Alex Pereira is the new champion ofthe UFC light heavyweight division. In Madison Square Garden, Pereira made history by defeating former light heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka.
The clash between these two formidable UFC competitors commenced with an electrifying stare-down. In the first round, Pereira asserted his dominance by delivering punishing leg kicks, prompting Prochazka to recalibrate his strategy swiftly.
Despite Pereira’s resilient ground defense, Prochazka managed to execute a takedown with nearly three minutes left in the round. The former champion capitalized on this opportunity, landing impactful elbows and securing enough control time to win the round.
Alex Pereira’s MMA career is a Hollywood movie.
-Chased Israel Adesanya to the UFC and becomes the first person to defeat Izzy in middleweight.
-Moves up to Middleweight, and becomes a 2-division champion, something Adesanya couldn’t do.
-Gets revenge for his mentor, Glover… pic.twitter.com/9zGDxqCVB2
— عمر عثمان 🇦🇫 Mike Tyson’s Translator (@OmerOsman200) November 12, 2023
The second round witnessed Prochazka engaging in a striking exchange with the former Glory kickboxing champion. He had to pay a hefty price for this choice.
Although Prochazka inflicted damage on Pereira during this round, it was Pereira who emerged victorious. He landed a decisive left hook followed by brutal elbows while Prochazka attempted a takedown.
With the newly acquired light heavyweight title, the spotlight now turns to the next challenge. But in light of Poatan’s callout at UFC 295, Hill could have to wait a little longer.
After the win, Pereira called out his old rival. He said: “Hey Adesanya, come to daddy.”
The rivalry between Adesanya and Pereira dates back to their Glory kickboxing days. Despite acknowledging Pereira’s skills, Adesanya had predicted Pereira’s defeat at UFC 295.
The former middleweight champion is currently on a hiatus from competition and seems disinterested in another clash with Pereira. He responded to the call-out with a picture from their UFC rematch.
Even if the awaited rematch with Adesanya doesn’t materialize, Pereira has solidified his position as one of the UFC’s elite. His victory at UFC 295 places him alongside legends such as Conor McGregor, Daniel Cormier, Amanda Nunes, Jon Jones, and Henry Cejudo as a two-division UFC champion.
With his victory in the LHW championship bout, Alex Pereira has done more than enough to establish himself as one of the greatest UFC competitors of all time.