Breaking – Alex Pereira set to fight Jiri Prochazka in short notice title rematch at UFC 303

Alex Pereira set to fight Jiri Prochazka in short notice UFC 303 rematch main event

Undisputed light heavyweight champion, Alex Pereira is slated to headline UFC 303 in a short-notice turnaround against former titleholder, Jiri Prochazka in a rematch – with the card reshuffled entirely overnight.

Set to meet on just over two weeks notice, Pereira and Prochazka will replace a scheduled welterweight main event fight between former two-division champion, Conor McGregor, and Michael Chandler, with the former titleholder ruled out due to an undisclosed injury.

Alex Pereira headlines UFC 303 against Jiri Prochazka in a short-notice re-run

UFC CEO, Dana White revealed that Alex Pereira would fight Jiri Prochazka on short-notice at UFC 303 later this month during International Fight Week. 

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Most recently headlining UFC 300, beyond suffering a fractured toe both pre and during his fight with Jamahal Hill, former two-weight champion, Pereira emerged relatively unscathed with a stunning opening round knockout victory in Las Vegas.

Alex Pereira calls for UFC 305 return in August Fighting in Perth would be fantastic
Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

On that same card, Czech Republic finisher, Prochazka rallied in an all-European affair with Aleksandar Rakic, stopping the light heavyweight challenger with a blistering second round knockout win.

Along with Pereira’s draft in to take on Prochazka on short-notice, the above-mentioned, Hill has been ruled from a fight with Carlos Ulberg due to a knee injury – with former title challenger, Anthony Smith taking on the latter on short-notice.

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Alex Pereira tipped to enter GOAT debate with third title fight victory over Jon Jones UFC
Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas – USA TODAY Sports

Furthermore, an eye-catching featherweight clash between former title challenger, Brian Ortega and streaking star, Diego Lopes has also been added to the card – taking co-main event status at the T-Mobile Arena. 

First fighting back in November of last year at Madison Square Garden, Pereira took on Prochazka in a vacant light heavyweight headliner – in another reworked main event bout at UFC 285.

jiri prochazka czech republic faces 858969301
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 11: Jiri Prochazka of the Czech Republic faces off against Alex Pereira of Brazil in the UFC light heavyweight championship fight during the UFC 295 event at Madison Square Garden on November 11, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Snatching the 205lbs crown, Pereira stopped the returning Prochazka with a second round knockout win, handing the latter his first promotional defeat. 

Who wins at UFC 303 later this month: Alex Pereira or Jiri Prochazka?