This Saturday (4), the UFC 301, in Rio de Janeiro, could mark a “passing of the baton” and the emergence of a new King of Rio. José Aldocurrent holder of the nickname, is expected to have his last fight in his career against Jonathan Martinez, in the co-main event.
In the last clash of the night, Alexandre Pantoja defends the flyweight belt against Steve Erceg. Manuara, Aldo became the King of Rio after successfully defending the featherweight belt on three occasions in the Marvelous City, twice against Chad Mendes and once against Zumbi Coreano.
Ten years after his last successful title defense in Rio, Aldo returns to the Octagon that made him famous without being the main event. Alexandre Pantoja, born in Arraial do Cabo, is one of the biggest rising stars in the UFC today.
The flyweight champion won his belt in July 2023 and successfully defended it for the first time in December of the same year. Now, he will fulfill his dream of defending the belt in the city where he grew up and, beyond, alongside one of his great idols.
“Very happy to be here. I asked the UFC so I could fight in Brazil. Fighting in Rio de Janeiro… I think few champions were able to defend the belt in their hometown, so for me this moment is very important. Having Aldo too , who is a guy who I learned a lot from, I was able to train with him at Nova União. I say there is a bit of Aldo in Alexandre Pantoja because we learn from our idols, a very special moment for me”, said Pantoja in an exclusive interview with ESPN. .
Regarding the possibility of fighting on the same card as his idol’s last fight, the champion hopes that Aldo does not say goodbye to the Octagon this Saturday, but welcomes a possible passing of the baton and the “weight” of taking on the nickname King From Rio.
“I hope Aldo doesn’t stop. As a fan, I hope to see him fight a lot more, but I’m ready (to receive the crown of King of Rio). I really want this recognition from the Brazilian people, that’s why I wanted to fight here. I really want It’s important to bring the belt to Brazil and I want this identification with the Brazilian people”, he concluded.
Whether we will have a new King of Rio or, perhaps, two kings, only time will tell. But UFC 301 has everything to be a (beautiful) passing of the baton for Brazilian MMA.
Check out the UFC 301 card
Main card – 11pm
Alexandre Pantoja x Steve Erceg – for the flyweight belt
Jonathan Martinez x José Aldo – bantamweight
Anthony Smith x Victor Petrino – light heavyweight
Michel Pereira x Ihor Potieria – middleweight
Paul Craig x Caio Borralho – average weight
Preliminary Card – 7pm
Jack Shore x Joanderson Brito – featherweight
Karolina Kowalkiewicz x Iasmin Lucindo – strawweight
Elves Brener x Myktybek Orolbai – lightweight
Joaquim Silva x Drakkar Klose – lightweight
Mauricio Ruffy x Jamie Mullarkey – Lightweight
Dione Barbosa x Ernesta Kareckaite – flyweight
Ismael Bonfim x Vinc Pichel – lightweight
Alessandro Costa x Kevin Borjas – flyweight
