Alexandre Pantoja’s next title defense was announced a few days ago, with Steve Erceg being the surprise next challenger for the 33-year-old champion.
The announcement came as a surprise to the majority of the MMA fanbase because Steve Erceg is only three fights into his UFC tenure, after signing with the promotion just last year.
“AstroBoy” answered a late notice call in May last year to fight top 15 ranked, David Dvorak, when Dvorak’s original opponent Matt Schnell pulled out of the fight.
Despite the fight coming at late notice, the Australian put on a terrific performance, picking up a big debut win which saw him place in the rankings immediately.
Pantoja attributes clearing out the division to Erceg getting the title shot
With the UFC announcing their return to Rio de Janeiro in May, it felt inevitable that Alexandre Pantoja would be defending his belt in his home city.
‘The Cannibal’ was in attendance for the UFC Mexico event that took place at the end of February, and he was keeping a close eye on the main event between fellow flyweights, Brandon Moreno and Brandon Royval.
Talking to MMA Junkie, the Brazilian admitted that he was expecting Moreno to win that fight and that they’d be scheduled for their fourth fight. Pantoja won the title against Moreno at UFC 290 last year, in what was a very close fight.
“I went to Mexico City to see Brandon Royval and Brandon Moreno (fight) and I think everyone expected Moreno to win that match and then he lost so it doesn’t make sense to fight Brandon Royval again now.” the champion said.
The 33-year-old’s first title defense came against Royval just three months ago in what was a rematch, leaving no desire to see that fight happen for a third time, at least for now.
Pantoja admitted that he feels that is the reason Erceg got the title shot because he has already fought and beat several of the fighters in the top 10 already, leaving Erceg as a fresh matchup.
“I fought number 1 two times, number 2 three times, and number 3 right now is Albazi who is injured, I fought Kai Kara-France before, Manel Kape, Alex Perez, and Matt Schnell I fought with everyone.
“I think (Erceg) is so lucky because all of these (fights) have happened I already beat number 1 twice, I’ve already beat number 2 three times and Manel Kape missed weight.” Pantoja added.
Seemingly, Manel Kape was next in line for the title shot, but because his scheduled January fight with Matheus Nicolau was re-scheduled after he missed weight, the timing went against him.
Steve Erceg’s immensely impressive last few performances
Although Erceg’s title shot may have come under favorable circumstances, his last few performances have undoubtedly been enough to earn the title shot.
The 28-year-old’s last fight was just over a month ago, when he scored a highlight reel knockout over ‘Danger’ Matt Schnell. The frightening left hook knockout earned him an additional $50,000 as he was awarded performance of the night.
Before that, he showed a complete performance against Alessandro Costa at UFC 295, showcasing his defensive grappling which will undoubtedly come into action during his UFC 301 fight with Pantoja.
Other confirmed fights for UFC 301
It is unconfirmed as of yet whether this fight will be the main event, as it has recently been rumored that Alex Pereira is hoping for a quick finish at UFC 300 so he can make the turnaround and fight in Brazil.
Despite that, this currently takes the main event slot with some other high-level fights having already been confirmed for the main card of the May 4th event.
- Alexandre Pantoja (27-5) vs Steve Erceg (12-1)
- Jonathan Martinez (19-4) vs Jose Aldo (31-8)
- Paul Craig (17-7-1) vs Caio Borralho (15-1)
- Michel Pereira (30-11, 2 NC) vs Makhmud Muradov (26-8, 1 NC)
- Anthony Smith (37-19) vs Vitor Petrino (11-0)