Alex Pereira’s astonishing knockout victory over Jiri Prochazka at UFC 303 has fans and pundits alike buzzing, drawing comparisons to boxing legends Terence Crawford and Mike Tyson. Pereira’s stunning head kick in the rematch left Prochazka sprawled on the canvas, showcasing the Brazilian’s elite combat skills and formidable presence.
Known for his unique skill set and imposing size, Pereira’s prowess in the octagon has garnered high praise. Boxing trainer Teddy Atlas likens Pereira’s vision and timing to that of current pound-for-pound boxing star Terence Crawford, while also noting his intimidating presence akin to heavyweight legend Mike Tyson.
Atlas elaborated, “He’s got radar. He’s got x-ray vision. He sees things other people don’t see. Terence Crawford in boxing is that kind of guy. When you see things and you’re that calm, and you’re in that calm kind of environment, you see things and react just a little bit faster.”
He continued, “They call it timing, but he has special timing because he’s that calm and he’s got those kinds of eyes. When a guy can go into your soul, it’s like he’s looking right through. There was Sonny Liston, George Foreman, and Mike Tyson — it worked for them. [Pereira’s opponents are] thinking, ‘How come he doesn’t feel like I feel? I feel my heart pounding, I feel all this. He doesn’t feel it? So he’s not human?’ That’s where you start to get into that crazy place. That boogeyman place. Right now, Alex Pereira is the boogeyman.”
Tyson, renowned for his ferocious and aggressive style, developed a fearsome reputation as one of the most feared punchers in boxing history. His reign as an undisputed heavyweight champion saw records fall as he dominated opponents with his powerful punches.
Similarly, Crawford is cementing his legacy with his exceptional boxing IQ and elite timing, achieving the status of a three-weight world champion.
Pereira, who has conquered the UFC in two weight classes, has hinted at a potential switch to heavyweight. Despite suffering a defeat to Israel Adesanya, Pereira’s journey through the ranks has been marked by his remarkable progress and resilience.
The future for Pereira remains uncertain, but UFC President Dana White has expressed a desire for him to stay at 205lbs and clear out the division.
With his impressive skill set and the fear factor he brings into the octagon, Alex Pereira continues to captivate the world of combat sports, earning his place among the greats like Crawford and Tyson.
