RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - MAY 04: UFC 301 took place at Farmasi Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, showcasing a series of thrilling matchups that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
In the main event, Alexandre Pantoja successfully defended his UFC flyweight belt against Steve Erceg in a hard-fought five-round battle. Pantoja's relentless pressure and ground skills secured him a unanimous decision victory, extending his winning streak to six fights with two title defenses under his belt.
UFC Hall of Famer Jose Aldo made a triumphant return from retirement, defeating Jonathan Martinez via unanimous decision in the co-main event. Aldo's speed, experience, and dominance in the octagon reaffirmed his status as a top-tier fighter.
Anthony Smith delivered a standout performance by submitting the previously undefeated Vitor Petrino with a guillotine choke in the first round. Smith's resilience and veteran experience shone through, marking a significant victory in his career.
Michel Pereira wowed the crowd with a swift first-round stoppage win over Ihor Potieria, showcasing his unorthodox fighting style and securing his eighth consecutive unbeaten streak.
Caio Borralho's second-round knockout victory over Paul Craig displayed his dominance in the middleweight division, moving his record to an impressive 6-0.
Joanderson Brito's aggressive performance against Jack Shore led to a doctor's stoppage due to a cut on Shore's shin, extending Brito's winning streak to five fights.
Iasmin Lucindo's dominant performance against Karolina Kowalkiewicz highlighted her striking prowess and strategic counterattacks, positioning her for a potential top 15 ranking in the strawweight division.
Myktybek Orolbai's successful transition to the lightweight division was evident in his victory over Elves Brener, utilizing his striking and ground skills to secure a points victory.
Drakkar Klose's four-fight winning streak continued with a hard-fought victory over Joaquim Silva, showcasing his power and resilience in the octagon.
Mauricio Ruffy's impressive UFC debut culminated in a first-round finish over Jamie Mullarkey, solidifying his status as a rising star to watch in the lightweight division.
Ismael Bonfim's strategic approach and relentless pressure against Vince Pichel earned him a well-deserved victory, highlighting his potential as a promising flyweight contender.
Alessandro Costa's dominant performance against Kevin Borjas culminated in a second-round finish, showcasing his striking prowess and resilience in the flyweight division.
Steve Erceg's valiant effort against Alexandre Pantoja demonstrated his skill and potential in the flyweight division, despite falling short in a closely contested title fight.
Jonathan Martinez faced a setback in his fight against Jose Aldo, emphasizing the need to diversify his offensive strategies beyond his signature leg kicks for future success.
Vitor Petrino's first career loss to Anthony Smith served as a learning experience, highlighting the importance of technical precision and defensive awareness in high-stakes matchups.
Paul Craig's record stands at 1-4, reflecting the challenges he has faced in recent bouts and the need to regroup and strategize for future fights.
