UFC 295 will reveal the new light heavyweight champion. The main event is the bout between the former champion, Jiri Prochazka, and the guy who recently created plenty of hype, Alex Pereira.
The organization originally scheduled the fight for the UFC heavyweight title between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic. Though, that plan fell through, as Jones sustained a pectoral injury. Dana White immediately reacted, coming up with a new headliner that was equally interesting.
Apart from the super fight between Prochazka and Pereira, we will have more action, with several other bouts promising good action. Stay tuned and see what we have prepared for you.
Pereira’s Meteoric Rise in the UFC
Poatan, or the Hands of Stone, which is Pereira’s nickname, has already left a big mark in the UFC. He was the one who dethroned Israel Adesanya for the first time, and even though he lost in the rematch, he became one of the most popular figures in the UFC.
His short resume within the organization is impressive, having wins over Adesanya and the current middleweight champ, Sean Strickland. Pereira then moved up to the light heavyweight division, where he defeated the former champ, Jan Blachowicz, after a split decision. Many believed that he might struggle to accommodate the new environment, but Poatan immediately began performing well.
The highly anticipated UFC 295 clash between Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka brings together two striking powerhouses.
Pereira, famed for his precision and devastating striking, faces Prochazka, an enigmatic force known for his dynamic, unpredictable style.
This matchup… pic.twitter.com/LSReLJ987e
— Slip N’Roll (@SlipnRoll) November 9, 2023
His rival here is the former ruler of the division – Jiri Prochazka. The Czech had to vacate the title because of an injury he sustained and was out from the octagon for more than 16 months.
This clash will be fantastic to watch because both guys are fantastic hitters who prefer fighting in standup rather than going down to the mat. We should see some big-time highlight reels, here, so don’t miss this bout.
Pereira vs. Prochazka Preview, Picks, Odds
Poatan is one of the best kickboxers in the world, and his background in that sport is fantastic. He had already defeated Adesanya twice before their UFC clashes, both times in kickboxing. He might not be an elite wrestler, but let’s not forget that one of the best grapplers in UFC history, Glover Teixeira, mentors Poatan, who significantly upgraded his skills in this area.
His takedown defense looked good in the previous bouts, but to be honest, it wasn’t properly tested, as all of the rivals weren’t particularly good on the mat.
Prochazka’s injury troubles prevented him from fighting again with Glover in their rematch. Ever since he didn’t appear in the octagon, vacating the title in the meantime and recovering. This guy came from Rizin, as the light heavyweight champion, immediately making his presence felt. He smashed Volkan Oezdemir, then beat Dominick Reyes, notching a fantastic KO, before submitting Glover. He, too, is a predominant striker, and the guy who likes to use his long reach.
His absence from the octagon is something we have to mention. Ring rust in matches like these is a very important factor, and you can’t neglect it while making any decisions. The odds are slightly on Pereira’s side, and we believe the bookmakers had this in mind when releasing the same. Here are the current ones.
Don’t Forget Pavlovich vs. Aspinall
The two heavyweights are entering this contest with one thing on their mind, which is victory. Whoever ends up winning will get the chance to attack the belt in the next battle.
Both guys have heavy hands and are massive strikers. The Russian rides a six-match winning streak, all by a first-round KO, beating names like Derrick Lewis, Tai Tuivasa, or Curtis Blaydes. On the other side, Aspinall had an injury against Blaydes but recovered to defeat Marcin Tybura. The Englishman is very good with his hands and a bit better than Pavlovich on the mat.
We also need to say that Pavlovich has a longer reach than Aspinall, almost six inches. Remember that too because it might be crucial.
