Yet, as the matchups were incrementally disclosed, a discernible undercurrent of discontent pervaded among the fans — not solely stemming from the caliber of the scheduled card, which without question underpinned the main card, but rather due to the glaring lack of a premier attraction capable of transcending the spectacle to uncharted heights. It’s unclear if those uncertainties were mollified with the revelation of the main event spectacle that would pit freshly crowned 205-pound king Alex Pereira, set to embark on his first title defense, against former champ Jamahal Hill.
“Poatan” seized the vacant light heavyweight throne when he defeated another former champ, Jiri Prochazka, via TKO in the second round of their main event clash at UFC 295. These developments in the division came by the stroke of misfortune as Hill ruptured his Achilles tendon playing a basketball game during UFC International Fight Week 2023, which led to him relinquishing his title. With the stage set for the grand spectacle, we take a look at some of the statistical intricacies that bind the fighters together:
2 years/7 bouts: Pereira’s rise in the UFC is unprecedented, underscored by the fact that he took the shortest time and fewest bouts to win championships in two divisions in UFC history.
1: “Poatan” remains the only fighter in the history of the organization to lay hands on the middleweight and light heavyweight throne.
4: The Brazilian’s explosive ways have garnered him the Performance of the Night honors on four occasions.
62%: With a significant strike accuracy of 62%, Pereira ranks fourth among the best across all weight classes.
50%: Besides his offensive prowess, Pereira displays a commendable defense, evading 50% of opponent’s strikes.
70%: The 36-year-old averages 70% takedown defense, a testament to his ability to keep the fight standing and evade grappling advances.
6.99: With 6.99 strikes landed per minute, Hill occupies the second spot in the 205-pound bracket for the same.
157: Hill achieved the fourth-highest significant strike differential and the second-highest in UFC championship history in his fight against Glover Teixeira at UFC 283.
562: He also holds a significant spot at No.3 across all divisions for most significant strikes attempted at 562 against Teixeira.
1: “Sweet Dreams” is also the first Dana White’s Contender Series graduate to become an undisputed UFC champion.