The UFC celebrates its 300th PPV anniversary on April 13, but MMA fans are already turning their attention to UFC 301 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
As is often the case with Brazil cards, every single match for UFC 301 features at least one Brazilian — from the early prelims to the main event on PPV.
The featured prelims see rising Welsh star Jack Shore take on the ever-exciting Jordanson Brito while former UFC champion Jose Aldo steps into the main card after his 40th career MMA fight.
UFC 301 is headlined by two of the best flyweights in the world. Defending champion Alexandre Pantoza defends his strap against 12-1 Australian Steve Erceg.
Although it lacks the star power of previous UFC 300 cards, the UFC has promised to put on a show for its return to South America.
Here’s everything you need to know about UFC 301
When is UFC 301?
The Fight will kick off on May 4, 2024, in front of a sold-out crowd in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. UFC has held a show in Brazil for the first time since January 2023
The action takes place at the Pharmacy Arena, as UFC 301 becomes the company’s tenth event at the venue.
When does UFC 301 start?
Start times for Eastern Time, Pacific Time, and Greenwich Mean Time are included in the table below.
| Event | ET | PT | GMT |
| Early Prelims | 6 PM | 3 PM | 11 PM |
| Prelims | 8 PM | 5 PM | 1 AM |
| Main Card | 10 PM | 7 PM | 3 AM |
UFC 301 main card and prelims
The full UFC 301 fight card can be found in the table included below.
Main Card:
UFC Flyweight Championship:
Alexandre Pantoja vs. Steve Erceg
Jonathan Martinez vs. Jose Aldo
Anthony Smith vs. Vitor Petrino
Michel Pereira vs. Makhmud Muradov
Paul Craig vs. Caio Borralho
Feature Prelims:
Jack Shore vs. Joanderson Brito
Karolina Kowalkiewicz vs. Iasmin Lucindo
Elves Brener vs. Myktybek Orolbai
Jean Silva vs. William Gomis
Early Prelims:
Joaquim Silva vs. Drakkar Klose
Mauricio Ruffy vs. Jamie Mullarkey
Dione Barbosa vs. Ernesta Kareckaite
Ismael Bonfim vs. Vinc Pichel
Alessandro Costa vs. Kevin Borjas
Michel Pereira returned to the Octagon less than two months after submitting Michal Oleksiejczuk in the first round at UFC 299. His quick turnaround comes against Makhmud Muradov, who is winless in three of his last four bouts.
Anthony “Lionheart” Smith has dealt with similar struggles as losses to Khalil Roundtree Jr., Johnnie Walker, and Magomed Anklayev put Smith’s UFC future in jeopardy. He looks to rebound against undefeated Brazilian Vitor Petrino.
It all culminates in a flyweight battle for the gold. Alexander Pantoza enters July 2020 on a five-fight winning streak, while challenger Steve Erceg has won three in a row to start his promising UFC career.
Pantoja is the favorite to win, and having the support of his home country could be too much for Erceg to overcome. But don’t count on the wily Australians to pull off an upset in Brazil.
How can I watch UFC 301?
The preliminary prelims are available on UFC Fight Pass, ESPN2, and ESPN+. The featured prelims are broadcast exclusively on ESPN2 and ESPN+.
Viewers must purchase UFC 301 through the ESPN+ app for $79.99 to access the main card.