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Alex Pereira is unexpectedly just 14 days removed from his scheduled second title defense.
At the very last minute, Pereira has agreed to step in for the injured Conor McGregor, rematching Jiri Prochazka for the scheduled second defense of his Light Heavyweight crown. “Poatan” is not supposed to be fighting in two weeks; he’s been on a seminar tour in Australia promoting himself and recovering from broken toes. Nevertheless, he’s agreed to step up and save the UFC 303 card, risking it all on short-notice.
In the clip above (taken from Pereira’s YouTube channel), Pereira can be seen talking with his manager on the phone. “Poatan” doesn’t take long to accept the fight, quickly agreeing — CHAMA! — and saying that he’s been training while working on his trip. Pereira’s team learns the news as well, and they’re immediately excited for their pupil.
This is not the first time Alex Pereira has stepped up to headline a UFC event on short-notice. The first time Pereira and Prochazka fought was at UFC 295 in Madison Square Garden, and the duo replaced Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic as main event after Jones’ pectoral injury. Then, Pereira stepped up to headline UFC 300 when UFC couldn’t line up another worthy main event, but his bout versus Jamahal Hill was initially planned for UFC 301.
Hopefully, “Poatan” is getting paid well for continually stepping up to save the day. It’s certainly building his legend in the eyes of most fans!
Insomnia
Tatsuro Taira entered full burrito mode to make weight for his UFC Vegas 93 main event.
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— Atelier Tatsuro Taira?official? (@tatsuro_ch) June 14, 2024
Movsar Evloev would be extremely unhappy, but Diego Lopes has a reasonable argument for a title shot if he defeats Brian Ortega.
Diego Lopes believes he can earn a title shot with a win over Brian Ortega at #UFC303
“I know people will complain because I’m the 14th ranked but I’m sure they offered the fight to other fighters in the rankings and they said no. That’s why they called me”
Via @ESPNDeportes pic.twitter.com/OH5QvC743t
— Carlos Contreras Legaspi (@CCLegaspi) June 14, 2024
Martial arts skills save lives!
MMA fighter Javier Baez defeats a knife wielding attacker with a flying arm triangle rampage slam on concrete pic.twitter.com/sKxOVk0nPc
— Patrick St-Pierre (@patrickallsyms) June 14, 2024
Do we see David Benavidez vs. Canelo Alvarez in 2024?
David Benavidez on Canelo Alvarez: “This guy’s charging so much for his PPVs, it’s like he’s spitting in you guys’ faces. He’s saying he doesn’t give a f*** what you guys want, he’s not gonna give you the best fights. If you hold all the titles, you’ve gotta fight the best in the…
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) June 14, 2024
It’s good to see fans are still hype for UFC 303.
the new UFC 303 poster is pic.twitter.com/lKqZ5LefY0
— Conner Burks (@connerburks) June 14, 2024
Speaking of the new main event, the two had different reactions to their rematch.
A breakdown of Islam Makhachev’s excellent wrestling and jiu-jitsu technique:
Slips, rips, and KO clips
Be sure to watch this clip to the very end …
Guys I think I may have just found the fight of the year pic.twitter.com/Qv5EACszxz
— ??????????? (@TheArtOfWar6) June 14, 2024
When was the last closed guard kimura we saw in the UFC? Feels like a decade ago, at least.
Mean kimura by Nursulton Ruziboev… Will we see anything like this from him in the UFC? @OctagonLeague pic.twitter.com/YPHWz0owJA
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) June 10, 2024
Jose Napoles showing off his footwork to set up the left hook:
José “Mantequilla” Nápoles. pic.twitter.com/vgbEYK23HS
— b0xingfan (@b0xingfan) May 23, 2023
Random Land
A quick joke.
I am sorry, but I adore this joke and I’m going to inflict it on you pic.twitter.com/jmWtDybKYx
— Forth ??? (@forthrighter) June 13, 2024
Midnight Music: Rock, 1966
Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.