Alex Pereira Rematches Jiri Prochazka As New UFC 303 Main Event
The Light Heavyweight Title Is On The Line Between Two Of The Most Exciting Fighters On The Roster At UFC 303
UFC CEO Dana White announced via his 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 Jiří Procházka at UFC 303 on June 29.
The announcement came in the wake of the cancellation of the bout between “The Notorious” Conor McGregor and “Iron” Michael Chandler being scrapped due to an injury to McGregor.
Pereira, who defended his 205-pound title against Jamahal Hill in UFC 300’s main event, makes the quick turnaround against a familiar foe in Procházka. The two squared off for an intense 2-round affair in New York City in November 2023 for the then-vacant title, and “Poatan” came away victorious. Procházka bounced back at UFC 300 with a statement-making finish of his own over Aleksandar Rakić.
White also announced a new co-main event, a thrilling featherweight matchup between former featherweight title challenger Brian “T-City” Ortega and the fast-rising Diego Lopes. Ortega last fought in February in UFC’s return to Mexico City, where he earned a long-awaited bounce-back victory over Yair Rodriguez to maintain his position in the featherweight title picture.
Lopes, one of 2023’s breakout newcomers, announced himself as a real force at 145-pounds with his first-round knockout win over Sodiq Yusuff at UFC 300. The bout against Ortega presents Lopes a wickedly ripe opportunity to jump into the featherweight elite as the contenders jockey for position to challenge newly-minted champion Ilia Topuria.
This bout takes place in lieu of the scheduled matchup between former light heavyweight champion Hill and fast-rising New Zealander Carlos Ulberg. Hill is no longer scheduled to fight due to a knee injury. Stepping into his spot is former light heavyweight title challenger Anthony Smith, who most recently submitted Vitor Petrino at UFC 301 in Brazil. It remains a high-profile opportunity for Ulberg, who comes into the bout on a 6-fight winning streak, including five consecutive finishes. Most recently, Ulberg knocked out Alonzo Menifield in 12 seconds at UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs Nascimento.
Pereira-Procházka 2 caps off another International Fight Week, which includes the UFC Hall of Fame ceremony on June 27 as well as the annual UFC X fan experience on June 28 and 29.
Stay tuned to UFC.com for any updates regarding all events.