International Fight Week Delivers Despite Unprecedented Chaos
UFC 303 will be remembered not just for the spectacular action inside the Octagon, but for the unprecedented chaos that preceded it. The crown jewel of International Fight Week on June 29, 2024, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas overcame a series of withdrawals, weight-cutting issues, and a same-day fighter replacement that broke new ground in UFC history. Despite the turbulence, the event delivered explosive knockouts, dramatic finishes, and a main event performance that cemented Alex Pereira's status as one of the most dominant champions in UFC history.
Originally headlined by Conor McGregor's long-awaited return against Michael Chandler, the card underwent massive reconstruction when McGregor withdrew just two weeks before the event due to a broken toe. The replacement main event—a light heavyweight title rematch between champion Alex Pereira and former titleholder Jiří Procházka—proved to be a more than worthy substitute. Then, mere hours before the event began, co-main event fighter Brian Ortega fell ill with a 103-degree fever, forcing the UFC to scramble for a replacement and create what may be the shortest-notice fight in modern promotional history.
The event drew 18,881 fans who witnessed thirteen compelling matchups featuring fighters from Brazil, Czech Republic, Ireland, England, Canada, United States, France, Tajikistan, Japan, Russia, Georgia, and Slovakia. With a live gate of $15.9 million—the fourth-highest in UFC history—UFC 303 proved that the promotion's International Fight Week spectacle remains one of combat sports' premier annual events, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
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UFC 303: Pereira vs Procházka 2 Main Card
Main Event: Alex Pereira Destroys Jiří Procházka (Brazil vs Czech Republic)
Result: Alex Pereira defeated Jiří Procházka via TKO (head kick and punches) at 0:13 of Round 2
In one of the most dominant championship performances of 2024, Alex "Poatan" Pereira dismantled former champion Jiří Procházka for the second time in seven months, this time needing just 13 seconds of round two to retain his UFC light heavyweight title. The Brazilian kickboxing legend's precision striking and killer instinct were on full display as he delivered another highlight-reel finish to close out a chaotic International Fight Week.
The build-up to the rematch featured some unusual pre-fight tension. Procházka, in an interview during fight week, claimed Pereira received an unfair advantage through "magic"—referring to the champion's pre-fight rituals that honor his indigenous Brazilian heritage. He requested Pereira refrain from such rituals, a request the champion emphatically declined.
After an intense, lengthy staredown that continued through Bruce Buffer's introductions and referee Herb Dean's instructions, the two knockout artists went to work. Both men had competed at UFC 300 just two months earlier, with Pereira brutally stopping Jamahal Hill and Procházka knockout out Aleksandar Rakic. Neither fighter showed visible damage from those performances, making an immediate rematch logical despite the short turnaround time.
The opening round showcased classic striker versus striker dynamics. Pereira found his range early with sharp leg kicks and body shots, while Procházka used his unorthodox movement—fighting from a hunched-over stance with hands low—to create awkward angles. The Czech fighter landed some quality left hooks and looked comfortable pressuring the champion, but Pereira's power was always evident in every exchange.
Then, with seconds remaining in round one, Pereira changed the fight's trajectory. He timed a perfect left hook counter that caught Procházka clean and sent him crashing to the canvas. Procházka's legs betrayed him as he stumbled to his corner, his equilibrium clearly compromised despite his attempts to show he was unharmed. The bell saved him from further punishment.
Pereira smelled blood and wasted no time in round two. Just thirteen seconds into the frame, he uncorked a devastating switch kick—a left high kick that caught Procházka flush on the head. The strike sent the challenger collapsing to the canvas once again. This time, there would be no bell to rescue him.
Pereira followed his opponent to the ground and delivered a series of brutal hammer fists and punches. Referee Herb Dean dove in to stop the contest as Procházka lay defenseless, his title hopes crushed for a second consecutive time. The knockout was as clean and clinical as they come—a masterclass in timing, technique, and predatory finishing.
In a show of class, Pereira showed no celebration. He walked away stone-faced, then returned to check on Procházka, only to be waved away as his opponent struggled to gather his faculties. The finish was reminiscent of the Brazilian's kickboxing days, where he earned 21 knockouts in his 33-fight combat sports career.
In his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan, Pereira explained what "chama" means—his signature celebration phrase. More importantly, he expressed interest in moving up to heavyweight to pursue an unprecedented third UFC championship. "I think that's in my future," Pereira said through an interpreter. "I said it last time I was here. I'm here, I'm available, and I do think that's in my future."
The victory marked Pereira's second light heavyweight title defense and extended his winning streak to four fights. More remarkably, it demonstrated his complete mastery of the division. In less than two years at 205 pounds, he has now defeated three former champions—Procházka twice, Jamahal Hill, and Jan Błachowicz—with devastating authority.
For Procházka, the loss was crushing. At 30-5-1 overall and 4-2 in the UFC, he has now been stopped by Pereira twice despite being considered one of the most dangerous strikers in the division. The Czech fighter's unorthodox style and finishing ability have made him a fan favorite, but Pereira's technical superiority and power have proven to be levels above.
Pereira received a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus for the spectacular finish. His rapid ascent through two weight classes—winning titles at middleweight and light heavyweight—combined with his highlight-reel knockouts have made him one of the UFC's biggest stars and arguably the most feared striker in the promotion.
Co-Main Event: Diego Lopes Outlasts Dan Ige (Brazil vs USA) - 4-Hour Notice Epic
Result: Diego Lopes defeated Dan Ige via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
In what may be the most unprecedented circumstances in modern UFC history, Diego Lopes secured a unanimous decision victory over Dan Ige in a catchweight bout at 165 pounds after Ige accepted the fight with just four hours' notice. The Brazilian featherweight contender earned the win, but both fighters emerged as heroes for saving the co-main event and delivering an entertaining battle that captivated fans worldwide.
The drama began hours before the event when Brian Ortega, who was scheduled to face Lopes, fell ill with a 103-degree fever. The fight had already undergone one major change when Ortega, struggling with his weight cut, requested the bout be moved from 145 pounds to 155 pounds early Friday morning. Lopes, who had already weighed in at 146.5 pounds for the original featherweight contest, had to gain weight back up to 155 for the new weight class.
Then, during the preliminary card, UFC officials announced Ortega's withdrawal due to illness. The promotion immediately reached out to Dan Ige, who was in Las Vegas training for a scheduled fight on July 20 against Chepe Mariscal. Ige was getting a massage at home around 3 p.m. when he started receiving calls from UFC executive Hunter Campbell, manager Ali Abdelaziz, and others.
"I was asleep on the couch getting a massage," Ige later revealed. "They call me. Big opportunity. You know this is what legends are made of. You got to stay ready for this type of opportunities."
The Nevada State Athletic Commission's executive director Jeff Mullen explained that Ige's inclusion was possible because he had fought in Las Vegas in February 2024, meaning all his medicals and requirements were already on file. With both fighters ranked at featherweight—Lopes at No. 15 and Ige at No. 14—the commission deemed it a suitable matchup. Ige rushed to the arena, weighed in at 164.5 pounds, and agreed to face Lopes at a 165-pound catchweight.
For Lopes, the weight fluctuations were unprecedented. He had cut to 145, gained back to 155, and then settled at 161.5 pounds for the eventual catchweight bout. Despite the chaos, he maintained his composure: "Whomever, whenever, however, it doesn't matter. I'll fight anybody."
The fight itself showcased Lopes' finishing instinct versus Ige's legendary toughness. Round one saw Lopes crash forward with five, six, and seven-punch combinations mixed with knees and elbows. His aggressive style and volume striking put Ige on the defensive immediately. In the dying seconds of the round, Lopes nearly secured a guillotine choke before transitioning to a D'Arce choke attempt. Ige survived to the bell but was clearly in trouble.
Round two belonged decisively to Lopes. After narrowly surviving an Ige head kick early, the Brazilian took control with his striking volume and grappling threats. He took Lopes' back and worked for submissions, landing short shots throughout. The accumulated damage and control time gave Lopes a clear advantage heading into the final frame.
The third round delivered the drama. Ige, with nothing to lose and fighting with house money, threw everything at Lopes. His body shots and head strikes hurt an exhausted Lopes, who visibly fatigued and dropped to his knees. In a crucial moment, Lopes shot for a single-leg takedown that likely saved him from further danger. He didn't get it immediately but chain-wrestled his way into position and eventually secured the takedown. Although Ige returned to his feet, the sequence had sapped precious time off the clock and energy from the Hawaiian.
When the final bell sounded, all three judges scored it 29-28 for Lopes. The Brazilian improved to 25-6 overall and extended his UFC winning streak to four fights—all coming by finish or dominant decision. More importantly, he demonstrated the composure and adaptability required of elite fighters, handling three different opponents, three different weight classes, and constant uncertainty with professional grace.
Ige, despite the loss, won something more valuable than a victory. His willingness to step up on four hours' notice—the shortest in UFC history—earned him universal respect. UFC President Dana White and the promotion will undoubtedly reward his sacrifice with future opportunities. Both fighters expressed interest in competing on the historic UFC 306 card at The Sphere in September, and both will likely get that chance.
The fight didn't receive a Fight of the Night bonus, but the story behind it will be told for years as one of the most remarkable moments in UFC history.
Roman Dolidze Decisions Anthony Smith (Georgia vs USA) - Short Notice Success
Result: Roman Dolidze defeated Anthony Smith via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Georgian middleweight contender Roman Dolidze made the most of a short-notice opportunity, moving up to light heavyweight to defeat former title challenger Anthony Smith via unanimous decision. The victory demonstrated Dolidze's versatility and earned him rankings in two weight divisions simultaneously.
The bout came together after an absurd series of withdrawals. Originally scheduled as Jamahal Hill versus Khalil Rountree Jr., the fight changed when Rountree withdrew after unintentionally ingesting DHEA from a tainted supplement. Carlos Ulberg stepped in as a replacement, then Hill withdrew due to injury. Smith replaced Hill, then Ulberg withdrew for unknown reasons, and finally Dolidze accepted the fight on short notice.
Dolidze set the tone early in round one with a diverse kicking attack. He targeted Smith's legs, body, and head with kicks while "Lionheart" pressed forward looking to land punches. Smith added kicks of his own, but one that missed prompted a friendly taunt from Dolidze. The round was competitive but uneventful enough that boos were heard as fighters returned to their corners.
Round two proved decisive. Dolidze blitzed forward aggressively, causing Smith to stumble to the ground. The Georgian rained heavy punches as Smith covered up, then transitioned to top control when he realized the finish wasn't there. Dolidze accumulated over three-and-a-half minutes of control time, landing ground strikes and neutralizing Smith's offensive output. Smith exploded to his feet with less than thirty seconds remaining but couldn't reverse the momentum.
The final round saw both fighters trade at range with neither willing to take significant risks. Dolidze broke out a dancing taunt early as Smith targeted his legs. Smith smiled and touched gloves after the taunt, showing mutual respect. More boos from the restless crowd prompted both fighters to briefly increase their output, but the fight reached the final bell without drama.
All three judges scored the fight for Dolidze: 30-27, 29-28, and 29-28. The Georgian improved to 13-3 overall and 7-3 in the UFC. The victory positioned him uniquely as a ranked fighter in both middleweight (No. 10) and light heavyweight divisions.
In his post-fight interview, Dolidze declared his intentions: "I will compete in both of them, and I will be champion." He then called out Khamzat Chimaev, targeting a fight against one of the promotion's most talked-about contenders.
For Smith, the loss extended his record to 38-20 and 13-10 in the UFC. The 35-year-old former title challenger has now lost two of his last three fights. He was expected to defeat a smaller fighter moving up on short notice, but Dolidze's skill set and activity proved too much. The defeat likely pushes Smith further from title contention in a division now dominated by Pereira.
Macy Chiasson Stops Mayra Bueno Silva (USA vs Brazil) - Doctor Stoppage
Result: Macy Chiasson defeated Mayra Bueno Silva via TKO (doctor's stoppage) at 1:58 of Round 2
In a bout with significant bantamweight title implications, Macy Chiasson earned a gruesome TKO victory over recent title challenger Mayra Bueno Silva when a devastating elbow opened a severe cut that forced a doctor's stoppage. The victory marked Chiasson's second consecutive stoppage win and positioned her as a rising threat in the 135-pound division.
Round one was competitive and likely favored Bueno Silva. The Brazilian, fighting for the first time since her submission loss to Raquel Pennington in a title fight, came forward with aggressive striking. Her impact shots and forward pressure seemed to edge the frame, but Chiasson's wrestling and grappling attempts kept things close.
The fight's trajectory changed dramatically early in round two. Chiasson secured a takedown and gained top mount position on Bueno Silva. From that dominant position, she unleashed a vicious downward elbow that landed flush on Bueno Silva's forehead. The strike immediately opened a deep, gaping wound that began spurting blood.
The fighters returned to their feet moments later, but referee Mike Beltran quickly stopped the action to consult the doctor. When the cut was wiped with a towel, it immediately began gushing blood again. The severity of the injury was evident to everyone in the arena—and visceral to those watching closely.
UFC commentator Daniel Cormier reacted with visible disgust: "I can't even look at that. That is disgusting." His broadcast partner Joe Rogan disagreed, seemingly fascinated by the graphic nature of the injury. Regardless of aesthetic appreciation, the doctor determined the cut was too severe to continue. The fight was waved off at 1:58 of round two, giving Chiasson the TKO victory.
The win improved Chiasson to a record with two consecutive stoppage victories. The 33-year-old Ultimate Fighter winner has shown steady improvement and development throughout her UFC tenure. After alternating wins and losses through several fights, she appears to have found her form at the perfect time.
For Bueno Silva, the loss was particularly frustrating. She was arguably winning the fight before the elbow strike changed everything. The Brazilian had looked sharp early, fighting with the aggression and confidence expected from a recent title challenger. Now sitting at a crossroads in her career, she'll need to regroup and work her way back toward another title opportunity.
Chiasson is now positioned as one of the few fresh, emerging names in the women's bantamweight division—a weight class that has struggled to produce new contenders. A fight against another top-five opponent could put her in title contention with one more impressive victory.
Chiasson received a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus for the stoppage finish.
Ian Machado Garry Outgrapples Michael Page (Ireland vs England)
Result: Ian Machado Garry defeated Michael "Venom" Page via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
In a welterweight showcase featuring two of the sport's most talented strikers, Ireland's Ian Machado Garry remained undefeated by defeating England's Michael "Venom" Page via unanimous decision. The victory came not through superior striking, but through Garry's willingness to utilize his grappling—a strategic decision that kept his perfect record intact but left some observers feeling Page had done enough to win.
The bout was a true clash of styles and personalities. Garry, the brash, confident Irishman ranked No. 7 at welterweight, entered with an unblemished 14-0 record and seven consecutive UFC victories. Page, ranked No. 14, made his UFC debut at UFC 299 with an impressive decision over Kevin Holland—walking out to The Undertaker's entrance music and bamboozling "Big Mouth" with his karate-based striking style featuring quick movements and precise counters.
Round one went decisively to Garry. Understanding Page's dangerous striking, the Irishman immediately pursued takedowns. He caught one of Page's kicks, ran him down, and took his back. From there, Garry threatened with a rear-naked choke while landing short shots the entire time. His grappling control neutralized MVP's striking advantage and built an early lead.
Round two belonged entirely to Page. Keeping the fight standing, he pieced up Garry with his unorthodox striking. Page's karate background and unique movement patterns created problems Garry couldn't solve on the feet. Efficient, damaging blows scored throughout the five minutes, making it a clear round for the Englishman.
The third round proved decisive. Garry, recognizing he couldn't match Page's striking, returned to his wrestling. He secured another takedown and spent nearly half the total fight time in controlling positions. While Page defended well and prevented serious damage, the control time and positional dominance swayed the judges.
When the scorecards were read—29-28, 29-28, 29-28 for Garry—controversy erupted. UFC President Dana White admitted he thought the fight was a draw. Several media members and observers felt Page had done enough, particularly given his dominant second round and competitive moments in the other frames.
Garry, however, was pleased with his tactical approach: "For me, it was patience. Patience was the key to victory today." The Irish welterweight improved to 15-0 overall and 8-0 in the UFC. The victory keeps him firmly in the welterweight title conversation, though questions remain about his ability to compete with elite wrestlers if he continues relying on grappling against superior strikers.
For Page, the loss was only the second of his 25-fight career. At 37 years old, the Bellator veteran and longtime British MMA star has demonstrated his striking brilliance translates to the UFC. Despite the defeat, his stock didn't fall—many observers felt he'd been unlucky with the judges' assessment.
The fight served as a reminder that mixed martial arts remains, above all, mixed. Garry's willingness to grapple rather than engage in Page's preferred striking battle showed veteran-level fight IQ, even if it produced a less entertaining spectacle than fans anticipated.
UFC 303: Pereira vs Procházka 2 Preliminary Card
Joe Pyfer Flatlines Marc-Andre Barriault (USA vs Canada)
Result: Joe Pyfer defeated Marc-Andre Barriault via KO (punches) at 1:25 of Round 1
In the featured preliminary bout, middleweight prospect Joe "Bodybagz" Pyfer lived up to his nickname by obliterating Marc-Andre Barriault with a devastating knockout that left the Canadian face-down and unconscious on the canvas. The brutal finish put Pyfer back on track after his first UFC loss and reminded everyone why he's considered one of the division's most dangerous up-and-comers.
The fight was barely a contest. From the opening bell, Pyfer pressed forward with aggressive intent, backing Barriault up with massive haymakers. Once he corralled the Canadian against the fence, the outcome became inevitable. Pyfer unleashed a barrage of huge punches, with a crucial right hand sneaking behind Barriault's raised guard to connect flush on the ear.
The shot stunned Barriault completely. Pyfer added a left hand as his opponent began falling, and "Power Bar" wound up face-down on the canvas with his hands at his sides, completely unconscious. Referee Herb Dean immediately waved off the contest at 1:25 of round one as medical personnel rushed to attend to the knocked-out Canadian.
The chilling knockout put Pyfer back in the win column after suffering his first UFC defeat against Jack Hermansson. In that previous bout, the veteran Hermansson had outclassed the 27-year-old across three rounds, exposing areas where Pyfer still needs development. Saturday's performance showed the Pennsylvania native learned from that setback, taking a more patient yet still aggressive approach.
In his post-fight interview, a frenetic Pyfer called out Paul Craig for a fight. Craig currently rides a two-fight losing streak in the middleweight division after moving down from light heavyweight in 2023, most recently being finished by Caio Borralho at UFC 301. While Pyfer might benefit from targeting a fighter on a similar upward trajectory, Craig's name value would significantly boost the prospect's stock with a dominant victory.
Pyfer improved to 12-2 overall and 4-1 in the UFC. The devastating knockout earned him a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus—his second such bonus in five UFC appearances. If his technical skills continue developing to match his raw power, the Philadelphia native could become a serious contender in the crowded middleweight division.
For Barriault, the knockout loss was devastating. The 33-year-old Canadian has now lost three of his last four UFC fights and will need to seriously evaluate his standing in the division moving forward.
Andre Fili Edges Cub Swanson (USA vs USA) - Veterans Battle
Result: Andre Fili defeated Cub Swanson via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Two grizzled featherweight veterans delivered a competitive three-round battle, with Andre Fili emerging victorious via split decision over Cub Swanson. The bout showcased the experience and durability of both fighters, even as Father Time continues catching up to their careers.
Swanson, one of the last remaining fighters from the WEC era, has been competing professionally since 2004. At 40 years old, he's a legend of the featherweight division who has faced virtually everyone of note at 145 pounds. Fili, while younger at 33, has been a UFC fixture since 2014 and brings his own wealth of experience to every matchup.
The fight was closely contested throughout all fifteen minutes. Neither fighter could establish complete dominance, with momentum shifting multiple times across the three rounds. Swanson used his veteran savvy and diverse striking, while Fili countered with technical boxing and calculated pressure.
When the judges' scorecards were announced—29-28 for Fili, 28-29 for Swanson, and 29-28 for Fili—the split decision reflected just how competitive the bout had been. Fili improved to 23-11 overall and secured a crucial victory to keep his UFC career on track.
For Swanson, the loss continued a difficult late-career stretch. While he remains competitive against quality opposition, victories have become increasingly difficult to secure for the 40-year-old veteran.
Both fighters deserved credit for delivering an entertaining scrap between two fighters who have given everything to the sport over lengthy careers.
Jean Silva Starches Charles Jourdain (Brazil vs Canada) - Weight Miss
Result: Jean Silva defeated Charles Jourdain via KO (uppercut) at 1:22 of Round 2
Brazilian featherweight Jean "Lord" Silva continued his impressive UFC run with a spectacular knockout of Charles "Air" Jourdain, though the victory was marred by Silva missing weight by 1.5 pounds. The knockout added another highlight to Silva's resume and positioned him as a dangerous addition to the featherweight division despite the weight controversy.
Silva weighed in at 147.5 pounds—1.5 pounds over the 146-pound featherweight limit. He forfeited 20 percent of his purse to Jourdain as a penalty for the miss. The fight proceeded as scheduled, with both competitors eager to deliver an exciting battle for the Las Vegas crowd.
The opening round lived up to expectations. Silva obliged Jourdain's preferred style of high-energy kickboxing, with both men throwing caution to the wind and engaging in wild exchanges. The French-Canadian utilized his movement and volume striking effectively, though Silva's power was evident in every exchange. When Jourdain recognized he was on the wrong end of the striking battle, he turned to wrestling mid-round to change the complexion. Silva appeared to edge the opening frame despite the tactical adjustments.
Round two offered more of the same frantic pace until the decisive moment arrived. Jourdain shot for a takedown near the cage, and as Silva defended and the two disengaged, the Brazilian timed a perfect uppercut to Jourdain's chin on the break. The shot landed with pinpoint accuracy, and Jourdain immediately fell to his back. His head rebounded violently off the Octagon floor, and referee Marc Goddard rushed in to wave off the fight at 1:22 of round two without need for follow-up strikes. It was a classic walk-off knockout.
The sensational victory was Silva's second consecutive UFC win and improved his record to 13-2 overall with a ten-fight winning streak. Nine of those ten victories have come by stoppage, demonstrating his finishing ability across various methods. The 28-year-old Brazilian has quickly become one of the most exciting prospects in the featherweight division.
Despite missing weight, Silva's performance earned widespread attention. His power and finishing instinct are undeniable, though the weight miss raises concerns about his professionalism and ability to consistently make 145 pounds. Future opponents will surely negotiate financial protections in case Silva fails to make weight again.
For Jourdain, the knockout loss snapped a competitive run at featherweight. The 28-year-old Canadian fell to 15-8-1 overall and 6-7-1 in the UFC. The loss was his fourth in five fights, putting his roster spot in potential jeopardy unless he can reverse course quickly.
Payton Talbott Destroys Yanis Ghemmouri (USA vs France) - 19-Second Annihilation
Result: Payton Talbott defeated Yanis Ghemmouri via KO (punches) at 0:19 of Round 1
Bantamweight phenom Payton Talbott continued his meteoric rise with a devastating 19-second knockout of Yanis Ghemmouri, announcing himself as one of the UFC's most exciting young prospects. The Reno native's finishing ability and power have made him must-watch television, with all three of his UFC victories coming in a combined cage time of just 1 minute and 38 seconds.
Talbott entered as the biggest betting favorite on the entire UFC 303 card, and he justified those odds immediately. The fight began with Ghemmouri attempting a spinning head kick that came nowhere close to landing. Both fighters stood in the center as Talbott threw a calf kick and feinted a jab, measuring distance and timing.
Then it happened. Talbott unleashed a perfectly placed right hand that caught Ghemmouri clean on the chin. The Frenchman's legs gave out immediately, and he crashed to the canvas. Talbott swarmed with ground strikes, landing heavy punches until referee Chris Tognoni dove in to stop the contest at just nineteen seconds of round one.
The knockout was Talbott's fastest UFC finish yet and demonstrated the 25-year-old's ability to end fights in the blink of an eye. His precision striking, fight-ending power, and calm demeanor under the bright lights have drawn comparisons to some of the sport's elite finishers.
Talbott improved to 9-0 overall and 3-0 in the UFC. The spectacular finish earned him a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus—his third such bonus in three UFC appearances. The Dana White's Contender Series graduate is rapidly becoming one of the promotion's hottest prospects, with calls for a significant step up in competition inevitable after another dominant showing.
For Ghemmouri, the loss was crushing. The French bantamweight traveled to Las Vegas with hopes of making a statement but instead became another victim on Talbott's highlight reel. At just nineteen seconds, Ghemmouri barely had time to settle into the fight before it was over.
The buzz around Talbott is becoming deafening. If he continues developing his skills and maintaining his finishing rate, a bantamweight title shot could come sooner than anyone anticipated.
UFC 303: Pereira vs Procházka 2 Early Prelims
Gillian Robertson Dominates Michelle Waterson-Gomez (Canada vs USA)
Result: Gillian Robertson defeated Michelle Waterson-Gomez via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)
Canadian strawweight Gillian Robertson delivered a grappling clinic against former title challenger Michelle Waterson-Gomez, earning a one-sided unanimous decision victory that extended the veteran's losing streak to five fights. The bout showcased Robertson's improving skills while highlighting Waterson-Gomez's struggles to remain competitive in the division.
Robertson controlled the action from start to finish by constantly advancing positions, landing damage from top position, and hunting for submissions. In all three rounds, she demonstrated superior grappling and ground control that Waterson-Gomez simply couldn't answer. While "The Karate Hottie" deserves credit for her defensive abilities and submission defense, this was a one-sided contest from bell to bell.
The 29-year-old Robertson continues showing improvements and growth in her technical skills. She's now won consecutive fights in 2024 and four of her last five outings overall. The victory positions her for a potential matchup against someone in the strawweight top ten, representing a significant opportunity to break into title contention.
All three judges scored the fight decisively for Robertson: 30-27, 30-27, and 30-26. The lopsided scorecards accurately reflected the dominance displayed throughout the fifteen minutes.
For Waterson-Gomez, the loss marked her fifth consecutive defeat and seventh loss in her last ten fights. At 38 years old, the former title challenger appears to be nearing the end of a successful career. Once a top contender at strawweight, she has been unable to keep pace with the division's evolution and the influx of younger, hungrier competitors.
The one-sided nature of the defeat raises questions about whether Waterson-Gomez should continue competing or consider retirement. After a long and successful career, there's no shame in stepping away when the results no longer come.
Martin Buday Defeats Andrei Arlovski (Slovakia vs Belarus) - Heavyweight Veterans
Result: Martin Buday defeated Andrei Arlovski via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
In a heavyweight battle featuring a 45-year-old former champion against a 32-year-old contender, Slovakia's Martin Buday earned a split decision victory over Belarus's Andrei Arlovski. The competitive nature of the fight demonstrated Arlovski's continued relevance despite his advanced age, while Buday's victory kept him moving forward in the crowded heavyweight division.
Arlovski, a former UFC heavyweight champion who has been competing professionally since 1999, has seen it all in mixed martial arts. At 45 years old, he remains one of the sport's most durable competitors, though victories have become increasingly rare against younger, fresher competition.
The fight was closely contested throughout, with neither fighter able to establish lasting dominance. Arlovski used his veteran experience and striking fundamentals, while Buday relied on his size, youth, and activity to control portions of the fight.
When the judges' scorecards were announced—29-28 for Buday, 28-29 for Arlovski, and 30-27 for Buday—the split decision reflected the competitive nature of the bout. Buday's youth and conditioning likely made the difference in the eyes of two judges, while one judge favored Arlovski's technical boxing and experience.
The victory improved Buday's record and kept him relevant in the heavyweight top 15 discussion. For Arlovski, the loss continued a difficult late-career stretch, though his competitive performance against a much younger opponent deserves recognition.
Rei Tsuruya Outpoints Carlos Hernandez (Japan vs Mexico)
Result: Rei Tsuruya defeated Carlos Hernandez via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Japanese flyweight Rei Tsuruya earned a unanimous decision victory over Carlos Hernandez, handing the Mexican fighter his second consecutive loss to a Japanese prospect. The technical bout showcased Tsuruya's skills and positioned him for continued advancement in the flyweight division.
All three rounds were closely contested, with Tsuruya's technical striking and movement edging the exchanges. Hernandez provided tough opposition and had his moments, but the Japanese fighter's consistency and precision gave him the edge on the scorecards.
The judges unanimously scored the fight 29-28 for Tsuruya, reflecting the narrow but clear victory. The Japanese flyweight improved his record and moved closer to breaking into the flyweight rankings.
For Hernandez, the loss marked his second straight defeat to Japanese competition, having previously suffered a second-round TKO loss to Tatsuro Taira in December 2023. The Mexican fighter will need to regroup and find a victory to halt his slide down the divisional ladder.
Vinicius Oliveira Dominates Ricky Simon (Brazil vs USA)
Result: Vinicius Oliveira defeated Ricky Simon via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Brazilian bantamweight Vinicius Oliveira earned the most lopsided victory of his UFC career, dominating veteran Ricky Simon across three rounds to secure a clear unanimous decision. The performance announced Oliveira as a legitimate contender in the talent-rich 135-pound division.
From the opening bell, Oliveira controlled the action with superior striking, wrestling, and positional grappling. Simon, a durable and experienced bantamweight, couldn't solve the puzzle presented by the Brazilian's well-rounded skill set.
Two judges scored the fight 30-27 for Oliveira, while the third saw it 29-28—all decisively in the Brazilian's favor. The victory represented a significant step forward in Oliveira's career, defeating a ranked opponent in dominant fashion.
For Simon, the loss was discouraging. The American bantamweight has struggled to break into the division's elite despite showing quality skills and durability. At 31 years old, he'll need to reassess his approach if he hopes to crack the top ten.
The Aftermath: Historic Chaos Produces Memorable Event
UFC 303 will be remembered as one of the most chaotic fight cards in promotional history, yet it delivered spectacular action that justified the $15.9 million live gate. The series of withdrawals and changes—Conor McGregor, Jamahal Hill, Khalil Rountree Jr., Carlos Ulberg, and finally Brian Ortega—tested the UFC's ability to adapt and overcome adversity.
The promotion passed that test with flying colors. Alex Pereira once again proved why he's become the UFC's most reliable star, accepting short-notice title defenses and delivering highlight-reel finishes. His dominance at light heavyweight has reached a point where serious conversations about a move to heavyweight—and potentially becoming the first three-division champion—are entirely warranted.
The Dan Ige story became an instant legend. His willingness to step up on four hours' notice, weigh in hours before fighting, and compete against a dangerous opponent in a weight class above his natural division embodied the fighter's spirit that makes mixed martial arts special. While he lost the decision, he won something more valuable: universal respect and guaranteed future opportunities from the UFC.
Performance bonuses went to Alex Pereira, Macy Chiasson, Joe Pyfer, and Payton Talbott—each receiving $50,000 for their spectacular finishes. Notably, no Fight of the Night bonus was awarded, suggesting the UFC felt none of the decisions rose to that level despite several competitive bouts.
Jean Silva's weight miss cast a shadow over his spectacular knockout, reminding everyone that professionalism matters as much as performance. His failure to make weight cost him 20 percent of his purse and raised questions about his ability to consistently compete at featherweight.
The event drew 18,881 fans to T-Mobile Arena and generated the fourth-highest live gate in UFC history at $15.9 million. These numbers demonstrated that International Fight Week remains one of the sport's premier annual events, capable of drawing massive interest even when the original main event falls apart.
Looking ahead, several fighters positioned themselves for significant opportunities. Ian Machado Garry's undefeated record remains intact, keeping him in welterweight title conversations despite questions about his performance. Diego Lopes proved his legitimacy as a featherweight contender and earned a likely spot on the historic UFC 306 card at The Sphere. Roman Dolidze's victory positioned him uniquely as a ranked fighter in two divisions, opening up interesting matchmaking possibilities.
UFC 303 proved that sometimes the greatest test of an organization isn't how well things go when planned, but how effectively they adapt when everything goes wrong. By that measure, International Fight Week 2024 was a resounding success—a chaotic journey that ultimately delivered the spectacular action fans expect from the UFC's crown jewel summer event.
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