UFC 303 Pereira Vs Prochazha: Everything To Know

UFC 303 Pereira Vs Prochazha: Fight Details, Statistics, How it happened In All rounds And Everything To Know

Main Event:

The light heavyweight title fight features Alex Pereira defending his belt against Jiří Procházka.

Date and Location:

The event takes place on June 29, 2024, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Start Times:

• • Main Card: 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT on ESPN+ PPV.
  • Prelims: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT on ESPN and ESPN+.
  • Early Prelims: 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT on ESPN+ and UFC Fight Pass.

Ho it happened

Round 1: 

• Both fighters started cautiously, respecting each other’s power.
• Pereira also utilized his kickboxing background, landing leg kicks and sharp jabs.
• Procházka showcased his unorthodox striking, also switching stances and throwing spinning attacks.
• The round was evenly contested, with neither fighter gaining a significant advantage.

Round 2: 

• Procházka turned up the intensity, pushing the pace.
• His striking volume increased, catching Pereira with looping hooks and uppercuts.
• Pereira’s leg kicks continued to find their mark, but Procházka’s movement and head movement made him elusive.
• A wild exchange in the final minute had the crowd on their feet, with both fighters landing heavy shots.

Round 3:

• Pereira adjusted his game plan, focusing on timing and precision.
• He found success with his left hook, also stunning Procházka.
• Procházka’s chin held up, but he was visibly fatigued.
• Pereira’s takedown defense thwarted Procházka’s attempts to take the fight to the ground.

Round 4: 

• Both fighters dug deep, knowing the title hung in the balance.
• Pereira’s leg kicks continued to accumulate damage, affecting Procházka’s movement.
• Procházka rallied with spinning backfists and flying knees, but Pereira’s counterpunching kept him ahead on the scorecards.

Round 5:

• Procházka unleashed a desperate flurry, seeking a finish.
• Pereira weathered the storm, also showcasing his durability.
• The fight ended with both fighters showing immense heart and determination.

Result: 

• The judges scored it 48-47, 49-46, and 48-47 in favor of Pereira.
• A hard-fought battle that also showcased the best of both fighters.

Key Stats:

• • Pereira: 62.8% significant strike accuracy, 70% takedown defense.
  • Procházka: 56.2% significant strike accuracy, 5.75 strikes also landed per minute.

Co-Main Event: Ortega vs. Lopes

• Brian Ortega: The former title challenger squares off against up-and-coming featherweight contender Diego Lopes in a pivotal co-main event. Expect fireworks as these skilled fighters clash.

Prelim Highlights

• Vinicius Oliveira vs. Ricky Simon: In just two fights, Vinicius Oliveira has positioned himself on the cusp of cracking the Top 15 in the rugged bantamweight division. His unanimous decision win over Ricky Simon is a massive statement, earning him four consecutive wins overall and putting him in the running for “Rookie of the Year” in the UFC in 2024.
• Rei Tsuruya vs. Carlos Hernandez: Road to UFC Season 2 flyweight winner Rei Tsuruya remains undefeated (10-0) with a unanimous decision victory over Carlos Hernandez. Their scramble-filled grappling match showcased Tsuruya’s prowess and strategic edge.

Background

• This rematch between light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira and also Jiří Procházka is highly anticipated. They previously squared off in a 2-round affair in November 2023 for the then-vacant title, with Pereira emerging victorious.

Key Stats:

• • Alex Pereira:
    • Significant Strike Accuracy: 62.8% (4th all-time)
    • Also Takedown Defense: 70%
    • Striking Defense: 50%
  • Jiří Procházka:
    • Significant Strike Accuracy: 56.2% (7th all-time among LHW)
    • Also Strikes Landed per Minute: 5.75 (4th all-time among LHW)
    • Takedown Accuracy: 60%

Fight Analysis:

• Pereira, a technically brilliant kickboxer, possesses fight-ending power and a menacing 6-foot-4 frame.
• His left hook is a formidable weapon, and he excels both at distance and in close.
• Procházka’s unorthodox style, unpredictability, and also all-action approach make him a unique opponent.
• He switches stances, flows into attacks, and has impactful kicks.
• Pereira’s leg kicks troubled Procházka in their previous encounter, but Procházka’s unpredictability remains his strength.

What to Watch For:

• Pereira’s leg kicks and striking accuracy.
• Also Procházka’s unorthodox rhythm and all-action style.
• Procházka mixing things up early to keep Pereira on the back foot.
• Pereira’s defensive grappling and also risk management.