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UFC 306: Analyzing the Exclusive Stake.com Interview with Alexa Grasso

UFC 306: Analyzing the Exclusive Stake.com Interview with Alexa Grasso Rejoice fighting sports fans, it is time for another edition of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, which means another spectacle….

Rejoice fighting sports fans, it is time for another edition of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, which means another spectacle. Mixed martial arts are more popular than ever, evident by the ecstasy surrounding every primetime event the company does. The latest one is coming up quickly as it is mere days before we are glued to our screens, the lucky ones watching in the stands, as some of the best MMA fighters look for glory.

A lot will be on the line as some exciting fights await. Most importantly for this article, Alexa Graso will be fighting Valentina Shevchenko in their third duel, another championship match to either keep the title or relinquish it to its previous owner. The fans and sports betting enthusiasts are eager for their upcoming third matchup. In this article, we take a closer look at what Grasso, the reigning champion of the women’s Flyweight category Alexa Grasso, had to say in her exclusive interview with Stake.com.

The fight is the second main card bout, just after the titular Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili. The two ladies met for the first time in March of 2023 at UFC 285 when Grasso won the title. Then they fought at the aforementioned UFC Fight Night in September of the same year, a split draw. Fans are hungry for a win this time around, but who will prevail? Let us see what she had to say and what kind of predictions we can draw from it.

What Was the Interview About?

Stake sat down with the MMA legend, who is also a Stake UFC Ambassador, to talk the upcoming event as well as her career and life in general. It is a big moment in her sports career and the perfect moment for her to share what has been going through her mind in recent months. The Mexican talked in detail about the rivalry she has with her Kyrgyzstani/Peruvian colleague, as well as what an honor it is to again be part of the Noche night. An inspiration for the next generation of aspiring Mexican girls, she knows what she represents and how much of a role model she can be.

Speaking of her home country and the MMA growth in Mexico, Grasso claimed that “Right now Jiu-Jitsu tournaments are full […]. Some even have main events fights which feature women.” Of course, this is great for the sport, for the fans, and for the fighting sports betting in the country. The more diverse the sport is and the more markets it is dominant in, the better and more frequent the events can be.

When it comes to her rivalry with her upcoming fighter and what she expects from the fight, Grasso revealed that she always wanted to be successful like her, fight her, and beat her. “Even when I was […] in the flyweight division, Valentina Shevchenko was always the goal”. This speaks volumes and shows us how she looks at her role model turned rival. Interestingly, she does not agree with the decision that their second match was a draw. “I thought I won the rematch,” she says. Commenting on their current relationship outside of the ring and what can the fans expect during the fight, the Mexican shared the following: “We are both very professional […]. The day of the fight will be different […] we are going to kill each other.” Exactly what can be expected from two champion competitors, wouldn’t you agree?

Other fighters and potential fights also came up during the Stake interview. The interviewer wanted to know if Grasso had plans or wishes to go up against Weili Zhang anytime soon. The answer is spot on, a treat for every fan of the sport: “Weili Zhang is my dream fight. […] I would love to welcome her”, said Alexa. This is eerily similar to how she would fantasize about fighting Shevchenko as a pattern can clearly be seen. As Grasso eyes this superfight, it is up to Dana to make it happen. Everyone else is on board already!

The ever-interesting GOAT debate sprung up of course, with the fighter remaining humble and letting others lead that debate. She did share that it is her ultimate goal of course to be the greatest Flyweight of all time, saying, “I’m not the one who chooses that title, but to be the greatest is the goal.”

The interviewer also asked her what she expected from the headline event of Sean O’Malley versus Merab Dvalishvili. Grasso stated, “[Sean O’Malley] will have the power to hurt Merab badly, but Merab is also a very good wrestler.” Does that sound like a first-hand prediction from a legend of the sport commenting on her fellow fighters’ matchup? Sure seems like it! Make sure to read the entire Alexa Grasso exclusive interview with Stake and learn what else the legendary fighter had to say.

Who is Alexa Grasso?

Now that you know about the latest about her fights and what she expects from the future, how about a quick look back? What do you know about Grasso and do you know enough to place a quality bet on her fights? If not, don’t worry as we have you covered. Here in this section, we explore her life, most important fights, fighting style, and record.

Born on August 9, 1993 (31 years old) in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, Karen Alexa Grasso Montes is the current champion of the UFC’s Flyweight category for women. Apart from her fighting, she also does fight analyses as a broadcaster for UFC Espanol. This makes her one of the best sources of valuable, accurate information regarding the sport as a whole and a trusty voice for all of your bets.

From the start of her career in 2012 until 2020, her division was Strawweight. For the last four years though, she has been dominating in Flyweight. She is 1.65 m (5 ft 5 in) tall and weighs 57 kg (125 lbs). Her reach is 168 cm or 66 inches. Grasso’s team is Lobo Gym and her trainers are Francisco Grasso and Diego Lopes. Alexa has a brown belt in Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu, her main fighting style and the basis of her success.

The Mexican has been in 20 fights so far. Regarding her career record, it currently stands on 16 wins, 3 losses, and 1 draw. By knockout, he beat 4 opponents and 2 by submission. The remaining 10 were by decision. She lost 1 match by submission and 2 by decision. Overall, it is an amazing record worthy of a title belt holder. Her previous two fights, both against Shevchenko and both in 2023, were the highlights of her career. She first beat her by submission (face crank) to win the championship in the performance of the night. Then she retained the belt with a split draw half a year later. If she beats her for the second time and avoids a loss for the third, she will arguably cement her status in the division forever.

UFC 306 Details

So when does the event take place and what is the location? The upcoming MMA event under the umbrella of the UFC takes place on Saturday, September 14, 2024. As for the location, it will take place at the magnificent modern technological marvel that is the Sphere in Paradise, Las Vegas, Nevada. It will be the first time the Sphere has hosted an Ultime Fighting Championship event. The building, if it can be called that anyway, was literally made for premier events like UFC main events. Las Vegas is entertainment, it is the home of this sport, so it makes sense to hold it here.

The official name of this iteration is UFC 306: O’Malley vs. Dvalishvili, or for sponsorship reasons, Riyadh Season Noche UFC. It is the second time that it bears the name “Noche” as it doubles as a celebration of Mexican Independence Day. The first time around was two years ago for the UFC Fight Night: Grasso vs. Shevchenko 2. What better way to mark the third fight between the two fighters than to recall the last time they faced off?

According to the CEO of Ultimate Fighting Championship Dana White, the event is going to take us through the history of combat sports in Mexico. There are going to be film clips shown as well as tributes. It is bound to be a visual spectacle since the LED screens inside the arena are to be used for this. Make sure to check out Stake UFC predictions to prepare for these fights and get all the information about the fighters’ odds.

Other UFC 306 Fights

The headline bout of this event is the battle between the current Bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili. In the men’s Featherweight, it will be Brian Ortega against Diego Lopes, while the Lightweight matchup is headlined by Daniel Zellhuber versus Esteban Ribovics. Finally, the men’s Flyweight main card bout will see Ronaldo Rodriguez take on Ode’ Osbourne. This is not all, however. There are 5 more fights planned for this amazing Vegas event that has all it needs to be one for the ages.

In the preliminary card round, there are going to be 2 more women’s matchups. In the Bantamweight Irene Aldana will fight Norma Dumont, and in the Straightweight, Yazmin Jauregui faces off against Ketlen Souza. The men’s preliminary card will see a Lightweight duel between Ignacio Bahamondes and Manuel Torress, as well as a Flyweight fight where Edgar Chairez battles Joshua Van. Finally, an early preliminary card Bantamweight matchup is also scheduled between Raul Rosas Jr. and Aori Qileng.

Interesting Facts about Grasso

She was the first Mexican woman to win a UFC championship which instantly made her a hero not just in Mexico, but in the whole Latin America. She currently holds one Fight of the Night honor, for her match vs Carla Esparza. If you need more proof that 2023 was her year, know that she won Submission of the Year and Upset of the Year, both against Valentina Shevchenko in their first matchup. Grasso also won Fighter of the Year in 2023 at the World MMA Awards.

At one time during her career, she contemplated leaving the sport due to rigorous training regimes and a lack of success in her mind. However, with her family as her biggest support, she got through it. Speaking of the family, her parents were supportive all the way from the start. Mothers and fathers do not always want their precious, beautiful daughters to fight for a living, literally, but her parents own a gym and her uncle is her head coach. What a lucky break to have family members understand your love for the cage!

She once revealed that Joanna Jedrzejzyk is someone she admires, a fighter from her own division. There is nothing wrong with admiring one of your rivals of course, especially when they went 14 – 0 to start the career. Considered the best pound-for-pound female fighter in the sport for a while, she is a great role model to base your fighting on, no doubt about it.

But what about other people comparing her to some of the best in the sport? Well, she was good enough for that too. Julie Kedzie, former fighter and analyst, compared her to none other than Fedor Emelianenko regarding her matchup with Mizuki Inoue. Considering how much of a turning point the win over the Japanese fighter was, it makes sense that Grasso looked like one of the best fighters in the history of the sport. A high praise indeed, but evidently a justified one.

Last but not least, do you know that she was interested in natural sciences and morphology while she was at school? A far cry from her life and professional career, she enjoyed morphology classes in college and natural sciences were her favorite in high school. Still, sports took over and she made the right decision ad a crucial time. Her academic career was put on hold but it did not take long for her to became one of the household names in her newfound profession.

From Protests to Podiums: The Enduring Legacy of Vinesh Phogat

Vinesh Phogat is not defined by her performance at the Olympics, instead, she has sparked a social movement that…

Vinesh Phogat is not defined by her performance at the Olympics, instead, she has sparked a social movement that cannot be reversed. While she has inspired a nation with her success in international wrestling, Vinesh Phogat’s fight for justice is what illustrates her legacy.

Vinesh Phogat – International Wrestling

The Phogat sisters are famed in India for their wrestling success. Between them, they’ve collected 10 gold medals in the Commonwealth Games, plus a host of medals in the Asian Games and World Championships. Among them, they even have a top-ranked MMA fighter; Ritu Phogat. Also, a blockbuster movie was made in their honor that broke box office records. However, despite their incredible success, the sisters have yet to capture a medal in the Olympics.

Olympic Wrestling

Leading into the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, Vinesh Phogat was a favorite to capture a medal representing India. Having won top spots in the Asian and Commonwealth Games, she was a clear pick to take home some gear on the podium.

Shockingly, early in the tournament she defeated Yui Susaki; this was an incredible feat. Japan’s Susaki captured Olympic gold in 2020 and did not concede a single point that entire year. In fact, Susaki had remained unbeaten in a consecutive 24 international tournaments and sported a spotless 82-0 record.

Her first loss was delivered by Vinesh, who celebrated with tears in her eyes. It was a moment that changed the landscape of wrestling. Suddenly, the clear favorite had lost and a new hope had emerged. The Japanese-born athlete could not believe that this had happened, she said, “I didn’t know if it was real or not.”

With the nation of India behind her, Vinesh Phogat began a campaign for gold. She then won two more matches to qualify for the finals. Even the Indian Prime Minister Modi got behind Vinesh. In an interview, the national leader said, “Vinesh became the first Indian woman to reach the finals in wrestling, which is a matter of great pride for all of us.

But, her loss would not come on the mat instead it came on the scales. Despite working out all night, sweating, skipping, cutting her hair, and even donating blood, Vinesh was unable to make the weight limit. Thus, she was disqualified. India attempted to appeal this decision but was rejected. The Indian-born wrestler had enough, she declared her retirement from the sport, “My courage is broken, I don’t have any more strength now. Goodbye Wrestling, 2001-2024.”

No medal and a heartbreaking end for her and the Phogat family. However, if Vinesh Phogat never wrestles again a day in her life, her legacy is secure because she fought for something greater off the mats. Justice.

Vinesh Phogat – Protests and Sexual Assault

Women around the world have continuously had to suffer sexual assault at the hands of men who too often walk free. Especially in sports men have been able to use a position of power over women. Speaking to two-time Olympic medalist Kayla Harrison, she described her experiences of suffering sexual assault from those in power. Typically, it comes from those that students trust most. Kayla Harrison said:

Over 75 percent of cases involve well-known friends of the family: uncles, the coach, the neighbor, people that you know. And that’s a scary thing to think about as a parent. It’s terrifying, but unfortunately, it’s important that we do think about it … Why would you ever just hand over your kids to a coach, a tutor, or whoever it may be, and say, “Here, make my kid the next Gabby Douglas, make my kid the next Michael Phelps, make my kid a genius” We have to be really careful.

This is exactly what Vinesh Phogat looked to stop. Over the past two years, Vinesh has been the leader of protests marching against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and the president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Multiple women have come forward accusing Singh of sexual harassment. Adding that there was no oversight or accountability. This sparked major protests in India and the movement gained international attention. Her efforts have been part of a broader struggle for justice and change, emphasizing the importance of creating a supportive environment for women in sports.

Vinesh faced much backlash from those in power, the general public, and the police. Many women at these protests, including Vinesh, were detained by police and would often face physical confrontations. Of these, police have faced no repercussions. She also faced smear campaigns. Despite all this, she knew her fight was just and her will could not be broken.

In her own words, Vinesh Phogat said:

“”I have only felt a deep sense of humiliation since I mustered the courage to protest … It was the same disgusting pattern over and over again and I am among the victims.The fact that no one was listening to us forced me and others to start a public protest as we wanted the nation to know how top athletes were being mistreated

“We wanted Singh to be dragged out of his home, but because he is a powerful man he is roaming around and we are being told to sit at home.”

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Ultimately, the protests have succeeded. The IOC is looking to adjust its standards. Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the former leader of the WFI has been stripped of his position and will face Delhi court regarding the accusations. The court said:

“The allegations reveal a pattern of behavior of the accused who exploited his position of power to sexually assault and harass female wrestlers over several years … The allegations demonstrate that the offenses committed against the victims were not random but part of a continuous sequence of events, suggesting a premeditated strategy to assault vulnerable victims repeatedly over several years. The modus operandi is consistent i.e., the exploitation of power and opportunity to harass subordinates.”

The protests of Vinesh Phogat were harshly criticized but she stood her ground. It resulted in direct change. Nationally and internationally, these movements contributed to a larger conversation about women’s safety both in sports and in general. Vinesh Phogat and her fight for justice is a better legacy than a gold medal.

The Bigot Undertones of the Imane Khelif Gender Controversy

The bad-faith actors, the usual peanut gallery, had their claws at the ready when Imane Khelif’s name up. These…

The bad-faith actors, the usual peanut gallery, had their claws at the ready when Imane Khelif’s name up. These 2024 Olympic games have been surrounded by gender controversy. The truth is that she is a woman, not a trans person, not a man competing as a woman, but it didn’t matter because these people were waiting for a target to unleash their long-held anger.

Imane Khelif: Olympic Gender Issues

Algeria’s Imane Khelif was born a woman, identifies as a woman, and competes as a woman. In her home country, it is illegal to be a trans person or have trans surgery. Being an LGBTQ person could land you in prison. It is unbelievable to think that Algeria would send a trans person to compete on their behalf, but the truth hardly mattered. Simply, these bad-faith arguers on X were looking for prey.

What initially kicked this off was a decision from the IBA. The IBA was the organization that suspended the Algerian-born Imane Khelif. This organization is not considered reputable by international standards. The Olympics cast them aside for corruption among other controversies. On the IBA “Gender Test” Morgan Campbell wrote for CBC Sports:

No IBA documents clarify exactly how these two women, who had competed issue-free in the past, landed outside the organization’s gender boundaries. Minutes from the board of directors meeting following the 2023 world championships repeatedly cite unspecified tests at an unnamed lab, and that the two boxers “failed to meet eligibility rules.” Eventually IBA president Umar Kremlev told a reporter that Khelif and Yu-Ting, who is also competing in Paris, had an X and Y chromosome, which made them, in IBA’s view, something besides women.

In a statement regarding the IBA, the IOC outlined that no proper procedure was followed, they added:

The current aggression against these two athletes is based entirely on this arbitrary decision, which was taken without any proper procedure – especially considering that these athletes had been competing in top-level competition for many years.

But it didn’t matter. The facts simply didn’t matter in the face of a great target; Imane Khelif.

The IBA had a bizarre press conference just a few days ago to respond. They did not provide any evidence regarding this case. Olympic sports writer Les Carpenter outlined what happened:

“Are you going to show us evidence, or is it time for us to leave the room now?” a reporter interrupted … With the men on the dais saying they don’t test all boxers for testosterone irregularities and had only chosen four at the 2022 championships, including Khelif and Lin, and then only Khelif and Lin in 2023. They did not provide the results of the 2022 tests or why those athletes were selected, other than vague references to complaints from opposing countries.

Trans people in sports is an entirely reasonable discussion to have. It is an interesting topic that is worth examining further. However, the issue is surrounded by reactionaries who are not looking for a reasonable discussion. Additionally, this case, with Imane Khelif, is backed by a peanut gallery on X and a corrupt boxing organization rather than facts.

Minority Women Being Called Men

Algeria’s Imane Khelif was called out for being a man, being a trans person, having increased testosterone, or being intersex; the insults followed a classic pattern to underscore minority women’s achievements by insulting them and claiming they are men. Women of color are constantly and historically called men.

Minority women often face microaggressions and overt insults that bisect with both racism and sexism. The intent behind these comments is to undermine their identities and achievements by attacking their appearance and questioning their femininity.

Women of Color

Michelle Obama was long criticized not for her political positions but instead she was accused of being a man. A lie that would last for all eight years of the presidency. It was designed to be an insulting jab, with racist undertones.

Some athletic examples include Indian sprinter Dutee Chand, WNBA star Brittney Griner, South African runner Caster Semenya, tennis champion Naomi Osaka, Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat, snowboarder Chloe Kim, tennis stars Venus & Serena Williams, golfing standout Michelle Wie, and all-time great boxer Claressa Shields.

Aside from athletes, the following women are often called men: Congresswoman Cori Bush, actress Michaela Coel, and Vice President Kamala Harris. What do all of the above women have in common? They are women of color, just like Imane Khelif. Women of color are insulted and have their looks compared to men at a much greater rate than their white counterparts who are in the same position.

The people themselves who are calling Imane Khelif a man are not racist. To be clear, the insult has a basis in racism. The insult has a bigoted context, not the people themselves.

Historic Context

This line of racist insults is not new, Imane Khelif happens to be the most recent target. It is an insult that dates back decades. Tennis player Althea Gibson, in the 1950s, was often subjected to comments that questioned her femininity. Implying she was more masculine. Track and field athlete Wilma Rudolph, in the 1950s, faced similar derogatory comments. Critics often made remarks about her muscular build, suggesting she was more male than female.

In the 1980s, runner Florence Griffith-Joyner set a record and met derogatory comments about her appearance and performance-enhancing drug accusations. The comments were often rooted in racial and gender biases. Critics implied that her muscular physique and performance were unnatural for a woman.

Insulting a minority woman and calling her a man is nothing new and a classic racist insult. Instead of raising up strong female athletes, and lifting their voices, the racist mob chooses to tear them down. Athletes such as Claressa Shields should be celebrated in a way that an all-time great athlete deserves to be treated. Instead, bigoted and old insults continue to plague women’s careers.

Exclusive – Invicta FC President Shannon Knapp discusses ‘Exciting’ debut on CBS Sports

Shannon Knapp provides optimistic outlook for Invicta FC’s future.

For months, there was fair reason to be concerned about Invicta FC’s future. The women’s MMA promotion, which had long been known for giving major stars in the sport a platform on their way up to the UFC, went more than half a year without announcing an event.

Many started to worry if the decade-long fixture on the U.S. regional scene had met its demise. However, the public recently learned that the idea of the promotion folding was far from the truth. The months of radio silence wasn’t Invicta FC slowly fading away, but instead their quiet behind-the-scenes pursuit of making a strong return. Work from recent weeks by the promotion will all come to a culmination very soon when they host an event in Kansas City.

The absence of Invicta FC will come to an end this Friday when the promotion kicks off a five-event tour which will take place in the second half of 2024. The series of events comes along with a new distribution deal, airing events live on American TV channel CBS Sports Network.

“It’s always hard when you know you’re working on something but you can’t say anything,” said Shannon Knapp, the President of Invicta FC. “You see the speculation, you know. Everybody wants to know what’s going on. So when you can make that announcement and let the world know what you’ve been working on, it’s a very exciting moment.”

Invicta FC Returning Amid A Women’s Sports ‘Evolution’

The deal is Invicta FC’s first major partnership since being acquired by Anthem Sports & Entertainment in 2021. It guarantees five events this year, with Knapp mentioning the possibility of further shows on the channel in 2025. After years on UFC’s online subscription service Fight Pass, the promotion briefly was hosted on Anthem-owned channel AXS TV. Knapp said that they were always in pursuit of a new media deal and that they are satisfied with the one which kicks off this week.

“I think it’s great for CBS Sports,” Knapp said. “They embrace more women’s sports, and I think it’s great for Invicta. We have the opportunity to possibly connect with maybe a potential fan base that didn’t have that opportunity before.”

Invicta FC’s return comes amid a big moment for women’s sports. The rise of popularity for college and pro-level women’s basketball—coined by some as “The Caitlin Clark Effect” due to a highly successful popular Iowa-born player leading the charge—has put women’s athletics under a big spotlight. Other rising leagues, like the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), have also received a rise in popularity as of late. Knapp sees the importance of making sure every sport is involved in the current rise of women’s sports, including MMA.

“I think it’s very exciting to see the evolution that’s happening right now for women’s sports,” she said. “But I think that everybody’s part of that movement. If you’re an all-female [league] you’re part of that movement. I think it’s really important that we embrace that, and we help lift it up, not only for Invicta or for combat sports, but for all sports.”

Talita Bernardo, Kay Hansen Among Spotlighted Talents

Friday’s card will include a mix of returning Invicta FC names, plus a wave of new talent who debut with a fair amount of buzz. The main event will see bantamweight champ Talita Bernardo hunt for her fourth consecutive win in the promotion, taking on rising ex-Bellator fighter Olga Rubin.

After having an unsuccessful UFC run that came to an end in 2022, Bernardo has found a second wind in her career through Invicta FC. After scoring back-to-back submission wins in 2022, she went five rounds against Taneisha Tennant to take a decision victory and capture the division’s 135-pound belt.

Earlier in the night, Kay Hansen will come back to Invicta for the first time since her two-year UFC run. At just 24 years old, Hansen will be looking to reboot her career by performing in the promotion that previously got her to a big stage in the sport.

“Having Kay [Hansen] back is amazing,” Knapp explained. “You know, this is where it all began for her, she was very young. If memory serves me right, I think she was like 18 when she came in, or somewhere in that vicinity. She was very young.”

Atomweight Division Continues To Receive Attention

Earlier in the night, an atomweight (105-pound) fight will see Japanese prospect Saori Oshima take on Andressa Romero. Oshima has put together a stellar record in Japan’s regional scene and has won four fights in notable promotion RIZIN.

Among the top MMA promotions (UFC, PFL & Bellator), none currently host fights at the atomweight limit. Knapp explained the importance of putting a spotlight on these divisions at Invicta, even if they aren’t exactly stepping-stone bouts to get into bigger promotions.

“It’s important that we embrace all the divisions,” she said. “Currently. we have five divisions. Could we expand on that at some point in time? There is a good potential. But yeah, I think it’s hugely important. I especially the lower weights for women. You find a lot of women that compete in those weight classes.”

Back up and running, Invicta FC is optimistic about what lies ahead. After months where fans might have felt worried about the promotion’s future, Knapp wants the public to know that they are working hard to provide the best product possible.

“We’re moving, and we’re super excited about the opportunity that’s in front of us,” she said. “I think that what fans can expect right now is I’m gonna do my best. My team’s gonna do their best to put on world-class matchups, entertaining matchups and to really fine-tune everything and give them the best that we can give them.”

Are you excited to see the return of Invicta FC?

Is UFC 303 actually better now?

UFC 303 is without Conor McGregor’s return. But is the replacement fight possibly an even better headliner?

Earlier this week, the dreaded news regarding UFC 303 that many MMA fans long anticipated finally went public: Dana White took to social media and announced that the return of Conor McGregor—the most popular name in the sport’s history—would have to wait.

In its place at UFC 303 came a fight between UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira and former titleholder Jiri Prochazka, a pair of nasty finishers who have gained a reputation for putting on entertaining performances.

No matter how long the promotion delayed its announcement of the canceled bout for UFC 303, and no matter what was revealed in its place, the change would be a disaster for the promotion business-wise and would upset many. A McGregor fight can be without a title circumstance, a big rivalry, or even much momentum in the star’s sails and still be a massive live gate and pay-per-view hit. The mainstream pull of “The Notorious” is hard to match or replicate, hence why a return fight for him not even in his regular weight class earned the main event slot in one of the promotion’s biggest shows of the year.

All of a sudden, one of the biggest events of the year for the promotion became simply just another card in the schedule for many. But should those tuning out maybe stick around instead? Maybe. While UFC 303 isn’t a stellar card and certainly not in the running for one of the biggest shows of the year, it’s way better than it was before. Let’s look at where it was before, where it is now, and why the change due to circumstances actually wasn’t that bad for fans.

The Return of Notorious

Conor McGregor confirms UFC 303 fight with Michael Chandler is on amid scrutiny see ya's soon

It’s undeniable how big of a name McGregor is. If you asked the average person who they associate with MMA, McGregor is likely one of the first fighters to be mentioned. His buzz is massive and justifies why he gets placed in so many big fights. But there’s a reality to face about his matchup against Michael Chandler: While it is a bout that was expected to receive lots of hype, it isn’t a particularly stellar fight.

There are many factors that make McGregor’s return less intriguing that his previous outings. He’s coming off a pair of losses, both that came via finish against Dustin Poirier in 2021. He’s moving up to 170, a weight class he has only briefly flirted with in the past. He’s also coming off the longest layoff of his career, now set to stretch past the three-year mark. The 35-year-old isn’t getting any younger and certainly isn’t close to a title opportunity at the moment, or even if he put away Chandler. These quick-hit facts illustrate what type of a fight this was.

Now let’s be clear: There’s nothing wrong with wanting to watch a fighter who isn’t the best in the world. MMA, like any sport, is entertainment at the end of the day. Success through competition isn’t the sole factor that sells fights, and often is the least important thing when it comes to getting the public’s attention. But even the other side of the fight against Chandler, the promotion, hasn’t brought up the bout’s value much either.

McGregor will always get attention for his over-the-top and at times too-much personality, and that doesn’t change no matter who he faces. But realistically, the most attention was on him when he had not just a dance partner in the cage, but on the mic. The way McGregor would prod and poke at folks like Floyd Mayweather, Nate Diaz, Eddie Alvarez and others became big parts of their fight promotion.

Yet, there really hasn’t been much of that with McGregor and Chandler thus far. While the fighters never got their official media tour underway—with a press conference date in Dublin, Ireland being cancelled roughly two weeks back—this fight has essentially been kicked around as an idea by both fighters for more than a year.

Chandler has been jerked around by McGregor since early 2023, with the bout being delayed and the former Bellator champ going months on end without a paycheck. Through the online mind games, a season of “The Ultimate Fighter” and more, the former Bellator champ hasn’t taken the bait that the Irishman has thrown out. He has instead been patient and diplomatic, two words that are never used when describing why a fight is appetizing.

What does a fight between McGregor and Chandler have? Besides the legacy hype that will follow McGregor for maybe the rest of his life, there is not much. Little meaning in its division, either fighter’s careers or even the general MMA zeitgeist. It’s not a bad fight and certainly would be more popular than the average PPV card. Apart from the public excitement to see McGregor compete, there’s little that the fight brings to the table. Some might see the show as not worth watching now that he’s off. But, let’s compare it to what we now have and see if that’s a fair assessment.

A Stellar Light Heavyweight Sequel

Alex Pereira confident ahead of UFC 303 title fight with Jiri Prochazka I have my ancestors with me

It’s hard to argue against the idea that Alex Pereira is one of the most exciting names in MMA at the moment. In just a few years he has gone from a veteran kickboxer with just a few fights in MMA, to a two-time champion who is trying to carve out the first era at light heavyweight since the end of Jon Jones’ reign.

Pereira has a style that is hard for viewers to not get behind, being an all-action striker. The damaging blows he mastered in kickboxing means that he has yet to go the distance through five championship fights. Just one of his UFC wins didn’t come via finish, and the others provided highlight-reel moments.

Something about Pereira’s current run that feels really special. It’s not just the moments that he’s creating, but the frequency at which they have emerged. UFC 303 will be his ninth appearance since his late 2021 promotional debut. He has stepped up on some of the promotion’s biggest stages: Three different Madison Square Garden cards, the huge UFC 300 PPV, and now International Fight Week. There are a lot of interesting things going on in MMA, like the dominance of Islam Makhachev and the rise of Sean O’Malley. But few have been as present in the promotion’s biggest spots over the past few years as Pereira. Because of his current run, the Brazilian champ feels more must-see than ever.

There’s also some solid storytelling behind a rematch between Pereira and Jiri Prochazka. On paper, it seems like there’s no reason for them to meet once again, especially so soon. The first time they fought, Pereira scored a second-round finish due to strikes. But if you go back and watch the fight, you may remember that there was somewhat of a discourse around an early stoppage. It wasn’t a full-on controversy, but Prochazka did mention his belief that the fight should have gone a little longer. If the promotion wants a little extra something to lean on when pushing the fight, they should focus on that.

Pereira is a brutal striker, and Prochazka fights with a kill-or-be-killed style. Both have hardly been seen in a dull moment since joining the UFC. It’s a stellar fight and one that doesn’t really need to be sold to the diehard fans who know what to expect.

The Clear Caveat For UFC 303

Jiri Prochazka offers to fight Aleksandar Rakic at UFC 299 on short notice in Miami

The new UFC 303 main event isn’t perfect. If there’s one glaring criticism of the matchup, it’s that the fighters have just a little over two weeks to prepare for a five-round booking. The fact that we will know both Prochazka and Pereira will enter the bout less prepared than they usually are does take something away from the bout.

For Prochazka, an unsuccessful result in the fight will definitely sting. The Czech fighter might look back on the bout with regret if he loses: “Did I waste my potentially only opportunity at avenging a loss to Pereira on a booking that I had little time to prepare for?” he might think. The short-notice opportunity certainly hurts him more than Pereira, who could probably petition for a trilogy fight between them if he comes out with a loss.

The talk-heavy promo style and the long MMA history that McGregor brings into fights won’t be carried into Las Vegas when Pereira and Prochakza meet. Instead, a clash between two fan-friendly talents who are much easier to associate with the current MMA moment that we’re living in will fight. A fighter who has dominated headlines in two divisions, and one of his rivals who has the motivation to avenge a previous loss. It’s not ideal business for UFC, who will likely miss out on millions without McGregor’s presence. But when looking through the lens of a fan, it’s hard to scoff at the new headliner.

Are you more or less excited for UFC 303 later this month?

With or without undisputed status, Dustin Poirier will retire a legend

Dustin Poirier obviously wants a title, but does his legacy need it?

There’s likely nothing in the contract for Dustin Poirier’s UFC 302 fight that explicitly states it will be his last-ever chance at a world championship. However, the fact that Saturday will be his final chance to become the division’s top name when he faces Islam Makhachev has felt like an unwritten rule ever since their matchup was revealed.

In what will be his 31st UFC appearance, 35-year-old Dustin Poirier will be trying to become undisputed champ for a third time. When given those numbers, it’s hard to wonder how much is left in his career.

At least, Poirier is having those thoughts. In the lead-up to his fight this weekend, he told CBS Sports that he’s seriously considering calling it quits soon: “I’ve been doing this a long time. It’s a very selfish sport. I’m ready to be a father and be a husband and be home and be into a routine. I wouldn’t say I can’t do it again. I can do it again. It’s just … this is it for me.”

His recent comments made it clearer than ever that this weekend is Dustin Poirier’s final chance at the lightweight title. Even if there was a world where he could find a fourth pathway to a title, he doesn’t want to walk that route.

Now knowing what Poirier feels on the inside, we’re set up for a dramatic storyline this weekend. It’s no longer an open secret that it’s his last chance, we know it is. Saturday is truly a do or die situation for Poirier to prove that he’s one of the best. But amid all of the hype and drama that will emerge this weekend, it’s important to remember that win or lose, Poirier has already proven enough to be considered a legendary fighter.

Dustin poirier’s Longevity At The Top

When looking at Poirier’s career, it feels like an undisputed championship run is the one thing he hasn’t truly tackled. Other than the elusive undisputed champ status, Poirier has stacked his career full of big moments.

While there isn’t any gold to put to his name (unless you count a brief interim title run), Dustin Poirier has easily been one of the most dominant forces in the lightweight division for a decade. While many top names have come and gone, Poirier has not only stayed active but remained among the best.

Dustin Poirier was just 21 years old when he joined the UFC roster. The Louisiana-born and raised fighter very much grew up in the cage, with his amateur days dating back to when he had just turned 18. Before even hitting what you could consider the prime of his career, Poirier had made a living fighting at featherweight, a division rarely associated with him nowadays. Those who only started following the sport in the mid-2010s amid the popularity of Conor McGregor and Ronda Rousey—myself included—likely wouldn’t have any recollection of this time in his career.

While he had high-profile fights, like a 2012 main event loss to The Korean Zombie, a main event fight the next year against Cub Swanson and a meeting across McGregor in 2014, Dustin Poirier didn’t ever fight for a title in the division and wasn’t making headlines in the ways that more stand-out talents were at that time.

Following his loss to McGregor in 2014, a finish loss that lasted just under two minutes, he made the move up to lightweight. He had already fought 11 times in the promotion by this point, or four years in total. According to internal calculations made by the UFC around this time, this would have made him surpass and nearly double the average length of a career in the promotion, which they had pinned at 2.46 years overall from 1993 to 2014.

Chasing Greatness At Lightweight

After his UFC run had already out-lived many of his peers, Poirier was actually just getting started. Lightweight ended up being the division where he put together his best performances and most high-profile wins, getting him near the title picture on numerous instances.

Things got off to a strong start when he took just one loss through 11 appearances in the division. After main event finish wins over Eddie Alvarez and Justin Gaethje (a past undisputed and interim champ respectively), he was given a shot to face featherweight champ Max Holloway for an interim lightweight title.

Poirier went five rounds against the striking aficionado to capture the belt and win via unanimous decision. Poirier beat Holloway where he is at his best, getting a jump on the talented knockdown artist in the early rounds with clean combinations. Holloway unsurprisingly made the fight close, but not narrow enough for many to consider him victorious.

Holloway had built up an untouchable image heading into that fight, putting together 14 consecutive wins that grew in importance. After stopping legend Jose Aldo twice, he out-gutted Brian Ortega in a stand-up war to defend his belt once again.

While there will always be ways that people take things away from that fight, notably that Holloway had moved up a weight class and that the bout was actually for an interim title instead of the real deal, it’s still certainly a huge victory arguably the biggest of Dustin Poirier’s career. He took out one of the best while they were at their peak, and did so elegantly.

Over the next few years, Poirier would struggle against the absolute best and style on anyone below that level. He lost fights to Khabib Nurmagomedov, Charles Oliveira, and Justin Gaethje, three names you could basically define a division’s entire era with. But against a past-prime Conor McGregor or a rising contender like Benoit Saint-Denis, he would put on a show. Dustin Poirier was a main event draw during this time, with his duo of non-title fight appearances against McGregor both headlining pay-per-view cards.

A Perfect Ending Isn’t Necessary

Islam Makhachev vows to sleep Dustin Poirier at heated UFC 302 press conference listen to your coaches and box with me — Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

Just to list the absolute cliff notes of Poirier’s career, you need about 500 words. Poirier has accomplished a lot and left a print on the UFC’s history that even some champs likely won’t leave. Knowing the ins and outs of his career begs the question: How much does he even really need that belt?

It’s obvious that Poirier earning the title would be the best ending possible for his career. Dustin Poirier clearly sees earning the title as a way to complete his run as a fighter and show how great he truly is. He has used the phrase “finish the story” recently, a line that WWE’s Cody Rhodes used to illustrate a lengthy career arc that culminated with him sitting atop the world of professional wrestling.

But wrestling has the privilege to actually choose how stories end. WWE decided that Rhodes would get to reach the top of the mountain, but Poirier isn’t afforded the same luxury. Anything could happen at UFC 302, and oddsmakers seem inclined to think that the night will end with Makhachev still possessing the 155-pound division’s gold.

A championship belt is what everyone is after in MMA, but it’s not the singular litmus test for greatness. Many top names, including champs, can’t say that they have had the career longevity of Dustin Poirier. Few can get one title shot, come back from a loss to earn another, and then do it yet again. Dustin Poirier has just one thing left to prove in the sport, which means he’s proven way more than almost all of his colleagues.

Dustin Poirier’s story could have the perfect ending. But even if it doesn’t, he’s told a hell of a story.