- Alexandre Pantoja vs. Steve Erceg headlines UFC 301, which also features the return of Jose Aldo, who initially retired nearly two years ago
- The event will take place on Saturday, May 5 at the Farmasi Arena
- Others also in action include Anthony Smith, Michel Pereira and Paul Craig
UFC 301 kicks off this weekend with one of the sport’s most recognizable faces set for an infamous return after announcing his retirement nearly two years ago.
UFC 301, which pits Brazilian Alexandre Pantoja against Australian Steve Erceg for the UFC Flyweight Championship in the main event, also marks the return of former two-time featherweight champion Jose Aldo.
This will be the Brazilian’s first fight since retiring following a unanimous defeat to Merab Dvalishvili in August 2022.
The 37-year-old will make his long-awaited return to the Octagon this weekend in the co-main event, where he takes on Jonathan Martinez.
Here’s everything you need to know about UFC 301, including start time, where to watch and the full fight card.
Alexandre Pantoja will look to defend his flyweight championship title as he takes on Australian Steve Erceg in the main event of UFC 301
Pantoja’s opponent Steve Erceg is seven years his junior and will be hoping to make waves this weekend when he takes on the Brazilian champion
Former two-time featherweight champion Jose Aldo will also make a sensational return to MMA this weekend after retiring nearly two years ago
When is UFC 301 – Alexandre Pantoja vs. Steve Erceg
UFC 301 will take place on Saturday, May 4 and will take place at the Farmasi Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The preliminary action can start anytime from 11pm UK time / 6pm ET / 3pm PT.
The main fight between Pantoja and Erceg is expected to start anytime from 3am UK time / 10pm ET / 7pm PT.
How to watch/follow
Here at Mail Sport we will be covering the event live and providing live updates throughout the night, including the build-up and action of each fight, as well as results and reactions.
All the preliminary action can be watched live on UFC Fight Pass.
You can sign up for the Fight Pass for £6.99 ($9) per month or £71.99 ($91) for the whole year.
The main card featuring big names such as Alexandre Pantoja, Jose Aldo and Michel Pereira will be broadcast live on TNT Sports Box Office.
TNT subscribers can also watch all the action from the main card in the Discovery+ app.
The fight between Pantoja and Erceg is expected to start anytime from 3am UK time
Alexandre Pantoja vs. Steve Erceg – Important information
Alexandre Pantoja
Age: 34
Country: Brazil
Height: 5ft 5in
Weight: 125.00 pounds
Range: 67″
Leg reach: 36.5″
Record: 27-5-0
Steve Erceg
Age: 27
Country: Australia
Height: 5ft 8in
Weight: 126.00 pounds
Range: 68″
Leg reach: 38″
Record: 12-1-O
UFC 301 – Full Fight Card
Main card:
- Alexandre Pantoja (c) vs. Steve Erceg – for UFC Flyweight Championship
- Jonathan Martinez vs. Jose Aldo
- Anthony Smith vs. Vitor Petrino
- Michel Pereira vs. Ihor Potieria
- Paul Craig vs. Caio Borralho
Preliminary map:
- Jack Shore vs. Joanderson Brito
- Karolina Kowalkiewicz vs. Iasmin Lucindo
- Elves Brener vs. Myktybek Orolbai
- Jean Silva vs. William Gomis
Early preliminary map:
- Joaquim Silva vs. Drakkar Klose
- Mauricio Ruffy vs. Jamie Mullarkey
- Dione Barbosa vs. Ernesta Kareckaite
- Ismael Bonfim vs. Vinc Pichel
- Alessandro Costa vs. Kevin Borjas
Chances
- Alexandre Pantoja wins – 4/9
- Steve Erceg wins – 7/4