UFC 303: Jiri Prochazka is 'here to win' and fully focused on proving he can beat Alex Pereira
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Updated 27/06/2024 at 23:55 GMT+1
Jiri Prochazka said he is ready to show his "best" against UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira and wants to prove he can win in a rematch against the Brazilian. The Czech suffered a TKO loss to Pereria in November last year and is confident he can reverse that result and reclaim his light heavyweight title. UFC 303 is live on TNT Sports and discovery+ on Sunday, June 30.
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Jiri Prochazka is focusing on nothing but his upcoming fight with UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira and proving he can win the fight decisively.
The Czech and the Brazilian face off at UFC 303 live on TNT Sports and discovery+, in a rematch of their UFC 295 clash, where Peirera beat Prochazka.
Prochazka bounced back with a TKO win over Alexsandar Rakic, earning him a rematch and a shot at Pereira's light heavyweight title.
The 31-year-old exuded a measured calmness as he spoke ahead of the bout, and made it clear he was focused on nothing but winning.
“Everybody wants the trilogy," he said. "For me, it doesn’t matter. I’m not thinking about the trilogy, about who will be the next opponent.
“I’m here to win this fight. To show my best. That I’m faster and durable - to master all the aspects in the fight. That’s all.
“Every win is for me the most important. Win here and now.”
The two fought late in 2023 for the vacant light heavyweight title, in what was Prochazka's first fight since having to relinquish the belt due to an injury.
The opening round was close, and judges scored it in favour of the former champion. But that did not matter a few moments later when a series of elbows up against the cage saw the Brazilian score a TKO just one minute into the second round.
Despite that, Prochazka was adamant that he did not need to change anything with regard to his game plan and insisted he would not change anything.
“I saw that fight many times, and I will not change anything," he said. "I want to do the same, right now, this Saturday. I want to do the same but better. Be more precise in the details, watch the calf kicks just a little bit, and win. Just win."
In just eight UFC fights since his Octagon debut in 2021, Pereira has captured championships in two different weight classes and delivered in the spotlight at every time of asking.
When asked what makes him so special, his opponent simply offered that Pereira's focus was key to his success.
“His focus, that’s all," Prochazka said. "The focus is everything and he knows how to use that in a fight.
"And I know it too, so right now for this Saturday, I realise what is necessary for a win in this fight and I’m going to show that."
Both took the fight on short notice, with around two weeks to prepare after the original main event between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler was scrapped.
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Prochazka called the past two weeks "a good hell," in relation to the stress that such a short-notice training camp puts on your body.
"Yeah, a good hell," he said. "Because you need to maximise your body abilities, your strength, dynamics, endurance, stamina, and focus for technique.
"It's a lot of things for just one week, but when you have good time management to know how to schedule your training, then it's like a masterpiece."
While the Czech spoke openly and candidly, Pereira was more tight-lipped.
When asked to summarise what makes his opponent good, Pereira said: "He's a great athlete. I respect his style. He's composed and serious.
"He throws punches from everywhere. He's a different guy so it's hard to find a guy like that.
"My focus is to defend my belt. I do not have a specific plan but I just want to defend my belt and I'll be ready for anybody."
The champion will soon turn 37 - a veteran age in the Octagon, - and admitted that he may not have much longer in the company.
"Well I feel good now, I want to defend my belt," Pereira said. "I'm 36 years old, I'm turning 37 soon so I don't know how long I'll be in this sport or how long I'll be fighting."
UFC 303 and the light heavyweight title fight will be live on TNT Sports and discovery+ on Sunday, June 30, with the main card beginning at 3am.
discovery+ is the streaming home of the Olympic Games, and the only place you can watch every moment of Paris 2024 this summer.
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