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Alexandre Pantoja capped off UFC 301 with a unanimous decision win over a game Steve Erceg to retain his flyweight title, while Jose Aldo returned to the octagon to sweep the scorecards against Jonathan Martinez to become one of the sport's top free agents. What's next for the hometown heroes following Saturday's pay-per-view event?
On an all-new edition of On To the Next One, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee discuss what could be next for Pantoja and Erceg following their main event clash in Rio. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for Aldo — both in, and out of the UFC — Anthony Smith following his quick submission of Vitor Petrino, Michel Pereira after his 56 second stoppage win over Ihor Potieria, along with fellow main card winner Caio Borralho, and more.

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The Brazilian fans in Rio de Janeiro certainly went home happy after Alexandre Pantoja earned a hard fought unanimous decision win over Steve Erceg to retain his flyweight title in the UFC 301 main event, but it was Jose Aldo, now the sport's biggest free agent, who sent the arena into a frenzy with his throwback performance against Jonathan Martinez.
Following Saturday's pay-per-view fight card, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Jed Meshew, and Eric Jackman react to Pantoja's successful title defense, the scoring of the fight, and if Erceg made a fight-losing mistake in the fifth round. Additionally, the panel discusses Aldo's dominant win and what's next for him, his title hopes if he re-signs with the UFC, Michel Pereira's quick finish, Anthony Smith's upset win, and much more.

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Relive the magic of UFC 301's live watch party with Mike Heck and Conner Burks!
Check out the original UFC 301 Watch Party video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhRzAMevRKE
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UFC 301 goes down Saturday night in Rio de Janeiro, and Brazil is represented on the card from top-to-bottom – including Alexandre Pantoja defending his flyweight title against Steve Erceg in the main event, and Jose Aldo returning to the octagon, and his throne as "The King of Rio" as he faces Jonathan Martinez in the co-main event. Will the Brazilian fans go home happier than they did after UFC 283 in January 2023?
Ahead of the pay-per-view event, MMA Fighting's Shaun Al-Shatti, Mike Heck, and Alexander K. Lee preview the fight card, and the main event between Pantoja and Erceg, discuss the challenger's underdog shot, and if Pantoja continues to be overlooked as a champion. Additonally, they'll talk Aldo's future following Saturday night, what Martinez would gain from a win over Aldo, the low-key bangers, plus answer viewer questions, and more.

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UFC 301 goes down Saturday night in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and there are a lot of fun matchups on the card for those in know — including an intriguing title fight at the top, and the return to the octagon of Jose Aldo. And while hardcore fans understand that the event does have the ability to be an enjoyable watch, has the build to it generated the least amount of buzz of any pay-per-view in recent memory?
On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck takes questions about Saturday's fight card, some of the compelling matchups, but the noticeable lack of fan excitement for it. Additionally, listener topics include Tom Aspinall's defense of U.K. fans for the UFC 304 start time, William Gomis' scary weigh-in on Friday, Steve Erceg being a bit of a darling underdog ahead of his flyweight title opportunity against Alexandre Pantoja, and much more.
You can listen live to Heck of a Morning Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. ET on the MMA Fighting Twitter Spaces.
Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR

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Another UFC pay-per-view event is upon us with UFC 301, and with the incredible UFC 300 event preceding it, the card is in an unfair position. But Alexandre Pantoja defends his lightweight title against Steve Erceg in the main event. Can Erceg pull off the upset, and if he does, what does that mean for the 125-pound division?
On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel previews Saturday's championship contest in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, along with Jose Aldo's return to the octagon in his final promotional contracted bout against Jonathan Martinez in the co-main event, and other notable storylines. Additionally, they'll discuss Ryan Garcia reportedly failing a pair of VADA drug tests in relation to his upset win over Devin Haney, Mike Perry's quick knockout of Thiago Alves at BKFC KnuckleMania 4, what could be next for him, Conor McGregor becoming a part owner of the promotion, the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson boxing match being sanctioned as a pro bout, and more.
Host Mike Heck and MMA Fighting's José Youngs answer your questions about those topics and more.

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Follow José Youngs: @JoseYoungs


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