In a major development for UFC 303, the main event has undergone a major change, leaving fans surprised and excited. UFC General Manager Dana White announced via social media channels that UFC lightweight champion Alex Pereira will defend his belt for the second time in as many months against Jiri Procházka in UFC 303 on June 29.
UFC 303 International Fight Week June 29 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 information on the new matchups, ensuring fans were ready for an electrifying event.
Pereira, who defended his 205-pound title against Jamahal Hill in the main event of UFC 300, makes a quick turnaround against a familiar foe in Jiri. The two met for an intense two-round affair in New York City in November 2023 for the then-vacant title, with “Poatan” emerging victorious. Jiri bounced back at UFC 300 with a statement-making finish over Aleksandar Rakić. Pereira is known for his rapid rise, winning both the middleweight and lightweight titles in the shortest time in UFC history (736 days) and achieving a 78% knockout rate.
White also announced an exciting featherweight showdown as the new main event. Former featherweight title challenger Brian “T-City” Ortega will face the fast-rising Diego Lopes. Ortega, who last fought in February during the UFC's return to Mexico City, picked up a long-awaited victory over Yair Rodriguez, keeping his position in the featherweight title picture. Lopes, one of the newcomers of 2023, made a name for himself with a first-round knockout victory over Sodiq Yusuff at UFC 300. The fight against Ortega gives Lopes a prime opportunity to jump into the featherweight elite as the contenders looked for a chance to play. to challenge the new champion Ilia Topuria.
In another major change, Jamahal Hill is out for the scheduled game with a knee injury. Carlos Ulberg, who enters the bout riding 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. Nativity Smith, an experienced fighter, recently submitted Vitor Petrino at UFC 301 in Brazil, presenting a high-profile opportunity for both fighters.
Dana White summed up the changes, stating, “It's been a crazy week here at UFC. This is the new lineup for UFC 303.”
New programming for the main event
Alex Pereira vs. Jiri Prochazka
Brian Ortega vs. Diego Lopes
Carlos Ulberg vs. Anthony Smith
Taking place on June 29, UFC 303 promises to be an explosive event with these new matchups, which will showcase some of the most skilled and exciting fighters in the sport.
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