Alexander Volkanovski predicts “firework” finish to Alex Pereira vs. Jiri Prochazka rematch at UFC 303: “It's destined to happen"
Alexander Volkanovski believes that the rematch between Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka set for June 29 will produce an explosive finish. The light heavyweight pair will headline UFC 303 on short-notice after Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler was canceled due to 'The Notorious' breaking his toe.
'Poatan' defeated Prochazka in the main event of UFC 300 in April, a pay-per-view card that many were expecting to be headlined by the return of McGregor. But the Brazilian sacrificed a chance to fight in front of home fans at UFC 301, with the promotion's biggest ever PPV card needing a worthy main event.
While there have been calls from fans for perennial contender Magomed Ankalaev to be granted a shot at Pereira's title, the promotion opted to book a rematch between two of the division's most exciting strikers.
Ahead of their second fight, 'The Great' broke the UFC 303 main event down during a recent episode of MainEvent on Fox Sports Australia. He said this:
"One thing about this fight as well, [they are] both massive risk takers. They both fight that fight. You have Jiri, who will put his head in danger and be happy to try and pull them out of range and then come back in.
"Pereira, he literally puts his whole body, he'll be in range... Both very risky ways of fighting, both very exciting, works well for both of them... It's gonna be a lot of fireworks, I think they're both gonna hurt each other and then someone gets the knockout - first or second round. It's destined to happen."
Watch Alexander Volkanovski's breakdown below (2:30):
Alexander Volkanovski heaps praise on Alex Pereira for short-notice title defense
Alexander Volkanovski said that despite him being close friends with Israel Adesanya, longtime rival of Alex Pereira, the Brazilian is "growing" on 'The Great' for his willingness to step up to the plate.
'Poatan' has now helped save two UFC pay-per-views in the last three months, and alongside Jiri Prochazka, accepted a main event slot at UFC 303 on less than three weeks' notice.
Pereira will be putting his title on the line against a dangerous striker in Prochazka, which earned him even more respect from Volkanovski. During a UFC 303 preview video, the former champion said this:
"A lot of respect for him doing what he's doing; defending his belt on short notice. Yeah, he's getting paid... Pereira is taking his belt to the short notice."
Watch Alexander Volkanovski's video below (19:00):