UFC 301 outcomes: Matches to make for ‘Pantoja vs. Erceg’ major card winners

UFC 301 went down final night time (Sat., Could 4, 2024) inside Farmasi Enviornment in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In the principle occasion of the night, Alexandre Pantoja defeated Steve Erceg by way of unanimous resolution to retain his Flyweight title. Within the pay-per-view (PPV) co-main occasion, Jose Aldo turned again the arms of time to safe a dominant unanimous resolution win over Jonathan Martinez in a Bantamweight affair (recap right here).

Winner: Alexandre PantojaWho He Ought to Face Subsequent: Amir Albazi (or Muhammad Mokaev)

Pantoja earned his second straight title protection after taking out a really recreation Erceg, however his subsequent opponent may provide a bit extra resistance within the type of No. 3-ranked Amir Albazi. “The Prince” is at the moment on a six-fight win streak, 5 contained in the Octagon. He was set to face former title challenger, Brandon Moreno, earlier this yr earlier than he was bounced out of the combat with a neck harm. Muhammad Mokaev — who’s undefeated at 12-0-1, 6-0 UFC — additionally has a great case, however Albazi will get it in my view only for the sake of being ranked forward of him by three spots. That mentioned, rankings don’t appear to matter a lot as of late, simply ask Erceg, who acquired the title combat whereas sitting at No. 10.

Winner: Jose AldoWho He Ought to Face Subsequent: Dominick Cruz

Getting a win after two years on the blended martial arts (MMA) sidelines could be very spectacular, particularly for an ageing veteran. However, Aldo confirmed the fight world that he nonetheless has a lot left within the tank with a pleasant win over a youthful streaking contender (highlights right here). There have been rumblings that Aldo and Cruz have been presumably set to throw down at UFC 301, so why not re-visit this potential matchup between two World Excessive Cafefighting (WEC) and UFC legends? Each might not get to a different title combat of their UFC careers, so a this level, nostalgic fights will be the method to go as their MMA careers wind down.

Winner: Anthony SmithWho He Ought to Face Subsequent: Menifield vs. Ulberg winner

Smith pulled off an enormous upset, choking out Vitor Petrino within the first spherical (watch highlights), giving him his first win since narrowly defeating Ryan Spann in Aug. 2023 by way of cut up resolution. At the moment ranked No. 10, “Lionheart” might count on to get the decision to face the winner of the upcoming combat between Alonzo Menifield vs. Carlos Ulberg, who’re set to collide subsequent Saturday at UFC St. Louis.

Winner: Michel PereiraWho He Ought to Face Subsequent: Anthony Hernandez

Pereira secured his eighth straight win with a powerful 54-second submission win over Ihor Potieria (watch highlights). The always-entertaining striker is as wild as they arrive. And whereas it’s enjoyable to observe, as soon as he begins going through the Prime 15, he may need to be a bit extra technical and fewer careless as a result of they’ll make him pay for it. Up subsequent, I’m feeling a possible combat towards Hernandez subsequent. “Fluffy” is at the moment on a five-fight win streak, along with his final defeat coming 4 years in the past. Hernandez is at the moment sitting at No. 12, whereas Borralho can count on to maneuver up a number of spots from the No. 14 spot following his newest win.

Winner: Caio BorralhoWho He Ought to Face Subsequent: Jack Hermansson

Borralho earned his thirteenth straight win by completely demolishing Paul Craig by way of second spherical knockout. Borralho can count on to maneuver up a number of spots from the No. 14 spot following his newest win, so I’m feeling a potential bout towards Hermansson, who’s coming off a unanimous resolution win over Joe Pyfer.

For full UFC 301 outcomes, protection and highlights click on HERE.