Controversies are a part and parcel of UFC. The light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira has embraced an unusual pre-fight controversy. His upcoming opponent at UFC 303, Jiri Prochazka, accused him of using supernatural help to win fights. Periera is taking it all in stride.
Pereira is known for his devastating striking and knockout prowess. He didn’t shy away from the topic in the least. In the recent pre-fight media day interview, ‘Poatan’ addressed Jiri Prochazka‘s concerns with a touch of mystique. He doubled down on Prochazka’s claims as well.
Everybody has their own spirits. We’re not only made of flesh and bone. I have found mine. If he has not found his, or he does not believe, it’s not my fault.
Alex Pereira at the UFC 303 pre-fight media day interview
The champion’s response adds an intriguing layer to their highly anticipated rematch. The two warriors are set to face each other at UFC 303 this weekend. Prochazka raised eyebrows with his claims about Pereira’s spiritual practices. He had claimed that these rituals allowed Pereira to dismantle his opponents in the Octagon.
#UFC303 headliner Alex Pereira responds to Jiri Prochazka’s claim he uses spiritual forces to win fights.
“If he did not found his or he does not believe, it’s not my fault.” pic.twitter.com/BNSZxD7mWe
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) June 26, 2024
This unusual pre-fight narrative has certainly captured the mystique of Alex Pereira’s personality. It’s not every day that UFC press conferences venture into the realm of shamanic rituals. Pereira seemed unfazed by the controversy. His calm demeanor suggested he was comfortable with his pre-fight routines, spiritual or otherwise. Nevertheless, Prochazka still believes in Pereira’s supernatural aid.
Jiri Prochazka asks Alex Pereira to tone down the supernatural help down and fight as a human
Accusations are rife in the world of MMA. Fighters often accuse each other of various tactics, but Jiri Prochazka’s latest claim takes things to a new spiritual level. The Czech fighter doubled down on his assertion that Alex Pereira uses shamanic magic. Prochazka himself has some unorthodox techniques to get into the zone, but this is out of bounds, even for him.
Jiri Prochazka challenged Alex Pereira to fight without help (via EuroSport)Prochazka insisted that this supernatural edge gives Pereira an unfair advantage in the octagon. According to Prochazka, it’s not just him but everyone who senses this otherworldly presence surrounding Pereira in the octagon. As such, the Czech fighter declared a challenge to ‘Poatan.’
Right now this is my challenge to him, if we can fight in a clear way in this case. To be without [other] things, some…whatever. Let the higher power be there in the cage and see who’s the best in the world. In the pure performance. That’s all.
Jiri Prochazka at the UFC 303 pre-fight media day interview
Prochazka seemed genuinely convinced of these supernatural shenanigans. It’s an interesting challenge, to say the least. However, this is out of bounds for the UFC or any state commission to enforce. There is no evidence of Pereira using this spiritual help inside the octagon. As such, this will likely remain one of the most bizarre accusations in the fight game.
