UFC 303: the rematch between Pereira and Procházka to be experienced on RMC Sport

In a few hours, we will finally witness the rematch between light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira and former champion Jiří Procházka. main event crazy, to follow live and exclusively on RMC Sport 2.

If the main fight of this UFC 303 is undoubtedly one of the biggest shocks of the year, the event was supposed to be very different. As a reminder, UFC 303 was initially supposed to mark the big return of Conor McGregor, in a fight against the American Michael Chandler. THE Notorious having withdrawn following an injury, Alex Pereira and Jiří Procházka come to save this card, offering us a second fight which promises to be thrilling…

Pereira vs Procházka: new war in perspective

Before his first title defense, last April against Jamahal Hill at the highly anticipated UFC 300, Alex Pereira won the light heavyweight title against Jiří Procházka, one of the sensations of the category. Even if it’s time for a rematch and the Czech has every chance, the undefeated Brazilian champion is clearly the favorite for this new fight. Known and recognized for his devastating left hook, Poatan (“hand of stone” in French) has had one of the fastest rises in the UFC ranks. After conquering the middleweight category, the Brazilian seems determined to satisfy his reign at light heavyweight.

Powerful and serene, the former Glory kickboxing world champion displays, as always, a disconcerting confidence at the dawn of this new war against Procházka:

”He’s going to lose his composure. I think he might be a little scared. I’m going in there very confident and I’m sure I’ll come away with a win. I’ve prepared very well since my last fight. I’m well prepared and ready to fight.”

For his part, Procházka knows that he is unlikely to get a second chance. The former champion of the category, forced to leave his belt vacant in 2022 after his victory against the legend Glover Teixeira, has the mentality of a warrior. It was therefore not really surprising to learn that the Czech accepted the fight urgently, following McGregor’s withdrawal, for this UFC 303. Questioned a few hours before the deadline, Procházka even believes that this last minute fight is a real boon for his title chances:

“I was born as a warrior […] When the situation and things around you are like that, you just have to say yes. You have to react. Because when something happens on the street, you have to react immediately. Here, now. That’s what I like about short notice, because you have to react right away, in the moment. Show me your best self. That’s all.”

The Return of Brian Ortega

Determined to give himself a new title opportunity to face the new featherweight champion Ilia Topuria, Brian Ortega must absolutely win this fight against the Brazilian Diego Lopes. After a knockout defeat against Yair Rodriguez in February 2022, the American of Mexican origin once again faced his Mexican counterpart. Last February, at UFC Fight: Moreno vs Royval 2, Ortega took his revenge, winning with a magnificent submission in the third round.

If he wants to eventually fight champion Ilia Topuria for the belt, Brian Ortega absolutely must win against Diego Lopes. Currently ranked 14th in the featherweight rankings, the Brazilian is a complete and experienced fighter, with three consecutive victories to date.