The twin battles between Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka have already earned their place in MMA folklore. Electrifying? Absolutely. Legendary? Without a doubt. But as chatter around a trilogy fight picks up after UFC 311, there’s a nagging question we just can’t ignore. Is a third fight between these two even worth it? Or is it a risky return no one really needs?
Because let’s face it, every epic needs a fitting final, not a dragged-out sequel that risks tarnishing the whole story. So, while Prochazka is out there throwing down challenges like confetti, here’s why this particular trilogy might be better left on the cutting room floor.
With back-to-back KO defeats, is it a risky proposition for Jiri Prochazka
First, let’s talk about Jiri Prochazka. A warrior in every sense of the word, he reminded the world why he’s still a force at UFC 311. That stunning third-round knockout of Jamahal Hill wasn’t just impressive, it was the kind of performance that makes fans dream of barn burners and redemption arcs. Prochazka didn’t miss a beat in his post-fight interview, passionately calling out his nemesis, “F–k man, I want a third fight with Alex Pereira!”
Bold, right? But let’s hit pause here. Did you catch Pereira’s reaction? Cool as ice, as if he has to run an errand, not defend his legacy. In an interview with ESPN MMA, the 205lbs juggernaut seemed more focused on his next opponent. “Right now, it’s Ankalaev’s time,” he shrugged. “After this fight, if everything goes good, we’re going to give Jiri this opportunity.”
Here’s the uncomfortable truth for ‘The Czech Samurai’ that fans tend to glorify. He’s already eaten two highlight-reel knockouts courtesy of Pereira. That thirteen-fight win streak coming to an end at UFC 295 in 2023? Brutal. And the follow-up head kick KO at UFC 303? That’s bound to leave a mark, don’t you think? Maybe, deep down, Prochazka can only truly fight himself in round 2 to move past trauma. Sure, his win over Jamahal Hill proves he’s not out of the game, but going 0-3 against the same fighter? That’s not redemption, that’s masochism.
Yet, he insists it’s not about the belt. It’s personal. “If Alex wins (against Ankalaev), it doesn’t matter to me,” he said. “I want to show my improvements. I want to win decisively and show the world that in the first fight, I almost got him, and the second fight, for me, was ridiculous.” Respect to the man for wanting to erase the past. But how many fighters can stare down two brutal losses and still keep their heads in the game?
Even Dana White is wary of a Pereira vs. Prochazka trilogy
When Dana White gets cold feet about a big-money fight, you know there’s a reason. “We’ve got to see how it will play out with Alex now,” White said cautiously after UFC 311. “I doubt (that) people don’t want to see this fight again.” That’s Dana-speak for, ‘I’ll think about it, but don’t hold your breath.’
It’s not that the UFC boss doesn’t love a good rivalry. Just look at his obsession with Jon Jones’ legacy. But even when Jones was pushing for a Pereira bout, Dana knew better than to risk his cash cow in a potentially damaging fight. Could it be the same story here? Maybe the head honcho’s hesitation is less about the fans and more about protecting the UFC’s golden goose. And think about it, If Prochazka loses again, his aura takes a hit. And if Pereira wins too easily, it might feel like beating a dead horse.
Now let’s flip the script. What does Pereira gain from this? The man is on fire, with three emphatic knockouts and three title defenses in 2024 alone. He’s not just winning, he’s making it look easy. Up next? Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313. A grappling powerhouse with a 20-1-1 record, the Russian has been eyeing Pereira for years. This is the fight that matters, the one that will cement Pereira’s status as a dominant champ in a shark tank of a division. And beyond that? The possibilities are endless.
Alex Pereira needs a super fight, not a Prochazka redo
Alex Pereira has already played with the middleweight division like a kid with a new toy. Knocking out Sean Strickland in round 1 and knocking down Israel Adesanya before eventually losing the belt to him. Then came his light heavyweight debut, and let’s just say he’s been on a tear. He’s bulldozed through most of the division’s top five, starting with a stunning elbow KO of Prochazka to claim the title. Then came a successful defense against #4 Jamahal Hill, followed by a fourth-round KO of Khalil Rountree Jr. in his third title defense. Talk about cleaning the house!
But heck, why stop there? Pereira might even consider a jump to heavyweight. Picture him squaring off against Sergei Pavlovich, Tom Aspinall, or, dare we dream, the ever-elusive Jon Jones. Those are the fights that elevate careers, the ones that etch your name in MMA folklore. And another bout with Prochazka, a guy he’s already put to sleep twice? That’s not legacy-building, it’s more or less charity work for the former champ’s ego.
And as for Prochazka, let’s be honest, he has plenty of options outside of a trilogy with Pereira. A move to heavyweight could be exactly what ‘The Czech Samurai’ needs. It’s a chance to reinvent himself, escape Pereira’s shadow, and write a new chapter in his career.
Because in the Octagon it’s not just about fighting, it’s about storytelling. A redemption arc for Prochazka could be one of the most compelling narratives the UFC has seen in years, but that is, if and only if he’s willing to let go of this trilogy obsession.
Here in the MMA community, we love a good rivalry. But sometimes, the best stories are the ones left untold. So, What’s your take? Should Pereira and Prochazka meet again, or is it time to close the book on this saga Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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