After much speculation Conor McGregor vs Michael Chandler for UFC 303 has been cancelled. Dana White made the announcement on his Instagram saying that he is “out with an injury”. Many suspected this with the issues of the press conference and now it has finally been confirmed. As disappointing as that is we have been heavily recompensated with a stellar replacement in Pereira vs Prochazka 2.
Pereira vs Prochazka 2
The new headliner for this card will be a rematch between Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka an excellent fight. We all saw how their first fight went on UFC 295 where Pereira secured a 2nd round KO. However, the circumstances of this fight are very different particularly for Jiri. Since losing to Alex Jiri came back with a stunning win over Rakic at UFC 300. S, now we have a more active Jiri who isn’t coming into the fight off an injury.
With Alex not much has changed except he secured another KO victory knocking out Jamahall Hill in round 2 at UFC 300. Alex did suffer some minor injuries with 2 broken toes however that should be healed by now. A change in scenario for both fighters is the short notice nature of this fight. But given the short notice turn around is for both of them it should be pretty fair and they both last fought on the same day.
Some may question if Jiri should be getting another shot so soon. It is a fair point as Jiri has only won once since the loss to Alex. However, Pereira has already faced most of the top 5 at 205. And due to the short notice nature not everyone would be available. Jiri has also looked the most impressive out of the top 5 bar Ankalaev.
UFC 303 Card
The announcement also included a full run down of the entire 303 card. The co-main is very exciting with rising contender Diego Lopes against veteran Brian Ortega. This is a great match up with 2 highly skilled grapplers who have skills on the feet. Lopes in particular has made a name for himself as a quick finisher all his wins in the UFC finishing in round 1. This is a big jump for Lopes but he has shown he has the skills to hang with the top narrowly losing a decision to Evloev in his debut and smoking Sodiq Yussuf.
Another replacement on the card is Anthony Smith who will be replacing Jamahal Hill against Carlos Ulberg. Hill has suffered a knee injury per Dana White and so Anthony Smith has replaced him. The card also contains Ian Garry and Michael Page two skilled rising contenders looking to climb the 170 rankings. Joe Pyfer looks to get back in the winning column against Barriault.
Undefeated 135 prospect Payton Tallbott also makes an appearance on this card against Ghemmouri. Macy Chiasson womens bantamweight contender makes an appearanc eon this card against Marya Bueno Silva. That fight may have implications for the next womens 135 title shot however with Kayla Harrison in the mix there is uncertainty.
Overall, this card should be a good one regardless that it’s missing Chandler vs McGregor. That fight will likey be rescheduled and put on a different card later this year depending on how bad McGregor’s injury. And so we shall if UFC 303 will be repeat for Pereira or revenge for Prochazka.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
