The flyweight division takes center stage on pay-per-view for the first time in a long time as UFC 301 explodes in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Saturday, May 4th. In the main event, the reigning champion, Alexandre Pantoja, puts his 125-pound title on the line against the surging contender, Steve Erceg. This clash promises a battle of contrasting styles and a fierce competition for flyweight supremacy.
Pantoja: The Relentless Champion
- Record: 24-5
- Nickname: “The Panther”
- Fighting Style: Relentless pressure, well-rounded skillset, strong grappling
Nicknamed “The Panther,” Pantoja is a true force to be reckoned with. He boasts a well-rounded skillset with impressive striking and a suffocating grappling game. His relentless pressure and never-say-die attitude have earned him five victories in a row, including a win over former champion Brandon Moreno. Now, he aims to defend his title on home soil and solidify his reign atop the flyweight division.
Erceg: The Underdog with Momentum
- Record: 13-2
- Nickname: “The Sniper”
- Fighting Style: Technical striker, powerful knockout potential
Erceg enters this fight as the underdog, but his recent performances have sent shockwaves through the flyweight division. He’s earned a reputation as “The Sniper” thanks to his technical striking and devastating knockout power. Riding a four-fight win streak, Erceg has proven his ability to silence doubters and pull off upsets. He’s hungry for glory and determined to dethrone the champion in front of a hostile Brazilian crowd.
A Classic Matchup in the Making
This fight is a classic matchup between a champion at the peak of his powers and a challenger hungry for his first taste of gold. Pantoja’s relentless pressure will test Erceg’s striking defense and grappling skills. Erceg, on the other hand, will look to capitalize on openings and land that fight-ending punch. With both fighters boasting impressive skillsets and unwavering determination, this is a flyweight championship fight that promises fireworks.
UFC 301 Start Time for Alexandre Pantoja vs. Steve Erceg
- Date: May 4, 2024
- Time: 10 p.m. ET | 9 p.m. CT | 7 p.m. PT
- Location: T-Mobile Arena (Las Vegas, Nevada)
- How to watch: ESPN+ PPV
The early prelims start at 6 p.m. ET, with the prelims at 8 p.m. ET. The main card is at 10 p.m. ET. Pantoja and Erceg should make their way to the octagon around 12:15 a.m. ET, depending on how long the undercard fights last.
TV channel For Alexandre Pantoja vs. Steve Erceg
| Region | Date | Channel | Live Stream |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Saturday, May 4 | ESPN+ | ESPN PPV |
| Canada | Saturday, May 4 | Sportsnet+ | DAZN, UFC PPV on UFC Fight Pass, Rumble, YouTube |
| United Kingdom | Sunday, May 5 | TNT Sports | discovery+ |
| Australia | Sunday, May 5 | Main Event on Kayo Sports | UFC Fight Passpen_spark |
UFC 301 Early Prelim Bouts
| Bout | Fighters | Nationality | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lightweight | Joaquim Silva vs. Drakkar Klose | Brazil vs. United States | Silva +150 |
| Lightweight | Mauricio Ruffy vs. Jamie Mullarkey | Brazil vs. Australia | Ruffy (Odds Not Available) |
| Women’s Flyweight | Dione Barbosa vs. Ernesta Kareckaitė | Brazil vs. Lithuania | Barbosa (Odds Not Available) |
| Lightweight | Ismael Bonfim vs. Vinc Pichel | Brazil vs. United States | Bonfim -395 |
| Flyweight | Alessandro Costa vs. Kevin Borjas | Brazil vs. (Undisclosed) | Costa -155 |
UFC 301 Preliminary Card Bouts
| Bout | Fighters | Nationality | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Featherweight | Jack Shore vs. Joanderson Brito | Wales vs. Brazil | Shore +140 |
| Women’s Strawweight | #13 Karolina Kowalkiewicz vs. Iasmin Lucindo | Poland vs. Brazil | Kowalkiewicz +250 |
| Lightweight | Elves Brener vs. Myktybek Orolbai | Brazil vs. Kyrgyzstan | Brener +190 |
| Featherweight | Jean Silva vs. William Gomis | Brazil vs. France | Silva -130 |
UFC 301 Main Card Bouts
| Bout | Fighters | Nationality | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flyweight Title Bout (C) | #10 Alexandre Pantoja vs. Steve Erceg | Brazil vs. Australia | Pantoja (Odds Not Available) |
| Bantamweight Bout | #12 Jonathan Martinez vs. José Aldo | United States vs. Brazil | Martinez (Odds Not Available) |
| Light Heavyweight Bout | #10 Anthony Smith vs. Vitor Petrino | United States | Smith +320 |
| Middleweight Bout | Michel Pereira vs. Ihor Potieria | Brazil vs. Ukraine | Pereira (Odds Not Available) |
| Middleweight Bout | #13 Paul Craig vs. Caio Borralho | Scotland | Craig +285 |
Preview of UFC 301:Alexandre Pantoja vs. Steve Erceg
The flyweight division takes center stage in UFC 301, happening this Saturday, May 4th in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In the main event, the reigning champion, Alexandre Pantoja, puts his 125-pound title on the line against the surging contender, Steve Erceg. This clash promises an exciting battle of styles and a fierce competition for flyweight supremacy.
Pantoja: The Relentless Champion
- Record: 24-5
- Nickname: “The Panther”
- Fighting Style: Relentless pressure, well-rounded skillset, strong grappling
Pantoja, “The Panther,” is a force to be reckoned with. He boasts a well-rounded skillset with impressive striking and suffocating grappling. His relentless pressure and never-say-die attitude have earned him five victories in a row, including a win over former champion Brandon Moreno. Now, fighting on home soil, he aims to defend his title and solidify his reign atop the flyweight division.
Erceg: The Underdog with Momentum
- Record: 13-2
- Nickname: “The Sniper”
- Fighting Style: Technical striker, powerful knockout potential
Erceg enters this fight as the underdog, but his recent performances have sent shockwaves through the flyweight division. He’s earned a reputation as “The Sniper” thanks to his technical striking and devastating knockout power. Riding a four-fight win streak, Erceg has proven his ability to silence doubters and pull off upsets. He’s hungry for glory and determined to dethrone the champion in front of a hostile Brazilian crowd.
A Clash of Styles
This fight is a classic matchup between a champion at his peak and a challenger hungry for his first taste of gold. Pantoja’s relentless pressure will test Erceg’s striking defense and grappling skills. Erceg, on the other hand, will look to capitalize on openings and land that fight-ending punch. With both fighters boasting impressive skillsets and unwavering determination, this is a flyweight championship fight that promises fireworks.
