In the main event of UFC 303, the light heavyweight title was on the line. Two of the most exciting fighters in the entire promotion battled it out for a second time as light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira (10-2) took on former champion Jiri Prochazka (30-4-1).
These two first fought for the vacant title back in November at UFC 295. Prochazka had to vacate the title due to a shoulder injury which led to Jamahal Hill winning the belt. Then, Hill had to vacate the title due to his own injury. When Prochazka returned to fight for the title he never lost inside the octagon, he got knocked out by Alex Pereira.
Pereira’s first title defense came at UFC 300 against Jamahal Hill. Pereira knocked out the former champion in the first round. Prochazka stopped Aleksandar Rakic in a wild fight earlier that same evening setting up this rematch. We didn’t expect this fight until later this year, but we were all treated to it tonight.
UFC 303 Recap
Round 1
The UFC 303 main event kicks off with a touch of the gloves. Prochazka very light on his feet as Pereira takes the center. Immediate calf kick lands for Pereira. Prochazka has switched stances multiple times in the first 30 seconds. Left over the top lands for Prochazka and he tries upping the pressure. Both men trade calf kicks at the 60 second mark.
Long jab lands for Prochazka and Pereira cracks him with a left hook. That stiffened up Prochazka and he acknowledged it. Prochazka ups the pressure and lands but Pereira cracks him with a left and right counter. Big low kick now from the champion. Jab from Pereira and another calf kick. Massive body kick from Pereira.
Prochazka trying to close the distance with feints. Big left from Pereira and Prochazka lands one of his own. They clinch with two minutes left in the round. Prochazka pushes Pereira against the fence. Nice body lock here from Prochazka. Knee to the body from Pereira. Short shots from Pereira and he’s doing a good job staying on his feet here.
Knee to the body now from Prochazka. Pereira breaks away and they’re back to striking. Lots of feints here from Prochazka and Pereira is upping the pressure. Right over the top from Pereira and now a calf kick. Huge left hook drops Prochazka badly at the end of the first round. 1-0 Pereira at UFC 303.
Round 2
Entering the second and I’m very curious to see if Prochazka is fully recovered. Pereira immediately takes the center. Huge head kick and down goes Prochazka. Pereira lands a couple of big shots and the fight is over. Massive knockout for the UFC light heavyweight champion.
Alex Pereira def. Jiri Prochazka by KO – Round 2