It's hard to encapsulate just how formidable Alex Pereira truly is. His record speaks for itself: three consecutive knockouts in his last three fights, all for the UFC light heavyweight title, including a devastating knockout win over Jiri Prochazka in the main event of UFC 303. Even more impressive is that Pereira once held the UFC middleweight crown. What's astonishing is that Pereira has been a full-time MMA fighter only since late 2021, after transitioning from a stellar kickboxing career where he captured Glory titles in two divisions. It's no exaggeration to say Pereira is the most terrifying 205-pounder in the UFC since Jon Jones dominated the division.
In his recent bout, Pereira effortlessly dispatched Jiri Prochazka with a second-round knockout and hinted at a potential move to heavyweight. This could make him the first UFC fighter to win titles in three weight classes—an ambition that, while often seen as far-fetched, seems entirely within reach for Pereira.
The co-main event brought unexpected twists. Diego Lopes, stepping in on short notice, was initially set to fight two-time UFC featherweight title challenger Brian Ortega. However, the fight moved to 155 pounds after Ortega announced he couldn't make the featherweight limit. Then, mere hours before the fight, Ortega was sidelined due to illness, and local fighter Dan Ige was inserted into the matchup at 165 pounds. Ige deserves recognition for taking the fight on extremely short notice, but Lopes, a rising star in the 145-pound division, risked a lot by agreeing to fight Ortega at 155 pounds and even more by facing Ige at 165 pounds.
 |
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JUNE 28: Alex Pereira of Brazil poses on the scale during the UFC 303 ceremonial |
In the end, Lopes secured a decision win over Ige in a spirited contest.
Here, we review the winners and losers from UFC 303, along with the results, fight-night bonus winners, and scorecards for the fights that went the distance.
UFC 303 took place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The main card was streamed on ESPN+ PPV, following prelims on ESPN and early prelims on ESPN+ and UFC Fight Pass.
- UFC Saudi Arabia: Whittaker vs. Aliskerov Predictions and Odds – MMA Expert Shares Unexpected Fight Card Picks
- Brian Ortega Out of UFC 303; Lopes Tops Late Fill-In Dan Ige