The UFC has arranged a contingency in case either Alex Pereira or Magomed Ankalaev is unable to compete in their highly anticipated rematch at UFC 320, scheduled for October 4 in Las Vegas, Nevada. This comes after Ankalaev regained the light heavyweight title by narrowly defeating Pereira at UFC 313 earlier this year.
Following months of back-and-forth between the fighters, Ankalaev is set to defend his belt against Pereira in the main event. Meanwhile, the UFC has ensured a backup fighter is ready to step in if needed.
Jiri Prochazka Confirmed as Backup for the Title Bout
Jiri Prochazka, the former UFC light heavyweight champion and currently ranked second in the division, has been named the official backup fighter for the Oct. 4 event. Prochazka had previously turned down an earlier chance to fight Ankalaev at UFC 317 to focus on completing his university exams.
Having graduated, Prochazka is now set to face Khalil Rountree Jr., a contender coming off a win against Jamahal Hill, on the same UFC 320 card. Between Prochazka and Rountree, the UFC selected Prochazka as the standby fighter for the main event rematch between Pereira and Ankalaev.
Prochazka himself confirmed this arrangement during an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show.
“That was the deal with the UFC,”
he said, acknowledging his role as backup.
Prochazka’s Unique Rivalry with Pereira Highlights Stylistic Matchups
In mixed martial arts, it is often said that “styles make fights,” and this maxim fits the dynamic between Prochazka and Pereira well. Despite Prochazka’s strong UFC record, his only professional losses—both by knockout in the second round—have come against Pereira at UFC 295 and UFC 300.
Pereira, known as “Poatan,” is a striker whose skills have posed significant challenges for Prochazka. The rivalry underscores the importance of fighting styles in shaping outcomes inside the Octagon.
Fans have expressed excitement about Prochazka’s backup status for UFC 320, seeing it as a potential pathway to another title fight.
“To be honest I’ve wanted to see Ank vs Jiri when Jiri had the belt but unfortunately had to vacate it. I’m really hoping that if Alex were to lose again that we could see Jiri vs Ank before the year is over.”
—Fan
Implications for the Light Heavyweight Division Moving Forward
With UFC 320 approaching, the designation of Jiri Prochazka as the backup fighter adds an important layer of security for the event and maintains fans’ interest in the division’s future matchups. Should either Pereira or Ankalaev be unable to compete, Prochazka’s readiness ensures that the title will still be defended in a high-profile contest.
This setup not only highlights Prochazka’s ongoing relevance in the division but may also set the stage for fresh rivalries, depending on the outcome of the rematch. The backup arrangement reflects the UFC’s commitment to keeping the light heavyweight championship picture active and engaging for fans worldwide.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How did Alex Pereira lose?
A. Alex Pereira experienced just his third career loss during UFC 313 on Saturday, ending his streak of five wins with a unanimous decision defeat to Magomed Ankalaev.
Q. How is Alex Pereira so powerful?
A. He is quite tall, which gives him a lot of leverage. His long reach and ability to stay calm help him produce a lot of power. He can move his muscles quickly and generate a lot of energy when he starts.
Q. Why is Alex Pereira so powerful?
A. After his sparring session, Pereira thinks about the source of his power. He believes it mainly comes from two things: skill and genetics. He is an expert at striking, using both his kicks and punches perfectly.
Q. How many units does an Alex Pereira punch pack? Unless the machine is broken, Alex Pereira didn’t just surpass Francis Ngannou’s punch but he completely blew that old record out of the water. According to this machine, Pereira’s single punch packs an outrageous 191,796 units.
A. When comparing Alex Pereira to Francis Ngannou in terms of strength, it’s important to consider their fighting styles and skills. Pereira is known for his striking abilities and precise techniques in the ring. On the other hand, Ngannou is famous for his incredible knockout power and physical strength. Ultimately, whether Pereira is stronger than Ngannou may depend on how you define strength in the context of combat sports.