There is one best option to headline UFC 301

With Alex Pereira co-headlining UFC 300, the UFC has only one option if it wants a Brazilian champ to headline their return to Rio.

The UFC has backed themselves into a hell of a corner. UFC 301 is less than two months away and the organization is still without a main event for PPV. Perhaps that isn’t too big of a deal as there has been several occasions in which the UFC has found itself in need of a new main event in a shorter amount of time, but they’re insistent on placing a Brazilian in the main event. Given the PPV is taking place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, there is some sense to be made of their insistence.

The question is who to book in there. Alex Pereira, co-headlining UFC 300 against Jamahal Hill in defense of his light heavyweight title, is insistent he’ll be in shape to perform a quick turnaround. While I don’t begrudge a fighter for having confidence in their abilities, it would be beyond foolhardy for the UFC to count on that being the reality. I’m not saying there’s no way it happens. We’ve seen similar turnarounds before. But there’s no guarantee Pereira will have medical clearance to make such a turnaround, provided he is still the champion come that time. Thus, while Pereira could end up at UFC 301, that can’t be their plan.

There hasn’t been much thought about a different division as there doesn’t appear to be a Brazilian challenger who might be able to interest the Brazilian fans. Perhaps the UFC could bite the bullet and have Leon Edwards defend against Belal Muhammad on neutral ground, the lack of a Brazilian in the fight be damned. It would hardly be the first time the UFC has gone overseas and featured a title fight in a foreign country without a countryman fighting for gold. However, the UFC appears committed to having a Brazilian. Thus, while it doesn’t seem to be a bad option, it doesn’t appear to be an option being considered.

The only other current Brazilian champion besides Pereira is Alexandre Pantoja, who defended his flyweight title in December against Brandon Royval. Pantoja doesn’t have any lingering injuries from that performance and should be good to go. The question is who might he defend his title against. That’s where things get particularly hairy.

There isn’t a viable challenger available to challenge Pantoja for the belt, at least not within the timeframe to have Pantoja’s next challenge occur at UFC 301. Allow me to break it down with all the candidates that have had their names floated: