Cutting weight is an integral part of combat sports. Many fighters consider the process tougher than the actual fight itself. Some fighters find it challenging to cut weight, while others cut humongous amounts without much issue. Alex Pereira, the current light heavyweight UFC champion, was the former middleweight champion. Scheduled to fight Jiri Prochazka at UFC 303, Pereira has looked bigger than ever.
Pereira Gained 26 lbs After UFC 303 Weigh-In
The champion and challenger weighed 204.5 lbs for the light heavyweight title fight at UFC 303. Pereira revealed he had gained 26 lbs by midnight, making him a natural heavyweight fighter. For context, Stipe Miocic, the arguable heavyweight UFC GOAT, has weighed in the 230 lbs range. The Brazilian used to gain 25 lbs when he was middleweight, too.
On the other hand, Jiri Prochazka won’t likely be gaining weight like his opponent. Dricus du Plessis, the middleweight UFC champion, revealed that he weighs more than the Czech Republican. Prochazka has also revealed he would make the middleweight limit, but only after settling the unfinished business at light heavyweight.
Even though Pereira has gained similar weight after the cut at 185lbs and 205lbs, the latter seems to help him recover better. At 185lbs, Pereira suffered a brutal knockout loss to Israel Adesanya. On the other hand, he fared better against power punchers like Jan Blachowicz, Jamahal Hill, and Prochazka at 205lbs.
Tensions are rising as Prochazka and Pereira inch closer to their rematch. Though the Brazilian TKOed the Czech Republican at UFC 295, the short-notice nature of the upcoming fight has swayed many to pick Prochazka to win the light heavyweight title. Nonetheless, “Poatan” is a slight betting favorite in the fight.
