This is the live blog for Saturday night’s main event flyweight title fight at UFC 301 in Rio de Janeiro, between Alexandre Pantoja and Steve Erceg.
Pantoja made big promises when he joined the UFC 301 from The Ultimate Fighter in 2017, and although it took some time, “The Cannibal” eventually delivered by winning the UFC flyweight title last year. Pantoja, who successfully defended his first title against Brandon Royval via major decision, now gets the chance to complete something that very few fighters have ever done: be the main attraction of a pay-per-view event in his native Brazil.
Rua Vs Mullarkey in UFC 301
Jamie Mullarkey, the underdog from Australia, will be looking to avoid the same outcome as he was stopped in the opening round of his Contender Series bout against Mauricio Rua.
Rua was making his UFC debut after defeating Raymond Magomedaliev in the third round of the Dana White Contender Series. As of Sunday, his professional mixed martial arts record stood at 9-1.
Rua announced his intention to be promoted without delay after amassing nine victories by knockout, prompting UFC analyst Dean Thomas to remark that Rua reminded him of a “young Conor McGregor.”
Rua gave it his all in the victory, finishing Mullarkey with a flying knee sweep to the right side at the end of the first round. Due to continuous attacks, the referee had to intervene and the fight was stopped with 18 seconds remaining.
Daniel Cormier, a Hall of Famer, made a comment, “Oh my God… an innocent victory.”
“I think the fight was stopped quite late, but Mullarkey was trying hard to stay in the fight,” Paul Felder proceeded.
In his post-fight interview with Cormier, Rua confidently called out lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, despite the fact that this may have been his UFC debut.
“I know you’re upset because I beat your friend,” Rua remarked.
“Enjoy your time at the top; a new king is on the way.”
Results of UFC 301: Pantoja vs. Erceg
Co-Main Event: A unanimous decision saw Jose Aldo defeat Jonathan Martinez (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).
Anthony Smith defeated Vitor Petriano by submission (guillotine choke) in the first round at 2:00.
In Round 1, at 0:54, Michelle Pereira defeats Igor Potierria by submission (guillotine choke).
In Round 2, at 2:10, Kai Borralho defeated Paul Craig via knockout (strike).
At 3:35 in Round 2, Joanderson Brito defeated Jack Shore via TKO (leg kick).
Karolina Kowalkiewicz lost to Yasmín Lucindo via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).
Elvis Brenner lost to Miktybek Orolbayev via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-27).
Drakkar Close overcomes.By unanimous vote (29-28, 29-28, 29-28), Joaquim Silva
At 4:42 in the first round, Mauricio Rua defeated Jamie Mullarkey via TKO (strike).
Ernesto Careca lost to Dion Barbosa by decision made by consensus (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Alexandre Costa defeats Kevin Borges via TKO (strike) at 1:35 in the second round.
UFC 301: Initial Results of Pantoja vs. Erceg
UFC 301 : Alexandre Costa defeats Kevin Borges via TKO (strike) at 1:35 in the second round.
For the home team, Alexandre Costa got off to a great start. He defeated Kevin Borges in the first round and gave Brazil its first victory of the evening in the second.
Watch UFC 301: Pantoja vs. Erceg live from the Farmacia Arena in Rio de Janeiro without missing a second. Preliminary action starts at 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT, and the main card goes live on PPV at 10:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM PT.
