UFC 301: Alexander Pantoja and Steve Erceg in the final

The UFC returned to Brazil and fans in Rio de Janeiro had plenty of reasons to celebrate.

Their champion Alexander Pantoja retained the flyweight title and veteran Jose Aldo impressed in his return to the Octagon as part of the UFC 301 concert.

In the evening's final, Pantoja defeated Steve Erceg to remain at the top of the flyweight hierarchy. A strong start to the fight allowed him to be the favorite on the judges' card with scores of 48-47, 48-47 and 49-46.

In the first round, the Brazilian was able to gain the advantage over his opponent on the ground. However, when he got up he delivered the strongest blows to his head. The first three rounds seemed to go Pantoja's way, but that didn't stop Erceg from giving it his all. He gave good responses to the champion to make him work until the end and the win was delicious for Pantoja.

Aldo wants to continue

At 37 years old, Jose Aldo can say mission accomplished for his return to the octagon and in front of his supporters.

The Brazilian was able to sign the victory by unanimous decision against Jonathan Martinez, thanks to three cards from 30 to 27 from the judges.

Aldo lost to Merab Dvalishvili in his last appearance in the octagon in August 2022. Many wondered how the veteran would appear in this confrontation. He was able to stand out and impose his style in his first fight in Brazil since May 2019. In the third round, he shook Martinez and then succeeded in knocking him to the ground.

In an interview after his fight, Aldo hinted that he intends to step into the octagon again. He wants to look with his team and the UFC leaders to see what could come his way.

Michel Pereira stood out during his fight against Ihor Buteria earlier in the evening.

Pereira was able to send his opponent to the mat with a combination from the start of the fight. Then he followed that up with an amazing maneuver, the secret of which he knew. He did a backflip to land on his opponent who was still on the ground.

Buteria was able to get up, but Pereira immediately trapped his head under his arm to complete the choke and force him to surrender in the 54th second of the confrontation.

Officials met after the fight to discuss whether Pereira had kneed his opponent while he was on the ground. The original ruling was rendered and Pereira was confirmed the winner.

Furthermore, veteran Anthony Smith had the upper hand in the first round of his fight against Vitor Petrino.

Smith (35 years old) has lost three of his last four matches, his only win coming by split decision against Ryan Spahn. Petrino, meanwhile, is unbeaten with an 11-0 record in his young career, with seven of those wins coming by knockout. But that was before facing Smith.