Takeaways From UFC 303 – Alex Pereira, MMA’s most popular star. No theatrics required.

UFC 303, which took place on October 30, was a great success. Alex Pereira and Diego Lopes secured their legacy moments.

By ESPN

Jun 30, 2024 05:44 AM

Jun 30, 2024, 01:44 AM ET

UFC 303 in Las Vegas included 13 fights including a title bout between Alex Pereira vs Jiri Prachazka. Pereira’s dominating performance was the highlight. Dan Ige stepped in to fill the role of co-main event at short notice. Brett Okamoto, Andreas Hale and Diego Lopes give their final thoughts on the show.

Alex Pereira, a UFC light-heavyweight champ, is in a good mood.

Pereira’s head-kick KO against former champion JiriProchazka After dropping him at the horn of the first round with a right-hook, the T-Mobile Arena audience was stunned and eager to see more. He may defend his 205-pound championship again or he might be ready to make the move to heavyweight.

Joe Rogan was already promoting Pereira’s heavyweight move during his post-fight cage interview. The move could lead to an unprecedented feat for “Poatan”, who has already won both the middleweight and light heavyweight titles in only nine appearances.

Pereira, who was a two-time world champion kickboxer, said: “I think that’s what my future is.” I also believe the fans have a say in this matter — they are the ones paying for it. “

Pereira’s star power could make him a valuable addition to the 205 pound weight division.

It’s impossible to micromanage Pereira. As the UFC, you should look for the most exciting opportunities and let Pereira do what no one would have imagined a few short years ago.

It is not the second coming of Conor McGregor, the Irishman who replaced Pereira on Saturday. McGregor, who is the most well-known fighter in the sport’s history, has an impact that goes beyond the cage. Pereira’s popularity has shifted to melodrama. He is not a fighter. Pereira’s mic time is simple, and he is translated by an interpreter.

Lopes & Ige receive star treatment following UFC 303

Hale Yes. Hale Yes.

Let us begin with Ige.

He watched the fight on Saturday morning. Then, on Saturday night, it was the co-main. He was hoping to pull off an amazing upset.

Lopes had the option to withdraw from the fight at any time. When Brian Ortega’s weight was reduced to 155 lbs. on Friday morning, he could have done so. Lopes didn’t have to fight another opponent who was at catchweight of the 165 lb. limit. Yet he did.

The fans were excited by the fight, whether they won or not.

You can give him anything he wants as long as it doesn’t interfere with Lopes’ plans.

Lopes arrow pointed to the ceiling. Do this if he is looking for a fight, such as with Alexander Volkanovski – whom he called out afterward. Give it to him if he’s interested. if Volkanovski is down.

Lopes and Ige, as well as other stars, are often treated well due to their position.

Machado Garry’s moment of truth is approaching

Okamoto UFC orchestrated Ian Machado Garry’s career beautifully.

Machado Garry has overcome his lack of confidence and poor decision-making to become a top fighter. Future opponents won’t be so easy to beat.

Machado’s history of switching gyms doesn’t seem to be holding him back. He has trained in Dutch-style kickboxing with Henri Hooft, and he now has Muay Thai Chute Boxe on his side. It is not a good idea for fighters who bounce around between gyms. Machado seems to have found a way of making it work.