UFC 301 is generating buzz as it gears up to land in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, marking a significant return for the Ultimate Fighting Championship to the South American nation. Scheduled for May 4 at the Rio Arena, this event has been eagerly awaited after months of speculation, and the UFC has now officially confirmed its return to Brazil!

The last time the UFC graced Brazilian soil was for UFC 283 in January 2023, held at Rio de Janeiro’s Jeunesse Arena, now known as Rio Arena. In that event, Jamahal Hill clinched the vacant light heavyweight title by defeating Glover Teixeira in the main event, leaving a memorable yet heartbreaking mark in the minds of Brazilian fight fans!

Brazil receives confirmation of UFC 301

While no title fights have been announced for UFC 301 yet, rumors suggested that reigning light heavyweight champion, Alex Pereira, may defend his title in his home country. However, with Dana White’s latest update regarding UFC 300, those rumors have been laid to rest with the addition of Pereira vs. Jamahal Hill to the historic card! 

Another potential contender to compete at UFC 301 is Alexandre Pantoja, a native of Rio de Janeiro and current UFC flyweight champion. With Pereira already booked for UFC 300, it may be likely that Pantoja will be slotted in to compete at UFC 301.

In the women’s strawweight bout, Karolina Kowalkiewicz is set to face off against Iasmin Lucindo. Meanwhile, the middleweight division will feature a showdown between Paul Craig and Caio Borralho.

Featherweight action will heat up with Joanderson Brito taking on Jack Shore. In the lightweight category, Joaquim Silva will go head-to-head with Drakkar Klose. Lastly, the flyweight division will see Alessandro Costa squaring off against Kevin Borjas. With an exciting lineup like this, UFC 301 promises to deliver high-intensity clashes and unforgettable moments for fight fans worldwide!

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Unfortunately, Brazil will miss arguably its biggest current superstar. A member of Charles ‘Do Bronx’ Oliveira’s team had indicated that he was interested in a shot at redemption at UFC 301! But the UFC had different plans.

Charles Oliveira wanted to fight at UFC 301

Charles Oliveira, the former UFC lightweight champion, was eyeing a rematch with Islam Makhachev before Ramadan in March. But he is unavailable while Brazil just got a PPV.

His coach, Diego Lima, in an interview with ‘Sherdog’ in December 2023 revealed, “…for sure one of Charles’ dreams is to fight for the belt in front of his home fans. The UFC already announced a title fight for UFC 299… And it will be Ramadan in April, so UFC 301 in May can be a possibility.”

He also stated that Oliveira’s team was in discussions with the UFC about scheduling the rematch. They saw it as a strategic battle and were willing to wait for the right timing which could lead to a historic clash between the two rivals in Brazil! However, the timeline does not match up as Oliveira is currently set to face Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 300 in Brazil.

What are your thoughts on the UFC putting Brazil’s two biggest active stars on the PPV right before UFC 301? Let us know in the comments.

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