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Let's face it, things didn't look good for the UFC when Conor McGregor's anticipated main event fell through. However, UFC 303 not only survived but arguably thrived, thanks to the emergence of a new superstar: Alex Pereira.
Pereira's Unstoppable Ascendancy
The Brazilian phenom, Pereira, has been on an incredible journey since joining the UFC. Known for his decorated kickboxing background, Pereira has seamlessly transitioned into MMA, capturing titles and delivering stunning performances. Just a year and six days after his UFC debut, Pereira dethroned Israel Adesanya, a dominant middleweight champion, in a shocking upset.
Conquering Light Heavyweight
Not resting on his laurels, Pereira moved up to light heavyweight and continued his winning ways. He defeated former champion Jan Blachowicz and earned a title shot against Jiří Procházka. Pereira's victory over Procházka, marked by a viral head kick knockout, solidified his status as a two-division champion, matching McGregor's feat.
A New Era in the UFC
Pereira's dominance didn't stop there. At UFC 300, he dismantled Jamahal Hill in a single round, further cementing his legacy. In McGregor's absence, Pereira headlined UFC 303 and delivered another spectacular performance, knocking out Procházka once again with a devastating head kick.
"He's the biggest superstar in MMA today. On a level we haven't seen since Conor McGregor," commented Jon Anik after Pereira's latest victory.
The Future Looks Bright
Pereira's journey is far from over. He has hinted at testing the waters in the heavyweight division, a move that could set up a showdown with current champion Jon Jones. Standing at 6'4", Pereira's kickboxing prowess would make for an intriguing matchup against the likes of Ciryl Gane.
"He's been talking about going up, I say let him go," analyst Joe Rogan remarked. "It's actually impossible what he's doing. And he's getting better every time."
As Pereira continues to rise, the UFC landscape is set for thrilling battles and unforgettable moments. The crowd's reaction at the T-Mobile Arena suggests that Pereira's star is only beginning to shine.
Editor: Emiliia Morozova
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