Thirty-six-year-old Pereira celebrated after a knockout in the 2nd round against Procházek in November. The Czech fighter did not have to wait long for the opportunity to correct the hesitation from last year’s tournament in New York, where he fell after almost eight years. The South American juice has given a nod to the rematch, and their second match-up can definitively solve the puzzle of who is the best man in the light heavyweight division.
At the same time, Pereira was originally supposed to fight Procházka only during the August event in Australia, but both wrestlers agreed to the possibility of filling in for the injured Conor McGregor. And it didn’t matter that there were only a few weeks to prepare. “Honestly, it wasn’t quite ideal, I mean the preparation and short notice, but within the limits of the possibilities and how I am in the mood, everything works and everything is ready,” assures the best Czech fighter, who also revealed that he only had to try some sharp sparring.
But the start and finish are absolutely identical for the protagonists of the main match of the overseas event. However, much more credit goes to the 36-year-old champion from Sao Paulo, Brazil, who nodded to the offer despite having two broken toes after the April duel and touring Australia shortly before the news of a possible rematch with Procházka. “I think he got a lot of money, which he couldn’t refuse,” reflects Matěj Peňáz, Procházk’s training partner.
Now the Brazilian will face the Czech after about seven months. According to himself, Procházka did not enter the first match against each other in an optimal state of health. “It’s true that there was something there at the time, it wasn’t ideal, rather it was completely useless,” the native of Hostěradice admitted with a smile. “It wasn’t great even now. But I always do my best and try to give my body the necessary relaxation. It was rushed, but everything is ready.”
Otherwise, the hours before the key battle in the light heavyweight division were not getting out of control. Fans, experts, and other fighters at least had time to speculate on how the duel would turn out. “Alex knows he can fall, but so does Jiří. Both may surprise each other. I think Jiří has learned from his mistake, which is why I trust him. He will win in the third or fourth round,” estimated Israel Adesanya, former champion of the middle division.
Photo: Frank Franklin II, CTK/AP
The first fight was dominated by Alex Pereira (left).
At the event, where UFC boss Dana White decided to award a bonus for the performance of the evening worth 50 thousand dollars (roughly 1.1 million crowns) to two fighters, the Slovak heavyweight Martin Buday will also appear, who will face the legendary Belarusian Andrej Arlovski.
The main card of the UFC 303 tournament starts at 04:00 CEST. The title fight between Procházka and Pereira will take place at approximately 06:00. Nova Sport 6 broadcasts the gala evening live.
2024-06-29 21:40:02
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