Yup, they moved him permanently so the 2nd place contender was void.
Agree that UFC 301 is missing something currently.
That was a bold request by Alex, but there's no way the UFC would go for that. He's got too big and too profitable to be casually thrown in into 2nd class event on such short notice.
Maybe if the sales were much lower than expected and they could find him some "safe" opponent, but very unlikely to happen.
There are talks about him moving to heavyweight to face Aspinall and frankly, I kind of like the idea. There aren't many good options right now for either Pereira or Aspinal within their weight classes. And Alex doesn't have much to lose, other than health from being brutally KOed by Tom, which is what would happen.
301 is an event in Brazil. They're like gods over there so it's totally expected for these guys to express they're desire to fight in their home turf and in front of their supporters. Bit even if the UFC would want to put him in there, who would be the opponent? It's already hard to find one that would pique the fans' interest...
Anyway, here are some free fights to watch in case you guys want. No UFC this weekend. :/
Pantoja vs Moreno
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWvGEqxPiCc
^ Solid fight.
Erceg vs Schnell
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_1nQmgXLdE
Aldo vs Mendez
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7O2v70gb_o
Martinez vs Yanez
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgsrLEhgrKA
Enjoy.