UFC 301 is coming up soon. It is headlined by Alexandre Pantoja vs. Steve Erceg for the men’s UFC flyweight title. However, there are some other interesting fights on the card. Continue reading and check out our UFC 301 preview.
UFC 301 Preview: Anthony Smith vs. Vitor Petrino
The featured bout of UFC 301 is a light heavyweight matchup between former title challenger Anthony Smith and Vitor Petrino. Smith has lost three of his last four fights, but still remains ranked #10 according to the official UFC light heavyweight rankings. Smith is a technical and powerful striker who also has 14 submission wins on his record. Additionally, Smith has far more UFC experience, having fought in the UFC since 2016.
Petrino only has four UFC fights so far, with two decision wins, one submission win, and one KO/TKO win. However, Petrino has momentum on his side, boasting an 11-0 record coming into this matchup. Petrino is a dangerous striker with seven KO/TKO wins so far in his career. He is 26, much younger than the 35-year-old Anthony Smith. Petrino’s dangerous striking could cause issues for the older Smith.
Prediction: Vitor Petrino by KO/TKO
Jonathan Martinez vs. Jose Aldo
In the co-main event, Jonathan Martinez, the #12 ranked bantamweight, takes on the former featherweight champion, Jose Aldo. Martinez has won five fights in a row which includes two wins by KO/TKO. Additionally, Martinez is the younger man at 30 years old.
Naturally, Jose Aldo is far more experienced and has won UFC title fights. Martinez is a technical and dangerous striker with nine of his 19 wins coming by KO/TKO. Martinez has also successfully defended 69% of all takedown attempts against him. Aldo is dangerous on the feet and on the ground.
Aldo’s knees and leg kicks are particularly dangerous. However, given his age, he might struggle against a solid contender in Jonathan Martinez. Aldo is tough, though, so expect him to make it to a decision.
Prediction: Jonathan Martinez by Decision
UFC 301 Preview: Alexandre Pantoja vs. Steve Erceg
The main event sees Alexandre Pantoja seek a second defense of his UFC flyweight title. This time, Pantoja faces #10 ranked contender, Steve Erceg. This is only Erceg’s fourth fight in the UFC.
Pantoja is a dominant wrestler who will look to take Erceg down and control the fight on the ground. Pantoja might also look for a submission late in the fight after Erceg has tired out a bit. However, Erceg does have a 77% takedown defense rate, so that might not be so easy. Erceg also has six wins in his career by submission.
On the feet, Erceg is accurate and powerful. Pantoja has shown some vulnerabilities in terms of his striking defense, especially later in fights. If Erceg can keep the fight on the feet, Pantoja may have some trouble. Pantoja does have an overwhelming advantage in terms of experience, though.
Prediction: Alexandre Pantoja by Decision
UFC 301 Takes Place Tomorrow
UFC 301 happens tomorrow, with the early prelims set to start at 6 PM Eastern Standard Time. The main event is certainly a bit surprising, but perhaps it will be a great fight nonetheless. We will see.
Check back next week for more MMA content.