Volkanovski backing Pereira to KO Prochazka at UFC 303

Australian UFC star Alexander Volkanovski is convinced Alex Pereira will send Jiri Prochazka to the canvas and force a premature end to their June 29 rematch at UFC 303 in Las Vegas.

Light heavyweights Pereira and Prochazka are stepping up on short notice to headline the event at T-Mobile Arena this Saturday.

The originally planned main event between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler fell through after McGregor suffered a toe injury.

In a recent interview with Fox Sports Australia, Volkanovski discussed his future plans and weighed in on the upcoming clash between Pereira and Prochazka.

“Pereira knockout, definitely,” he predicted.

“One thing about this fight as well, they are both massive risk-takers.

“They both fight that fight. You have Jiri, who will put his head in danger and be happy to try and pull them out of range and then come back in.

“Pereira, he literally puts his whole body — he’ll be in range.

“Both very risky ways of fighting, both very exciting, works well for both of them.

“It’s gonna be a lot of fireworks, I think they’re both gonna hurt each other and then someone gets the knockout — first or second round.”

Volkanovski looks to continue UFC predictions streak

Volkanovski has built something of a reputation for picking UFC results.

The Australian successfully predicted Jose Aldo to beat Jonathan Martinez in the UFC 301 co-main event.

Martinez was widely favoured on the back of a six-fight winning streak, while Aldo was coming out of retirement.

“That fast twitch is still there, the same technical guy we’ve always seen,” said Volkanovski of Aldo ahead of UFC 301.

“Martinez is obviously on a win streak, but I’m gonna back the local hero Jose Aldo.”

Volkanovski’s belief in Aldo paid off, as the veteran silenced doubters with an impressive victory.

Is he right about Pereira now too? UFC bookmakers seem to think so.

Pereira vs Prochazka odds echo Volkanovski’s prediction

Just like Volkanovski, the betting lines for Pereira vs Prochazka point to a knockout.

Odds for the fight not going the distance are set at a low -588.24 with UFC betting sites. Pereira is slightly ahead in the knockout market at +110, with Prochazka on +200.

These odds reflect the head-to-head betting as well. Bovada has Pereira as a -138.89 favourite to win, with Prochazka close behind at +110.

Pereira scored a TKO win against the Czech fighter to win the UFC Light Heavyweight title last year in New York.

Prochazka will be looking to avenge the defeat, but he’ll be wary of falling victim to Pereira’s intense fighting style once again. The underdog might resort to striking from afar instead.

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