Read about the epic battles at UFC 301 in Brazil where hometown hero Alexandre Pantoja defended his title in a thrilling showdown. Jose Aldo, Anthony Smith, and more fighters showcased their skills in a night filled with unforgettable moments.
| Key Points | |
|---|---|
| Alexandre Pantoja successfully defended his UFC flyweight title against Steve Erceg in a hard-fought battle. | |
| Jose Aldo returned to MMA with a victory over Jonathan Martinez, displaying his vintage skills. | |
| Anthony Smith secured a submission win over Vitor Petrino, proving age is just a number. |
In a thrilling showdown in Brazil, hometown hero Alexandre Pantoja successfully defended his UFC flyweight title against Steve Erceg at UFC 301. The fight went the distance, with Pantoja emerging victorious via unanimous decision. This marked Pantoja’s sixth consecutive win, solidifying his reign as the flyweight champion.
The match was a display of top-tier skills from both fighters, showcasing the prowess of the flyweight division. Despite Erceg’s early dominance with striking combinations, Pantoja’s strategic takedowns and control on the ground proved to be the turning point. The fight was closely contested, with both athletes leaving it all in the octagon.
In the co-main event, Brazilian legend Jose Aldo made a triumphant return to MMA, securing a unanimous decision victory over Jonathan Martinez. Aldo’s performance reminded fans of his prime, with crisp striking and a rare takedown that electrified the crowd. The win marked a significant moment in Aldo’s career, hinting at a possible transition to boxing.
Additionally, Anthony Smith showcased his grappling skills with a submission victory over Vitor Petrino, further solidifying his position in the light heavyweight division. Michel Pereira continued his impressive win streak by defeating Ihor Potieria in spectacular fashion, while Caio Borralho delivered a stunning knockout against Paul Craig.
The event was filled with memorable moments, including Jack Shore’s unfortunate injury, Mauricio Rua’s Hall of Fame announcement, and a stacked fight card that kept fans on the edge of their seats. UFC 301 proved to be a night of thrilling fights and unforgettable performances.
UFC 301 Full Card Results
| Main Card | |
|---|---|
| Alexandre Pantoja (c) def. Steve Erceg | UFC flyweight title (48-47, 48-47, 49-46) |
| Jose Aldo def. Jonathan Martinez | Unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) |
| Anthony Smith def. Vitor Petrino | Submission (2:00 into round one) |
| Michel Pereira def. Ihor Potieria | Submission (0:54 into round one) |
| Caio Borralho def. Paul Craig | KO (2:10 into round two) |
| Prelims | |
|---|---|
| Joanderson Brito def. Jack Shore | TKO (3:35 into round two) |
| Iasmin Lucindo def. Karolina Kowalkiewicz | Unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) |
| Myktybek Orolbai def. Elves Brener | Unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-27) |
| Drakkar Klose def. Joaquim Silva | Unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) |
| Early Prelims | |
|---|---|
| Mauricio Ruffy def. Jamie Mullarkey | TKO (4:42 into round one) |
| Dione Barbosa def. Ernesta Kareckaite | Unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) |
| Ismael Bonfim def. Vinc Pichel | Unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) |
| Alessandro Costa def. Kevin Borjas | TKO (1:35 into round two) |
