Rio returns to hosting a fight night since the numbered event in May last year.
At UFC 301, we saw Alexandre Pantoja successfully defend his Flyweight belt against Steve Erceg, as well as the return of Jose Aldo.
The headliner for this fight card is an interesting bout as Mateusz Gamrot, who stepped up on two weeks’ notice, takes on Charles Oliveira.
However, there are plenty of intriguing battles in store, with these particular five standing out from the rest.
Deiveson Figueiredo vs Montel Jackson
We begin with the co-main event as a newly ranked Bantamweight faces a two-time UFC Flyweight Champion.
Figueiredo is currently stuck on a two-fight losing streak after a second-round TKO defeat to Cory Sandhagen.
The Brazilian challenged himself moving up to 135 pounds less than two years ago, defeating Rob Font, Cody Garbrandt and Marlon Vera.
Deus da Guerra doesn’t often go the distance with his opponents, claiming 18 finishes with nine knockouts and submissions.
Jackson has been a highly viewed prospect in the Bantamweight division after placing himself on a six-fight win streak.
‘Quik’ has only lost twice in his career and has pulled off some incredible stoppages, such as his 18-second knockout against Da’Mon Blackshear at UFC Denver.
The 33-year-old poses a significant threat on the feet with eight of his 15 victories ending by KO/TKO.
While Figueiredo will be thirsty for redemption, Jackson will be hungry to fly up to #6 in the Bantamweight rankings.
Vicente Luque vs Joel Alvarez
A Welterweight veteran is challenged in his home country against a promising short-notice opponent.
Luque lost his first fight of 2025 after submitting to Kevin Holland in the second round at UFC 316.
‘The Silent Assassin’ has beaten many former UFC Champions, including Belal Muhammad, Tyron Woodley and Rafael dos Anjos.
The Westwood-born mixed martial artist rarely goes to the judges’ scorecards, earning 11 knockouts and nine submissions from 23 triumphs.
Alvarez, who usually fights at Lightweight, is competing at 170 pounds in his first bout of 2025.
The Spaniard is on a three-fight win streak and has two losses from nine battles with the organisation.
‘El Fenomeno’ does not believe in decisions, earning a 100% finish rate with five KO/TKO wins and 17 submissions.
The Brazilian will be hoping to return to the win column, but Alvarez’s preferences could change if he is victorious.
Jhonata Diniz vs Mario Pinto
A Heavyweight clash which many believe will end with a knockout.
Diniz redeemed himself in his last bout after defeating Alvin Hines by unanimous decision at UFC 317.
The former kickboxer made an incredible introduction to the organisation after a second-round knockout against Austen Lane.
With seven KO/TKO wins from nine triumphs in his MMA career, the Curitiba-born fighter will be hungry to make a statement for the top 15.
Pinto made his UFC debut in his previous battle, starting in a very similar style to his opponent and achieving a KO win over Lane at the APEX.
The undefeated Portuguese fighter earned his UFC contract exactly a year ago after a first-round knockout win on Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS).
The 27-year-old lays claim to six knockouts and one submission, with five of his finishes ending in the first round.
The best suggestion for this fight will be not to blink, because you could miss a significant knockout strike.
Lucas Almeida vs Michael Aswell
Two Featherweights aim to bounce back and return to winning ways.
Almeida has only won two of his last five UFC fights after suffering a split decision defeat to Danny Silva at UFC Vegas 103.
The Brazilian rose to MMA fame from Jungle Fight, producing showstopping performances.
While victorious, the MMA Sorocaba fighter has only gone the distance once, earning nine knockouts and five submissions.
He also made his UFC debut on short notice, and despite losing to Bolaji Oki, he provided an entertaining scrap and earned the first UFC debut patch.
‘The Texas Kid’ became recognised after his success in Fury Fighting Championship, winning the vacant Featherweight title in April 2024.
Only half of the 25-year-old’s victories have ended with a stoppage, all coming by KO/TKO.
If there is a fight which shows two dominant strikers that always bring action, look no further than this bout at the start of the main card.
Valter Walker vs Mohammed Usman
A Heavyweight bout which features two fighters who have very well-known brothers in the UFC.
Walker made quick work of Kennedy Nzechukwu at UFC Nashville, stopping the Nigerian in just 54 seconds.
All three of the Brazilian’s consecutive wins have ended with a Heel Hook in the first round.
‘The Clean Monster’ shows danger on the feet and ground, holding six knockouts and four submissions from 14 career victories.
Usman redeemed his two-fight losing streak in his last bout after defeating Hamdy Abdelwahab by unanimous decision at UFC Baku.
‘The Motor’ made his introduction to the UFC by winning Season 30 of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF).
The Nigerian has six stoppage victories from 12 professional wins, earning four knockouts and two submissions.
This one is undoubtedly an eye-catcher in the preliminary card, which MMA fans can’t afford to miss.