UFC 303 LIVE RESULTS: Alex Pereira brutally KNOCKS OUT Jiri Prochazka – Ian Garry BEATS MVP – HORRIFIC CUT stops bout
ALEX PEREIRA scored a stunning stoppage in his rematch with Jiri Prozchazka to retain the light-heavyweight title.
Poatan renewed his rivalry with the Czech clubber on just a few weeks' notice after stepping in for the injured Conor McGregor.
And he banked his second defence of the 205lbs title with a brutal second-round KO, which came courtesy of a highlight reel switch kick.
Elsewhere on the card, Irishman Ian Garry extended his record to a perfect 15-0 with a hard-fought win over Michael 'Venom' Page.
And a horror cut stopped a bantamweight barnburner between former title challenge Mayra Bueno Silva and Macy Chiasson.
Scroll down to recap all the ongoings from a lively night in Las Vegas.
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Tsuruya vs Hernandez - Round 2
Tsuruya shoots for an early takedown and eventually gets Hernandez down to the ground.
A nasty elbow in tight from Tsuruya, who briefly transitions to a crucifix.
Hernandez has done a brilliant job of scrambling and rolling out of bad positions.
But Tsuruya is riding him. Another twister attempt from Tsuruya. This one is a lot closer than the attempt in the last round.
But Hernandez manages to get out of the position, although Tsuruya maintains dominant position.
Tsuruya vs Hernandez - Round 1
Tsuruya takes the centre of the octagon and looks to establish his range with feints and a lead RIGHT hook.
The Japanese jouster lands a nice straight left before landing a big takedown.
Hernandez does a good job of defending and gets back to his feet.
A big slam for Hernandez but Tsuruya is holding a kimura. Kneebar attempt for Tsuruya but Hernandez manages to roll out the submission.
Hernandez brilliantly defends a double leg takedown but Tsuruya gets him to the ground with a big suplex off the fence.
Tsuruya goes for a twister but Hernandez is wise to it and manages to hear the horn.
Credit: Getty Flyweight fisticuffs
We move to the men's 125lbs division for a cracker of a fight between Rei Tsuruya and Carlos Hernandez.
Credit: Getty
Oliveira wins
Vinicius Oliveira extends his win streak to four with a unanimous decision over Ricky Simon.
A big win, that, for the Brazilian. I fully expect him to be fighting another big name at bantamweight next.
First fight in the can
A bantamweight banger between Ricky Simon and Vinicius Oliveira has just wrapped up.
We are now awaiting the judges; scorecards.
Credit: Getty We are live!!!
Good evening, ladies and gents, and welcome to Susport's live coverage of UFC 303: Pereira vs Prochazka II.
Conor McGregor, of course, was due to headline the Sin City extravaganza but was forced out of his comeback clash with Michael Chandler due to injury.
That paved the way for a shock, but now eagerly-anticipated, between current light-heavyweight champion Alex Pereira and the division's former titleholder Jiri Prochazka.
UFC 303 is stacked with entertaining fights.
So sit back, relax and let SunSport keep you updated with all the ongoings from the T-Mobile Arena.
Ireland vs England
Ian Machado Garry and Michael 'Venom' Page meet inside the Octagon later tonight, in what is expected to be a highly entertaining fight.
The press conference brought an explosive encounter between the pair, who clashed on stage.
But fans were later questioning if the apparent feud was in fact faked to build hype, as footage emerged of a friendly backstage encounter - that even included Page playing games with Garry's young child.
Credit: GETTY Magic?
Jiri Prochazka claimed that reigning champ Alex Pereira used 'magic' and spiritual help to win fights, stating: “Everybody knows it, and he’s doing rituals before the fight, everybody can feel what’s around him and what’s going on and I think Alex can’t fight without that."
Poatan, who represents the Pataxo tribe in Brazil and wears traditional dress in his weigh-ins, replied: "Well, everybody has their own spirits we’re not only made of flesh and bone, I’ve found mine. If he has not found his or if he does not believe, it’s not my fault."
Credit: GETTY 'Deep mental pain'
Earlier this week, Conor McGregor revealed he was in "deep mental pain" watching fight week go on without him.
The Irishman wrote: "Deep mental pain. Thank you for the messages of support and encouragement, my peers and fans."
The week before, he penned a long social media post to reveal why he had to pull out of the fight.
He wrote: "Man we were so f***ing super ready for this fight it is absolutely gut wrenching to take. I want that new Bugatti how I gone justify to myself getting that now without banking these fights.
"We had a lapse in concentration and engaged in a training session without wearing the full protective gear and I hit the toe off the elbow and broke the toe clean. It needs a few weeks that’s it.
"I couldn’t justify to my team, or fans, that I make the walk hindered again. That walk has been seen. This next walk has got to be, and it will be, 100% Conor McGregor. The fans deserve it and we are getting close.
"A slight lapse in concentration and a nuisance of an injury was picked up. That’s it. Take the lesson and move forward. I will get this back. I’ve got too. I’ve got two fights left on my contract.
"I’ve got Bugattis and more yachts on my mind. I’m coming to shine. I gotta just take my time. Cos I still got yachts and Bentleys and mansions and all the rest. Ya know yaself. But ya get me, I’ll be back. See ya’s soon. See ya at the top. Chandler or not."
Credit: X@THENOTORIOUSMMA
Full schedule
Let's just remind ourselves of the full card. The main event is the light-heavyweight title between Alex Pereira vs Jiri Prochazka.
The card was originally meant to see Conor McGregror's return against Michael Chandler, but the Irishman pulled out because of a broken toe - those two are now set to meet on September 17 at UFC 305.
British fans will also be excited to watch the all British clash between Ian Machado Garry and Michael Page.
Full card:
- MAIN EVENT: Alex Pereira (c) vs. Jiri Prochazka - for UFC Light Heavyweight Championship
- Brian Ortega vs. Diego Lopes
- Anthony Smith vs. Roman Dolidze
- Mayra Bueno Silva vs Macy Chiasson
- Ian Machado Garry vs Michael Page
- Joe Pyfer vs Marc-Andre Barriault
- Cub Swanson vs Andre Fili
- Charles Jourdain vs Jean Silva
- Payton Talbott vs Yanis Ghemmouri
- Michelle Waterson-Gomez vs Gillian Robertson
- Andrei Arlovski vs Martin Buday
- Rei Tsuruya vs Carlos Hernandez
- Ricky Simon vs Vinicius Oliveira
Hello!
Good evening everyone and welcome to live coverage of UFC 303!
It's not quite the headline fight we were expecting, but there's a very strong card in Las Vegas ahead of us.
Strap yourselves in, the main event is expected around 5am in the UK and 11pm (ET).
