Dana White thanks Alex Pereira backstage for leaving Australia vacation midway to save UFC 303 fight card: "This is why the people love him"

Dana White was seen praising Alex Pereira for taking the short-notice opportunity in the UFC 303 main event.

Later today, UFC 303 will take place inside the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Most fans were expecting Conor McGregor to make his highly-anticipated octagon return. Unfortunately, the former two-division UFC champion suffered a broken toe, postponing his main event matchup against Michael Chandler.

As a result, the UFC needed a short-notice replacement to fill the void left by McGregor's injury. Luckily, light heavyweight king Alex Pereira stepped up and accepted the opportunity to defend his throne in a rematch against Jiri Prochazka.

Earlier today, Pereira released behind-the-scenes footage on YouTube of Dana White thanking him for saving the event. The UFC CEO had this to say:

"This is why the people love him so much. This is why the people react the way that they do. On vacation in Australia to come save a fight. Thank you."

Without Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka, it's unclear what Dana White and Co. would have done for the UFC 303 main event. There's a chance the co-main event could have been promoted, as featherweights Brian Ortega and Diego Lopes will fight at lightweight due to Ortega being unable to make weight.

Watch the footage of White thanking Pereira below:

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Jiri Prochazka looks to kill two birds with one stone against Alex Pereira in the UFC 303 main event

In November 2023, Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka met in the UFC 295 main event, with the vacant light heavyweight title on the line. Pereira overcame Prochazka's unorthodox style and secured a second-round knockout win.

Before fighting Pereira, Prochazka was forced to vacate the 205-pound throne due to a severe shoulder injury. Therefore, the 31-year-old looks to kill two birds with one stone by regaining UFC gold and avenging his defeat against 'Poatan.'

It'll be easier said than done for Prochazka, as Pereira has quickly established himself as one of the greatest fighters of all time. Through eight UFC fights, the Brazilian fan favorite has conquered two divisions and defeated five current or former world champions.