Alexandre Pantoja (left) and Steve Erceg (right)(image via UFC / YouTube)

By FCF Staff

Steve Erceg silenced any doubters about his ability to compete with the UFC’s elite flyweights on Saturday, by pushing champion Alexandre Pantoja to his limits at UFC 301.

The challenger, who was tapped for a title shot in just his fourth UFC appearance, outscored and bloodied Pantoja in multiple exchanges on the feet. But, Pantoja controlled more of the action via nine takedowns and his top game and was awarded the unanimous decision victory.

In the co-main event, Jose Aldo demonstrated that he remains a significant threat at bantamweight, by outscoring rising contender, Jonathan Martinez. The 37-year-old Aldo, who retired from MMA competition in 2022, outstruck Martinez throughout the fight and was awarded the bout by all three judges.

Martinez had won six-straight heading into the card.

Here are the complete results for UFC 301, which took place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

UFC 301

Alexandre Pantoja def. Steve Erceg via unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46)
Jose Aldo def. Jonathan Martinez via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Anthony Smith def. Vitor Petrino vs. via submission (guillotine choke) – R1, 2:00
Michel Pereira def. Ihor Potieria via submission (guillotine choke) – R1, 0:54
Caio Borralho def. Paul Craig via knockout (punches) – R2, 2:10
Joanderson Brito def. Jack Shore via TKO (injury) – R2, 3:35
Iasmin Lucindo def. Karolina Kowalkiewicz via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Myktybek Orolbai def. Elves Brener via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-27)
Drakkar Klose def. Joaquim Silva via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Mauricio Ruffy def. Jamie Mullarkey via TKO (strikes) – R1, 4:42
Dione Barbosa def. Ernesta Kareckaite via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Ismael Bonfim def. Vinc Pichel via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Alessandro Costa def. Kevin Borjas via TKO (strikes) – R2, 1:35

Results via MMA Junkie.com.