Tag: UFC 300

Jiri Prochazka makes case for title fight with win over Aleksandar Rakic after UFC 300: ‘I deserve it’

Jiri Prochazka eyes title fight after UFC 300 win I believe I deserve itFormer UFC light heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka has eyes set on a rematch with Alex Pereira should he be…

Jiri Prochazka eyes title fight after UFC 300 win I believe I deserve it

Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka has eyes set on a rematch with Alex Pereira should he be victorious at UFC 300. 

Following his first loss in the UFC, Prochazka seems as motivated as ever to progress his career and eventually regain his title. Despite being stopped by Pereira in November, Jiri Prochazka will return to action this weekend as part of the upcoming 300 card and will face No.5 ranked Aleksandar Rakic.

Jiri Prochazka eyes title fight after UFC 300

The winner will place themselves firmly in title contention and could potentially face the winner of Pereira and Jamahal Hill. This is ultimately the goal for Prochazka, but as he explained to The Schmo the 31-year-old is also gunning for a rematch against Pereira.

Jiri Prochazka reveals post-USADA drug testing ahead of UFC 300 they made us pull our pants down
Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

“I’m happy to be back in this fast time,” Prochazka began. “I believe after the last fight, after the early end, that end of the fight, if I win [on April 13] — and I hope and believe I’m able to win, to handle that fight — I deserve the title shot. So let’s go for that.” (H/T MMA News)

“From one angle of me, I’d like to fight him, I’d like to fight (Pereira) next,” Prochazka continued. “But, it depends if he wins. It doesn’t matter. Like last time, for me it’s not too important to get the title back, but I want to prove the next step of the mastery on my way. That’s all (it’s) about; about the performance, about showing the best performance every time, and about the joy from fighting.”

Alex Pereira defends UFC 295 win over fading Jiri Prochazka I thought the stoppage was good
Mandatory Credit: Sarah Stier

Prior to his fight against Pereira, Prochazka had not been defeated since December 2015 when he was stopped by Muhammed Lawal. The Czech had embarked on a 13-fight win streak across RIZIN and the UFC, only going to the decision once during this time. 

During such a run it would be hard to not build an image of oneself which would make a loss difficult to face. 

A rematch between Prockazka and Pereira is really not the end of the world given the pairs habit of firefights which result in knockouts. The first fight never really caught fire like expected, maybe better luck the second time around.

Who would win in a rematch, Alex Pereira or Jiri Prochazka? 

Video – Alex Pereira and Jamahal Hill come Face-To-Tace ahead of their fight at UFC 300

Video - Alex Pereira and Jamahal Hill come Face-To-Tace ahead of their UFC 300 fightDays away from their epic encounter at UFC 300, Alex Pereira and Jamahal Hill met face-to-face for the first…

Video - Alex Pereira and Jamahal Hill come Face-To-Tace ahead of their UFC 300 fight

Days away from their epic encounter at UFC 300, Alex Pereira and Jamahal Hill met face-to-face for the first time.

On Saturday, April 13, the Ultimate Fighting Championship returns to T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas with its biggest card of all time. The event will feature 13 total fights with 12 current or former world champions in action, none bigger than the evening’s headliner between Pereira, the promotion’s defending light heavyweight king, and Hill, a man hellbent on reclaiming the crown he never lost.

Both fighters finally met at a media event on Tuesday.

Alex Pereira vs. Jamahal Hill: How did we get here?

Jamahal Hill first captured the 205-pound title in January 2023, defeating Glover Teixeira via a decisive unanimous decision.

Jamahal Hill

Sadly, ‘Sweet Dreams’ never had the opportunity to defend the title. As he was waiting for Jiri Prochazka to return from injury, he himself suffered a ruptured Achilles, forcing him to vacate the title. Four months later, ‘Poatan’ scored a second-round KO against Prochazka at UFC 295, climbing to the top of another division after having already won the middleweight title a year prior.

Alex Pereira

Pereira’s win put him on a collision course with Hill that will culminate in a can’t-miss clash in Sin City.

Alex Pereira vs. Jamahal Hill

Custom UFC 300 fight shorts unveiled for Alex Pereira, Max Holloway, and more

Custom UFC 300 fight shorts unveiled for Alex Pereira, Max Holloway, and moreA handful of fighters at UFC 300 will be sporting a brand new look for the landmark event. On…

Custom UFC 300 fight shorts unveiled for Alex Pereira, Max Holloway, and more

A handful of fighters at UFC 300 will be sporting a brand new look for the landmark event.

On Saturday, April 13, Ultimate Fighting Championship will present its biggest event of the last 30+ years as 12 former or current world champions take center stage inside T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. There, a select few fighters will walk out wearing custom shorts, each one uniquely representing their fighter.

UFC 300 fight shorts

“The four unique fighters represented across this collection, each known for their unrivaled talent and global contributions to the sport, are set to perform on the best fight card ever assembled,” the Venum website stated.

The four fighters featured are defending UFC champions Alex Pereira and Zhang Weili along with BMF titleholder Justin Gaethje and his UFC 300 opponent, Max Holloway.

UFC 300 shorts

In the main event of the evening, Pereira will put his 205-pound title on the line for the first time against former champion Jamahal Hill. It will be Hill’s first time competing since suffering an Achilles injury in July 2023. ‘Sweet Dreams’ as the light heavyweight champion at the time, but was forced to vacate the built. He’ll look to reclaim the crown he never lost against one of the most dangerous strikers on the planet.

In the co-main event of the evening, strawweight world champion Zhang Weili will defend her strap against Yan Xiaonan in an all-Chinese clash.

UFC 300 shorts

In what has been dubbed “the people’s main event” of UFC 300, two-time lightweight title challenger Justin Gaethje puts up his bragging rights belt, the BMF title, against former featherweight world champion Max ‘Blessed’ Holloway in a bout that has Fight of the Night written all over it.

Check out the full lineup of fights at UFC 300 below:

UFC 300 Main Card

  • Alex Pereira(c) vs. Jamahal Hill – UFC Light Heavyweight Championship
  • Zhang Weili(c) vs. Yan Xiaonan – UFC Strawweight Championship
  • Justin Gaethje vs. Max Holloway – BMF Title Fight
  • Charles Oliveira vs. Arman Tsarukyan
  • Bo Nickal vs. Cody Brundage

UFC 300 Preliminary Card

  • Jiri Prochazka vs. Aleksandar Rakic
  • Aljamain Sterling vs. Calvin Kattar
  • Kayla Harrison vs. Holly Holm
  • Sodiq Yusuff vs. Diego Lopes
  • Jalin Turner vs. Renato Moicano
  • Jessica Andrade vs. Marina Rodriguez
  • Jim Miller vs. Bobby Green
  • Cody Garbrandt vs. Deiveson Figueiredo
UFC 300

Bo Nickal touted as ‘American Khabib Nurmagomedov’ ahead of UFC 300 return: ‘He’s phenomenal’

Bo Nickal touted as American Khabib Nurmagomedov ahead of UFC 300 he's phenomenalSet to make his third walk under the promotion’s banner at UFC 300 this weekend, unbeaten middleweight contender, Bo…

Bo Nickal touted as American Khabib Nurmagomedov ahead of UFC 300 he's phenomenal

Set to make his third walk under the promotion’s banner at UFC 300 this weekend, unbeaten middleweight contender, Bo Nickal most certainly has the ability to be a future American-version of Hall of Fame star, Khabib Nurmagomedov, according to former titleholder, Michael Bisping. 

Nickal, who makes his return to the Octagon almost a year since his last outing, makes a highly-scrutinized main card appearance at the massive UFC 300 card this weekend, taking on Cody Brundage in search of his third straight victory.

Bo Nickal UFC 290 Cooper Neil Zuffa LLC

A decorated amateur wrestling talent, Colorado native, Nickal – who twice prevailed with victories on Dana White’s Contender Series – has so far racked up a submission win and knockout stoppage over both Jamie Pickett, and Val Woodburn, respectively, the most recent of which last July.

Bo Nickal receives comparisons to Khabib Nurmagomedov

Touted as a massive prospect at the middleweight limit – and to many, a future title challenger, Nickal has been backed as a candidate to become an ‘American-version’ of former lightweight champion, Nurmagomedov, according to color-commentator, Bisping.

Khabib Nurmagomedov denounces Power Slap League don't slap nobody no good UFC
Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger – Zuffa LLC

“Bo Nickal has the potential to go down as one of the greatest champions that we’ve ever seen – an American version of a Khamzat Chimaev or an Islam Makhachev or a Khabib Nurmagomedov,” Michael Bisping told MMA Fighting. “That’s the kind of pedigree that he has, and that’s what he’s shown so far.”

“When you reach the level Bo Nickal has in wrestling, you’re a special kind of human being. …Bo Nickal has got the ability to be an American Khabib Nurmagomedov,” Bisping explained. “And he’s a great guy. He’s phenomenal. He’s undefeated. The UFC know what they have on their hands.”

Bo Nickal stokes fan outcry over main card fight at UFC 300 I like that it makes people mad
Mandatory Credit: Cooper Neil – Zuffa LLC

Arguing his case to feature on the main card of UFC 300 – above a slew of former champions who remain seated on the preliminary card, Nickal claims the reasoning for his placement on the pay-per-view portion of the event likely translates to his ability to sell.

Do you think Bo Nickal can reach the heights of Khabib Nurmagomedov?

Bo Nickal touted as ‘American Khabib Nurmagomedov’ ahead of UFC 300 return: ‘He’s phenomenal’

Bo Nickal touted as American Khabib Nurmagomedov ahead of UFC 300 he's phenomenalSet to make his third walk under the promotion’s banner at UFC 300 this weekend, unbeaten middleweight contender, Bo…

Bo Nickal touted as American Khabib Nurmagomedov ahead of UFC 300 he's phenomenal

Set to make his third walk under the promotion’s banner at UFC 300 this weekend, unbeaten middleweight contender, Bo Nickal most certainly has the ability to be a future American-version of Hall of Fame star, Khabib Nurmagomedov, according to former titleholder, Michael Bisping. 

Nickal, who makes his return to the Octagon almost a year since his last outing, makes a highly-scrutinized main card appearance at the massive UFC 300 card this weekend, taking on Cody Brundage in search of his third straight victory.

Bo Nickal UFC 290 Cooper Neil Zuffa LLC

A decorated amateur wrestling talent, Colorado native, Nickal – who twice prevailed with victories on Dana White’s Contender Series – has so far racked up a submission win and knockout stoppage over both Jamie Pickett, and Val Woodburn, respectively, the most recent of which last July.

Bo Nickal receives comparisons to Khabib Nurmagomedov

Touted as a massive prospect at the middleweight limit – and to many, a future title challenger, Nickal has been backed as a candidate to become an ‘American-version’ of former lightweight champion, Nurmagomedov, according to color-commentator, Bisping.

Khabib Nurmagomedov denounces Power Slap League don't slap nobody no good UFC
Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger – Zuffa LLC

“Bo Nickal has the potential to go down as one of the greatest champions that we’ve ever seen – an American version of a Khamzat Chimaev or an Islam Makhachev or a Khabib Nurmagomedov,” Michael Bisping told MMA Fighting. “That’s the kind of pedigree that he has, and that’s what he’s shown so far.”

“When you reach the level Bo Nickal has in wrestling, you’re a special kind of human being. …Bo Nickal has got the ability to be an American Khabib Nurmagomedov,” Bisping explained. “And he’s a great guy. He’s phenomenal. He’s undefeated. The UFC know what they have on their hands.”

Bo Nickal stokes fan outcry over main card fight at UFC 300 I like that it makes people mad
Mandatory Credit: Cooper Neil – Zuffa LLC

Arguing his case to feature on the main card of UFC 300 – above a slew of former champions who remain seated on the preliminary card, Nickal claims the reasoning for his placement on the pay-per-view portion of the event likely translates to his ability to sell.

Do you think Bo Nickal can reach the heights of Khabib Nurmagomedov?

Bo Nickal touted as ‘American Khabib Nurmagomedov’ ahead of UFC 300 return: ‘He’s phenomenal’

Bo Nickal touted as American Khabib Nurmagomedov ahead of UFC 300 he's phenomenalSet to make his third walk under the promotion’s banner at UFC 300 this weekend, unbeaten middleweight contender, Bo…

Bo Nickal touted as American Khabib Nurmagomedov ahead of UFC 300 he's phenomenal

Set to make his third walk under the promotion’s banner at UFC 300 this weekend, unbeaten middleweight contender, Bo Nickal most certainly has the ability to be a future American-version of Hall of Fame star, Khabib Nurmagomedov, according to former titleholder, Michael Bisping. 

Nickal, who makes his return to the Octagon almost a year since his last outing, makes a highly-scrutinized main card appearance at the massive UFC 300 card this weekend, taking on Cody Brundage in search of his third straight victory.

Bo Nickal UFC 290 Cooper Neil Zuffa LLC

A decorated amateur wrestling talent, Colorado native, Nickal – who twice prevailed with victories on Dana White’s Contender Series – has so far racked up a submission win and knockout stoppage over both Jamie Pickett, and Val Woodburn, respectively, the most recent of which last July.

Bo Nickal receives comparisons to Khabib Nurmagomedov

Touted as a massive prospect at the middleweight limit – and to many, a future title challenger, Nickal has been backed as a candidate to become an ‘American-version’ of former lightweight champion, Nurmagomedov, according to color-commentator, Bisping.

Khabib Nurmagomedov denounces Power Slap League don't slap nobody no good UFC
Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger – Zuffa LLC

“Bo Nickal has the potential to go down as one of the greatest champions that we’ve ever seen – an American version of a Khamzat Chimaev or an Islam Makhachev or a Khabib Nurmagomedov,” Michael Bisping told MMA Fighting. “That’s the kind of pedigree that he has, and that’s what he’s shown so far.”

“When you reach the level Bo Nickal has in wrestling, you’re a special kind of human being. …Bo Nickal has got the ability to be an American Khabib Nurmagomedov,” Bisping explained. “And he’s a great guy. He’s phenomenal. He’s undefeated. The UFC know what they have on their hands.”

Bo Nickal stokes fan outcry over main card fight at UFC 300 I like that it makes people mad
Mandatory Credit: Cooper Neil – Zuffa LLC

Arguing his case to feature on the main card of UFC 300 – above a slew of former champions who remain seated on the preliminary card, Nickal claims the reasoning for his placement on the pay-per-view portion of the event likely translates to his ability to sell.

Do you think Bo Nickal can reach the heights of Khabib Nurmagomedov?