How Alex Pereira Reacted to Jiri Prochazka’s Opening KO Fight at UFC 303

LAS VEGAS — Alex Pereira’s head kick that knocked out Jiri Prochazka was one of the best knockouts we’ve seen in 2024. Yet despite its incredible execution, it was a last-minute addition to the game plan.

The UFC light heavyweight champion told reporters at the UFC 303 post-fight press conference that the idea to attack Prochazka (30-5-1 MMA, 4-2 UFC) with the head kick that was the beginning of the end of the fight was added to the plan hours before the championship bout after he saw Prochazka warming up in his locker room.

Pereira (11-2 MMA, 8-1 UFC) made a mistake from Prochazka and made sure to take advantage of it when they both entered the octagon.

“I was actually in the locker room talking to my coach, and he showed me the video of Jiri’s warm-up, and I saw that he was trying to counterattack with the calf kick, to defend and counter,” Pereira said. “But I told Plinio (Cruz) that he was timing it wrong. The timing was wrong. I saw that he was too focused on that kick, and he was keeping his hands down and was exposed, so I told him that I was going to explore the high kick.”

With the win, Pereira completed his second title defense at 205 pounds. He is also undefeated since moving up from middleweight and looks to continue that momentum.

Although he turns 37 next month, “Poatan” said he believes his MMA journey is just beginning and sees a lot of growth from him.

“I’m evolving,” Pereira said. “I’m new to MMA, and he’s older (in the game), so I think he’s evolved a lot, but his evolution today is minimal, and mine, man, it’s just the beginning.”

For more information on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s UFC 303 Event Hub.