Light Heavyweight: Alex Pereira def. Jiří Procházka by TKO (head kick and punches) in Round 2 (0:13)
Fight Recap: Alex Pereira successfully defended his light heavyweight title against Jiří Procházka. Pereira used effective leg kicks and jabs in Round 1, while Procházka applied pressure and landed his strikes. In Round 2, Pereira landed a massive head kick followed by a barrage of punches, securing a TKO victory 13 seconds into the round.
- Next for Alex Pereira: Magomed Ankalaev, who has not lost since his UFC debut to Paul Craig and recently knocked out Johnny Walker at UFC Vegas 84. Ankalaev’s strong grappling and striking skills make him a formidable challenger for Pereira.
- Next for Jiří Procházka: Jan Blachowicz, the former light heavyweight champion. Blachowicz has not fought since losing to Pereira via split decision at UFC 291 due to injuries, but he is now ready to return to the octagon.
Catchweight (165 lb): Diego Lopes def. Dan Ige by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Fight Recap: Diego Lopes and Dan Ige delivered an exciting fight. Lopes showcased his striking and grappling skills, nearly securing a D’Arce choke in Round 1. Lopes continued to control the fight on the ground in Round 2. Ige increased his aggression in Round 3 but couldn’t overcome Lopes’ consistent performance, resulting in a unanimous decision victory for Lopes.
- Next for Diego Lopes: a rematch against Movsar Evloev. Lopes and Evloev previously fought in a closely contested bout, and fans would highly anticipate a rematch.
- Next for Dan Ige: The UFC 304 featherweight matchup winner between Giga Chikadze and Arnold Allen. Ige, who took the fight against Lopes on four hours’ notice, deserves a high-profile fight next.
Light Heavyweight: Roman Dolidze def. Anthony Smith by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Fight Recap: Roman Dolidze and Anthony Smith had a tactical bout. In Round 2, Dolidze landed significant strikes and controlled Smith on the ground. In Round 3, Dolidze continued to pressure Smith, who showed signs of fatigue. Dolidze’s aggression and control earned him a unanimous decision victory.
- Next for Roman Dolidze: Paulo Costa is coming off a loss to Sean Strickland at UFC 302. Dolidze, who fought at light heavyweight on short notice, is better suited for middleweight, making Costa an ideal opponent.
- Next for Anthony Smith: Dominick Reyes, a fellow former title challenger who defeated Dustin Jacoby at UFC Louisville. This matchup would give both fighters a chance to rebound in the division.
Women’s Bantamweight: Macy Chiasson def. Mayra Bueno Silva by TKO (doctor’s stoppage) in Round 2 (1:58)
Fight Recap: Macy Chiasson faced Mayra Bueno Silva in a dynamic fight. Chiasson secured an early takedown in Round 2 and delivered a brutal elbow, causing a severe cut on Bueno Silva’s eyebrow. The referee stopped the fight due to excessive bleeding, resulting in a TKO victory for Chiasson.
- Next for Macy Chiasson: Ketlen Vieira, ranked second in the division and was initially scheduled to fight Chiasson in January 2024 before pulling out due to injury.
- Next for Mayra Bueno Silva: Irene Aldana, a former title challenger who last fought at UFC 296, defeating Karol Rosa. This fight would provide Bueno Silva an opportunity to bounce back against a high-level opponent.
Welterweight: Ian Machado Garry def. Michael Page by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Fight Recap: Ian Machado Garry faced Michael Page in a strategic fight. Garry used his grappling skills to control Page, showcasing his striking prowess. Despite Page’s significant strikes, Garry’s grappling and control earned him a unanimous decision victory.
- Next for Ian Machado Garry: Colby Covington, a three-time title challenger at welterweight. The animosity between Garry and Covington and their skill sets would make for an exciting and high-stakes matchup.
- Next for Michael «Venom» Page: Geoff Neal, who lost to Ian Garry at UFC 298. This matchup would give Page a challenging and competitive fight against a tough opponent.
