LAS VEGAS – Alex Pereira’s head kick KO of Jiri Prochazka was probably the greatest knockouts we’ve seen in 2024. But, regardless of its unbelievable execution, it was a last-minute addition to the sport plan.
The UFC mild heavyweight champion informed reporters on the UFC 303 post-fight press convention that the concept to assault Prochazka (30-5-1 MMA, 4-2 UFC) with the head-kick that was the start of the tip of the combat was added to the plan hours earlier than the championship bout after watching Prochazka heat up in his locker room.
Pereira (11-2 MMA, 8-1 UFC) picked up a mistake from Prochazka, and made positive to capitalize on it after they each stepped within the octagon.
“Really, I used to be within the locker room speaking to my coaches, and he confirmed me the video of Jiri warming up, and I noticed that he was making an attempt to counter-attack the calf kick – defend and counter,” Pereira stated. “However I informed Plinio (Cruz) that he was doing the flawed timing. The timing was not good. I noticed that he was too targeted on taking that kick, and he was retaining his fingers down and was uncovered, so I informed him I used to be going to discover the excessive kick”
With the win, Pereira accomplished his second title protection at 205 kilos. He’s additionally unbeaten since shifting up from middleweight, and is seeking to proceed that run.
Though he turns 37 subsequent month, “Poatan” stated he thinks his MMA journey is simply getting began and sees loads of progress coming from his half.
“I’m in a strategy of evolution,” Pereira stated. “I’m new to MMA, and he’s an older man (within the sport), so I feel he’s developed so much, however immediately his evolution is minimal, and mine, man, that is only the start.”
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