UFC 301 rocks Rio with belt, Aldo’s return and more; know everything

Alexandre Pantoja will defend his belt at UFC 301

Photo: Disclosure/Instagram UFC / Esporte News Mundo

The most famous octagon on the planet returns to Brazil this Saturday (4), UFC 301 will be held in Rio de Janeiro, placing a belt defense and the return of one of the greatest idols in MMA history as the main attractions for the public From Rio

In addition, there are other important highlights that can be followed on this weekend’s card by fans of mixed martial arts in the country. Portal Esporte News Mundo will show you what you can find at the event and all the two main attractions.

Pantoja towards stardom

It may not be the main event fans dreamed of, but Alexandre Pantoja’s presence at UFC 301 is not to be overlooked but celebrated, with the Brazilian defending his flyweight belt in the card’s main duel.

The opponent, however, generated great surprise. Steve Erceg, who is only tenth in the category’s ranking, was chosen by Ultimate to duel with Pantoja, overcoming opponents better positioned in the table, and hopes to be the big ‘zebra’ of the event.

The last dance of the King of Rio?

And even more surprise came when José Aldo, who was away from MMA to dedicate himself to boxing, had his return announced to the city that made him a UFC idol. The ‘King of Rio’ will return to the octagon to face Jonathan Martinez in the co-main event of the night.

The fight is the last of the organization’s former featherweight champion’s current contract. The possibility of retiring from MMA even exists, but the fighter has not yet committed to defining what his future will be within the sport and Ultimate.

‘Fumo mix’ again?

Whether in interviews with declarations full of irreverence or with acrobatics and unusual blows, Michel Pereira always promises a show and the ‘Paraense Voador’ was selected for this at UFC 301, on his way to finally being able to fight for the title.

‘Daredevil”s opponent is the Ukrainian Ihor Potieria, who has a curious fact: he already has a fight scheduled for after UFC 301. The ‘Duelist’ is already scheduled in advance for the debut of Ultimate in Saudi Arabia, in June, as will face Russian sensation Sharaputdin Magomedov, the ‘Shara Bullet’

Promises, promises, promises

Perhaps the biggest point of UFC 301 will be the abundance of Octagon promises to perform in Rio de Janeiro for the fans. Several athletes who have been seeking to stand out in their respective divisions will have the chance this Saturday to prove themselves and win the affection of Rio fans against their rivals.

Vitor Petrino, Caio Borralho, Iasmin Lucindo, Joanderson Tubarão, Elves Berner, among others, will be present at the card. Will one or more of these mentioned be able to jump from the octagon installed in Rio de Janeiro to stardom in the future?

Could be better?

Upon seeing the list of fights on this Saturday’s card, a good number of fans expressed some concern at the absence of big names from the country to star on the card. And some even tried to be part of this event in some way,

Alex Poatan wanted to fight at UFC 301 even after beating Jamahal Hill at UFC 300, but toe injuries prevented the light heavyweight champion from fighting in Rio. Charles do Bronx and Paulo Borrachinha, among others, were scheduled to previous or subsequent events, leaving the organization perhaps without many options in the eyes of fans to leave the card with stellar potential.

Where to watch UFC 301?

Those who don’t go to Farmasi Arena to see the card have nothing to worry about, especially UFC Fight Pass subscribers. The platform belonging to the organization will show all the fights of the event, which starts at 7pm, with the main card starting at 11pm. The first part of the fight will be shown on the Internet for free on Canal GOAT.

UFC 301 Schedule – Pantoja x Erceg

Main card

Alexandre Pantoja x Steve Erceg – flyweight (for the category title. Pantoja is the champion)

José Aldo x Jonathan Martinez – bantamweight

Vitor Petrino x Anthony Smith – light heavyweight

Michel Pereira x Ihor Potieria – middleweight

Caio Borralho x Paul Craig – middleweight

Preliminary card

Joanderson Tubarão x Jack Shore – featherweight

Iasmin Lucindo x Karolina Kowalkiewicz – strawweight

Elvie Brener x Myktybek Orolbai – lightweight

Joaquim ‘Netto BJJ’ Silva x Drakkar Klose – lightweight