UFC President Dana White has designated former light heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka as the official backup for the highly anticipated Alex Pereira UFC 320 rematch scheduled this October. This move ensures the main event remains intact even if unforeseen circumstances affect Pereira or his opponent Magomed Ankalaev. With the rematch nearly seven months after Pereira lost the title at UFC 313, the Brazilian fighter must avoid setbacks to keep his chance at reclaiming the crown.
Prochazka, who is set to face Khalil Rountree Jr. on the same UFC 320 fight card, openly acknowledged his role as the contingency fighter during an interview with Ariel Helwani. He confirmed that agreeing to serve as the backup was part of his negotiation with UFC officials.
Yeah, [I am the backup fighter]. That’s right… That was the deal with UFC. Yeah,
said Prochazka in the interview.
This arrangement highlights the UFC’s strategy of safeguarding high-profile title bouts from last-minute disruptions such as injuries or weight management issues, which can jeopardize matchups and the event’s prominence.
Alex Pereira’s Strategy and Challenges Ahead of UFC 320 Rematch
Since losing the light heavyweight title, Alex Pereira has indicated intentions for a swift return to the octagon. However, the seven-month gap before UFC 320 suggests a cautious approach, likely to address weaknesses observed in his previous title defense. Fans have speculated that Pereira may transition to heavyweight in the near future, making the rematch crucial for maintaining relevance as a top contender.
Magomed Ankalaev, his October opponent, remains open to the matchup, and the fight is expected to test Pereira’s adaptability and resilience. For Pereira, success will depend not only on refining his striking but also on his ability to counter wrestling—a skill set Ankalaev is likely to emphasize.
Tito Ortiz Offers Insights on Pereira’s Rematch Game Plan
Veteran UFC champion Tito Ortiz weighed in on the upcoming fight, sharing his perspective on what Pereira must improve to overturn his loss. Ortiz, also a former political figure from Huntington Beach, California, believes Pereira needs to prioritize defending takedowns in this rematch, anticipating a shift towards wrestling dominance by Ankalaev.
[Alex] Pereira needs to make sure that he defends the takedowns. I think this is going to be more of a wrestling match,
Ortiz said during an interview with Helen Yee Sports.
I think so, just because that Russian [Magomed Ankalaev], he wanted to test his skills on his feet, and he showed that he could punch with them. And I think Alex can think he’s going to do the same thing, and I think he’s actually going to wrestle him this time. That’s just me. That’s just my opinion.
Ortiz’s analysis underscores the challenges Pereira faces, as Ankalaev adapts his strategy from striking exchanges to leveraging wrestling to control the fight. Defensive wrestling will be pivotal for Pereira’s ability to dictate the pace and avoid being dominated on the ground.
The Stakes for Pereira: Staying Focused Amid Competition from Prochazka
Beyond tactical adjustments, Pereira carries the burden of preserving his title shot against the looming presence of Prochazka. As the backup fighter, Prochazka stands ready to step in should Pereira face any obstruction such as injuries or missed weight, placing additional pressure on Pereira to stay in peak condition.
This setup adds a layer of complexity to the UFC 320 event, with two former champions preparing to compete on the same card but in distinct capacities—one as the contender and other as the standby. Observers will be closely watching how Pereira manages both his mental and physical preparation to avoid losing his opportunity to a rival waiting in the wings.
As UFC 320 approaches, the bout between Pereira and Ankalaev promises to be a critical moment for both fighters. Pereira’s ability to adapt his game plan and maintain consistency could determine whether he regains the light heavyweight title or if Prochazka ultimately takes his place on the throne. With stakes this high, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the events unfold in October.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How did Alex Pereira lose?
A. At UFC 313 on Saturday, Alex Pereira faced his third career defeat and his first loss in six matches, losing to Magomed Ankalaev by unanimous decision.
Q. How is Alex Pereira so powerful?
A. He is quite tall, which gives him extra leverage. His height and ability to stay calm help him produce a lot of force. He can quickly engage his muscles to generate significant energy.
Q. Why is Alex Pereira so powerful?
A. After a practice fight, Pereira thinks about the sources of his strength. He believes it mainly comes from two things: his skills and his genes. His striking ability is nearly perfect, showcasing his skill with both kicks and punches.
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. It’s difficult to determine if Alex Pereira is stronger than Francis Ngannou. Both are skilled fighters, but strength depends on different factors, including technique and training. Although Ngannou is known for his powerful punches, Pereira is a talented kickboxer with his own strengths. Ultimately, strength is just one aspect of their fighting styles.