While many MMA fans are favoring Alex Pereira to win at UFC 303, former UFC champion Kamaru Usman is leaning towards Jiri Prochazka for the upset victory.

The highly anticipated main event between light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira and former king Jiri Prochazka has divided the MMA community. Despite Pereira being slightly favored by bookmakers, Kamaru Usman disagrees.

Breaking down the UFC 303 main card on the Pound-4-Pound Podcast, Usman revealed his prediction: “Listen, I had to go back and watch that fight again and Jiri Prochazka is the favorite here, he’s the favorite to me going into this fight – yeah, he lost that [first] fight, but he’s the favorite [in the rematch].”

Usman highlighted the distractions champions face, noting Pereira’s media commitments impacting his training focus. Reflecting on their previous encounter, Usman acknowledged Prochazka’s strengths: “Jiri Prochazka was putting on kind of a masterclass… he looked like the more complete mixed martial artist for sure.”

Despite Prochazka’s loss in their previous bout, Usman emphasized his potential if he adjusts his strategy: “If he makes that minor adjustment, I think he’s the favorite in this fight… I can’t wait for this fight!”