Alex Pereira's spectacular performance at UFC 303 earned him a staggering $303,000 bonus from Dana White, according to his coach. Pereira, 36, has now stepped in twice in just three months to save the UFC, having also defeated Jamahal Hill in the main event of UFC 300 on short notice back in April.
The UFC 303 event, however, was even more tumultuous. Pereira was initially in talks for a rematch against Jiri Prochazka for UFC 305 when the UFC approached his team to replace Conor McGregor at UFC 303. Despite his coach's initial hesitation, Pereira was ready to step up immediately. By the next morning, all details were finalized, and the title rematch was set.
Pereira had previously claimed the light heavyweight title with a second-round TKO over Prochazka in November 2023. This time, his coach anticipated a longer fight, planning to pace themselves in the early rounds and increase pressure as the fight progressed. Their strategy aimed to exploit Prochazka’s tendency to take risks later in the fight.
The turning point came from an unlikely source: Instagram. Before the fight, Pereira's team noticed a flaw in Prochazka's defense from a UFC social media clip. They quickly adjusted their game plan, resulting in a devastating head kick that ended the fight in the second round.
This victory not only highlighted Pereira's skill but also his team’s quick adaptability. The stark contrast between Prochazka’s intense locker room preparation and Pereira’s team casually line dancing may have also played a psychological role. Prochazka had previously accused Pereira of using "black magic," which might have impacted his mindset.
With this win, Pereira's UFC record now stands at an impressive 8-1, with six victories over current or former champions. As one of the few fighters to hold titles in two different weight classes, there is ongoing speculation about Pereira moving up to heavyweight, potentially aiming to become the first three-division champion in UFC history.
Pereira’s coach, Cruz, expressed his unwavering belief in Pereira's abilities, noting his unique vision and skill in combining boxing and kickboxing. Pereira’s latest win and substantial bonus underscore his pivotal role in the UFC, continually stepping up to deliver when it matters most.
