ALEX PEREIRA is still the UFC’s light-heavyweight champion following yet another brutal knockout victory.
The Brazilian made his second defence of the 205lbs throne early on Sunday morning in the main event of UFC 303 in Las Vegas.
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Standing between the fan favourite and a second title defence in just over two months was former opponent Jiri Prochazka, whom he knocked out last November to claim the then-vacant title.
And ‘Poatan‘ replicated that feat in even more devastating fashion second time around.
The 36-year-old dropped Prochazka in the final seconds of the first round.
And he closed the show seconds after the restart with a hellacious switch kick.
MMA fans around the world are now clamouring for former middleweight king Pereira to move up to heavyweight, a weight class he’s eager to test himself in.
He told Joe Rogan: “I think that’s in my future, I said that last time I was here.
“I said it a lot, but there didn’t seem to be too much interest from the organisation.
“But I’m here, I’m available, but I do think that’s in my future.”
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There was no touch of gloves as the second chapter of the duo’s rivalry got underway, although their respect for one another was evident in the pre-fight build-up.
Prochazka looked to put Pereira on the back foot early doors but the champ did a good job of staying at range and landing calf kicks.
Pereira managed to land a big left hook midway through the round, a shot which drew a big reaction from the crowd.
Another landed shortly after but Prochazka returned fire with one of his own before initiating a clinch against the fence.
Pereira defended well and eventually managed to force a separation before going back to the leg kick well.
A millisecond before the round was over, he put Prochazka on his backside with a huge left hook.
Prochazka was so badly stunned that he forgot the horn had sounded and urged Pereira to come to the ground.
The Czech clubber managed to get back to his feet but was badly hurt.
And a mere 13 seconds after the restart, the fight was over as Pereira landed a vicious switch kick that flattened the former champion and closed the show with some academic ground and pound.
The only downside for Pereira was the fact he appeared to damage the already-broken toes he suffered prior to UFC 300.
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