McGregor vs. Chandler Cancelled, Pereira vs. Prochaska to Headline UFC 303
(via MMA Fighting
UFC 303’s original headliner, involving former two division champion Conor McGregor and former lightweight title challenger Michael Chandler, has been cancelled for UFC 303. However, fans have rejoiced the replacement that has been booked for the event.
Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochaska once fought for the UFC Light Heavyweight Title in November 2023, and the controversial stoppage in favor of Pereira yielded enough debate to desire to see the rematch. Pereira vs. Prochaska 2 has officially been announced to be the replacement to UFC 303’s previous headliner, bringing two of the UFC’s most beloved starts back together for the second time.
Despite the fact that McGregor, who could very well be the biggest star that the UFC has ever seen, is out of his bout with Chandler could have very well could have made this card destined for mediocrity in terms of name value. Then Dana White likely went to his list of fighters who he knows can fill in on short notice, realizing he has to use his only option to fill such a tremendous void.
Pereira and Prochaska alike, are two fighters who still fight for the honor of the sport. One can count on these two, based solely on their previous fights will certainly serve as a worthy replacement for McGregor and Chandler.
Pereira has cemented a legacy of his own while he has been in the UFC. After becoming a two division Glory Kickboxing Champion, Pereira decided to come to the UFC to chase an old foe in Israel Adesanya. By doing so, he opened himself to the fortune of becoming a two division UFC Champion, and one of the quickest rises to fame a UFC fighter will ever see.
Prochaska, however, established his greatness in Rizin FC, a respected Japanese promotion. After winning their light heavyweight title, he set his sights on the UFC and went on a ferocious streak. Earning three finishes in his first three fights over the likes of Volkan Oezdemir, Dominick Reyes, and his championship bout with Glover Teixeira.
Both of these fighters have been the subject of lots of social media activity over the course of their UFC careers. The positive light that both these fighters have been painted in has allowed them to also be incredible pay per view draws.
Although many UFC fans will be disappointed with the decision to cancel the return of the UFC’s biggest star, the replacement bout shows the value of dedication to the craft of fighting, as well as activity. Both of the replacement fighters are known for the level of wealth that McGregor possesses, but are known for the excitement that their fights bring. UFC 303 will take place on June 29th at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas., and the main card starts at 6:00 P.M. EST .
