mma / Reports

411’s UFC 301 Report: Pantoja Retains

May 5, 2024 | Posted by Robert Winfree
UFC 301 Image Credit: UFC

MAIN CARD (Pay-per-view, 10 p.m. ET)
Champ Alexandre Pantoja (125 lbs.) vs. #10 Steve Erceg (125 lbs.) – for flyweight title
Jose Aldo (136 lbs.) vs. #12 Jonathan Martinez (136 lbs.)
#15 Vitor Petrino (206 lbs.) vs. #10 Anthony Smith (205.5 lbs.)
Michel Pereira (186 lbs.) vs. Ihor Potieria (185 lbs.)
#14 Caio Borralho (186 lbs.) vs. #13 Paul Craig (185 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN/ESPN+, 8 p.m. ET)
Joanderson Brito (146 lbs.) vs. Jack Shore (145.5 lbs.)
#13 Karolina Kowalkiewicz (116 lbs.) vs. Iasmin Lucindo (116 lbs.)
Elves Brener (156 lbs.) vs. Myktybek Orolbai (155.5 lbs.)
Drakkar Klose (156 lbs.) vs. Joaquim Silva (155.5 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 6 p.m. ET)
Jamie Mullarkey (155 lbs.) vs. Mauricio Ruffy (156 lbs.)
Dione Barbosa (126 lbs.) vs. Ernesta Kareckaite (125.5 lbs.)
Ismael Bonfim (156 lbs.) vs. Vinc Pichel (156 lbs.)
Kevin Borjas (125.5 lbs.) vs. Alessandro Costa (125 lbs.)

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC 301, I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be calling all the action just as I see it. The UFC is back on PPV tonight with a card that’s, well it’s not great on paper but it’s also not nearly as dire as some have been indicating. It might not be worth the UFC price point, but that’s a whole other discussion. The main event tonight is both good and a function of the UFC’s schedule but flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja tries for his second title defense against 10th ranked Steve Erceg. Erceg is in just his fourth UFC fight and could become champion, he’s talented enough and Pantoja has been in some wars recently as well as approaching the dreaded 35 year old line of demarcation. The co-main event is hopefully a proper farewell to MMA legend Jose Aldo, Aldo retired briefly but is here fighting out his contract so he can do other things and he’s drawn a very talented rising force in Jonathan Martinez. Beyond that I’m slightly curious about the continued campaign of Michel Pereira at middleweight, and Caio Borralho is definitely a rising force as he takes on Paul Craig. On the prelims Joadnerson Brito is usually fun, and Elves Brener vs. Myktybek Orolbai should be circled as well. So let’s hope for some great action.

UFC 301 comes to the world from Farmasi Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. We’ve got Jon Anik, Daniel Cormier, and Paul Felder on commentary. I’m unaware of any rules quirks for the governing body here but will update you if anything pops up, and of course since we’re out of the warehouse we’ve got the full 30 foot Octagon set up.

Alessandro Costa has gone 1-2 in the UFC with losses to Amir Albazi and Steve Erceg sandwiching a sin over Jimmy Flick, now he’s trying to avoid his first losing streak and get his UFC record back to the .500 mark. Kevin Borjas dropped his UFC debut last year and now looks for his first taste of victory in the promotion. Close one here for the opener, -120 on Costa to an even +100 for Borjas.

Flyweight Bout: Kevin Borjas (9-2, 125.5 lbs.) vs. Alessandro Costa (13-4, 125 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Borjas has an inch of height and reach advantage. Both men with a bit of feinting to start. Bit of a one two from Costa. Calf kick from Costa. Both men land in close but Costa is throwing higher volume and looks to have faster hands. Borjas avoids a few calf kicks. Right hand from Costa. Borjas avoids a takedown attempt then fires a one two. Costa lands a right hand in close. Left to the body from Borjas. They trade calf kicks. Borjas with a one two. Costa lands a left to the body then a calf kick. Both men swing punches in close then Borjas lands a jab. Jab from Costa sends Borjas backwards. Left hook from Costa bothers Borjas, Borjas tries a jumping knee then Costa shoves him off and lands a right hand. Elbow from Costa to close out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Costa

ROUND TWO: Calf kick from Costa then they both start jabbing. Costa jabs the body. Borjas wit ha right hand. Calf kick from Costa and now Borjas is limping on that lead leg. Another calf kick, then another that drops Borjas. Costa on top and lands hammer fists, then another calf kick as Borjas stands. Borjas is on the fence but gets calf kicked down again. Costa gets on top and looks to unload from side control. Borjas is moving enough to keep the ref out of this but Costa moves to the mount and lands an elbow then gets the back. More punches from Costa and the ref waves it off.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Alessandro Costa via TKO, leg kick and punches, at 1:35 of Round 2

Mic time for Costa and the translator, he’s proud to represent Brazil even though he trains elsewhere and thanks the crowd for being awesome. He talks us through the finish and says this is the kind of form he shows when he’s got preparation time. To close he would like a rematch with Steve Erceg.

This doesn’t show the leg kicks that crippled Borjas, but by this point the mercy stoppage was justified.

Ismael Bonfim has gone 1-1 in the UFC and is coming off of a loss to Benoit Saint-Denis which snapped a 13 fight winning streak, now he’s trying to rebound from that loss and reestablish himself as a rising force in the division. Vinc Pichel has gone 3-2 in his last five fights and had a three fight winning streak broken in his last fight, more relevant though is that fight was almost 13 months ago and now his back is a bit against the wall given his age and the layoff. Bonfim is among the biggest favorites on the whole card at -550 against a +410 payout on Pichel.

Lightweight Bout: Ismael Bonfim (19-4, 156 lbs.) vs. Vinc Pichel (14-3, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Pichel is two inches taller with half an inch of reach advantage, he’s also 13 years older. They touch gloves to get us going. Bonfim with an inside leg kick. Pichel keeps moving forward early and lands a calf kick. Bonfim lands a leg kick as Pichel starts showing stance switches. More leg kicks from Bonfim. Bit of a left hook from Bonfim. Pichel starts showing leg kicks of his own. Hard calf kick from Pichel. Another leg kick from Pichel. Bonfim with a bit of a left hook in close then Pichel lands a calf kick and a right hand. Both men have begun playing with stance switches, no one limping from leg kicks but they’re both still throwing them. Both men miss rights. Left to the body from Bonfim. Pichel with a front kick. Bonfim lands a few jabs then a leg kick. Left to the body from Bonfim but Pichel fires back with a few punches. Head kick from Bonfim but Pichel just eats it. Both men swing punches in close. Bonfim with a few jabs. More Bonfim jabs then he sort of hits a takedown, he tries for a guillotine as they scramble but Pichel gets his head out and ends the round on top in full guard.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Bonfim

ROUND TWO: Pichel moves forward to start the round, he’s looking to get back to leg kicks. Calf kick from Pichel. Bonfim has a right hand blocked but he did land a left hook. One two from Bonfim. Pichel lands a calf kick. Bit of a left from Bonfim. Bonfim lands a jab. They trade rights in close. Bonfim with a combination then Pichel lands a right hand. Left to the body then a right hand from Bonfim, that bothered Pichel a bit and he’s backing up. Bonfim back to jabbing. Pichel with an inside leg kick then Bonfim lands a right hand. Another left to the body from Bonfim. Bonfim with a left hook, he’s swinging that punch repeatedly now. Right hand from Bonfim. Pichel lands a calf kick then a couple of punches. Bonfim jabs again then eats an inside leg kick. One two from Bonfim. Pichel blocks a wheel kick and gets on top of Bonfim as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Bonfim, 20-18 Bonfim overall

ROUND THREE: Both men back to punching in close, Bonfim is starting to land regularly now. Bonfim lands a right hand. Pichel lands a couple of front kicks. A few jabs go back and forth. Bonfim with a front kick. Right to the body from Bonfim. Bit of a combination from Bonfim but we get a time out as Bonfim took a finger to the eye. Only 25 seconds of break then we’re back to fighting. Bonfim with a hard left hook, then he tries the flying knee. Bonfim with a body flurry then Pichel fires a few punches and a front kick to get him to back off and reset. Pichel ducks under a spinning back fist. Both men land punches in close, then Bonfim digs the body a couple of times. Right hand then a left from Bonfim. Single leg from Bonfim and he gets on top of Pichel. Pichel gets full guard but Bonfim stands free, then Pichel tries a single leg that stalls on the fence. Bonfim will defend the takedown as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Bonfim, 30-27 Bonfim overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Ismael Bonfim via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Solid rebound after a bit of a layoff for Bonfim, now he gets an interview with the translator. He feels great and admits he had a tough year last year but he got through it and made it here. To close he talks about changing things ahead of this fight and looks forward to the future.

Dione Barbosa brings a three fight winning streak into her UFC debut and she’s hoping to make the most of this chance at a first impression. Ernesta Kareckaite is undefeated coming into her UFC debut and she’s likewise trying to start her UFC run with a memorable win. The odds like Barbosa at -240 to a +195 comeback on Kareckaite.

Women’s Flyweight Bout: Dione Barbosa (6-2, 126 lbs.) vs. Ernesta Kareckaite (5-0-1, 125.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Kareckaite is three inches taller with four and a half inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get things going. A bit of feinting from both women as they circle. Barbosa lands a body kick. Bit of a right hand from Kareckaite, then Barbosa lands a better one that wobbles Kareckaite. Barbosa lands a calf kick. Kareckaite blocks a takedown but they clinch and hit the fence then Barbosa with a quick takedown, gets the back and looks for a choke but Kareckaite breaks the choke. Barbosa goes to a body triangle for control. Barbosa keeps the back as Kareckaite gets to her knees, Kareckaite is trying to break the hooks but Barbosa is riding well. We’re in a slightly awkward position, it limits the options for Barbosa but she’s able to sneak through some punches. Barbosa looks for an armbar as we enter the last seconds of the round but nothing will come of the attempt.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Barbosa

ROUND TWO: Kareckaite is trying to stay long here with jabs and forward motion. Jab from Kareckaite lands. Barbosa with a bit of a right hand. Back elbow from Barbosa lands and gets Kareckaite to back up to the fence. Barbosa looks for a takedown against the fence but wont find it and they wind up breaking without incident. Takedown from Barbosa, she’s on top in half guard. Kareckaite with a hip heist sweep and then stands free over Barbosa, she fires a few leg kicks before making Barbosa regain her feet. Right hand from Barbosa. Kareckaite lands a right hand. Another back elbow from Barbosa but Kareckaite takes her down. Barbosa grabs a leg entanglement and looks for a heel hook. Kareckaite is able to avoid the heel hook but Barbosa gets the back in transition. Barbosa is already after an armbar from the back but Kareckaite postures into her and gets on top in full guard. They’ll end the round in that position.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Barbosa, 20-18 Barbosa overall

ROUND THREE: Kareckaite looks for a jab as the round beings. Barbosa does some circling then tries a double leg but Kareckaite sprawls on her and lands a few punches. Bit of a right from Kareckaite. Kareckaite lands a right hand, she’s trying to force the issue here. Solid right hand from Kareckaite. Barbosa tries a single leg, that hits the fence and Barbosa lands a right hand before they break. Both women land punches. Kareckaite keeps coming forward, Barbosa might be fading. Kareckaite with a combination then she sprawls away from a takedown. Bit of a right from Barbosa but she’s getting out struck now. Kareckaite with a body kick. Barbosa lands a jab but again she’s struggling to get Kareckaite to back off. They clinch but Kareckaite pulls free quickly and resumes coming forward. Right hand from Kareckaite. Takedown from Barbosa but Kareckaite sweeps to get on top, Barbosa tries another leg attack but Kareckaite spins out of that and lands a right hand while standing over Barbosa. Kareckaite forces the reset on the feet with 40 seconds left. Bit of a right from Barbosa. Kareckaite lands an elbow then a bit of a head kick. One two from Kareckaite, she’s able to land a couple of lefts to the body in close. Barbosa tries a takedown, Kareckaite sprawls but that’s where the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Kareckaite, 29-28 Barbosa overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Dione Barbosa via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Mic time for Barbosa after that, she feels she did enough to win and plays with the crowd. She puts over her team to close.

Mauricio Ruffy brings a four fight winning streak into his UFC debut and he’s hoping to prove himself as a notable prospect in a traditionally deep division. Jamie Mullarkey has gone 3-2 in his last five fights but most recently was stopped by Nasrat Haqparast, now Mullarkey is trying to avoid his first losing streak since 2020 and show Ruffy that the UFC represents a higher level of competition. Ruffyis your favorite at -220 while a +180 payout on Mullarkey might tempt some bettors out there.

Lightweight Bout: Jamie Mullarkey (17-7, 155 lbs.) vs. Mauricio Ruffy (9-1, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Mullarkey is an inch taller while Ruffy has an inch of reach advantage. They touch gloves. Ruffy with a calf kick. Mullarkey checks a calf kick. Ruffy avoids a few jabs, both men are still getting a read on things. Jab from Ruffy lands, that was well timed. Another Ruffy jab. Bit of a right from Ruffy, he’s moving very well so far. Mullarkey fires a body kick. Right hand from Mullarkey lands. One two from Ruffy, he’s got pretty fast hands. Ruffy lands a calf kick, then Mullarkey returns it. Mullarkey misses a left hook then eats a right hand. Bit of a wheel kick from Ruffy, then a right hand. Mullarkey bulls forward with combination punches, he’s not landing clean but he’s trying to make it a fight. Hard right hand from Ruffy. Mullarkey lands a left. Leg scissors takedown from Ruffy but Mullarkey scrambles up and lands a right hand. Ruffy lands another right hand then a knee that drops Mullarkey. Mullarkey fights back up but Ruffy keeps clubbing him and drops him again which will prompt the stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Mauricio Ruffy via TKO, punches, at 4:42 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Ruffy for his work this evening. Ruffy and the translator get some mic time, he thanks the UFC brass, God, and everyone for helping him get to this moment. He says he’s not just hype, he’s reality, then gives an anti-suicide message and encourages everyone to find Jesus. When talking us through the finish he then says he’s coming for the lightweight title.

Heck of a debut for Ruffy, there’s a lot about his stance and elements of his striking style that’s reminiscent of Conor McGregor. Hard to have your first UFC fight go better than this one.

Joaquim Silva has actually been with the UFC since 2015 but only averages one fight per 12 months during his time here, he’s coming off of a win though and is trying to get his first winning streak since 2017 up and running. Drakkar Klose has gone 6-1 in his last seven fights and is on a three fight winning streak, if he can get another win here it could earn him another shot at a ranked opponent next. The odds are with Klose at -205 to Silva’s +170.

Lightweight Bout: Drakkar Klose (14-2-1, 156 lbs.) vs. Joaquim Silva (13-4, 155.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Klose has an inch of height and reach advantage. Both men with some feinting early, and both men begin playing with stances almost right away. Front kick from Silva goes low so we’ve got a time out. 20 some odd seconds later we’re back to fighting. Klose pressures forward and hand fighting, both men seem to favor open stance rather than closed. Silva has a few kicks blocked. Bit of a right hand from Klose. Klose punches into a clinch but Silva spins free pretty quickly then lands a leg kick. A lot of pressure from Klose as they trade calf kicks. Calf kick from Klose as he’s got Silva on the fence. Silva is trying to throw punches and get Klose to back off but Klose just wont give him space. Left hand from Klose. Another combination from Klose mostly lands. Silva with a right hand that partially lands. Bit of a right from Klose. Klose with a knee in a clinch then both men land punches as they break. Silva lands a left hook. Klose with a right hand then a front kick to the body, he’s starting to break Silva down now. Right hand from Klose then they clinch and he fires knees while Silva gets pushed into the fence. Elbow from Klose as they break. They’ll just stare away the last couple of seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Klose

ROUND TWO: Klose gets back no pressure right away and lands a right hand. Silva with a few body kicks but Klose punches into a clinch. Some foot stomps from Klose then they trade knees. A few more knees from Klose as they fight for position. Silva is able to avoid being taken down but eats a knee and he can’t get out of the clinch. More knees go back and forth then Klose with some short uppercuts. Short uppercut from Silva. They break then Silva lands a left hook. Klose to the back in a clinch and he pushes things to the fence again. Silva gets chest to chest and they keep trading short punches. Silva tries a single leg but Klose defends and they break. Klose with a side kick then grabs another clinch on the fence. A few knees from Klose, he’s got some swelling around his left eyebrow. Klose with more knees as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Klose but a close one, 20-18 Klose overall

ROUND THREE: Both men show kicks as the last round starts. Klose jabs the body a bit. Bit of a right from Silva. Klose pokes out a few jabs then Silva lands a hook. Calf kick then a right hand from Klose. Both men miss punches in close. Silva is swinging hooks, he’s not landing but he’s got bad intentions. Some pressure from Silva now but he walks into a jab. Klose lands a right hand but Silva lands a left. Calf kick from Klose. Silva is on the pressure now, he misses a left hook and Klose tries a takedown but Silva grabs a guillotine. Klose slams down the wrong way and Silva has a mounted guillotine but Klose gets his head out and they scramble into a clinch. Silva with hooks in close and he gets Klose down, Silva looks to grab another guillotine but Klose rolls with him and gets on top. Silva scrambles up with Klose on his back and they hit the fence. Bit of an elbow from Silva as they break. Klose lands a knee and they clinch, then Silva lands a knee. They fight in the clinch to end the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Silva, 29-28 Klose overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Drakkar Klose via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Mic time for Klose and he plays with Cormier a little bit. Asked about falling off on the third round he puts over Silva as having pushed him and feels the wrestling got to him a bit. Next he’s asked about the future and he wants a rematch with Beneil Dariush or a fight with Jalin Turner. Both feel like reasonable options.

Elves Brener has gone 3-0 in the UFC and is on an overall five fight winning streak, now he’s trying to extend that and prove himself worthy of a step up towards ranked opponents. Myktybek Orolbai is on a seven fight winning streak including a successful UFC debut late last year, he’s hoping to get another quality win here over Brenner and establish himself as potentially the next big thing in the division. Orolbai is a surprisingly big favorite at -245 while a +200 payout on Brener has to tempt some bettors out there.

Lightweight Bout: Elves Brener (16-3, 156 lbs.) vs. Myktybek Orolbai (12-1-1, 155.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Orolbai has an inch and a half of reach advantage. Some forward pressure from Orolbai early, both men just getting reads right now. Brener is switching his stance a bit while circling. Orolbai lands a jab then an inside leg kick. Bit of a left then right from Brener but Orolbai is coming forward and lands a right hand then a left hook. Orolbai with a takedown, Brener tries a guillotine but Orolbai easily gets out of that and settles into top position. Some elbows from Orolbai now as he’s got Brener stuffed against the fence. Right hand from Orolbai, then a left as he’s standing over Brener then he returns to the guard. Orolbai avoids an armbar and they scramble with Brener getting on top. Brener passes to side control, Orolbai looks to wall walk then wrestles up into a clinch. They break without incident. Orolbai with a jab to the body then a left hook. Bit of a right from Orolbai then he tries a takedown against fence which eventually succeeds. Orolbai in half guard this time. Brener lands an elbow from his back. Orolbai with some more short elbows. Brener is able to shrimp to full guard but then Orolbai elbows him again. The round ends with Orolbai still landing some punches on top.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Orolbai

ROUND TWO: Orolbai tags Brener with a right hand early, Brener is backing up now. Orolbai pushes things to the fence and starts working takedowns and sneaking in punches along the way. Brener tries a guillotine on the way down but Orolbai easily gets his head free and resumes landing elbows. Orolbai with punches as he passes to side control. Full mount for Orolbai now and he unloads with punches and elbows. Brener is trying to scramble but Orolbai’s mount is solid and he keeps landing some damage. Brener is able to finally regain his feet but Orolbai still has a clinch. Orolbai with some punches while he’s got Brener on the fence before Brener spins free. Body kick from Orolbai, he just wont give Brener any space to breathe. Double leg from Orolbai, Brener wall walks but he’s still clinched. They break without incident then Orolbai resumes pressuring forward. Brener throws some kicks but there’s not much sting on them. Orolbai keeps showing the jab then gets a clinch and slips to the back. Brener is able to break the grip and get free but Orolbai immediately lands a front kick. Bit of a left from Brener. Orolbai jabs again and resumes backing Brener up. Orolbai with a couple of body shots then a double leg against the fence, Brener tries to scramble and reverse, he does get on top. Brener passes to full mount and tries to land offense before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Orolbai, 20-18 Orolbai overall

ROUND THREE: Brener tries a takedown to start the round, and he’s able to finish it. Orolbai looks to wall walk, Brener gets one hook in but can’t keep it though he does start working mat returns. Brener gets both hooks in but Orolbai bases up and breaks the hooks but he’s still clinched as they stand. Fence grab from Orolbai and the ref takes a point from him, that’s a big big deal here. Back up into a clinch and Orolbai lands a hard knee. Uppercut from Orolbai then he hits a double leg. Orolbai has the legs mounted now and Brener is working to wall walk. Orolbai to side control, Brener is able to spin around though and come out in the ride position. Brener looks to work from the back, Orolbai stands then hits a reversal and they just scramble up to reset on the feet. Some jabs from Orolbai then they clinch again. They break without incident, both men look very tired. Bit of a left from Orolbai. One two from Orolbai stuns Brener, then Brener fires back with a couple of punches. Bit of a left from Orolbai. Both men swing punches then Orolbai drops Brener with a right hand just before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 9-9 DRAW after the point deduction but might have gone to Brener, 29-27 Orolbai overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Myktybek Orolbai via unanimous decision (29-27 x3)

That late punch dropping Brener probably saved Orolbai from a draw there. No interview for Orolbai.

Karolina Kowalkiewicz is enjoying a bit of a late career renaissance, it wasn’t too long ago she had a five fight losing streak going but she’s won her last four fights and now look to keep that streak going here. Iasmin Lucindo has gone 2-1 in the UFC but she’s on a two fight wining streak and is looking to get arguably her highest profile win to date here. The odds are heavily with Lucindo at -395 to a +310 comeback on Kowalkiewicz.

Strawweight Bout: #13 Karolina Kowalkiewicz (16-7, 116 lbs.) vs. Iasmin Lucindo (15-5, 116 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Lucindo has two inches of reach advantage, Lucindo is also 16 years younger which commentary informs me is the largest age gap in UFC women’s history. Lucindo is switching her stance as she moves around, Kowalkiewicz is more traditional with her approach. Feinting from both women then Lucindo lands a leg kick. Lucindo lands a couple of punches in close. Right hand then a left hook from Lucindo both connect. Kowalkiewicz’s right eye is swelling now, that could be a problem. They punch into a clinch, Lucindo with knees to the body then she grabs a front headlock for control. More knees from Lucindo to the head as she’s got Kowalkiewicz doubled over with the front headlock. Lucindo with some knees to the body now and finally Kowalkiewicz gets her head free and they clinch up. More knees from Lucindo as they fight for position. That swelling doesn’t look as bad now, still not great but I was worried for a moment there at first. They punch out of the clinch and reset. They punch into another clinch and Lucindo hits an outside trip to get on top and she moves to mount right away. 50 seconds left in the round now, Lucindo lands a few punches. Some more punches from Lucindo, she thinks about an armbar but there’s not enough time so she just lands a few more strikes to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Lucindo, could be 10-8 if you’re feeling generous

ROUND TWO: Both women show kicks to start the round. Both women are biting on feints. Right hand then a left hook from Lucindo. Bit of a knee from Lucindo. Kowalkiewicz is the one moving forward right now, they keep clashing with punches then resetting. Spinning back kick from Lucindo mostly lands. Kowalkiewicz tries to make this a brawl and lands a few punches but then eats a knee. Lucindo is just landing two or three punches for each one that Kowalkiewicz lands. Left hook from Lucindo. Front kick from Lucindo lands. Kowalkiewicz avoids a high kick. Knee to the body from Lucindo. Again they clash and trade punches. Kowalkiewicz keeps ducking her head when she enters, Lucindo is trying to time a knee but an uppercut might serve her better. Lucindo lands a left hook, that’ll be the last relevant blow of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Lucindo, 20-18 Lucindo overall

ROUND THREE: Pretty quick takedown from Lucindo and she’s on top in half guard now. Kowalkiewicz tries to shrimp, and Lucindo stands over her landing a few leg kicks before Kowalkiewicz regains her feet. Short right from Lucindo after avoiding a few punches. They clinch and Lucindo gets to the back. Kowalkiewicz keeps trying to break the grip of Lucindo but she’s struggling to do so. Lucindo is just hanging on Kowalkiewicz and rides her down then gets on top in side control. Kowalkiewicz catches half guard but Lucindo is squishing her and landing some short punches. Eventually Kowalkiewicz gets full guard and Lucindo stands over her, Kowalkiewicz regains her feet and they reset. Jumping knee from Lucindo. Bit of a one two from Kowalkiewicz. Spinning back kick from Lucindo. Lucindo lands some punches, including a left hook that seems to stun Kowalkiewicz to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Lucindo, 30-27 Lucindo overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Iasmin Lucindo via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Lucindo gets an interview but we’re a little short on time so this will probably be brief. She expected a great fight and puts over Kowalkiewicz, that’s all we’ve got time for though.

Jack Shore has gone 6-1 in the UFC and his only career loss is to Ricky Simon, he returned to featherweight in his last fight and now he’s trying to prove he’s a potential force in the division with another win. Joanderson Brito has gone 4-1 in the UFC and he’s on a four fight winning streak, he’s hoping that another win here will get him a shot at some ranked featherweights going forward. Fairly close fight here but Brito closed as the -185 favorite to +155 on Shore.

Featherweight Bout: Joanderson Brito (16-3-1, 146 lbs.) vs. Jack Shore (17-1, 145.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Brito has an inch of reach advantage. Bit of a one two from Shore to start, then Brito lands a couple of hard calf kicks. A lot of pressure from Brito right now and he keeps working calf kicks. Shore is avoiding the jab so far but his own offense is a little muted. Brito with another calf kick. Shore forces a clinch after a failed takedown but Brito pushes him into the fence. They eventually break and Brito misses punches. Calf kick from Brito. Right hand from Brito and they clinch again. A few knees from Brito to the leg of Shore. Shore is able to spin free then tries a takedown but Brito defends and they clinch again. Bit of a Mir lock from Brito but Shore gets his arm out of danger. They fight for position for a bit and ultimately end the round in the clinch.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Brito

ROUND TWO: Shore tries a head kick early but Brito defends then gets a clinch on the fence. Some knees from Brito then an outside trip but Shore bounces back up still clinched. They break then Brito lands a hard calf kick. Another calf kick from Brito. Bit of a one two from Shore then Brito lands a calf kick. Shore’s left shin is bleeding now from all those kicks. Brito gets a clinch on the fence. They fight for position along the fence and Brito lands a few more knees. A few punches to the body and head from Brito, we get a time out as the ref wants the doctor to look at that cut on Shore’s shin, which is bleeding rather badly. The doctor checks it and decides this one should be done. Honestly, given how deep that cut looked, not a bad call.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Joanderson Brito via TKO, doctor stoppage, at 3:35 of Round 2

Been a while since I’ve seen that injury force a stoppage but as said, I can live with it. Mic time for Brito and the translator, he sends love to people in Brazil dealing with flooding first. Asked about the stoppage he feels he’s on a great level in the division, then gives love to people in his life to close, a call out of Dan Ige went untranslated.

The cut in question so you can decide for yourselves if you agree or disagree with the decision.

Well that’s it for prelims, onto PPV for the main card. Oh, minor update, apparently the doctor thinks Shore might have had a broken leg in addition to the cut. Have to see if that’s accurate but a broken bone is definitely cause for a stoppage.

Paul Craig has gone 1-3 in his last four fights but is 1-1 since moving to middleweight, and while he is coming off of a loss he’s hoping to get back on the winning track here. Caio Borralho hasn’t lost since 2015 which is good enough for a 14 fight winning streak including five UFC wins, Borralho is looking to continue climbing the middleweight ranks with another win tonight. Borralho is a very large favorite at -600 to +440 on Craig.

Middleweight Bout: #14 Caio Borralho (15-1 1 NC, 186 lbs.) vs. #13 Paul Craig (17-7-1, 185 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Craig is two inches taller with an inch of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going, Borralho fighting southpaw. A few side kicks from Borralho aimed at the leg. Bit of a body kick from Craig. Body kick from Borralho then a jab behind it. Another body kick from Borralho, they clinch up off of it though. Craig works for a double leg against the fence, Borralho is able to avoid going all the way down though. Eventually Craig tries to pull guard but Borralho stands free and makes him reset. One two from Borralho. Borralho avoids a single leg, this is already looking not good for Craig. More jabs from Borralho, he’s timing those with Craig’s body kicks. Borralho keeps countering those naked kicks with punches. Right hand from Borralho then he avoids a takedown attempt. Craig with a body kick. Borralho continues pressuring forward. Leg kick from Borralho and that’ll be the last blow of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Borralho

ROUND TWO: Borralho back on pressure to start the round and he lands a body kick. Craig fires a few more kicks of his own, mostly body but he’s showing the high kick more now. Jab from Borralho. Craig lands a right hand after eating a jab. One two from Borralho sends Craig backwards, then a flying knee connects but he wont engage with Craig on the ground and they reset. Bit of a left from Borralho. Craig is still throwing those kicks, Borralho is blocking but his left arm is staring to get damaged. Left from Borralho. Left hand then a right hook from Borralho, he’s got Craig backing up and ENDS him with a left hand against the fence.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Caio Borralho via KO, punches, at 2:10 of Round 2

Mic time for Borralho after that one, he predicted the knockout and delivered then puts over his team, he’s doing his own translation and it’s pretty impressive. He talks us through the finish and says the knockout wasn’t about ego, it was about the best way to beat Craig as he’d done his homework and knew the best way to fight his opponent. Asked what he wants next he wants a post fight bonus, then he’d like a top 10 opponent and with all the respect he’d like to fight Jared Cannonier. Not unreasonable at all.

We get our next Hall of Fame inductee announcement, it’s the man, the myth, Mauricio “Shogun” Rua. Just trust me on this, if you didn’t see Shogun’s rise in Pride do yourself a favor and look it up because he was amazing. Absolutely deserved induction, and several of his fights are going to wind up in there as well. Shogus is in attendance for this event and is visibly moved by the induction announcement.

Michel Pereira is on a seven fight winning streak but most notably has looked great since returning to middleweight in 2023, now he’s trying to get another win and prove he’s ready to face some ranked opponents next. Ihor Potieria has gone 2-3 in the UFC and missed weight his last time out when he tried to debut at middleweight, this time he did make weight and he’s trying for his first UFC winning streak. Pereira is also among the biggest favorites on the card at -600 to a +440 payout for Potieria.

Middleweight Bout: Michel Pereira (30-11 2 NC, 186 lbs.) vs. Ihor Potieria (21-5, 185 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Potieria has two inches of height and reach advantage. Southpaw for Potieria. Both men bounce a bit as they do a little bit of feinting. Pereira lands a right to the body then a body kick. Hard one two from Pereira drops Potieria, then he tries the backflip pass and grabs a standing guillotine on the way up which puts Potieria to sleep just as he taps.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Michel Pereira via Submission, guillotine choke, at :54 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Pereira for his work this evening. There’s a serious pow wow going on between refs and officials, they might change this as Pereira more or less kicked Potieria as he was landing that backflip. OK, decision stands but this will be a teaching moment for refs going forward I think. Mic time for Pereira, he knew how to beat Potieria since they’d trained together before and he was ready to put on a show. When talking us through the finish he knew the guillotine would be there, then when asked about the future he says he’s the UFC showman and will always put on a show when they put him in here and promises to donate to the Brazilian flood relief.

Anthony Smith has gone just 1-3 in his last four fights but retains a top ranking because light heavyweight is kind of a wasteland, he was last seen losing to Khalil Rountree and he’s trying to avoid another losing streak while defending his top 10 ranking. Vitor Petrino is undefeated including four wins in the UFC, he’s taking a pretty notable step up in class here against Smith but a win would vault him towards the top 10 positions in the division. The odds really like Petrino at -470 to Smith’s +360.

Light Heavyweight Bout: #15 Vitor Petrino (11-0, 206 lbs.) vs. #10 Anthony Smith (37-19, 205.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Smith is two inches taller but Petrino has an inch and a half of reach advantage and is nine years younger. Some early jabs from Smith as they circle and look for reads. A lot of pressure from Petrino and he lands an inside leg kick. Bit of a right from Petrino. Both men land jabs then Petrino lands a calf kick. Both men avoid rights. Petrino with a couple of body shots then he looks for a double leg against the fence and slams Smith down but Smith grabs a guillotine and forces the tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Anthony Smith via Submission, guillotine choke, at 2:00 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Smith for his work this evening. Smith gets an interview, he jokes that he didn’t have any guillotine finishes and wanted to get one before Poirier did and now he has then puts over Petrino. He talks us through the finish and notes that an undefeated fighter wont question himself or back out when experience might dictate discretion and that played out in the finish. He notes that you forget wins but hang onto losses and this one feels good, and jokes that he’s not as old as the haters think.

Jonathan Martinez has found a lot of consistency lately, he’s on a six fight winning streak that has seen him begin climbing the rankings in the competitive bantamweight division. Tonight Martinez is trying to take out an all time great and set his sights on higher ranked opponents going forward. Jose Aldo is an all time great in the sport, a two time featherweight champion and bantamweight title challenger and arguably the greatest featherweight the sport has seen. Aldo is coming out of a brief retirement to take this, the last fight on his contract and back in his native Rio de Janeiro, and a win here could be the ultimate storybook conclusion to his legendary career. The odds are close but lean towards Aldo at -140 to +120 on Martinez.

Bantamweight Bout: Jose Aldo (31-8, 136 lbs.) vs. #12 Jonathan Martinez (19-4, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Martinez is an inch taller but the reach is identical. They touch gloves, and Martinez is fighting southpaw. Aldo begins stalking forward and looking to jab. Martinez tries a few kicks but Aldo is blocking them thus far. Inside leg kick from Martinez then Aldo lands a couple of punches. Right to the body from Aldo. Aldo checks a couple of leg kicks. Martinez avoids a combination. Aldo jabs the body then avoids a single leg and lands a glancing right hand. Martinez blocks a high kick. Bit of a right from Aldo. Aldo with an inside leg kick then he checks the return from Martinez. Martinez blocks a high kick. Another right to the body from Aldo. Bit of a combination from Aldo. Martinez lands a body kick. Bit of a right from Aldo. Martinez is starting to get his jab working a little more now. Aldo with another right to the body then a body kick. Leg kick from Aldo when Martinez went orthodox so Martinez goes back southpaw. Martinez lands a bit of a jab. A couple of Aldo front kicks close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Aldo

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves again. Martinez looks to get his lead hand working as the round starts. Aldo lands an inside leg kick. Bit of a high kick from Martinez. Aldo lands a right to the body. They trade leg kicks then Aldo fires a combination of punches. A couple of body shots from Aldo land. Martinez tries a single leg, even Cormier knows that’s an exercise in futility as it hits the fence. Things are stalling out in the clinch, and the ref does separate them. One two from Aldo partially lands. Another couple of body shots from Aldo then Martinez land a couple of lefts only for Aldo to crack him with a right hand. Glancing uppercut from Aldo, he’s got a read on Martinez now and is starting to land regularly. Aldo lands a jab. Right to the body from Aldo. Martinez avoids a left hook and fires a few jabs. Aldo avoids a few punches then lands an inside leg kick. Bit of a one two from Aldo. Another body shot from Aldo lands. Martinez lands a body kick then misses a spinning back fist. Aldo blocks a few punches then lands a right hand. Another body shot from Aldo. Martinez lands a left hand then Aldo counters with a right as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Aldo but a closer one, 20-18 Aldo overall

ROUND THREE: They hug to start the last round. Aldo blocks some jabs. They trade power hand punches. Counter combination from Aldo partially lands. Martinez jabs the body then lands a body kick. Bit of a one two from Aldo then he feints a knee tap and Martinez gets away from him. Left to the body from Martinez. Aldo avoids a few jabs while circling. One two from Aldo then a knee to the body. Body shots from Aldo land in close. Jab from Aldo. Martinez is pressuring forward but struggling to land right now. Bit of a left from Martinez, Aldo responds with a right hand. Knee from Aldo. Left from Martinez. Aldo ducks under a spinning back fist. Bit of a right from Aldo. Both men land in close but Martinez is wobbled, Aldo with a body shot then a couple of knees. Aldo with a double leg into half guard. Martinez quickly shrimps to full guard and closes it up. Some punches from on top by Aldo and he passes to half guard. Aldo is looking for mount and lands some body shots then looks to set up an arm triangle. Martinez shrimps to full guard again and fires elbows from his back as Aldo lands punches. The round ends with Aldo on top throwing punches.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Aldo, 30-27 Aldo overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jose Aldo via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Not gonna lie, I’m a little emotional seeing Aldo get this moment. Aldo gets an interview, he’s happy to have given everyone what they wanted to see then thanks his team for all of their work. He could never have imagined this moment in his wildest dreams and is honored to be experiencing it. He talks about working his boxing a lot recently. Asked what’s next for him, Aldo thanks Martinez for the fight and says his next step will be talking with UFC brass. To close he says he might have been ready to retire but feels good enough that he might have to rethink that, then thanks the fans for all of their support.

Steve Erceg is on an 11 fight winning streak including three UFC wins that have seen him crack the top 10 rankings at flyweight, he’s getting a title shot here based largely on availability and the relentless schedule the UFC keeps up. That said, however the opportunity came about he has a chance to bring a UFC title back to Australia and start his own title run. Alexandre Pantoja is the reigning flyweight champion and on a five fight winning streak, he’s trying for his second title defense here as he tries to bring a bit of stability to a division that’s very volatile at the elite level right now. Pantoja is the favorite at -185 while +155 for Erceg might tempt some bettors out there.

Flyweight Title Bout: Alexandre Pantoja (27-5, 125 lbs.) vs. #10 Steve Erceg (12-1, 125 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Erceg is three inches taller with half an inch of reach advantage. Quick calf kick from Pantoja, then he looks to pressure forward. Pantoja pushes into a takedown and they wind up clinched on the fence. Erceg has Pantoja on the fence but Pantoja lands a knee and gets free. Body jab from Pantoja. Erceg is still looking to get reads, he lands a bit of a left hook. Jab from Erceg. Erceg avoids a right hand and lands a combination of punches. Bit of a right from Pantoja. Pantoja lands a couple of body shots then clinches and they break pretty quickly. Erceg resumes poking his jab out, they get close and trade then Pantoja lands a knee. Pantoja lands a right hand then Erceg lands a jab. Calf kick from Pantoja. Bit of a one two from Pantoja, then he hits the body before hitting a double leg. Erceg is bleeding from the hairline somewhere, not sure what caused that. Erceg is able to kick Pantoja off but eats a knee to the body and Pantoja takes him back down into half guard against the fence. Pantoja to the ride and lands punches as Erceg stands, then Pantoja pulls him back to the mat and gets on top in side control. Erceg gets half guard but Pantoja is all over him with punches and elbows. Pantoja with a flurry as Erceg stands but Pantoja still has his back in the clinch. Erceg is able to scramble free now though and reset. Nothing else will happen before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Pantoja

ROUND TWO: One two from Pantoja to start the round. Front kick from Erceg. Pantoja keeps pushing forward and lands knees in the clinch as they hit the fence. Another knee from Pantoja lands as they break the clinch. Bit of a right from Pantoja in a flurry then a calf kick. Erceg is trying to move forward and jab now. Both men land punches in close then they clinch and Pantoja hits a takedown into half guard. Pantoja passes to full mount, lovely pass. Erceg is able to scoot his hips free and get half guard. Sweep from Erceg then they scramble up and separate. Erceg lands a left hook. Erceg pushes into a clinch, Pantoja thinks about a guillotine before they separate. Both men avoid punches in close, then Erceg lands a left hand. Glancing right from Pantoja then a calf kick. Erceg lands an elbow as Pantoja crashes in, Pantoja then forces a takedown against the fence. Pantoja tries to sling Erceg down but Erceg slips free and they reset. Erceg starts working the jab now, then a bit of an elbow. Pantoja with a right hand. Both men land punches then Pantoja lands a body kick. Elbow from Erceg but Pantoja gets a clinch and slings him down then gets the ride position. Some punches from Pantoja land as Erceg shrimps to get his guard back and the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Pantoja but a close one, 20-18 Pantoja overall

ROUND THREE: Both men hit the body as the round starts. Pantoja with some knees to the body as he forces a clinch then Erceg pushes free. Erceg with a bit of a calf kick. Pantoja digs the body a couple of times in response to a front kick. Calf kick from Pantoja. Both men again land in close. Erceg lands a left hand but then eats a knee. Bit of a left from Pantoja. They trade in close again then Erceg lands a left to the body. Bit of a right from Pantoja but Erceg’s volume is becoming a problem for him. Pantoja pushes into a clinch that hits the fence. A few knees to the body from Pantoja but Erceg slips free. Both men land punches again, there have been a fair number of exchanges. Erceg lands a few jabs. Pantoja with a combination. Erceg with a right elbow then a left hook but Pantoja gets a takedown anyway. Pantoja is cut open after that one and he holds Erceg on the fence when Erceg wall walks. Yeah that elbow from Erceg cut Pantoja open. Pantoja is able to hit a takedown into half guard. Erceg looks to stand but Pantoja gets the back with one hook in. Pantoja holds the back as they stand and then trips Erceg back and ends the round on top.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Erceg but again close, 29-28 Pantoja overall

ROUND FOUR: Erceg gets back to forward pressure. Calf kick from Pantoja but Erceg lands a counter right. Bit of a calf kick from Erceg. Pantoja avoids a takedown attempt and lands a right hand. A lot of pressure from Erceg and he lands an elbow. Pantoja tries a takedown but Erceg defends this one. Uppercut from Erceg. Bit of a combination from Pantoja. Pantoja defends a takedown attempt. Right hand from Erceg, he’s starting to pivot and counter quite well now. Pantoja hits the body a couple of times. Left to the body from Erceg then Pantoja counters with a one two. Right hand from Erceg. They trade rights again. Pantoja sprawls away from a takedown. Erceg lands a few more jabs, he’s fighting very well late into the bout. Both men land again. Erceg lands an uppercut but Pantoja gets the back standing. They break and Pantoja lands a left hand. Bit of a right from Erceg to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Erceg, 38-38 overall

ROUND FIVE: Pantoja falls short with a few punches. Erceg lands a calf kick. Bit of a body shot from Pantoja. Erceg lands a right hand then hits a double leg into guard. They scramble a bit and Pantoja gets on top and looks for the back. Erceg is able to fight to his feet but Pantoja is on his back in the clinch. Pantoja is trying to pull Erceg to the mat but Erceg is able to remain upright. Eventually Pantoja does pull things down to the mat but Erceg is able to scramble up and free. Erceg is stalking forward and lands a right hand. Another right from Erceg lands, and I don’t know what Pantoja’s chin is made of. Pantoja avoids a front kick and lands a left hook. Erceg lands a jab then an elbow and Pantoja is bleeding around the right eyebrow now. Left hook lands for Pantoja. Erceg snaps out a few jabs, he tries a takedown but gets countered on the mat and Pantoja is on top in full guard. Pantoja passes to half guard with a minute left in the fight. Erceg tries to force a scramble but Pantoja pancakes him flat. Pantoja lands a few body shots and blocks another sweep attempt. Erceg tries to scramble again but Pantoja has mount, and Erceg eats punches while getting half guard back. Pantoja stands and lands an elbow to close out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Pantoja, 48-47 Pantoja overall but 48-47 either way is possible

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Alexandre Pantoja via unanimous decision (49-46, 48-47 x2)

Not sure I agree with 49-46 there but that was a pretty good fight overall. Mic time for Pantoja, he asks everyone to stay in the arena for his promo. He puts over Erceg and the flyweight division in general and again asks for help for one of the Brazilian states that’s been hit with floods recently. He then says he needs to start moving his head as he’s getting hit a lot, then puts over his team for their work with him. Asked about the fifth round he again puts over Erceg and feels he might need a little break after three fights in close succession. After his last three fights I don’t blame him one bit.

Erceg gets an interview as well, he was a little surprised by Pantoja’s scrambling. He talks about the scoring a bit but knows he might have given up the fifth round, he’s clearly bummed at how close he got but came up short.

Well on that note UFC 301 comes to a close. Not a bad event all things considered, though a lot of mismatches were booked as well. But we’ll be breaking down all the fallout tomorrow on the 411 Ground and Pound MMA Podcast, which I really hope you listen to. I’ll be back next week for UFC on ESPN 56, when the UFC sees fit to inflict another Derrick Lewis main event on us as punishment for our sins. My jokes aside I hope you’ll be back here, live or after the fact. Until then thank you for reading, stay safe out there, and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

More Trending Stories

article topics :

UFC 301, Robert Winfree

More Stories

loading