McGregor withdrew from his main event with Michael Chandler due to injury.
“Poatan” was spectacular in that rematch, ending International Fight Week with a brutal head kick knockout to retain his title.