UFC 303 Preview and Predictions By Brett Cagle
(c). Alex Pereira (10-2) vs. Jiri Prochazka (30-4)
World-class strikers Alex Pereria and Jiri Prochazka meet once again in the main event of UFC 303 for Pereira’s light heavyweight title. Pereira is coming off a devastating knockout win over Jamahal Hill and is quickly becoming one of the biggest stars in the promotion. Prochazka will get a chance at revenge in this matchup after being defeated by Pereira last November. Prochazka was returning from a major surgery in that fight and rebounded nicely in his next contest with a finish over Alexsander Rakic. Entering this championship main event, Pereira is a slight betting favorite in online sportsbooks (-135).
The first fight was contested mainly on the feet, leading to Pereira's knockout win. It will be interesting to see if Prochazka tries to take this fight to the ground or falls back on his aggressive striking style. This will be a fantastic fight that should entertain fans from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Both fighters could have massive moments in this one, but I believe Pereira’s power will be too difficult to avoid over five rounds.
Prediction: Alex Pereria by KO/TKO
Brian Ortega (16-3) vs. Diego Lopes (24-6)
Featherweight finishers Brian Ortega and Diego Lopes are the co-main event this weekend. Ortega is coming off an impressive win over Yair Rodriguez but has only won two of his last five fights. Lopes will face a significant step up in competition, taking on a former title challenger for the first time. Both fighters are elite on the ground, which may mean this fight takes place on the feet. Lopes has ten wins by knockout in his career and will have a three-and-a-half-inch reach advantage. Online sportsbooks currently favor Lopes (-150).
Since narrowly losing to Mosvar Evloev in his debut, Lopes has consecutively finished respected contenders Gavin Tucker, Pat Sabatini, and Sadiq Yusuff. If this fight takes place on the feet, it will favor Lopes, who will land 62 percent of his significant strikes. Ortega is one of the toughest fighters in the division and is very hard to finish. This is a highly competitive contest that reaches the judges’ scorecards.
Prediction: Deigo Lopes by Decision
Ian Garry (14-0) vs. Michael Page (22-2)
A welterweight matchup between undefeated Irish contender Ian Garry and former Bellator standout Michael Page kicks off the UFC 303 main card. Garry burst on the scene in the UFC, winning seven fights in a row since being signed by the promotion in 2021. Page is a creative and dynamic striker whose highlight reel stacks up with any in the sport. His combination of world-class athleticism and technical ability has made Page a nightmare on the feet. Garry is 26 years old and entering the prime of his career. Both fighters are 6’3 inches tall. Online sportsbooks currently favor Garry (-155).
Page has a wealth of world-class experience but will be 11 years older than his opponent this weekend. This is a fight between two competitors with similar counter-striking styles. Page will also have a four-and-a-half-inch reach advantage.