Alexander Volkanovski has praised Alex Pereira for his activity as a champion, as the Brazilian prepares to headline UFC 303 on short notice.
Pereira is set to face Jiri Prochazka in the headline slot of International Fight Week, after it was confirmed last week that Conor McGregor was injured and out of his bout against Michael Chandler.
'Poatan' immediately agreed to step in, as did Prochazka, and the pair will run back their UFC 295 bout. During their first fight, which was for the then vacant 205-pound title, Pereira stopped 'Denisa' via a second TKO to clinch the title as well as hand the Czech fighter the first loss of his UFC career.
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Ahead of Alex Pereira vs. Jiri Prochazka 2, Alexander Volkanovski weighed in on the fight on his YouTube channel. The former UFC featherweight champ specifically highlighted Pereira's activity and praised him for it, comparing it to his own.
Since making his UFC debut in 2021, 'Poatan' has fought eight times (7-1), become a multi-weight champion and headlined the historic UFC 300 card. Of those eight fights (so far), four have also included a UFC title on the line.
Discussing Pereira's fighting activity, Volkanovski said:
"Pereira is defending his belt on short notice. I'm sure he would have got a good pay check but it just shows you what type of guy he is. You don't see many champions like this. Obviously there are a few of us that were fighting regularly and defending regularly, but there's some people that wanna choose the right fights at the right time. Alex Pereira isn't one of those."
Catch Volkanovski's comments here (1:20):
Jamahal Hill wants Alex Pereira rematch, regardless of UFC 303 outcome
Jamahal Hill has outlined his intentions of wanting to step into the octagon to face Alex Pereira again, regardless if it is for the light heavyweight title.
Hill previously faced Pereira at UFC 300 on his return from an Achilles injury that kept him out of the cage for almost a year. 'Sweet Dreams' lost the fight via first round KO, but has since blamed the loss on the moment the pair were separated after he caught the Brazilian with a low blow.
Since the defeat, Hill has been calling for a rematch against Pereira, and recently doubled down on his desire once again on his YouTube channel. According to Hill, he wants to face Pereira whether he wins or loses this weekend. He said:
"Best of luck to you in your fight in this rematch with Jiri because if you lose, I don't give a f**k if they offer me a title shot. It's me and you. You win, I'm going to go starch the next guy and I'll see you soon. You lose, I see you real soon."
Catch Hill's comments here: