New footage shows Jiri Prochazka struggling to stand after brutal Alex Pereira KO at UFC 303
Jiri Prochazka could barely walk in the aftermath of his brutal KO defeat to Alex Pereira.
Prochazka rematched UFC light-heavyweight champion Pereira in a revenge bid after losing to the Brazilian last November by second round stoppage.
But it ended in a similar fate for the Czech star, who was knocked to the canvas by a brutal head kick before being ground-and-pounded until the referee halted the clash.
Fans on social media questioned if the fight could have been stopped before Prochazka sustained more damage.
And new footage has now emerged of Prochazka barely able to climb to his feet as referee Herb Dean attempted to intervene.
Pereira initially tried to help up his rival, but was ushered away by Dean who then himself attempted to pick up the limp Prochazka from the ground.
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The contender was simply unable to balance and after being brought to his feet assisted, he was held up and slowly brought back to stability.
Even when risen, the 31-year-old was uneasy on his feet and received medical assessment after the brutal shot.
It was an extremely good win for 'Poatan' who once again made a huge statement at 205lbs.
The Brazilian has reigned as king in two weight divisions and is now being linked with a switch to heavyweight.
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And UFC president Dana White has insisted it is an option that could be available for the talented champion.
He said at the post-fight press conference: “I’m standing up there with the belt and I had Joe Rogan in my ear the whole time we were up there: ‘Let him fight heavyweight!
"'Come on! Just do it!’ I know that’s what people wanna see'. We’ll see how this whole thing plays out.
"When we were talking to him tonight, he doesn’t give a s**t. He said, ‘I’ll fight at heavyweight.
"'I’ll fight wherever you want, whenever you want.’ He’s ready to turn around and wants to fight again, right away.
"He’s that guy. He’s a savage man, an absolute stud.”
The title is currently held by pound-for-pound great Jon Jones, who captured the crown by beating Cyril Gane in March 2023.
It is currently unclear if Jones would entertain any title challenge from Pereira, given he could retire after his planned next bout against Stipe Miocic.