After the cancellation of Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler, MMA fans’ disappointment was short-lived. UFC head honcho Dana White announced a light heavyweight title fight to replace the anticipated welterweight battle between McGregor and Chandler.
Even though McGregor had not fought in three years, he is still the biggest star in the promotion. UFC 303 was on course to break the first $20 million live gate. That will likely happen as the replacement fight is an even better stylistic matchup.
Dana White Announces Alex Pereira vs. Jiri Prochazka to Headline UFC 303
Even though Conor McGregor is the biggest superstar, his matchup with Michael Chandler didn’t offer the fans much. With Dana White announcing that Alex Pereira will rematch Jiri Prochazka to replace McGregor vs. Chandler, fight fans are enthusiastic.
The pair headlined UFC 295 at Madison Square Garden, where Pereira won via second-round TKO to claim the vacant light heavyweight title. Pereira defended the title against Jamahal Hill at UFC 300, where Prochazka also fought, defeating Aleksandar Rakic. The kickboxing style of Pereira vs. the reckless striking of Prochazka is a match made in heaven.
Interestingly, Dana White added Diego Lopes vs. Brian Ortega to the PPV card. Moreover, Jamahal Hill pulled out of his scheduled fight against Carlos Ulberg due to a knee injury. Anthony Smith has stepped in as Hill’s replacement. Khalil Rountree Jr. was Hill’s original opponent before a doping violation forced his withdrawal.
Ariel Helwani had pondered possible replacements for McGregor vs. Chandler and reached the conclusion of Pereira vs. Prochazka II. Fight fans had also pondered the same. It ended exactly as Helwani and their fans predicted. Prochazka has been waiting to return, but Pereira broke his toe at UFC 300. Whether Pereira is fully healthy remains to be seen.
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Also Read: Why Did Conor McGregor Pull Out of UFC 303?
