Every detail can make or break a fight in the high-stakes fights in MMA. This is the case with Alex Pereira, who recently scored a knockout victory over Jiri Prochazka at UFC 303. The fight’s outcome hinged on a seemingly small detail: a social media post from Jiri Prochazka ahead of the fight.
Prochazka shared a video of his pre-fight warm-up. Little did he know this harmless post would play a crucial role in his defeat. Alex Pereira’s eagle-eyed team spotted something interesting in the video. They noticed Jiri Prochazka was focusing heavily on defending against calf kicks. This observation led to a pivotal change in Pereira’s game plan.
They [Pereira’s team] showed me the video of Jiri warming up in the locker room. And I saw that he was trying to counter the calf kick. I saw that he was too focused on not taking the kicks, he was keeping his hands down and leaving the head exposed. That is when I explored the high kick.
Alex Pereira via UFC 303 post-fight press conference
Seizing the opportunity, Pereira and his team decided to explore the high kick. The strategy paid off beautifully. Pereira’s high kick found its mark, leading to a spectacular knockout victory in the second round. It’s a reminder that in MMA, adaptability is key.
Alex Pereira says he saw a video that Jiri Prochazka posted of him in the locker room practicing defending calf kicks
He says that Jiri was “too focused on not taking the kicks” and was keeping his hands down. This made Alex want to “explore the high kick”, which ended up being… pic.twitter.com/ty2aRnJXHL
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) June 30, 2024
Fighters might think twice before sharing their warm-up routines on social media now. It’s almost comical to think that a simple social media post could have such an impact. More than that, it’s a testament to Pereira’s fight IQ and his team’s keen observation skills. They turned a casual social media browse into a fight-winning strategy. Now, Alex Pereira’s future is wide open to possibilities.
Dana White reveals conversation with Joe Rogan about Alex Pereira’s future
A not-so-unexpected conversation has come to light in the aftermath of UFC 303. It involves two of MMA’s most prominent figures: Dana White and Joe Rogan. The event saw Alex Pereira deliver a stunning performance against Jiri Prochazka. Pereira’s victory was so impressive that it sparked immediate speculation about his future.
Dana White reveals what Joe Rogan told him (via People/ Sports Illustrated/ Bleacher Report)Enter Joe Rogan, the ever-enthusiastic commentator with a penchant for bold ideas. As Dana White stood in the Octagon, Rogan whispered something intriguing in his ear. White later revealed Rogan’s words as he held the belt in his hands, ready to wrap it around Pereira’s waist.
I’m standing up there with the belt and I had Joe Rogan in my ear the whole time we were up there, ‘Let [Alex Pereira] fight at heavyweight. Come on! Just do it!’ So, I know that’s what people wanna see. We’ll see how this whole thing plays out.
Dana White at the UFC 303 post-fight press conference
This suggestion wasn’t just a fleeting thought. This is not the first time the mention of Pereira moving up to heavyweight was made. Nevertheless, White had thrown cold water over this notion. But this time around, White is much more receptive to the idea. Alex Pereira may become the first fighter to hold three belts in the UFC if he manages to do what he does, which is to knock out people with a single strike.
