UFC 301 will get underway this weekend with one of the sport’s most recognisable faces geared up for an infamous return after announcing his retirement almost two years ago.

UFC 301 which sees Brazilian Alexandre Pantoja take on Australian Steve Erceg for the UFC Flyweight Championship in the main event, will also mark the return of former two-time featherweight champion Jose Aldo.

This will the Brazilian’s first fight since he retired after an unanimous decision defeat against Merab Dvalishvili in August 2022.

The 37-year-old will make his highly anticipated return to the octagon this weekend in the co-main event as he takes on Jonathan Martinez.

Here is everything you need to know about UFC 301 including start time, where to watch and the full fight card.

Alexandre Pantoja will look to defend his flyweight championship title as he takes on Australian Steve Erceg in the main event of UFC 301

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Pantoja’s opponent Steve Erceg is seven years his junior and is hoping to cause quite the upset this weekend when he takes on the Brazlian champion

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Former two-time featherweight champion Jose Aldo will also make a sensational return to MMA this weekends after retiring almost two years ago

When is UFC 301 –  Alexandre Pantoja vs Steve Erceg

UFC 301 is set to take place this Saturday, May 4 and is taking place at the Farmasi Arena in Rio De Janeiro in Brazil.

The preliminary action is set to begin anytime from 11pm UK time / 6pm ET / 3pm PT.

The headline fight between Pantoja and Erceg is estimated to get underway anytime from 3am UK time / 10pm ET / 7pm PT.

How you can watch/follow

Here at Mail Sport, we will be providing live coverage of the event, providing live updates throughout the night including build-up and action from each fight as well as results and reaction.

All preliminary action can be watched live on the UFC Fight Pass.

You can sign up to the Fight Pass for £6.99 ($9)/month or £71.99 ($91) for the whole year.

The main card which features big names like Alexandre Pantoja, Jose Aldo and Michel Pereira will be broadcast live on TNT Sports Box Office.

TNT subscribers can also watch all of the action from the main card on the Discovery+ app.

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The fight between Pantoja and Erceg is expected to get underway at any time from 3am UK time

Alexandre Pantoja vs Steve Erceg – Key information

Alexandre Pantoja 

Age: 34

Country: Brazil

Height: 5ft 5in

Weight: 125.00lbs

Reach: 67″

Leg reach: 36.5″

Record: 27-5-0

Steve Erceg 

Age: 27

Country: Australia

Height: 5ft 8in

Weight: 126.00lbS

Reach: 68″

Leg reach: 38″

Record: 12-1-O

UFC 301 – Full fight card

Main card:

Alexandre Pantoja (c) vs. Steve Erceg – for UFC Flyweight Championship
Jonathan Martinez vs. Jose Aldo
Anthony Smith vs. Vitor Petrino
Michel Pereira vs. Ihor Potieria
Paul Craig vs. Caio Borralho

Preliminary card:

Jack Shore vs. Joanderson Brito
Karolina Kowalkiewicz vs. Iasmin Lucindo
Elves Brener vs. Myktybek Orolbai
Jean Silva vs. William Gomis

Early preliminary card:

Joaquim Silva vs. Drakkar Klose
Mauricio Ruffy vs. Jamie Mullarkey
Dione Barbosa vs. Ernesta Kareckaite
Ismael Bonfim vs. Vinc Pichel
Alessandro Costa vs. Kevin Borjas