Jiri Prochazka releases statement on UFC 303 knockout loss: ‘I need to evolve ... or quit’

Last-minute title challenger Prochazka was clearly gutted by his disappointing second round knockout loss to Alex Pereira in UFC 303’s pay-per-view (PPV) main event.

Jiri Prochazka is speaking out after his disappointing (and violent) loss at UFC 303 last night (Sat., June 29, 2024) to Light Heavyweight champion, Alex Pereira (watch highlights).

Prochazka and Pereira previously clashed at UFC 295 back in Nov. 2023. It was a competitive fight that saw Prochazka aggressively pursuing Pereira, putting “Poatan” on the backfoot. “The Czech Samurai” won the first round on all three judges scorecards. But, a sloppy takedown attempt in the second led to a barrage of elbows to Prochazka’s temple and a stoppage moments later (watch it).

Prochazka fought more tentatively for the rematch on Saturday night in Las Vegas, Nevada. The gameplan (and this) did not serve him well: “Poatan” attacked with little pushback, knocking down his opponent down badly in the final second of round one. Then, round two ended moments after it started with a head kick knockout.

It was a crushing defeat. And Prochazka was stoic — but clearly upset — as he recorded a video statement about the result.

“Thank you for all your support,” he said to the fans. “Thanks to you, Alex, for a fight. He was better. And only one thing goes on in my mind: that I need to evolve to the next level, or don’t fight again. So it’s simple. To be the strongest, this is the way. Thank you.”

It’s a tough loss for Prochazka, especially when you consider he’s now winless (0-2) against a dominant champion. Fighters don’t usually get a third crack at an opponent after losing twice, especially this badly via knockout.

So, until “Poatan” drops the belt, Prochazka could be stuck in 205-pound limbo.

It’s not all bad news, though. Prochazka had a very lucrative first half of 2024: he was undoubtedly paid very well to step up for UFC 303, and just cashed a UFC 300 bonus worth $300,000. While he’d undoubtedly trade it all for championship gold, we have a feeling he’ll follow through on his vow to evolve rather than quit.

As for Pereira, he had some kind words for the challenger.

“I wish him a speedy recovery for everything,” he said through a translator at UFC 303’s post-fight press conference. “I know he talk a lot about spirituality. Just so he knows, the same god that blessed us is the one that protects us. I pray a lot for him and for me to be healthy after this fight.”

Magical!

For more UFC 303 results, reactions and highlight videos click HERE.