Alex Pereira (9-2) continues his meteoric rise as he defeated Jiri Prochazka (29-4-1) to win the UFC Lightweight Champion and become the 9^th two division world champion in the main event of UFC 295 in New York at Madison Square Garden.

Pereira landed his signature left hook along with several elbows to put the former champion away. With this win, he earned his 2^nd championship victory in only 11 MMA fights. Four of his six UFC victories have come from KO/TKO.

This was Jiri Prochazka’s first fight since he won the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship in 2022 by dethroning then champion Glover Teixeira. Prochazka was forced to vacate the championship after suffering a shoulder injury five months into his reign.

In the co-main event, Tom Aspinall (14-3) became the UFC Interim Heavyweight Champion by knocking out Sergei Pavlovich (18-2) early in the first round. Aspinall connected with a big right hand and threw several follow-up strikes to put Pavlovich away.

This win makes Aspinall the 3^rd British UFC Champion following Leon Edwards and Michael Bisping. He also extends his winning streak to two, as he defeated Marcin Tybura earlier this year by TKO.

Originally, Jon Jones was scheduled to defend the UFC Heavyweight Championship against Stipe Miocic, but a torn pectoral tendon injury would cancel the bout. The matchup between Aspinall and Pavlovich was then made on 17 days’ notice.

Elsewhere on the main card, Jessica Andrade (25-12) once again showcases her power by knocking out Mackenzie Dern (13-4) in the 2^nd round. Benoit Saint-Denis (13-1, 1 NC) continues to rise up the lightweight division, as extends his winning streak to four as he finished Matt Frevola (11-4-1) via head kick in the 1^st round. Diego Lopes (23-6) earned his 2^nd UFC victory by defeating Pat Sabatini (18-5) by 1^st round TKO.

Prelims

Steve Erceg def. Alessandro Costa via Decision

Lupita Godinez def. Tabatha Ricci via Decision

Mateusz Rebecki def. Roosevelt Roberts via R1 Submission

Jared Gordon def. Mark Madsen via R1 KO/TKO

John Castaneda def. Kang Kyung-ho via Decision

Joshua Van def. Kevin Borjas via Decision

Jamall Emmers def. Dennis Buzukja via R1 KO/TKO