The rematch between Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka will take place at UFC 303. Given that both Pereira and Prochazka are two of the most dangerous and unorthodox strikers in the UFC, there isn’t much separating them on paper. However, for veteran boxing trainer Teddy Atlas, the choice couldn’t be easier.
In a recent episode of his podcast, ‘The Fight with Teddy Atlas,’ the veteran trainer shared his thoughts on the upcoming fight. Atlas even revealed a key component of Pereira’s game that may prove to be his trump card, saying:
“And it won’t be an easy exit for the champion, Pereira. But I’m still going with the champion. I’m still going to go with the guy who hits like he does. The thing about Pereira is that you can’t make mistakes. Prochazka could be winning the fight, the whole fight, and one mistake and one hit, the lights go out. At the end of the day, I think it will be a very good fight. And I’m going with Pereira.”
The exact component Atlas talked about was on display when Pereira faced Israel Adesanya for the belt at UFC 281. ‘Poatan’ was down on the scorecards and lost the fight until the fifth round. However, he turned things around in the final round by landing shots that hurt Adesanya, ultimately forcing the referee to call off the fight. This shows that Pereira cannot be ruled out until the final bell rings.
Additionally, Pereira will have even more motivation at UFC 303, as a victory will allow him to cement his legacy in the promotion.
Alex Pereira aims to further cement his legacy at UFC 303
Alex Pereira joined the UFC as a highly decorated kickboxing champion, although no one knew how that skill would transition into MMA. Now, a few years into his UFC tenure, it would be an understatement to say the Brazilian has exceeded expectations.
So far in his UFC career, Pereira has fought eight times, four of which had UFC gold on the line. Needless to say, scoring a win at UFC 303 will further cement his status as one of the best to ever step into the octagon. Therefore, it will be interesting to see how the fight develops and what Pereira decides to do from there.
