In the Clinch: Prochazka and Pereira in Main Event Spotlight, UFC 295 – It’s a bummer that we will not see Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic Saturday night. However, the UFC has ensured we have a capable main event replacement at UFC 295 in New York City.
First, a speedy recovery to Jon Jones, who many, including UFC CEO Dana White, consider as the GOAT. But now, we can focus on the division where he made his bones, and light heavyweights Jiri Prochazka and Alex Pereira.
An injury to the No. 1 Prochazka (29-3-0), 31, and former champion Jamahal Hill has put the title into vacancy and the division into a holding pattern. “BJP” hasn’t fought since winning the title from Glover Teixeira at UFC 275 in June 2022 and suffering an injured right shoulder. The honorable decision to relinquish the title spurred Hill to do the same when he was sidelined with the torn ACL.
This guy wants to remind everyone who he is.
Meanwhile, the No. 3 Pereira (8-2-0), 36, who was instrumental in helping Sean Strickland defeat his rival Israel Adesanya for the middleweight belt at UFC 293 in September, moved up to light heavyweight. He leapfrogged past Jan Blachowicz in his debut fight to snag this title shot. “Potan” has the size and striking to hang with Prochazka and even on the ground he is dangerous.
We really should mention Pereira’s recent induction into the GLORY kickboxing Hall of Fame. His quick transition into MMA has been impressive.
On paper, the layoff gives Pereira the advantage. I think Pereira will be looking for the quick stoppage. Otherwise, he will have to fend off the constant grappling and ground attacks that Prochazka likes to mix in with his strikes. If the fight goes into the championship rounds, we may see Pereira gas as he has in previous fights at middleweight. Prochazka will look to do exactly that, gas Pereira out and catch him with a strike.
It’s up to Prochazka and Pereira to salvage UFC 295. The good thing is that it appears both are more than prepared to salute our veterans and do their part.
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Jiri Prochazka
Alex Pereira
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