In a significant development for UFC 303, the headline event has undergone a major change, leaving fans both stunned and excited. UFC CEO Dana White announced via social media channels that UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira will defend his belt for the second time in as many months as he takes on Jiri Procházka at UFC 303 on June 29.
UFC 303 International Fight Week June 29th pic.twitter.com/P47PSsKcg0
— danawhite (@danawhite) June 14, 2024
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The announcement came in the wake of the cancellation of the bout between “The Notorious” Conor McGregor and “Iron” Michael Chandler, which was scrapped due to an injury to McGregor. Dana White provided detailed insights into the new matchups, ensuring fans are in for an electrifying event.
Pereira, who defended his 205-pound title against Jamahal Hill in UFC 300’s main event, makes a quick turnaround against a familiar foe in Jiri. The two squared off for an intense two-round affair in New York City in November 2023 for the then-vacant title, and “Poatan” came away victorious. Jiri bounced back at UFC 300 with a statement-making finish of his own over Aleksandar Rakić. Pereira is known for his rapid rise, winning both middleweight and light heavyweight titles in the shortest time in UFC history—736 days—and achieving a knockout rate of 78%.
White also announced a thrilling featherweight matchup as the new co-main event. Former featherweight title challenger Brian “T-City” Ortega will face the fast-rising Diego Lopes. Ortega, who last fought in February during UFC’s return to Mexico City, earned a long-awaited victory over Yair Rodriguez, maintaining his position in the featherweight title picture. Lopes, one of 2023’s breakout newcomers, made a name for himself with a first-round knockout win over Sodiq Yusuff at UFC 300. The bout against Ortega presents Lopes with a prime opportunity to jump into the featherweight elite as contenders jockey for a chance to challenge newly-minted champion Ilia Topuria.
In another significant change, Jamahal Hill is out of the scheduled matchup due to a knee injury. Carlos Ulberg, who comes into the bout on a six-fight winning streak, including five consecutive finishes, will step in to face former light heavyweight title challenger Anthony Smith. Ulberg, known for his explosive performance, recently knocked out Alonzo Menifield in 12 seconds at UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Nascimento. Smith, a seasoned fighter, most recently submitted Vitor Petrino at UFC 301 in Brazil, presenting a high-profile opportunity for both fighters.
Dana White summarized the changes, stating, “It has been a crazy week here at UFC. That is the new lineup for UFC 303.”
New Main Event Lineup
Alex Pereira vs. Jiri Procházka
Brian Ortega vs. Diego Lopes
Carlos Ulberg vs. Anthony Smith
UFC 303, taking place on June 29, promises to be an explosive event with these new matchups, showcasing some of the most skilled and exciting fighters in the sport.
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