Spectacular switch-kick knockout makes Pereira a legend
Instead of celebrating the return of MMA icon Conor McGregor, UFC 303 marked the birth of a new legend in combat sports. Highlights of Alex Pereira are abundant, as the Brazilian delivers his most spectacular knockout victory.
UFC 303 was supposed to be McGregor's comeback to the Octagon, but an injury of the Irishman disrupted the entire event. Several fights were rescheduled at short notice, with the main event between Light-Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira and challenger Jiri Procházka providing at least a sportingly worthy replacement for the fallen MMA icon. The event in Las Vegas was set to end with a spectacular finish.
Champion Alex "Poatan" Pereira had defeated Procházka half a year earlier, but also had problems with the Czech. Procházka was agile in the first round and tried to lure the Brazilian with feints. Pereira responded dryly with jabbing leg kicks and powerful hooks, which troubled Procházka. His strongest moment came when he managed to clinch Pereira against the cage and worked with knee strikes. Just as the round ended, Pereira landed a hard left hook, and Procházka went down. He signaled that he could continue, but at the end of his corner, he couldn't hide his wobbling legs.
For Pereira, this was a signal to apply more pressure, and he didn't need long. With a switch kick to Procházka's head, he sent his opponent back down within a few seconds. Several follow-up strikes against the dazed Procházka, and the fight was over. In just two years in MMA, Pereira has won over the sport and fans, the only major step missing: Asked if he didn't also want to become Heavyweight Champion and champion in three weight classes, the Brazilian replied: "The fans have a lot to decide. If that's what the fans want, then it will happen." Pereira straightened his big, extended toe on his foot in the ring, the one he had used to initiate his spectacular finish.
Ige from the massage table into the Co-Main Event
In the second main event, Dan Ige and Diego Lopes faced each other. A pairing that likely only came about because the originally planned Brian Ortega had to withdraw due to health issues during weight cutting. The pairing Lopes/Ortega was also quickly put together after the McGregor cancellation. Ige was announced as a replacement just three hours before the fight and went into the duel with the Brazilian more or less unprepared.
Lopes started as usual with wild swings. Once both fighters found themselves in clinch range, Lopes unleashed a barrage of punches. His experienced opponent was able to keep his guard up and took little damage. Towards the end of the round, Ige attempted a takedown, but found himself in a guillotine choke instead. The remaining ten seconds were not enough for Lopes to force the submission. Lopes remained faithful to this strategy: In the second round, he ducked under an Ige kick and took the fight back to the ground. There, he controlled the action, with Ige landing only occasional strikes.
This changed in the third round: Ige landed crushing right straights, which threw Lopes off balance. He put his opponent in check, punch for punch finding his mark. The Brazilian set himself down for a takedown, Ige turned the position to his advantage and found himself on the ground in a dominant position over his opponent again. Lopes took heavy blows, survived the round but. The judges ultimately gave him two of the three rounds and thus the win - Ige only kept the favor of the crowd. He received the call while he was getting a massage, says Ige after the fight. Regardless, whether it's four weeks, four days or four hours - he's ready when they need him.
Ian Garry displays Fight-IQ
UFC newcomer Michael Page showed off his impressive striking and enormous speed in his debut against Kevin Holland. His still undefeated opponent, Ian Machado Garry, wouldn't let himself be intimidated by this play. The Irishman, who is said to have a certain resemblance to McGregor in his demeanor, has won all 14 of his professional fights in the Welterweight division to date, against Page he bet on his grappling.
Relatively early in Round one, Garry caught a kick from the Brit and took him down. There, the 26-year-old Irishman took control of his opponent's back and went for the submission. Page felt uncomfortable in this position but managed to defend against the Rear Naked Choke. The control time and numerous small strikes earned Garry points with the judges in this round.
In Round two, the 37-year-old Page was able to decide things for himself: Heavy jabs and good one-two combinations shook up his opponent well. Garry tried to take the fight back to the ground but could only manage to set one leg hook that didn't put Page in danger. In Round three, Garry had another moment to pin Page against the cage. From there, he was able to regain control of his opponent's back, set submission attempts and strikes. Standing up, Page tried to free himself but was unable to do so. By points, Garry was able to win the fight and remains undefeated. He knew that he couldn't let himself be drawn into Page's fighting style if he wanted to win, he said after the fight. His goal now is the title.
Despite Conor McGregor's injury causing disruptions, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) 303 event showcased Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) talent. In the main event, Alex Pereira, a rising star in combat sports, proved his worth by securing a spectacular knockout victory in the UFC.
Ige, unexpectedly stepping into the Co-Main Event due to Brian Ortega's health issues, displayed resilience and won against Diego Lopes in a closely contested match.
