Tune in for UFC 301: Pantoja vs Erceg, where champions clash and new contenders rise. Get the full fight predictions, start times for India, and learn where to watch the battles unfold live. Don’t miss the action-packed event in Rio De Janeiro this weekend!
UFC 301 is gearing up to be an electrifying event as it heads to the vibrant city of Rio De Janeiro this weekend. Headlined by the world championship bout between Alexandre Pantoja and Steve Erceg, the event promises a night of intense battles and potential upsets.
Main Event: Flyweight World Championship
The spotlight is on Alexandre Pantoja, the reigning UFC flyweight champion and one of only two current Brazilian UFC champs, as he makes his first title defence against the tenth-ranked, Steve Erceg of Australia. The championship bout is poised to be a spectacular showdown.
Co-Main Event: Bantamweight Showdown
In the co-main event, UFC Hall of Famer Jose Aldo aims to break into the bantamweight rankings as he faces off against the twelfth-ranked Jonathan Martinez. Known for his resilience and victories over notable opponents, Martinez will not make it easy for Aldo.
Additional Main Card Highlights
The main card also features thrilling matchups like Anthony Smith versus Vitor Petrino in the light heavyweight division, and Michel Pereira against Ihor Potieria in middleweight action. The card opener sees Scotland’s grappling expert, Paul Craig, take on Brazil’s Caio Borralho in another middleweight clash.
Event Details and Where to Watch
Location and Timing: UFC 301 will unfold at the Farmasi Arena in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. Due to the time difference, the event will commence in the early hours of Sunday for Indian fans.
- Early Preliminary Card: Starts at 3:30 AM IST on Sunday, May 5.
- Preliminary Card: Starts at 5:30 AM IST on Sunday, May 5.
- Main Card: Begins at 7:30 AM IST on Sunday, May 5.
Fans in India can catch the live action of UFC 301: Pantoja vs. Erceg on Sony Sports Ten 2 (English), Sony Sports Ten 3 (Hindi), and Sony Sports Ten 4 (Tamil & Telugu). Additionally, the event can be streamed live on Sony LIV.
Predictions for the Main Card
- Flyweight Championship: Alexandre Pantoja to retain his title with a win in the 4th round.
- Bantamweight Bout: Jose Aldo to secure a victory via unanimous decision.
- Light Heavyweight Bout: Vitor Petrino to edge out Anthony Smith with a split decision.
- Middleweight Bout: Michel Pereira to claim a first-round TKO victory over Ihor Potieria.
- Middleweight Bout: Caio Borralho to triumph in the second round against Paul Craig.
Preliminary Card Fights and Predictions
- Featherweight Bout: Joanderson Brito to outperform Jack Shore.
- Women’s Strawweight Bout: Karolina Kowalkiewicz to defeat Iasmin Lucindo.
- Lightweight Bout: Myktybek Orolbai to come out on top against Elves Brener.
- Featherweight Bout: Jean Silva to win against William Gomis.
Early Preliminaries
- Lightweight Bout: Joaquim Silva to overcome Drakkar Klose.
- Women’s Flyweight Bout: Ernesta Kareckaite to win against Dione Barbosa.
- Lightweight Bout: Ismael Bonfim to score a first-round victory over Vinc Pichel.
- Flyweight Bout: Alessandro Costa to succeed against Kevin Borjas.
As UFC 301 approaches, the anticipation builds not only for the thrilling matchups but also for the potential drama and upsets that could unfold. This event is a must-watch for any MMA fan looking for high-stakes competition and spectacular performances.