- George Chung
- Jul 2, 2024
- 2 min read
UFC 303 during International Fight Week left fans buzzing with intense action and dramatic moments inside T-Mobile Arena. The adrenaline-fueled night concluded with Alex Pereira delivering a jaw-dropping finish that sent shockwaves through the MMA community.
The aftermath of UFC has been intensive. In just nine UFC fights, Pereira's achievements are unparalleled. The light heavyweight champion secured his fourth consecutive win and third straight finish by knocking out Jiri Procházka with a stunning switch kick early in the second round. The Brazilian powerhouse's technical prowess and ability to read and execute moves on the fly make him a formidable force inside the Octagon.
Pereira's rapid rise is nothing short of extraordinary. He claimed his first UFC title a year after his debut and his second just 736 days after his first victory. His last six wins include defeating former champions like Sean Strickland, Israel Adesanya, Jan Blachowicz, Jamahal Hill, and Procházka twice.
The speculation about Pereira using "black magic" to dominate his opponents highlights the mystique surrounding his meteoric rise.
Despite his relatively short UFC career, Pereira is already being considered among the all-time greats. With talks of him potentially pursuing the heavyweight title, the possibility of him becoming the first to win titles in three weight classes looms large, further solidifying his legacy.
The UFC 303 event also showcased incredible adaptability and professionalism. Diego Lopes was set
to face Brian Ortega in the co-main event, but a last-minute change saw Dan Ige stepping in. The seamless execution by the production team, broadcast crew, and fighters underscored their dedication and skill.
Dana White’s Contender Series graduates Jean Silva, Payton Talbott, and Vinicius Oliveira continued their winning streaks, showcasing the program's success in identifying top talent. Silva's victory over Charles Jourdain, Talbott's knockout of Yanis Ghemmouri, and Oliveira's decision win over Ricky Simon highlighted their potential.
Roman Dolidze’s short-notice victory over Anthony Smith, Macy Chiasson’s rise in the bantamweight ranks, Ian Machado Garry's unbeaten streak, and Joe Pyfer’s knockout win emphasized the depth of talent in the UFC.
With standout performances and unexpected twists, UFC 303 proved to be an unforgettable night, leaving fans eager for what's next in the world of MMA.
