UFC 303 Countdown previews a rematch for the light heavyweight title, as current king Alex Pereira, faces former champion Jiri …
each year in Las Vegas Rising temperatures Herald another sweltering Summer and the buildup to the UFC’s Marquee event at the T-Mobile Arena International fight week is a celebration of the UFC’s worldwide representation there’s nothing like International fight week here in Vegas it is massive energy going into this fight C this notion is reflected once again in 2024 with a card brimming with Talent from all corners of the globe the UFC’s annual summer blockbuster has arrived and with it all the star power you have come to expect from the Combat Sports leader we have some fantastic fights in the main event Brazilian UFC light heavyweight King Alex Pereira puts his title on the line in a rematch against the former champion from the Czech Republic Erie praska this is a life or death battle for the soul [Music] for nice job by Yuri a big right hand he did it again that is going to do it Alex P and new UFC light heavyweight champion thank you Alex thank you for this fight for me it’s a big learn let’s work on that and be back stronger than ever I’m better than ever no storm I can wither and it will be my pleasure to send you back to whereever I came from I’m done playing games with you now I’m com for blood when you want to be the best first you have to see that and when you can believe in that that way is possible [Music] going just watch me that was a big right hand pressure the rally tonight the CCH repic four punch is hard he’s got that nuclear option you cannot make a mistake big early knock down for po goodness and still Al maintains the setting the AG in a featured main card bout as two of Europe’s brightest welterweights undefeated Contender I Mado gar gets the opportunity to show why he is the future of Irish MMA I am the new generation of striker in the world L them off I’ll knock them out Ian masado Gary how about the Irishman I’m learning I’m growing on the next couple of years I’m having a belt trrap around my waist looking to hand the Irishman his first defeat is UK striking sensation Michael Venom Pig he’s competing in boxing Kickboxing Karate MMA after an impressive performance in his UFC debut paig looks to build momentum as he continues his rise at the rankings he’s going to look bad I’m going to look great and he’s going to go to sleep I got the snooze button right here he’s one of the more interesting Strikers to ever compete in MMA he’s going to be fearful for his life because this is the first time in his life where he’s meeting someone that’s faster than he oh coming up UFC you have a new sty in town it all goes down on June 29th when the spotlight Shines on Las Vegas once again in preparation for this Monumental moment holy smoke this is an unbelievable card so much H here we go this is UFC 303 countdown unstable [Music] at UFC 303 light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira will put his title on the line in a rematch against the former Champion Yuri Brasa the match up on June 29th will be the next chapter in the stored careers of Two fighters that have been intrinsically linked since their arrival on the sports biggest stage the Czech Republic’s Yuri pahasa shot to Fame in [Music] Japan as an established Champion he set his sights on a bigger prize signing with the UFC with the intention of immediately proving his status as a top Contender so here he is the Czech Republic’s yurri praza am that studies martial arts lives and breathes the sports I just had one think in my head to be the UFC champion to have a belt oh this man is all our action he can get the job done everywhere oh there it is when you want to be the champion you have to defeat whoever I have to go through my opponent if you want to win go there and win that’s my attitude do you think you’re ready to face the next title holder let’s do that let’s do that yeah for his first shot at UFC gold Brasa stepped up to face the champion and Alex pereira’s head coach Glover toer it was an honor to fight these Legend oh oh come on I mean the impact you could hear it he going to go for a ride oh arm triangle arm triangle oh it’s tight oh Yuri went over the opposite wow incredible defensive work from prasa this fight has had it all it’s one of the greatest experience in the hardest situation to do what is necessary for winner oh it’s out Yuri proa has done it there is a new light heavyweight champion the Czech Republic has got [Applause] one an injury in preparation for the rematch with the Sheri halted the reign of the first Czech Champion really unfortunate news that y hka suffering a very severe shoulder injury I can that fight sorry to Glover that’s life that was a tough time but show must go on yri pahaska has vacated the belt so that the division can keep moving along the announcement of the vacant title sparked a series of events that sent the light heavyweight division into a state of flux over the next year USC did offer globber toera the title fight against Meed anv GL versus sh de Klein anv versus yanovich is the new main event this contest is declared a split draw there was supposed to be a champion that night shockingly it goes to draw there was no Champion the title still vacant what do you do now you do Glover versus Jamal Hill or the vacant title Jamal Hill defeated a former world champion in his hometown in one of the most dominant light heavyweight fights in UFC history and now now Jamal Hill is the champion of the world Jamal Hill has torn his Achilles he is going to be out indefinitely so he has vacated the title light heavyweight has no champion who should be next then as prasa approached a return to competition a new Contender emerged yes yes don’t stop yes Alex pereira’s impact on the UFC was equally [Applause] [Music] [Music] effective this is one of the most feared Strikers to ever fight in kickboxing smash knockout power he is a truly exceptional Striker knocked out Israel adisan with one punch with kickboxing gloves the only Glory two division simultaneous champ ever this man is a monster my goodness that’s what I’m talking about [Music] you know when you stand in trade this guy is as dangerous as it gets any mistake you make with him it’s night night oh M from P Alex P has done it again you cannot stand in front of that man that power is different just one year after his UFC debut Herrera was given his first title shot against the middleweight King fighter first we’ve only seen the three times but that speaks to how special this guy is [Applause] left hook he heard oh and now a right all sudden he’s more down goes the champion do it middleweight champion I don’t believe it after Conquering the middleweight division a move up to 205 lb offered a new challenge for a second [Music] belt wh a Surefire light heavyweight title Eliminator there’s that Loc BEC comes so sneaky oh big Power by paa oh he land a good shot he stung him with that one an impressive performance against the former Champion perfectly positioned poon for a shot at light heavyweight go [Music] [Music] former light heavyweight champion Yuri prasa faces former middleweight champ Alex Pereira for the vacant 205lb title brosk fully recovered he’s still undefeated in the UFC and he wants his belt back in 2022 newly crowned UFC light heavyweight champion Yuri prasa vacated the title after suffering an injury the nature of pka’s departure earned him an immediate title shot upon his return and with the arrival of a formidable contender in the form of Alex Pereira the fight was set for the Undisputed title at UFC 295 live from Madison Square Garden in New York New York USA this is UFC 295 Raska versus P this particular Main Event match up is truly As Good As It Gets m prohaska is back he has regained his health tonight he’ll try to regain the title he never lost in the Octagon while on the other side Alex peda has his sight set on history as he tries to become just the ninth Division champion in UFC history people love him and how can you not when he has been here for 2 years and he has made this type of impact he has beaten Champions he has held the belt this is a special [Applause] talent a true student of the Mixed Martial Arts game here is the former UFC light heavyweight champion and now number one rank Contender Yuri prosa [Applause] gets back on the proven ground tonight and he is bullishly confident he will regain the throw look at this stair down intensity wa the face off moment there is no place for thinking [Music] you have to show just who you are and he’s a warrior I’m the warrior and that’s what the people can see oh man oh my goodness these guys have not taken their eyes off each other the whole time that’s the most intense staredown I’ve ever seen oh look at that I mean crazy crazy crazy power another one can I take too many of those you can’t oh that he’s his legs already hurt Joe it’s a real problem that kick and he does it better than anyone in the world oh my goodness yeah he’s already got that leg beat up man first strong with Alex was under my control it was a good few kicks from him but I know I control that round the awkwardness of the angles that foras shots come at is so hard to prepare for Yuri’s trying to take him down that’s smarter Yuri getting on the single leg deep on that he’s deep on that tight Yuri might be in trouble here yeah he can’t just sit here in there he doesn’t have the second hand [Music] early take down for proa great job by Yuri oh Big Shots big shots from prasa and now he’s getting back up to his feet which is huge could be huge you’re right yeah oh and a nice right hand from P now praza advances the leg kicks could have been enough for p to get ahead [Music] all right here we go round [Music] two bras switch to south paw now he’ll go back and fourth second round same like first round it was in my hand and till the Finish same oh big shot by Baska oh and now P returns fire and lands the body for proa got him hurt if he keeps Alex up against defense he’s going to have a lot more success faking a Tak down and coming up with strikes after my Right Punch he catched me with the right direct and left hop [Applause] that is to do welcome to the history and new UFC light heavyweight champion Alex pada the ninth two division champ in UFC history [Music] so Alex Pera in just his seventh UFC fight has realized World titles in two divisions he won I accept that I knew that I was better than that but right now I know what to do what not to do in the next fight for me it’s uh big Lear let’s work on that and be back stronger than ever thank you Alex thank you for this fight I’ll be back I’ll be back Yuri praska ladies and gentlemen thank you sir [Music] [Applause] in November of 2023 Oh cannot take too many of those former middleweight champion Alex Pereira oh became the ninth fighter in UFC history oh big elbows to earn belts in two divisions so Alex peda in just his seventh UFC fight has realized World titles in two divisions when he defeated Yuri prasa for the vacant light heavyweight title 5 months later the two would feature on the same card yet again as part of the historic UFC 300 event the Milestone event is officially upon us for the former Champion Yuri praza a high-profile matchup against rank Contender Alexander Rockit provided him with an opportunity to stay in contention with the statement performance tonight we’ll see if the check Republic’s top dog can put his creative Weaponry on the Towering Contender Alexander rockage Alexander rakic was one of the hardest opponent in the light heavyweight Division I worked on the strategy and what to do what not to do in the fight he’s got a golden opportunity at UFC 300 to gain some major traction on route to the world title mental and physical toughness personified enter light heavyweight Contender Alexander rocket that fight was for me so important so I was emotionally totally in representing the Czech Republic here is the Muay thaan karate Striker Yuri prasa he’s so wildly unorthodox he’s so difficult to prepare for things come from so many different angles and just the way he prepairs punching trees in the woods very unusual human beings I expected that when I will win then I will have the chance for the title fight again and I believe I am ready for a win ready for fight rocket much more traditional in his approach with his techniques and his movement whereas Yuri is very unorthodox but Yuri just looks almost [Music] disdainful Yuri he stung him he stung him that’s why Yuri’s so dangerous rocket made a big right hand a moment ago oh uppercut a right hand follows up for Rocket all right we got a fight ladies and gentlemen it’s very important to note that in that round Alexander fought a great first round but Yuri had a moment and in that moment it looked like he might get him out of there Rockets right back to work early round two oh nice behind that sneaky jab I sacrificed a lot of leg kicks lot of punches to just set up the right distance right technique I catched him in a stand up with the right oh that was a big one he heard him that rocket nearly out on his feet oh a big knee now I threw him to the ground and then I continue to Hound his head rockage is in deep deep trouble this could be it oh my goodness that’ll do it how about the rally tonight the Czech Republic’s y Pro haska mooving on up we all need to be inspired by something and no matter who will win tonight in the main event I want to face the champion Yuri Pro hosco ladies and [Applause] gentlemen we have arrived at our Championship Main Event P versus Hill what a championship match up we have between light heavyweight Striker Alex pereira’s position is the headline ATT traction for this Marquee moment was indicative of just how far his stardom had come [Music] [Music] first first title defense poon marched into battle against yet another former Champion as Alex P is confident he will cement his Reign against a fighter who never lost his belt in the Octagon Jamal sweet dreams Hill at the off another day at the off well at this time last year the path to UFC light heavyweight goal went through Grand Rapids Michigan and Jamal sweet dreams Hill and now this plus athlete returns to the proven ground in a championship setting once again and he believes he is going to knock out Alex poda here tonight all right so the Undisputed UFC light heavyweight champion poon Alex P making the deliberate shot here to the octagon and this dude has the scariest walk out he really does when he gets here here it is two outstanding Strikers albe it with different styles just about ready to engage for the UFC light heavyweight championship of the [Music] [Applause] world all right final act for UFC 300 is upon us ready ready SP oh man oh boy this one is going to be crazy nice body kick and out good right hand Hill goes High P saw it coming P up will stab that jab to the body and use it to set up the left hook yeah you better not start to reach down for that jab to the body [Music] stop get out of here when [Music] big knock down for pon [Music] and still Alex poon maintains the thr my goodness my goodness this guy right here what a killer on the strength of accomplishment that man just became an all-time great in the UFC in 2 and 1/2 years it’s insane just [Music] insane just two months after this iconic event Pereira returns to the T-Mobile Arena to once again put his title on the line in a rematch of EP [Music] proportions the ninth two Division champion in UFC history fight the of nice and relax nice and relax just watch your combo at the end of his ability inside the Octagon when it comes to striking is second to none he just knocks them [Applause] dead his power is extraordinary he flatlines the best fighters in the world oh massive life for [Music] p after the first fight with Alex I went back to the hard work to the roots where I started and for the passion from the martial arts and I just kept working on my technique on my cardio on every aspect puts people into the dark lands to show that I able to be the best oh my God spinning elbow the name of this preparation I named The Perfect Storm to be dangerous in every aspect not just on the ground not just in the stand up but everywhere to be Untouchable and dominant this is a life or death battle for the soul and this man believes that he is the best in the world Yuri brohan good boy it’s the mental [Applause] strength we’ve seen a lot of heavy knockout artist he is the most impressive power turn has it it’s not about revenge is to show that I’m the better fighter he is bullishly confident he will regain the thr I believe I’m better in every aspect he is a Savage to be the light heavyweight champion is the main target is everything get out of [Music] here this guy right here Jamal H out and still what a killer look at this St down intensity oh oh my goodness these guys have not taken their eyes off each other the whole time their souls are linked in eternity truly as good as it death I cannot wait the rise of Connor McGregor inspired a generation of young Irish athletes to follow in his [Music] footsteps Dublin born Ian masado Gary was drawn to Combat Sports from an early age but the emergence of a national hero provided A New Path for the aspiring young [Music] fighter Connor’s rise to stardum motivated me to be where I am today I was a kid from Dublin Ireland in love with boxing and Judo and martial arts and then this other kid from Dublin Ireland popped off and entire country is standing on their feet right now and just took over the entire planet that’s the real deal ladies and gentlemen make no mistake about it he’s the most iconic figure out Sports ever seen history has been made he talked to talk he walked walk the double champ does what the he wants he’s that guy when you’re a kid from Dublin Ireland and you see this and you’re so close to this person and you have such similar interests and aspirations of being one of the best in the world it wasn’t until I seen him go through his journey till I knew what I wanted to do as a kid and I went that’s it that’s what I want to do the future [Music] G he’s got the star quality he’s got the personality he’s just the full package really oh big shot for me and G being a martial artist from Europe there’s a very clear path of what gets you to the UFC that was cage [Music] Warriors What a Beautiful Finish he’s called the future he’s definitely got a bright future you do well in cage Wars you’re going to the UFC UFC that was pretty spectacular here is the man who has been all the rage Ian Gary he makes his UFC debut here today he’s got that I believe I am the man mindset confidence that I have not seen since con when you put me in a stage with all of these people watching all of these people talking has an IQ to find weak spots on Fighters and you give me that platform to compete and go out there and prove that I’m right oh huge right counter Gary coming up large in the debut I go out there and I will do it every single time because that is what I love to do more than anything else Married to the Game doesn’t even begin to describe it so well-rounded so crisp on his feet his kid fast he is accurate people can see the talent I possess what a combination the hype is real right it is people can see how incredibly gifted I am and the more and more I fight the more and more my hand gets raised head kick from Terry oh Rodriguez is hurt oh he’s hurt bad it’s over this is going to be it masado Gary he does have the ability to become a massive star if he continues to win and deliver on the things that he [Music] promises he can do whatever he wants to do Magny right now and now he goes high this is the Ian Machado Gary show there is going to be a time where it’s all said and done when my career is finished and people will say I a shadow Gary is one of the greatest martial artists of all time and still undefeated I’m going to be a world champion whether you guys want it or not Mado Gary’s Journey continues at UFC 303 where he aims to take one step closer to contention in a featured main cardb against a crowd-pleasing UK standout [Applause] London born Michael Venom Pig garnered notoriety in kickboxing for his gifted ability and flashy sty his flare and talent was perfectly implemented into MMA spin a kick that is unbelievable Michael V [Applause] [Music] as an established star in other promotions his arrival in the UFC brought with it a swell of fanfare and Intrigue it’s nice to get the support from the fans looking to make a statement in his first octagon appearance the flamboyant Brit touchdown in Miami to take on ranked welterweight Kevin Holland at UFC 299 MVP he is out to prove his style can Excel on the greatest proven ground in the sport I was always confident in myself being able to perform in the UFC he’s so incredibly creative and he’s one of the more interesting Strikers to ever compete in MMA I always like to bring to the cage moments for people to talk about and say did you see what MVP [Music] did there is a new showman in the UFC enter the credentials Michael Venom Paige it’s been a long time coming and we’ve all been waiting you know what this guy can do his power his accuracy his creativity inside the Octagon touching down on the ban canvas of the UFC Octagon for the first time one a few guys at welterweight who can match the size of his opponent tonight Kevin holl this is a very difficult ask in his first opportunity inside the Octagon ready right round one Paige and white Holland is in black and we are underway Paige with that very sideway stance oh so creative look at this it puts on a show Kevin Holland is a tough man it went according to plan in terms of the types of punches kicks movement that I I needed to do how I frustrated him how I had him struggling for ideas feel good look great when I watched it back back hearing him talk after the first round to his coaches he’s like he’s a lot faster than we thought smash we thought yeah oh oh right hand by pitch seeing that it shows you how much I can demoralize somebody during a fight oh is that same elbow that he did at the end of first two rounds down 100% this is the one yeah this the one like I don’t consider myself a UFC athlete just because I’ve signed the contract round three Holland has finally met his match oh heavy right hand by Venom nice kick to the body oh the right hand lot of gamesmanship oh nasty elbow he’s losing Michael he’s losing Kevin looks a little bit frustrated and looks like he’s slowing down yeah in all likelihood Michael venom pagee has done enough to win the UFC debut Michel but after that first fight I not only consider myself a UFC athlete I consider myself one of the best UFC athletes especially in my division Michael benom PA is now upon us I remember hearing at you know at certain points that I’m not even going to be able to compete at the top 10 in the UFC and now I’m fighting someone that is number seven and that’s my lucky number [Music] at UFC 303 undefeated welterweight Ian Mado Gary takes on UK standout Michael Venom [Music] page in preparation for this pivotal matchup the Irishman has once again linked up with the team at shobox in Sal Pao Brazil after traversing the globe perfecting his craft Mado Gary believes he has found the team that will help him realize his full potential I’m training at the world famous shoot the box where we have people like Diego Lima [Music] yeah yeah crazy Diego Lima has the biggest heart out of anyone I’ve ever met he cares so much about those people that walk through his door and there’s just a different family energy when it comes to shoot the box that inspired me to want to be here and to want to come here and to want to be involved I have really found someone to learn from and grow from and add to my game in so many different ways and for me to come here and immerse myself in the Brazilian culture learn the language it was a no-brainer for me and I’ve loved every second of it I masado Gary confidence ego violent mind he’s got it all he’s going to be one of the best in the world he has traveled all over the world in search of better training he is training with the Brazilians in Brazil leg kick after leg kick he broke him down complete Domination by I Machado Gary I am the new generation of striker in the world he is on a roll and he’s getting better and better the Box’s connection with Diego Lima can’t be overstated he’s just so sharp look at the discipline and focus dieo is an amazing man and I’m just forever grateful that he opened his doors [Music] I came to Brazil because I felt a pull [Music] I felt the pull in regards to [Music] connection there’s just a different energy in Brazil when it comes to vibrancy and life [Music] [Music] for me that energy means [Music] [Applause] [Music] everything as a kickboxer looking to train transition into mixed martial arts English striking sensation Michael Venom page commenced the search for a team that could nurture his unique ability leading him to a well-renowned gym in the country’s capital we went around to so many different gyms finally came to London shoot Fighters the first MMA gym in the UK come to find out this is probably the toughest gym to be in do they train hard they fight hard they Spar hard come come come come everything in here is not easy but I just loved everything about it again I fell in love with how they are as a team and just haven’t looked back since again it’s so important to have somebody like Alexis Demetrius on your team because I’m scared to death of him you don’t make the shot it’s always your fault it’s not his fault he wants to hit you the point is you guys have to make make sure you’re switch on after your shot he’s like a a serious uncle that you don’t want to cross you have to have somebody that is willing to keep you accountable keep dragging you forward and Alexis is that guy hey good a on hey I having that person that is leading from the front has kept me here time very nice I think Michael’s style keep him very unorthodox and dangerous is what’s appealing about Michael pige the spins that he does to he punches before their Throne draw them out Place himself in a good position I think that’s one of the main reasons why people enjoy seeing him with MVP fighting Ian Gary I’s a complete fighter he’s a very tough guy but I think Michael’s fight IQ is what will separate that fight he knows I’m a problem because you know when he’s starting in his career my name was already out there when I start Landing punches Landing kicks when he misses his first punch misses his first kick all that’s going to come flooding back and it’s just going to forever and forther to moralize him then you know the MVP continues to shine he’s got style he’s got Charisma knockout power I’m going to be the one Landing all the shots I’m going to be the one frustrating him I’m going to be the one pressuring him he is a sniper I’m going to turn him into a wrestler scrambling to take it away from his best asset because his best asset will be nowhere near mine another right hand by P his distance management is exceptional UFC 303 he’s going to look bad I’m going to look great no look spin around elbow and he’s going to go to sleep a straight up killer I’ll help him with that I got the snooze button right here these guys that have that Championship medal we see them rise and that’s what we’re seeing from I Machado gar MVP is elusive against people that are slow his movements is all to distract you and get you to freeze and faint so he jumps in and cracks you I I am someone whose entire career has been based on distance faints reads hose right counter aad G sets him home so when MVP meets me in this octagon he’s going to be fearful for his life highly aggressive knockout power because I am fast him this is the Ian Machado Gary show USC 303 we are going to put on a show that every striking fan on the planet wants to see the all Europe Showdown kicks off an electrifying main card on June 29th in Las Vegas before light heavyweights Collide in the main event as Alex Pereira looks to defend his title Alex P for a second time against former Champion Yuri pusco oh he’s so wildly unorthodox oh big me now it all goes down during International fight week at UFC 303 the world champion ladies and gentlemen Alex Baha that man just became an all-time great in the UFC rematches don’t always go down the same way and I can’t wait to get to the Las Vegas Ford [Applause]