Bloody Elbow UFC 303 predictions as Alex Pereira looks to continue his reign as king of the light heavyweight division

The 12th annual UFC International Fight Week culminates this coming Saturday with UFC 303 from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, as Alex Pereira defends his light heavyweight title against Jiri Prochazka in the main event.

Despite the UFC 303 card going through a rough turn of events after Conor McGregor withdrew from his anticipated comeback against Michael Chandler, the promotion pulled in arguably their next biggest star to save the day.

Tensions have begun to once again build between Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka ahead of their rematch, with Prochazka accusing the Brazilian champion of using ‘magic’ and ‘spiritual things’ to his advantage ahead of his fights.

Let’s take a look at my main card predictions for the scintillating main card.

Ian Machado Garry and Michael ‘Venom’ Page open up main card with blockbuster matchup

An incredibly intriguing welterweight clash between Ian Machado Garry and Michael ‘Venom’ Page opens up the main card, and these two aren’t fond of each other, at all.

On the build-up to UFC 303, ‘The Future’ made it clear that he was going to be on the card by hook or by crook but wasn’t happy with having to fight so far down the rankings against Page.

The 37-year-old has continuously jabbed at the 26-year-old Irishman, calling him the ‘BBL version’ of Conor McGregor, which hasn’t sat well with Machado Garry.

Despite the drama, from a matchup perspective, this is an utter chess match. Both 170lbers are going to want to stand and strike with each other, which could make it a tentative affair in which the fans will be sat on the edge of their seats.

‘Venom’ Page probably has the favorable striking, purely because of how unorthodox he is, and because of his stifling length and range. Having said that, Machado Garry’s striking is just as crisp and clean, making this a tough one to predict.

I see this fight going to a decision, despite the bad blood, and I favor Garry’s overall skillset in terms of his dominance in the clinch and against the cage.

Prediction: Ian Machado Garry via decision

• TENSIONS RISE: Alex Pereira responds to Jiri Prochazka’s claim that he uses ‘magic’ and ‘spirits’ to win fights

Macy Chiasson is looking to secure a bantamweight title shot

After losing devastatingly to Irene Aldana two years ago, Macy Chiasson took a considerable amount of time away from the Octagon but returned with an impressive win over Pannie Kianzad earlier this year.

Mayra Bueno Silva on the other hand hasn’t fought since her vacant title loss to Raquel Pennington at UFC 297 in this past January.

Chiasson is currently ranked seventh in the women’s bantamweight division, and that is largely due to her inactivity. I believe ‘Rocky’ Pennington showed the blueprint on how to beat the Brazilian last time out, and Chiasson’s wrestling background should give her the edge in this fight.

With there being a severe lack of contenders at 135lbs in the female division, the 32-year-old American could earn herself a title shot with a win over ‘Sheetara’.

Prediction: Macy Chiasson via decision

Roman Dolidze steps in on short notice to take on Anthony Smith

Middleweight contender, Roman Dolidze, is stepping up on short notice to take on veteran light heavyweight, Anthony Smith.

Although this is a late-notice fight for the Georgian, it is also a late-notice fight for ‘Lionheart’ who wasn’t originally on the blockbuster card.

Jamahal Hill was scheduled to take on Khalil Rountree Jr, and then Carlos Ulberg after Rountree Jr failed a drug test. Then Hill withdrew due to injury which saw the 35-year-old step in to fight Ulberg.

Just a week out from the June 29 date, ‘Black Jag’ pulled out and Dolidze stepped in.

Despite Dolidze being 2 inches smaller than Smith, they both have the same 76-inch reach meaning Dolidze won’t look massively undersized in this fight, although he is naturally a 185lber.

The former light heavyweight title challenger is going to look to grind on ‘The Caucasian’ and use his veteran experience, however, I can see the Georgian catching him.

Prediction: Roman Dolidze via knockout

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Diego Lopes looking to crack the top 5 with a huge win over Brian Ortega

The UFC put together an utterly sensational matchup between Brian Ortega and Diego Lopes on late notice, which has the fans salivating.

Since his UFC debut last year, the Brazilian featherweight has become a dark horse in the division and has become a star in the process.

The 29-year-old put his stamp on the milestone UFC 300 event earlier this year by knocking out Sodiq Yusuff in round one of their fight, giving him a well-deserved shine on a huge event.

Lopes now though has an extremely tough task ahead in Brian Ortega. ‘T-City’ returned to the win column in his last outing, submitting Yair Rodriguez in their rematch.

Ortega’s striking is severely underrated, and although he is most well-known for his slick grappling, he is very dangerous on the feet.

I believe the 33-year-old is more patient on the feet than Lopes is, and he has the chin to withstand Lopes’ best shots. If the Brazilian prospect does continue to walk forward with ferocity, like he normally does, Ortega could make him pay.

Prediction: Brian Ortega via decision

Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka continue their epic rivalry

After their first fight this past November at UFC 295, Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka sparked the start of what is a truly intriguing rivalry.

The former champion, Prochazka, bounced back from his loss to ‘Poatan’ with a win over Aleksandar Rakic at UFC 300 this past April, showing he is still a big threat to the Brazilian’s title reign.

The first fight between the two showed us a lot. And despite the result, Prochazka was ahead after the first round and a half. The stoppage continues to be labeled as controversial when you consider Prochazka’s ability to recover from damage.

Having said that, the Czech fighter will likely come in with the same game plan and the same style he always brings, and I think that could be to his detriment, again.

Herb Dean is the referee in charge of looking after the main event action, and I feel that is important to note considering his tendency to let fighters take more damage.

Regardless, I don’t see a way in which Prochazka takes considerable damage from Pereira, and somehow regains his composure. If Pereira pours it on, I feel there is only one outcome.

Prediction: Alex Pereira via knockout

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