Midnight Mania: Watch Pereira Agree To Save UFC 303 At The Last Second

Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images

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Alex Pereira is unexpectedly just 14 days removed from his scheduled secon…


UFC 300: Pereira v Hill
Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images

Bringing you the weird and wild from the world of MMA each and every weeknight!

Welcome to Midnight Mania!

Alex Pereira is unexpectedly just 14 days removed from his scheduled second title defense.

At the very last minute, Pereira has agreed to step in for the injured Conor McGregor, rematching Jiri Prochazka for the scheduled second defense of his Light Heavyweight crown. “Poatan” is not supposed to be fighting in two weeks; he’s been on a seminar tour in Australia promoting himself and recovering from broken toes. Nevertheless, he’s agreed to step up and save the UFC 303 card, risking it all on short-notice.

That’s why he’s a star!

In the clip above (taken from Pereira’s YouTube channel), Pereira can be seen talking with his manager on the phone. “Poatan” doesn’t take long to accept the fight, quickly agreeing — CHAMA! — and saying that he’s been training while working on his trip. Pereira’s team learns the news as well, and they’re immediately excited for their pupil.

This is not the first time Alex Pereira has stepped up to headline a UFC event on short-notice. The first time Pereira and Prochazka fought was at UFC 295 in Madison Square Garden, and the duo replaced Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic as main event after Jones’ pectoral injury. Then, Pereira stepped up to headline UFC 300 when UFC couldn’t line up another worthy main event, but his bout versus Jamahal Hill was initially planned for UFC 301.

Hopefully, “Poatan” is getting paid well for continually stepping up to save the day. It’s certainly building his legend in the eyes of most fans!

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