When Dana White announced Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler as the main event of UFC 303, it excited the fight fans. However, fans are now worried after McGregor canceled the Dublin press conference. Rumors speculate that The Mac has suffered an injury, and the UFC is looking for replacement fighters or fights.
McGregor is the sport’s biggest star, and it is difficult to replace him. However, the UFC faced a similar situation at UFC 295. The original main event was Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic, but Jones pulled out due to injury. However, they elevated the co-main event fight between Jiri Prochazka and Alex Pereira to the main event spot.
Will Dana White Put a Light Heavyweight Main Event at UFC 303?
Dana White and the UFC’s decision to make Alex Pereira vs. Jiri Prochazka the main event of UFC 295 was a masterstroke. The event broke several records and generated the third-highest live gate at Madison Square Garden. Only a Conor McGregor PPV generated more than UFC 295. Pereira’s growing star power enabled the record-breaking feat.
White faces a similar conundrum, and rumors speculate the UFC CEO has turned to Pereira and Prochazka to save the card. Prochazka had already confirmed he signed a contract for a fight. Pereira has also confirmed he was looking for a rematch with Prochazka rather than a fresh matchup against Magomed Ankalaev.
If McGregor is unavailable, Pereira is the best replacement. Of the top 10 highest live gate-generating PPVs, Pereira has headlined four – UFC 300, UFC 295, UFC 287, and UFC 281. UFC 300 is the highest live-gate-generating PPV that didn’t feature Conor McGregor. Pereira has never headlined an International Fight Week PPV, and UFC 303 will be a good debut.
McGregor has never pulled out of a scheduled fight. Some even have stated that McGregor fought Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 with the leg injury that ultimately caused his demise. There is a first time for everything, and if UFC 303 is McGregor’s first, Alex Pereira vs. Jiri Prochazka is the answer for UFC and Dana White.
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