UFC events in Rio de Janeiro have consistently delivered unforgettable moments. From Anderson Silva, Jose Aldo, and Ronda Rousey defending their titles to breakout performances by Max Holloway, Jessica Andrade, and Jamahal Hill, Rio's history suggests another electrifying night at UFC 301.
Main Event: Alexandre Pantoja vs. Stephen Erceg
The main event features local champion Alexandre Pantoja defending his flyweight title against the surging Australian contender, Stephen Erceg. Pantoja, known for his grappling prowess, faces a versatile challenger in Erceg, who enters the fight on a ten-fight win streak.
Co-Main Event: Jonathan Martinez vs. Jose Aldo
In the co-main event, rising bantamweight Jonathan Martinez faces the legendary Jose Aldo, who returns after a 21-month hiatus. Martinez, on a six-fight winning streak, looks to continue his ascent against the newly inducted UFC Hall of Famer.
Featured Bouts:
Anthony Smith vs. Vitor Petrino: Former title challenger Anthony Smith aims to overturn recent setbacks against undefeated prospect Vitor Petrino in a crucial light heavyweight bout.
Michel Pereira vs. Ihor Potieria: Michel Pereira, thriving in the middleweight division, clashes with Ihor Potieria, who seeks redemption in a new weight class.
Paul Craig vs. Caio Borralho: Middleweights Paul Craig and Caio Borralho open the main card, with both fighters looking to solidify their rankings.
Preliminary Card Highlights
Jack Shore vs. Joanderson Brito: Featherweights Jack Shore and Joanderson Brito face off in what promises to be a dynamic contest.
Karolina Kowalkiewicz vs. Iasmin Lucindo: Veteran Karolina Kowalkiewicz meets young contender Iasmin Lucindo in a pivotal strawweight match.
Elves Brener vs. Myktybek Orolbai: Lightweights Elves Brener and Myktybek Orolbai aim to extend their winning streaks in a promising bout.
Jean Silva vs. William Gomis: Featherweights Jean Silva and William Gomis look to continue their successful runs in the UFC.
Joaquim Silva vs. Drakkar Klose: Experienced lightweights clash as Joaquim Silva takes on Drakkar Klose in a matchup of seasoned fighters.
Mauricio Ruffy vs. Jamie Mullarkey: Mauricio Ruffy makes his UFC debut against the battle-tested Jamie Mullarkey.
Dione Barbosa vs. Ernesta Kareckaite: UFC newcomers Dione Barbosa and Ernesta Kareckaite vie for their first win on the sport's biggest stage.
Ismael Bonfim vs. Vinc Pichel: Lightweights Ismael Bonfim and Vinc Pichel look to bounce back from recent losses.
Alessandro Costa vs. Kevin Borjas: Flyweights Alessandro Costa and Kevin Borjas aim for their first victory of 2024 as they open the night's action.
UFC 301 promises to be a thrilling event with high stakes and exciting matchups that could reshape the future of multiple divisions.
Full Fight Card - UFC 301: Pantoja vs. Erceg
MAIN EVENT | UFC FLYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP | 125 LBS
Alexandre Pantoja vs. Steve Erceg
CO-MAIN EVENT | BANTAMWEIGHT · 135 LBS | PRO MMA
Jonathan Martinez vs. José Aldo
MAIN CARD | LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT · 205 LBS | PRO MMA
Anthony Smith vs. Vitor Petrino
MAIN CARD | MIDDLEWEIGHT · 185 LBS | PRO MMA
Michel Pereira vs. Ihor Potieria
MAIN CARD | MIDDLEWEIGHT · 185 LBS | PRO MMA
Paul Craig vs. Caio Borralho
PRELIMINARY CARD | FEATHERWEIGHT · 145 LBS | PRO MMA
Joanderson Brito vs. Jack Shore
PRELIMINARY CARD | STRAWWEIGHT · 115 LBS | PRO MMA
Karolina Kowalkiewicz vs. Iasmin Lucindo
PRELIMINARY CARD | LIGHTWEIGHT · 155 LBS | PRO MMA
Elves Brener vs. Myktybek Orolbai
PRELIMINARY CARD | FEATHERWEIGHT · 145 LBS | PRO MMA
Jean Silva vs. William Gomis
PRELIMINARY CARD | LIGHTWEIGHT · 155 LBS | PRO MMA
Joaquim Silva vs. Drakkar Klose
PRELIMINARY CARD | LIGHTWEIGHT · 155 LBS | PRO MMA
Mauricio Ruffy vs. Jamie Mullarkey
PRELIMINARY CARD | FLYWEIGHT · 125 LBS | PRO MMA
Dione Barbosa vs. Ernesta Kareckaite
PRELIMINARY CARD | LIGHTWEIGHT · 155 LBS | PRO MMA
Ismael Bonfim vs. Vinc Pichel
PRELIMINARY CARD | FLYWEIGHT · 125 LBS | PRO MMA
Alessandro Costa vs. Kevin Borjas