Max Holloway shares why he believes Jiri Prochazka will dethrone Alex Pereira at UFC 303: "The time is now"
Jiri Prochazka is set to make his return to the octagon this weekend when he challenges Alex Pereira for the light heavyweight title in the main event of UFC 303. Max Holloway recently made his prediction for the bout, sharing that he believes the No.1-ranked light heavyweight will dethrone the champion due to the timing of the bout.
Speaking on his self-titled YouTube channel, 'Blessed' shared his prediction for the bout, stating:
"If there is a time to get Mr. Pereira in a fight, the time is now. Jiri was in his hut right after UFC 300 training for a fight, training for something. He left UFC 300, went back home to his hut and started training again. Mr. Pereira, on the other hand, was on the opposite side of the world doing world tours. In Australia doing side missions like he's been. He's always been doing side missions, man, this guy is a G."
Holloway continued:
"Always been doing side missions, but if I had to tell you guys that the time to get Alex Pereira, the time would be now, bro. I mean, full camp both guys, anybody can win a fight. This is MMA, brother. Don't say - I don't want to disrespect Jiri and be like, 'oh, this is the only chance you got'. I'm just saying, if your odds are greater on one side, it is now, guys, it is now. If I was a betting man and a gambler, I'd have to go with Jiri."
Check out Max Holloway's comments on Alex Pereira vs. Jiri Prochazka below:
Prochazka and Pereira previously clashed for the vacant light heavyweight title at UFC 295 last November. While 'Poatan' won the bout via second-round TKO, it was not without controversy as many believed that it was stopped prematurely. 'Denisa' will have the opportunity to get revenge this weekend.
Jiri Prochazka shares reason for accepting Alex Pereira clash on short notice
Jiri Prochazka defended his position as the light heavyweight division's top contender when he defeated Aleksandar Rakic via second-round TKO at UFC 300. While he could have waited for a title opportunity, he accepted a clash with Alex Pereira on just over two weeks notice after the originally planned UFC 303 main event between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler was called off.
Speaking to Ariel Helwani of The MMA Hour, the No.1-ranked light heavyweight discussed his decision, stating:
"It doesn't matter. Last chance, first chance, it doesn't matter. I am a yes man. I am the yes man and I believe in the chances and I believe in the spontaneous decisions."
Check out Jiri Prochazka's comments on accepting a short notice clash against Alex Pereira below:
Prochazka later revealed that he is a fan of fighting on short notice as he can display his best right now. He noted that it eliminates all of the thinking that goes on during training camps.