UFC 301 Observations: Pantoja Fails to Stand Out, Aldo Maintains Dominance

 UFC 301 Observations: Pantoja Fails to Stand Out, Aldo Maintains Dominance

Rewrite: "Hale: Pantoja, the current reigning and defending champion of the flyweights, maintains his dominance in the 125-pound division, but the extent of the gap between him and the rest of the division remains uncertain. It's a complex question. On one side, Pantoja has already bested seven of the top contenders in the flyweight division during his six-year tenure in the UFC. However, it's worth noting that the division lacks depth and could benefit from fresh talent. On the other hand, Erceg posed a significant challenge for Pantoja, exposing some vulnerabilities in his game that other opponents might exploit in the future. Pantoja undeniably boasts exceptional grappling skills, often controlling his opponents effectively once the fight hits the ground. Additionally, his remarkable durability, showcased by his unbroken streak over his nearly 17-year MMA career, sets him apart. However, his aggressive stand-up approach, characterized by a flurry of punches, might become a liability in the long run. Erceg consistently capitalized on Pantoja's rushing tactics, landing short elbows and hooks that scored points for the Australian fighter. Fortunately for Pantoja, few fighters in the division possess Erceg's physical attributes and boxing prowess. Erceg's unique combination of height, reach, and skill posed a genuine test for Pantoja. Should they meet again in the future, it wouldn't be unreasonable to favor Erceg, considering his potential for growth. "I'm here to face the best in the world, and he's one of them," Pantoja remarked during his post-fight interview. "What a resilient fighter and what a competitive division." However, pondering the challenges that lie ahead isn't Pantoja's concern. He remains focused on overcoming whatever opponent stands in his way, regardless of their ranking or experience. As for his next challenger, it's anyone's guess. Although the undefeated Muhammad Mokaev appears deserving, the UFC seems hesitant to grant him a title shot due to his less aesthetically pleasing fighting style. With Brandon Moreno on hiatus and Amir Albazi recovering from a neck injury, the division seems in need of further matchups to determine the rightful contender, affording Pantoja some time as the division settles. For now, it's Pantoja's era, and there's no imminent threat to his throne. 'The King of Rio' Delivers What the Fans Crave: Jose Aldo, at 37 and following a two-year retirement, reaffirmed his status as 'The King of Rio' at UFC 301. Wagenheim: Nearly a decade ago, Aldo created one of the most memorable UFC moments in Rio de Janeiro, celebrating a knockout victory over Chad Mendes by diving deep into the crowd, embracing his jubilant compatriots. This act alone solidified his moniker as 'The King of Rio.' However, Aldo had not fought in Rio for five years and had not secured a victory there since his 2014 triumph over Mendes. Until now. Entering the arena adorned with a crown, Aldo received a thunderous ovation from the crowd. Yet, what truly delighted the spectators was a vintage performance from the 37-year-old, who retired in September 2022 and was subsequently inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame. Following a dominant display against Jonathan Martinez, Aldo proudly donned his crown once more, declaring to his adoring fans that he is far from finished in the fight game. While Aldo now competes in the bantamweight division, departing from the featherweight division he once dominated, his performance at UFC 301 suggests he remains a formidable force among the top 135-pound contenders. Could another title run be in his future? The Rio crowd undoubtedly hopes so. Nevertheless, this performance left spectators feeling they had witnessed a hometown hero demonstrate his prowess once again. What more could they ask for? What Comes Next for the UFC's Top Stars After UFC 301? Okamoto: Here's a look at potential matchups for the standout performers from UFC 301. Alexandre Pantoja, Flyweight Champion: Next Opponent: Muhammad Mokaev Mokaev emerges as the leading candidate for Pantoja's next title defense. Having vanquished many of the division's top names, Pantoja now faces a scarcity of worthy challengers. With Amir Albazi sidelined due to a neck injury and Manel Kape's recent weight miss and injury, Mokaev stands out as a deserving contender, having triumphed in every UFC bout thus far. Wildcard: Manel Kape Despite Kape's recent setbacks, his standout performances make him a compelling option. While Kai Kara-France presents an intriguing matchup, Kape likely holds the UFC's favor, given Kara-France's recent losses despite his high ranking. Jose Aldo, Bantamweight: Next Opponent: Possibly Sean O'Malley Aldo's remarkable display at UFC 301 underscores his enduring prowess at 135 pounds. As a beloved figure in the sport, Aldo can afford to be selective with his next move. A matchup against Sean O'Malley could generate considerable interest and financial gain for both fighters. Should O'Malley secure a victory in his upcoming bout and call for a showdown with Aldo, the UFC is likely to oblige. Wildcard: Boxing While Aldo's passion for boxing remains, his continued success in MMA suggests he still has much to offer in the octagon. Nonetheless, the allure of boxing presents an alternative path for the former UFC champion. Anthony Smith, Light Heavyweight: Next Opponent: Nikita Krylov Smith's impressive victory at UFC 301 propels him back into the light heavyweight rankings. With his sights set on the title, a matchup against Krylov, one of the few fighters ranked above him whom he has yet to face, makes strategic sense. While other options exist, including Jan Blachowicz and Alex Pereira, a bout against Krylov appears most logical for Smith's ascent in the division. Wildcard: Jan Blachowicz Both Blachowicz and Krylov offer compelling matchups for Smith. While Krylov's recent inactivity may give Blachowicz the edge in terms of immediate relevance, either opponent would propel Smith toward title contention. Michel Pereira, Middleweight: Next Opponent: Roman Dolidze Pereira's dominant performance at UFC 301 cements his status as a rising middleweight contender. With Anthony Hernandez sidelined due to injury, a matchup against Roman Dolidze emerges as an exciting prospect. Both fighters boast impressive win streaks, making their potential clash a must-watch event for fans. Wildcard: Jack Hermansson Hermansson's role as a middleweight gatekeeper positions him as a viable opponent for Pereira. While Hermansson's recent victory over Joe Pyfer adds credibility to his name, Pereira's explosive style promises an exhilarating matchup for both fighters and fans alike.more