US Government warns UFC 301 travelers to ‘Exercise Increased Caution’ amid civil unrest in Brazil

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returns to the pay-per-view (PPV) market with the upcoming UFC 301: “Pantoja vs. Erceg” mixed martial arts (MMA) event, scheduled for this Sat. night (May 4, 2024) on ESPN+ from inside Farmasi Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The U.S. Government issued a Level 2 travel advisory for Brazil just a couple of months back, warning travelers to “exercise increased caution” while on location. There has been an increase in civil unrest, which includes mass protests, over the last few weeks in Rio.

Here’s a sample:

Along with reports of police operations against organized crime:

UFC fighters residing in Rio have been robbed in broad daylight.

“Violent crime, such as murder, armed robbery, and carjacking, is common in urban areas, day and night,” according to the travel advisory. “Gang activity and organized crime is widespread. Assaults, including with sedatives and drugs placed in drinks, are common.”

Stay away from those roofie coladas.

Criminals in Brazil have no problem carjacking national heroes like former UFC light heavyweight champion Mauricio Rua. Be aware of your surroundings, avoid traveling at night, and don’t wander the city alone. Pockets with zippers are also a plus.

UFC 301 will be headlined by the flyweight title fight pitting reigning division champion Alexandre Pantoja against once-beaten 125-pound contender Steve Erceg. In addition, former UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo returns to action opposite red-hot bantamweight “Dragon” Jonathan Martinez in the UFC 301 PPV co-main event.

For the rest of the UFC 301 fight card and PPV lineup click here.