UFC 301 in Rio de Janeiro served as a celebration for the best of Brazilian MMA.
In the main event, Alexandre Pantoja proved his championship worthiness against a game challenger in Steve Erceg. Pantoja, in his second title defense, looked like the fighter who had fought against the highest level of opponents in the flyweight division, as his experience was the difference in a close contest. Pantoja won by unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46), although Erceg routinely caught him with punches and elbows that rocked the champion on numerous occasions.
In the co-main event, Jose Aldo made his triumphant return to the UFC -- with a crown worthy of "The King of Rio" -- in a dominant performance against a talented prospect in Jonathan Martinez. The former two-time UFC featherweight champion and Hall of Famer won in his first fight at bantamweight, and after the bout, he told the raucous fans that he was inspired to stay active for a few more fights.
Other big winners at UFC 301 included Anthony Smith and Brazilian middleweight rising stars Michel Pereira and Caio Borralho.
Andreas Hale, Brett Okamoto and Jeff Wagenheim break down all of the big moments and matches on a 13-fight card in Rio.
