UFC 301: Flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja edges Steve Erceg on points, Jose Aldo beats Jonathan Martinez on return

Alexandre Pantoja retained his flyweight title in front of a home crowd in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil at UFC 301 with a points decision over Australian Steve Erceg.

The No. 10-ranked fighter from Western Australia, who had only been in the UFC for a year and fought just three times with the company, showed he belonged in this elite company, leaving Pantoja's face a bloody mess from an elbow and keeping the fight even going into the final round.

However, his inexperience told as Pantoja reversed takedown attempts on two occasions to ultimately take the win 48-47, 48-47 and 49-46.

"I'm in here to fight the best in the world, and this guy is one of them," Pantoja said in his in-ring interview after the fight. "What a tough guy, what a tough division, what a tough opponent to have in here."

In the co-main event, the King of Rio, Jose Aldo shocked his opponent Jonathan 'Dragon' Martinez, having come out of retirement ten months after his induction into the UFC Hall of Fame.

The two-time featherweight champion won all three rounds with his superior boxing and hurt his younger opponent, ending the bout striking his opponent while in control on the mat, to put an exclamation point on a brilliant victory.

"I'm really happy, I know that this is what everybody wanted to see." the 37-year-old said afterwards. "I'm really focused, really well-trained. I can only thank my team and everyone who helped me out.

On his return to action, he added: "I couldn't have imagined this in my wildest dreams, it's amazing to be back here in the city I love, with all these people, I'm flattered."

Earlier, Anthony 'The Lionheart' Smith upset the odds to make unbeaten local favourite Vitor Petrino to tap out in the first round to a guillotine choke hold.

The zaniest finish of the night came from Michel Pereira who, after knocking his opponent Ihor Potieria down at the start of their fight, produced an unneccesary backflip which could have seen him disqualified if his leg had connected with his opponent.

Pereira locked in a standing choke hold shortly afterwards which saw the Ukrainian fighter tap out before passing out briefly.

A long discussion from officials delayed the announcement as they deliberated over the potentially illegal backflip, but ultimately Pereira was awarded the win.

British fighters did not fare well in Rio. Paul Craig of Scotland was brutally knocked out by Brazilian Caio Borrahlo in the second round, while Welshman Jack Shore was also did not reach the third round after home fighter Joanderson Brito's brutal kicks opened up a hole in his left leg which the ringside physician decided should end the contest.

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You can watch the action from Farmasi Arena in Rio de Janeiro again on discovery+.

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