A scheduled co-main event between former 205-pound titleholder Jamahal Hill and Carlos Ulberg is being pulled from UFC 303 after Hill reportedly sustained an injury.
Replacing Hill against Ulberg will be Anthony Smith, Dana White announced Thursday night. The fight will still be on the main card, but has been replaced by a co-main event between Brian Ortega and Diego Lopes.
Alex Pereira will face Jiri Prochazka in the other co-main event after a bout between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler was cancelled due to an injury to McGregor.
Ulberg had initially stepped in for Khalil Rountree Jr., who was removed from his matchup with Hill after the fighter announced he had tested positive for a banned substance and Rountree accepted a two-month suspension retroactive to May 4.
Hill (12-2) was looking to bounce back from a first-round loss to reigning light-heavyweight champ Alex Pereira in the UFC 300 main event in April. Hill is currently the No. 3-ranked contender in the division. The 33-year-old won the 205-pound title by defeating Glover Teixeira in a vacant title bout in January of 2023 following knockout wins over Thiago Santos, Johnny Walker and Jimmy Crute only to vacate the belt later that year when he ruptured his Achilles tendon. UFC 300 was his first fight back from injury.
Ulberg (10-1) is riding a six-fight winning streak after making quick work of Alonzo Menifield in May, earning a 12-second knockout and rising to the No. 11 contender in the 205-pound weight class.
Smith, 35, last competed at UFC 301 when he defeated Vitor Petrino in the first round via a guillotine-choke submission.
UFC 303 is scheduled to take place June 29 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
In a surprising turn of events, rising UFC fighter Ulberg has been announced as the replacement for Hill in the upcoming UFC 303 event. Ulberg, known for his impressive striking skills and relentless fighting style, is set to face off against Smith in what promises to be an exciting matchup.
Hill was forced to withdraw from the fight due to undisclosed reasons, leaving fans disappointed as they were looking forward to seeing him in action. However, Ulberg’s addition to the card has generated a new level of excitement among MMA enthusiasts.
Ulberg, hailing from New Zealand, has quickly made a name for himself in the UFC with his impressive performances inside the octagon. With a record of 9 wins and 2 losses, he has proven to be a formidable opponent for anyone in his weight class.
On the other hand, Smith is no stranger to the UFC scene either. With a record of 12 wins and 6 losses, he has established himself as a tough competitor with a well-rounded skill set. The matchup between Ulberg and Smith is expected to be a closely contested battle, with both fighters looking to make a statement in the division.
Fans can expect an action-packed fight between these two talented athletes, as they both possess the skills and determination to come out on top. Ulberg’s striking prowess and aggressive fighting style will surely test Smith’s defensive abilities, making for an intriguing matchup that is not to be missed.
As the countdown to UFC 303 begins, all eyes will be on Ulberg and Smith as they prepare to step into the octagon and showcase their skills. With both fighters hungry for victory, this matchup has the potential to be a fight of the night contender that will keep fans on the edge of their seats.