Jiri Prochaska was surprisingly emotional after watching Alex Pereira regain his light heavyweight title at UFC 320.
“Poitan” put on one of the best bounce-back performances in Octagon history, defeating Magomed Ankalaev in just 80 seconds and reclaiming the belt he surrendered to Dagestan in March.
Prochaska, who was sitting ringside during the bout, appeared to be in tears as she watched Pereira score a stunning knockout. During a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Prochaska gave insight into why she became so emotional.
“I wasn’t that happy that Alex won or Ankalaev lost,” Prochaska said. “I was very emotional, because in that moment I realized that Pereira had won and that there was a possibility of a fight between me and him. That meant there was a third fight. A third chance for me to be successful. I knew deep down, ‘Hey, you can’t win this unless you win.'” It was going to be the biggest challenge of my life.
“Shit, dude, I really want to win. I know I’m taking a lot of risks with my fights, but I know I’ll find a way.”
Is the third time the charm for Jiri Prochaska?
Prochaska has already faced Pereira twice, losing the first time at UFC 295 in November 2023. That night, “Poitan” defeated Pereira just 52 seconds into the second round.
Seven months later, they would meet again at UFC 303. Pereira once again pushed Prochaska to a second-place finish, but this time just 13 seconds into the race.
A third matchup may be tough given Pereira’s 0-2 record, but following Prochaska’s stunning come-from-behind KO over Khalil Rountree at UFC 320, fans may be ready to see if ‘The BJP’ can finally break through and take down the Brazilian boogeyman.