Alex Poatán in face with Jiri Prochazka before the UFC 303. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
The big moment has arrived. This Saturday (29), in Las Vegas (USA), the long-awaited UFC 303. The show, which would initially be starred by Conor McGregor, gained reinforcement from Alex Poatán following the injury suffered by the Irish star. The Brazilian took on the challenge of taking on the main fight in a hurry and faces Jiri Prochazka in a confrontation valid for the light heavyweight belt (up to 93kg.).
New MMA sensation, Poatan steps into the octagon for the second time this season. The champion, who in April topped the historic UFC 300, puts the title back on the line in a rematch against Jiri Prochazka, its victim in 2023.
Just like Alex, Diego lopes was inserted into the event at the last minute. To 'fill the event', the biggest MMA organization in the world selected the Brazilian promise to face the veteran Brian ortega.
Former challenger for the bantamweight belt (up to 61,2kg.), Mayra Sheetara returns to the octagon after the defeat suffered against Rachel Pennington in a valid fight for the group's belt. The miner takes a 'step back' and measures strength with Macy chiasson, number seven in the ranking.
Also on the main card, Ian Gary tries to maintain his unbeaten career record in a new commitment. The Irishman will be an opponent of Michael Page, newly arrived at the organization.
In addition to Poatan, Diego lopes and Sheetara, Brazil has two more representatives. The promising Jean Silva and Vinicius 'LokDog' perform in the first half of the show.
To get in the mood, the team at SUPER FIGHTS listed five reasons to watch the UFC 303. Check out:
1) Alex Poatan x Jiri Prochazka: the rematch
Alex Poatán in victory over Jiri Prochazka (Photo: Playback / Instagram)
In 2023, when they faced each other for the first time, Poatan and Prochazka experienced a similar situation to this weekend. The athletes were hastily selected to replace the fight between Jon Jones e Stipe Miocic, canceled due to injury to the heavyweight champion (up to 120,2kg.).
At the time, the light heavyweight belt was vacant, due to the injury of the then holder of the throne, Jamahal hill, which gave up leadership of the category for its recovery. The Brazilian and the Czech then starred in what marked the main fight of UFC 195.
The confrontation was marked by the expectation of observing the meeting between two athletes famous for their striking and visceral knockout power. As expected, the clash ended in a knockout, with the Brazilian being responsible for taking his opponent to the canvas.
Months later, Poatan would defend the title against Hill, in the UFC 300. Now, with the trappings of a big star in the company, Alex returns to the octagon to repeat the challenge that made him famous in the category.
If he wins, the Brazilian will expand his legacy in the company. If he is defeated, as already stated by the São Paulo native, an immediate rematch could be made official afterwards, confirming the trilogy between the parties.
2) Diego Lopes: golden opportunity
Diego lopes stars in the co-main fight. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Treated by Dana White as the 'most exciting fighter' of anyone on the current UFC roster, Diego lopes received a true gift from the organization. With the intention of 'filling' the show with new clashes, the Brazilian was hurriedly called to take part in the co-main fight.
On Saturday, the featherweight division will face off against Brian ortega, former challenger for the division title and featured for years in the group's top 10. Today, Tupiniquim is in 14th place in the ranking, while the opponent is third.
Fueled by three impressive victories in the first round, Lopes has the opportunity to make a significant jump in the rankings. If he beats the veteran, Diego will take his place in the top 5 and take an important step towards fighting for the belt.
3) Mayra Sheetara seeks redemption
Mayra Sheetara after victory in UFC Las Vegas 77. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Former flyweight representative (up to 56,7kg.), Mayra Sheetara he definitely found himself when he decided to move to the bantamweight division. With an overwhelming start, the Brazilian collected victims in the category until she was confirmed in the dispute for the vacant belt by Amanda nunes.
In her biggest career challenge, the Minas Gerais native was chosen to face Rachel Pennington, but ended up being frustrated. At the start of the 2024 season, the Minas Gerais native had a lackluster performance against the North American and saw the immediate opportunity to become champion 'slip through her fingers'.
Now, Sheetara seeks redemption in the group. The Brazilian returns to the octagon and takes a 'step back' against Macy chiasson, facing a rival who occupies seventh place in the division.
If she wins, the Brazilian will resume her climb towards a new opportunity to fight for the title. If she loses, the one who celebrates will be the North American, who will assume a position in the top 5.
4) Ian Garry x Michael Page
Ian Gary (left) facing Michael Page (dir.). Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
With an impressive start in the UFC, Ian Gary maintains 100% performance, both in the cartel in general and in presentations within the company. Undefeated in seven commitments in the company, the Irishman now measures forces with Michael Page, former Bellator star.
Against the Englishman, Garry took on the challenge of facing an opponent who is outside the top 10. Seventh in the category, Ian wants to prove his superiority, while his opponent has the opportunity to advance in the rankings, in case of victory.
If he wins, the Irishman will continue his climb towards his dream title fight. On the other side, the competitor's former representative skips spaces and could 'jump the queue' in a future clash for the throne.
5) More Brazil
Jean Silva fighting in UFC Las Vegas 84. Photo: Disclosure/UFC
O UFC 303 Brazil's biggest highlights are the challenges of Alex Poatán e Diego lopes. However, in addition to light heavyweight, featherweight and Mayra Sheetara, two more tupiniquins complete the list of yellow-green representatives.
Months after the overwhelming debut in Ultimate, Jean Silva has a new opportunity to shock viewers. Westin Wilson's Executioner in UFC Las Vegas 84, the combatant now faces Charles Jourdain, with the promise of another massacre in the Octagon.
Bantamweight athlete, Vinicius LokDog also tries to surprise the audience for the second time. In his debut, the Brazilian brutalized Bernardo Sopai and tries to repeat the feat on the weekend against Ricky simon.
UFC 303 technical sheet
Order date: June 29th, 2024
Open Hours: From 19pm (Brasília time)
Location: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
How to watch: SUPER FIGHTS LIVE In real time, UFC Fight Pass (the entire card) online.
MAIN CARD (23 p.m. Brasília time)
Light heavyweight (up to 93 kg): Alex Poatán x Jiri Prochazka – fight for the belt
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Brian ortega x Diego lopes
Light heavyweight (up to 93 kg): Anthony Smith x Roman Dolidze
Bantam weight (up to 61,2 kg): Mayra Sheetara x Macy chiasson
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Ian Machado Garry x Michael Page
PRELIMINARY CARD (19 p.m. Brasília time)
Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): joe pyfer x Marc-Andre Barriault
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Cub swanson x André Fili
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Charles Jourdain x Jean Silva
Bantam weight (up to 61,2 kg): Payton Talbott x Yanis Ghemmouri
Straw weight (up to 52,1 kg): Michelle Waterson x Gillian robertson
Heavy weight (up to 120,2 kg): Andrei Arlovski x Martin Buday
Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): King Tsuruya x Carlos Hernandez
Bantam weight (up to 61,2 kg): Ricky simon x Vinicius LokDog
You need login To comment.