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:
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- 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:
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- 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:
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- 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%
- Alex Pereira:
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.