UFC 303: Pereira vs. Prochazka 2 Replaces McGregor vs. Chandler

This UFC 303: Pereira vs. Prochazka 2 main event update is brought to you by BetOnline. BetOnline is a market leader in sports betting, offering various options from UFC betting odds to the NFL and everything in between.

4.6/5 Review Rating
Bonus & Benefits
50% up to $1,000
Bonus Details »
Competitive Odds Pricing
$10 Cash Bonus with code “BNEWS”
Sports, Casino, Poker & Racebook

Bet Now & Claim $1,000 »

The lead-up to UFC 303 has been a rollercoaster ride for MMA fans across the globe. A light heavyweight clash between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler was supposed to headline the June 29 event, however, things became unclear once a pre-fight press conference was canceled followed combined with the UFC not providing fans with many updates.

UFC CEO and president Dana White finally gave a concrete update on Thursday when he revealed that McGregor had been pulled from the fight after suffering an injury. MMA insider Ariel Helwani confirmed shortly after that McGregor vs. Chandler will be pushed to later this year, although an official date is still up in the air.

Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler has been postponed to later this year. 

Helwani wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that everyone, including the UFC, McGregor, and Paradigm, made every effort to salvage the situation. Initially, things seemed bleak, then there was hope, but ultimately, the decision was made to cancel the event less than 48 hours ago.

It didn’t take long for McGregor to provide a statement on the situation. The former champion described pulling out of the fight as being “very tough” and that his injury occurred before the postponed press conference. Between the UFC, doctors, and McGregor’s own team, a conclusion was made that the 35-year-old didn’t have enough time to recover to face Chandler in Las Vegas.

While some fighters would be pissed off about a major bout being canceled this close to a PPV, that isn’t the case here. Chandler responded to McGregor’s social media post, stating that he had “no hard feelings” and that he wants the latter to “heal up” before they finally clash.

We hope that McGregor fully recovers soon, as we eagerly await the exciting showdown we’ve all been waiting for. However, with each passing day, McGregor’s last fight seems like a distant memory, leaving us wondering how much longer he can put off a possible comeback.

Now that McGregor vs. Chandler is no longer an option, which fight will take the spotlight as the main event for UFC 303?

UFC 303: Pereira vs. Prochazka 2 to Headline in Las Vegas

After the upcoming McGregor vs. Chandler fight was postponed, Dana White & Co. didn’t waste time in naming a new UFC 303 main event.

Later this month, at T-Mobile Arena, the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira will defend his title against Jiri Prochazka in the main event. Despite the company’s uncertainty about securing the match on short notice, both fighters eagerly accepted the challenge.

THE #UFC303 PROMO VID pic.twitter.com/RLyHLzBtsX

— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) June 16, 2024

“I understand that this fight is very close and there may be difficulties with the lead-up time BUT if there is somebody that can make this happen it is me,” Pereira posted on his Instagram following the announcement. “I take risks that not one other person would be willing to take but I know I have my ancestors with me. The spirits are with me and I’m ready for it all.”

These two light heavyweight fighters are among the top performers in the field of MMA.

Since his UFC debut in November 2021, Pereira has established himself as a dominant force, boasting a remarkable 7-1 record. His impressive performance includes knocking out five out of his last eight opponents. Notably, he secured a first-round finish over Prochazka at UFC 295, earning him the vacant light heavyweight gold. Pereira’s exceptional finishing abilities have solidified his reputation as a formidable fighter.

[su=youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHGomATiHvU” responsive=”yes” autoplay=”no”]

However, despite his loss in their previous encounter, Prochazka should not be underestimated. He is a formidable Czech fighter with an impressive 96.7% finish rate and a streak of 13 consecutive wins before his defeat against Pereira.

After his impressive TKO victory over Aleksandar Rakic at UFC 300, Prochazka has regained momentum, receiving well-deserved recognition as he was awarded the ‘performance of the night’ accolade.

Undoubtedly, Pereira vs. Prochazka 2 emerged as the most significant (and exceptional) alternative to McGregor vs. Chandler at UFC 303. Let’s hope that this last-minute substitute fight lives up to the enormous excitement it has generated.

4.6/5 Review Rating
Bonus & Benefits
50% up to $1,000
Bonus Details »
Competitive Odds Pricing
$10 Cash Bonus with code “BNEWS”
Sports, Casino, Poker & Racebook

Bet Now & Claim $1,000 »


UFC 303: Pereira vs Prochazka 2 Opening Odds

All UFC 303 odds are courtesy of BetOnline as of 12:19 p.m. ET on Monday, June 17. 

  • Record: Alex Pereira (10-2) vs. Jiri Prochazka (30-4-1)
  • Moneyline: Alex Perez (-160) | Tatsuro Taira (+140)
  • Round total: TBD — Over (TBD) | Under (TBD)
  • Most likely method of victory: TBD

Get 50% up to $1,000 on UFC 303 picks at BetOnline


UFC 303: Pereira vs Prochazka 2 Information & FAQ

When is UFC 303?

  • Mark your calendars for UFC 303, happening on Saturday, June 29th, 2024.

Where is UFC 303?

  • The live broadcast of UFC 303 will take place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV.

What time does UFC 303 start?

  • UFC 303 Early Prelims Start Time: 6 p.m. ET
  • UFC 303 Preliminary Card Start Time: 8 p.m. ET
  • UFC 303 Main Card Start Time: 10 p.m. ET

How to Watch UFC 303

  • UFC 303 Early Prelims Channel: ESPN+, ESPN
  • UFC 303 Preliminary Card Channel: ESPN+, PPV
  • UFC 303 Main Card Channel: ESPN+, PPV

How to Bet on UFC 303

  • All of the top online sports betting sites will have UFC odds, but here are some of the sites we recommend most for UFC betting enthusiasts.

4.6/5 Review Rating
Bonus & Benefits
50% up to $1,000
Bonus Details »
Competitive Odds Pricing
$10 Cash Bonus with code “BNEWS”
Sports, Casino, Poker & Racebook

Bet Now & Claim $1,000 »

4.3/5 Review Rating
Bonus & Benefits
125% Welcome Bonus
Bonus Details »
Weekly free spins
An exclusive VIP program
Great use of graphics and user-friendly interface
Multiple currencies supported

Claim your 125% Bonus »

4.7/5 Review Rating
Bonus & Benefits
125% Deposit Bonus or $25 Free Bet
Bonus Details »
Fast & Easy Payouts
Best Deposit & Free Play Bonuses
Largest Selection of Sports & Games

Bet Now & Claim Bonus »

4.4/5 Review Rating
Bonus & Benefits
50% up to $1,000
Bonus Details »
High Betting Limits
Odds Open Very Early
Sports, Casino, Poker & Racebook

Bet Now & Claim $1,000 »

4.5/5 Review Rating
Bonus & Benefits
50% up to $750
Bonus Details »
Best For Prop Betting
Very Fast Payout Times
Sports, Casino, Poker & Racebook

Bet Now & Claim $750 »