UFC Champion Open to Third Fight

UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira has expressed his willingness to face Jiri Prochazka for a third time following Prochazka's stunning knockout victory over Jamahal Hill at UFC 311 last Saturday in Inglewood, California.

Prochazka's Electrifying Performance

In front of a packed crowd, Prochazka delivered an electrifying performance, stopping Hill in the third round. This win reignited Prochazka's hopes of reclaiming his title after experiencing two previous knockout losses to Pereira. While some skeptics question whether a trilogy match is justified, Pereira has shown a readiness to engage in this gripping rivalry.

Pereira's Future Plans

Scheduled to defend his title against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 303, Pereira stated that he appreciates the competitive spirit Prochazka brings to the Octagon.

“I’m ready to fight anybody,” Pereira conveyed to ESPN through a translator. “It doesn’t matter who it is. Right now, it’s Ankalaev’s time. I’m going to fight Ankalaev. But after this fight, if everything’s good, we’re going to give Jiri an opportunity as well. He said he wants it, he’s going to have it.”

Recap of Previous Clashes

Pereira and Prochazka first clashed in November 2023 at UFC 295, where Pereira knocked out Prochazka to become the vacant champion. Their second encounter came on short notice this past June at UFC 303 after Conor McGregor had to pull out of a highly anticipated match against Michael Chandler due to injury. In that rematch, Pereira showcased his elite striking, culminating in a series of spectacular moves, ultimately finishing Prochazka with a vicious head kick that left fans buzzing.

Anticipation for a Trilogy

As the MMA community eagerly anticipates the outcome of Pereira's title defense against Ankalaev, the prospect of a trilogy bout with Prochazka looms large, potentially setting the stage for one of the most thrilling narratives in recent UFC history. Fans are left wondering: Can Prochazka finally avenge his past defeats, or will Pereira continue to dominate? One thing is for certain—this rivalry is far from over.