Jiri Prochazka asks Alex Pereira not to use rituals before UFC 303 title fight

Jiri Prochazka called Alexandre Pereira not use “rituals” or “spiritual things” before your UFC 303 main event.

Pereira stopped Prochazka in November to win the vacant light heavyweight title, and the Brazilian will defend the belt against the Czech on Saturday (June 29).

Prochazka is known for his commitment to the teachings of the samurai, but believes Pereira’s pre-fight preparation may be giving him an unfair advantage.

“I think he believes in a lot of things, the help of spiritual things,” the former champion said this week, speaking on MMA time. “That’s something I don’t think he can fight without.

“I want to keep it a clear line: just sports performance, pure performance, man against man. I don’t think he knows how to fight without [spiritual guidance]because he uses these things all the time.

“Everyone knows he’s working with some shamans from his hometown. He believes in some spiritual help from them. I believe it too, but I believe in the best human performance – here and now, without magic.

“It’s working [for him], but I believe clearly; I want to win that way.”

Prochazka, 31, doubled down on Wednesday during UFC 303 media day.

“Everyone knows this, and he does these rituals before the fight,” he said. “Everyone can feel what is around them and what is happening.

“And I think Alex can’t fight without that […] Right now, this is my challenge to him: if we can fight clearly, do without other things. Let the higher power be in the cage to see who is the best in the world in pure performance.”

Prochazka won the light heavyweight title in 2022, but vacated the belt later that year due to injury. Jamahal Hill then won the vacant title in 2023, but also relinquished it due to injury.

Prochazka then faced Pereira, a former middleweight champion, for the vacant title in November. Pereira won by technical knockout in the second round.

The 36-year-old retained his belt against Hill at UFC 300 in April, knocking out the former champion in the first round. On the same night, Prochazka stopped Aleksandar Rakic ​​to establish himself as the No. 1 contender at 205 pounds.