Earlier this UFC 303 fight week, light heavyweight title challenger Jiri Prochazka accused champion Alex Pereira of using ‘magic’ and spiritual help to win fights, and ‘Poatan’ has now responded to his bizarre claims.

Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka accepted the late notice callup to save the UFC 303 card after Conor McGregor withdrew from his anticipated comeback fight against Michael Chandler.

The two first met in the Octagon this past November at UFC 285, where Pereira knocked out the former champion in the second round of their vacant light heavyweight title fight, sparking the beginning of their rivalry.

Jiri Prochazka doubles down on claims that Pereira uses magic

Earlier this week, Prochazka accused ‘Poatan’ of using ‘magic’ and ‘spiritual things’ to help him win fights, claiming that he noticed it ahead of the Brazilian’s UFC 300 fight against Jamahal Hill.

At the UFC 303 media day, the Czech fighter even admitted that he would ask Pereira not to use ‘magic’ ahead of their fight, to make the fight as fair as possible.

“Everybody knows it, and he’s doing rituals before the fight, everybody can feel what’s around him and what’s going on and I think Alex can’t fight without that.

“Right now, this is my challenge to him, if we can fight in a clear way in this case, to be without other things, some whatever but let the higher power be there in the cage to see who’s the best in the world in pure performance,” Prochazka said at the UFC 303 media day.

Although Prochazka is against Pereira’s alleged spiritual aid, he does in fact take part in a rather bizarre ritual of his own ahead of his fights.

Earlier this year, the 31-year-old once again locked himself in a dark room with no food and only water, where he spent three days meditating.

Pereira responds to Prochazka’s bizarre claim and challenge

‘Poatan’ responded to Prochazka’s by stating that everyone has the opportunity to find their spirit, and it’s not his fault if the 31-year-old hasn’t found his yet.

“Well, everybody has their own spirits we’re not only made of flesh and bone, I’ve found mine. If he has not found his or if he does not believe, it’s not my fault,” the champion said.

The 36-year-old proudly represents the Pataxo tribe from Brazil, and at Ceremonial weigh-ins, he can be seen with native tribal face painting and a headdress.

Ahead of his title defense on Saturday night, Chieftain Ubiranan and the Pataxo people will come together to pray for their compatriate, ahead of his battle, according to Guilherme Cruz.