Adam Kramer: From a sheer style standpoint, this is a fascinating, delightful fight. Two massive 205-pound fighters will square up, and it doesn't feel like this one is going to go to the judges. For Prochazka, coming off an injury and a long layoff, it's fair to question how that will impact his performance. For Pereira, who showed a lot in his fight against Jan Blachowicz, it's about squaring up a fighter with an awkward style and a lot of movement.
Ultimately, however, Pereira will find his shot and solve the puzzle. While Prochazka's skill set will be a challenge to deal with, especially early, Pereira will eventually find his window.
Pereira by knockout, Round 3
Tom Taylor: Pereira is considered one of the scariest knockout artists in the UFC right now. In fact, with Francis Ngannou out of the picture, he'd probably be the No. 1 pick for many people in that debate. That's a justified reputation. He's been a force of destruction in the Octagon, as he was in the kickboxing ring before that.
Just don't let Pereira's striking prowess distract you from Prochazka's. The Czech samurai has scored a ridiculous 25 of his 29 wins by knockout, and while he may not be as technically polished as Pereira, he's far more unpredictable than the Brazilian.
You can probably see where I'm going with this. Prochazka will need to be very careful for every moment this fight is on the feet, but if he's able to stay out of trouble, I think he ends this one in style.
Prochazka by knockout, Round 3
Lyle Fitzsimmons: I'm with Tom on this one. Though Pereira is as menacing a 205-pound commodity as I can imagine in a cage, to simply dwell on his highlight-reel KO ability is to forget how significant a toolbox Prochazka possesses.
Is it possible Prochazka will find himself in the same position that Israel Adesanya, also a dynamic and talented fighter, found himself in their first UFC fight? Sure. Always. But it's far more likely to me that Prochazka plays the long game, gets into the Brazilian's gas tank and gets a finish of his own in the octagonal "championship rounds."
Prochazka by TKO, Round 4
