Mac Mally’s UFC 303 Preview
Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler might not be headlining this card anymore, but was that going to stop Mac Mally from bigging up another night of UFC action? No chance. Here he is with his UFC 303 preview.
Fight fans, hold onto your seats and make sure your popcorn is securely fastened because UFC 303 is about to take you on a wild ride through the octagon. As if the rollercoaster of keeping the card together with Conor and Chandler falling out wasn’t enough, this card is re-stacked with more drama than a daytime soap opera and more action than a Michael Bay movie on TRT. So let’s full send it right into the chaos and see what pugilistic performances we have to look forward to this weekend with my UFC 303 preview.
Alex Pereira vs. Jiri Prochazka 2
First up, we have the light heavyweight title rematch between Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka. These two guys have history, but nothing like Adesanya and Pereira have history. See, Jiri doesn’t care. He’s there to prove something to himself. It’s bushido code. We can only pretend to understand. Same with Pereira. Fighting elite competition is just what he does. Prochazka is back for revenge, and this time, he’s bringing a chip on his shoulder (preferably not the shoulder he catastrophically injured). Pereira is quickly becoming one of the biggest stars in the sport and it’s well-deserved. These two psychopaths are filling in for Conor McGregor just because they’re about that life. With so little time to properly go through camp, I’d say we have an ol’ fashion banger on our hands. Game plans be damned. Pereira is going out there to do what he did last time and Jiri is out there to show he won’t make the same mistake. Prediction: I picked Pereira in the first fight, but something tells me this is such a toss-up fight 10/10 times, I’m going to bro-science it and say Jiri is able to land something this time or at least not run into the same outcome. Who does the few-week notice hurt more?
Brian Ortega vs. Diego Lopes
Next, we have the co-main event featuring Brian Ortega and Diego Lopes. Ortega, a former two-time title challenger, is looking to climb back up the featherweight ladder, and he might be just a win away from a third shot. Meanwhile, Lopes is trying to prove that he’s more than just a flash in the pan. This fight has the potential to be an all-out short bloodbath with both fighters showcasing their grappling skills and striking prowess. Brian Ortega has shown he’s one of the elites of the division despite coming up short twice in his title attempts. Diego Lopes lost his UFC debut and has gone on an absolute tear in his last three stopping all three within the distance WITH style points. I think this fight plays out like this… Diego Lopes hurts Brian Ortega early and we see just who has the bigger dawg in them. Diego seems to, but Brian has proven it time and time again. I think this will be a fight of the night contender on paper.
Prediction: Ortega will win by submission in the third round, but only after Lopes gives him a run for his money with some slick striking moments.
Ian Garry vs. Michael Page
Last but not least, we have the welterweight showdown between Ian Garry and Michael Page. Both fighters are known for their striking prowess, and this fight is sure to be a stand-up war when Garry allows it. Garry, the undefeated prospect, is looking to make a statement as the next top prospect in the division against the veteran Page. Ian Garry might not always have the most spectacular finishes in his highlight reel like MVP, but Ian Garry fights at his own pace and has the ability to keep it there more times than not. MVP was one of the most highly touted Bellator fighters not competing in the UFC. His fight with Holland shut down the nay-sayers. He belongs in the top organization in the sport. Ian isn’t Kevin Holland. I think Garry will strike when he sees the openings and use MVP’s leaping strikes to tie him up and back him against the cage to wear him down and strike on his own terms. However, MVP is absolutely capable and slick enough to rock and finish everyone in the division on any given night.
Prediction: Garry will win by unanimous decision, but only after MVP makes his presence known with some devastating flashy kicks and karate style hands.
JOIN BODOG TODAY!
UFC 303 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting cards of the year, with a mix of established stars and rising prospects. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, this card has something for everyone. Just sit back and watch the mayhem unfold.