Imperious Pereira knocks out Prochazka and keeps the belt

Alex Pereira continued his imperious reign as champion by knocking out Jiri Prochazka to retain the light heavyweight title at UFC 303 in Las Vegas.

Brazilian Pereira, 36, knocked down Czech fighter Prochazka, 31, with a left high kick in the second round, surprising the packed crowd inside the T-Mobile Arena.

It was Pereira’s second victory over Prochazka, after stopping him in the second round of their fight in November to win the light heavyweight title.

The former middleweight champion won two titles and made two defenses in just nine fights since his UFC debut in November 2021, in one of the most remarkable runs in the promotion’s history.

“I said all week that I was going to emerge victorious. I didn’t say how I was going to win, but I knew I was going to leave the octagon happy,” said Pereira.

Earlier in the night, Ireland’s Ian Machado Garry defeated Britain’s Michael ‘Venom’ Page by unanimous decision, extending his unbeaten career streak to 15.

Machado Garry, 26, got the better of the fights against Page, 37, who suffered his first UFC defeat after a winning debut in March.

Pereira’s historical trajectory continues

Pereira and Prochazka stepped in at short notice to fight after Conor McGregor withdrew from his main event against Michael Chandler earlier this month. with a broken toe.

The event marked the second time in three months that Pereira headlined a major event after headlining the historic UFC 300 in March.

Pereira knocked out Jamahal Hill that night to retain his title, setting up a rematch with Prochazka, who had stopped Aleksandar Rakic ​​the same night.

In McGregor’s absence, the UFC broadcast team described Pereira as the “biggest star in MMA today” and the Brazilian’s performance lived up to the billing.

Before the fighters’ introductions, the stoic and motionless duo locked eyes for a few minutes, reflecting their intense gaze before their meeting in November.

Pereira opened the fight with leg kicks before landing a left hook and a jab on Prochazka, who had his best moment of the fight when he started the clinch.

The decisive moment of the first five minutes came at the end of the round, when Pereira’s thunderous left hook dropped Prochazka, with the bell preventing any continuation.

The Czech corner could be seen putting ice on his head to try to sharpen his senses, but it was in vain, already 13 seconds into the second round, Pereira threw the kick that ended the fight.

After the fight, he hinted at a move to heavyweight and a bid to become the first three-division champion in UFC history.

“I think that’s in my future. There doesn’t seem to be much interest from the organization, but I’m here, I think it’s in my future,” said Pereira.

“I think the fans have a lot to say about this. In the end, these are the people who pay for this. If this is what they want, it will be inevitable.”

Machado Garry impresses again

Machado Garry said he felt responsible for putting on a show for the Irish fans in McGregor’s absence, adding that he had “no problem carrying that burden”.

He has earned comparisons to former champion McGregor over the years, with his unbeaten record rising to seventh in the UFC welterweight rankings, giving Irish fans hope that he could be the country’s first champion in six years.

In Page, however, Machado Garry faced one of the most dangerous strikers on the roster, with the Brit’s kickboxing style helping to provide a number of standout moments during his time in Bellator.

Page started victoriously against Kevin Holland in his UFC debut in March, but faced a more willing grappler in Machado Garry.

The Irishman dominated early, caught a kick and took the fight to the ground, before looking for a rear naked choke that was well defended by Page until the end of the round.

Page had his best moments in the second round, landing a left-right combination that earned a wry smile from Machado Garry and an overhand right.

But Machado Garry would use his grappling once again in the final five minutes and, despite causing little damage and failing to finish, his time in control was enough to secure the victory.

“I want everyone to know that I am looking for this title. I’m 15-0, undefeated, unstoppable,” said Machado Garry.

“I don’t care who will be next, where they will be, I will be world champion, the future is inevitable.”