UFC 303 Preview: 30 Tidbits, Facts And Storylines

fun UFC Saudi Arabia event Robert Whittaker Indicated Ikram Aliskerov “levelMixed martial arts (MMA) is joined by UFC, which hosts a massive annual international fight week event in Las Vegas, Nevada. UFC 303.

In the pay-per-view (PPV) main event, Alex Pereira Defend the Light Heavyweight Championship Jiri ProchazkaIn the semi-main event, the two-time featherweight title challenger Brian Ortegarapidly increasing Diego Lopez (In a 155-pound match).

UFC 303 has some great fights and a great atmosphere because it’s a massive card. So, before the action kicks off later tonight (Sat., June 29, 2024) on PPV and ESPN,ESPN+So let’s check out some stories, trivia and stats before the broadcast.

pain.

As you all know, UFC 303 is Conor McGregorBut a toe injury ruined it all.seriously). Now, McGregor Vs. Michael ChandlerExpect it to go down later this year.

rematch

The Pereira vs. Prochazka bout is back on track this weekend, and let’s be honest, fans would be happy if they fought every two weeks. These two light heavyweights faced off for the first time in the iconic arena that is Madison Square Garden. UFC 295 They were competing for the interim 205-pound title. “Poitan” knocked out Prochazka in the second round.

This is a bit of a quick announcement…

Yes, Pereira vs. Prochazka is a last-minute bout. They were scheduled to meet in the main event of UFC 305 in Perth, Australia. Israel Adesanya versus Drix du Plessis in August. So, while they knew about the matchup and had been training for each other, Pereira was in Australia when he signed the contract.

Win-win

Pereira is in the ultimate win-win scenario: Not only has he become even more legendary for once again contributing to the UFC (more on that later), translation: Sources have told me that if he loses, he will be granted an immediate rematch in New York later this year.

The phenomenal “Poitan”

Pereira’s performance inside the Octagon has been truly impressive so far. In eight UFC bouts, Pereira UFC two-division championheadlining at Madison Square Garden (Two degrees), defeating four former UFC champions,And saved) He won UFC 300 and then saved International Fight Week.

When you think about it, these accolades are pretty impressive, especially considering that most of his fighting career was in kickboxing.

Ah, Jill

Pereira’s accomplishments at UFC are incredible, but so is Prochazka’s UFC resume. So far, he’s knock out Aleksandar Rakic and Volkan Ozdemir, submit Glover Teixeiraformer Bellator light heavyweight champion, Vadim Nemkov.

That guy is special.

Mexican Fighting Tournament with Stakes

Ortega vs. Lopez is the new co-main event for UFC 303. This fight is one of the best in the featherweight division because both fighters are excellent grapplers and it’s very exciting. Moreover, this fight could very well be a matchup of No. 1 contenders.

Ilia Topuria versus Max Holloway The fight is supposed to take place, but if it falls through, the winner of Lopez vs. Ortega will likely take his place, or they could wait for the winner of Topuria vs. Holloway.

Change of weight measurement date

During the early morning weigh-ins for UFC 303, UFC announced that the Ortega vs. Lopez bout will take place at lightweight.

Ortega had been planning on moving up to the 155-pound weight class, but the short notice put those plans (and the weight) on hold.

To the Moon

Lopez has taken off like a rocket since joining the UFC… and rightfully so, and a win at UFC 303 would see him rise from 14th to 3rd in the rankings.

It’s truly a stepping stone.

He lost his UFC debut Movsar Evloevhe defeated everyone in one round and emerged victorious at UFC 300. Sodiq Yusuf.

Luck of the same card

Pereira and Lopez have appeared on the same card twice before (UFC 295 and UFC 300), with both fights winning by technical knockout.

Switch Up Mania

The featured matches are Anthony Smith versus Roman Dorize It looks completely different from the original match.

In fact, the first match was against a former light heavyweight champion. Jamahal Hill, undertake Khalil Rowntree Jr.. but, Rountree Jr. failed a drug testso the battle Hill Vs. Carlos Ulberg. Next, Hill was injuredThen Smith stepped in and it was Smith vs. Ulberg. Ulberg was injured.And the final matchup (good luck to you) is Smith vs Dolidze.

rise

Dolidze will move up to light heavyweight to face Smith.

10 vs 10

Smith and Dolidze are both ranked 10th in their respective weight classes (middleweight and light heavyweight).

Polar bear in the desert

The new main card for UFC 303 (held together with duct tape) looks pretty great, but there’s one bout that stands out. Mayra Bueno Silva versus Macy ChiassonOh oh oh oh, Silva fought for the title last time and it was a terrible match. and performance.

With all due respect, this women’s bantamweight bout doesn’t deserve to be on the main card of the UFC 303 PPV, especially during “International Fight Week.” Instead, we’d be looking at Talbot vs. Gemmori or Swanson vs. Fili.

“MVP” gets a chance

Michael “Venom” Page (MVP) Ian GarryHe will move up to No. 7 in the welterweight rankings later tonight, which will put him in the UFC’s top 10 rankings.

“MVP” caused a big shock to the promotion with the upset. Kevin Holland He made his UFC debut at UFC 299 earlier this year and is currently on a two-fight win streak.

Unattractive

Gary has no interest in an upcoming bout with “MVP,” and during UFC 303 media day he made it clear he was “not interested,” which makes sense since the man he’s targeting is a former three-time title challenger. Colby Covington.

Garry was ranked low and only took the fight to stay active and to be on the same card as McGregor.

ah.

Time is a construct

Garry made his professional mixed martial arts (MMA) debut on February 16, 2019, the same night that Paige fought. Paul Daly at Bellator 216. Garry faced James Sheehan at Cage Warriors 101.

Both of them won.

rebound

Joe Pifer I want to bounce back from my first loss in a UFC main event. Jack HermansonIt was also his first “defeat” in the promotion: Pifer was given a rocket ship strapped to his back when he received his contract. Contender Series, And I still feel that way.

He’ll be facing a picture-perfect opponent. Marc-Andre Bario, He should then return to the UFC middleweight division with a highlight-deal knockout.

Triple retirement?

Three UFC veterans could be laying down their gloves in the Octagon on Saturday. Cub Swanson, Andrei Arlovski and/or Michelle Waterson.

Both Arlovski and Swanson are already 40 years old, Waterson 38, and it makes sense they’ll be fighting in front of a sold-out crowd in Las Vegas during International Fight Week, and Swanson hasn’t fought in front of a crowd since before the global COVID-19 pandemic (totally criminal).

Arlovski is fighting. Martin Budi, Waterson will fight Gillian Anderson, and Swanson will Andre Fillithis should be a big hit.

Come on, step up, kids.

Peyton Talbot He’ll be fighting outside the UFC Apex for the first time this weekend and will be the fighter everyone is talking about coming out of the “Prelims.”

Talbot became a talking point throughout the MMA world. Cameron Syman In his last bout earlier this year, he was set to compete at UFC 303.

He boasts an 88 percent finish rate and is one of the most decorated fighters in the UFC right now.

My favorite so far?

Talbot is not yet the biggest betting favorite, but it Bo Nickal (-2200). But leading up to fight day, Talbot could be better than that if the money keeps coming in for him. He’s currently the -1600 favorite and by far the biggest favorite going into UFC 303. Yannis Ghemmouri.

Welcome to UFC!

Only one fighter will be making his UFC debut this weekend. Rei Tsuruya (9-0). Tsurutani won the Road To UFC flyweight final (defeating Kinushizuki) and earned a UFC contract.

Tsuruta boasts an 88% finishing rate with four knockouts and four submissions. Carlos Hernandez.

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Curtain Jerker

The first bout at UFC 303 will feature former top 10 bantamweight Ricky Simon,undertake Vinicius Oliveira,he”Knockout of the Year” candidate.

This fight should undoubtedly rank high on the card, but the matchmakers know exactly what they’re doing: starting UFC 303 off with a bang.

UFC 303 Fight Leader

Arlovski is the fighter who has competed in the most fights of his career at UFC 303. (57)

UFC 303 Fight Rookie

Coming into UFC 303, the fighter with the fewest career fights is Talbot (8).

UFC 303 Knockout King

Of all the fighters competing at UFC 303, Prochazka (26) has the most career knockouts.

UFC 303 Submission Masters

Of all the fighters competing at UFC 303, Smith (15) has the most career submissions.

Winners and Losers

Thirteen fighters won and thirteen lost.

Multiple divisions

The categories on display this Saturday are:

• 1 Heavyweight bout
• Two light heavyweight bouts
• 1 Middleweight bout
• 1 welterweight bout
• Featherweight 3 bouts
• Two bantamweight bouts
• 1 Flyweight athlete
• Women’s strawweight: 1 person
• Women’s Bantamweight 1st place

Beta Dog

According to DraftKings, the “biggest” underdog at UFC 303 is Gem Mori. +900.

Watch UFC 303 LIVE PPV on ESPN+!

“The main event without McGregor!” The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) will take place on Saturday, June 29, 2024 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The box office did not reach new highs., Conor McGregorThe Irish sports star said,The greatest comeback of all time“He broke his pinky toe so (seriously). Coming to the Rescue He became the light heavyweight champion again. Alex PereiraHe agreed to a rematch with the former division champion. Jiri Prochazkain the pay-per-view (PPV) main event. The top featherweight contenders, co-headlining UFC 303, Brian Ortegawill try to thwart the rise of the burgeoning 145-pound prospect. Diego LopezUFC 303 PPV main card (Have a look at this) will also appear Anthony Smith versus Roman Dorize and Ian Garry versus Michael “Venom” Page Etc. Must-see action! UFC 303 Scheduled start time 6pm ET (Qualifying) and 10pm ET (PPV).

Don’t miss a second of this epic face-punching action!

To check out the latest and greatest UFC 303 fight card and rumors, click here here.