UFC 301 experienced a controversial decision that left both fans and fighters confused. The UFC flyweight champion, Alexandre Pantoja, claimed a unanimous decision win against the rising star, Steve Erceg. However, Pantoja’s victory received widespread criticism with claims of corruption citing the judge’s scorecards in his favor.
During the five-round fight, Steve Erceg demonstrated excellent striking technique coupled with effective distance control skills. The Australian continuously landed jabs and elbows on his opponent who found it difficult to close the gap due to this tactic. Although Pantoja executed various takedowns, he did not do any serious damage nor did he attempt any submission moves that could have been threatening enough to make his contender tap out.
Pantoja was leading in significant strikes by landing 125 of them compared to Erceg’s 111. In addition, Pnatoja took down his opponent 9 times but Erceg only managed 1 takedown. However, Erceg seemed to be causing more injury as he opened up two cuts on Pantoja’s face leading to profuse bleeding. Erceg had recently stated that he would upset Pantoja. He did come really close. Erceg was coming off a fantastic KO victory over Matt Schnell.
The headliner for UFC 301 was a surprise to many. UFC 301 has come and gone leaving one thing unquestionable; Steve Erceg has endeared himself to many. With only 3 career fights under his belt, he faced off with the top flyweight in that category for five rounds. His future in MMA looks incredibly bright and promising!
Fight fans reacted to the judge’s scorecards at UFC 301
Outside and inside the octagon, UFC 301 was an explosive event. Even so, many people contested the judges. The scorecards infuriated many fight fans. Social media platforms were filled with accusations that Steve Erceg had been robbed by Alexandre Pantoja’s unanimous decision victory.
Fight fans reacted to the Judges’ scorecards (via MMA Fighting)Unofficially, the scorecard was controversial. A 49-46 scorecard in Pantoja’s favor bewildered fight fans. Some fans asked UFC to dismiss this judge, saying that they were fuming. Others thought that takedowns overruled damage during the fight but remained calm. Still, a few fans believed it was a heist. Here are some fight fans’ opinions:
CAN THE COMMENTARY SHUT THE FUCK UP
CLEAR ERCEG WIN!
THIS IS DAMAGE BASED SCORING AS HAS BEEN FOR THE PAST 6 YEARS! He did way more damage in round 5, Pantoja literally has nothing but holding on for dear life. #UFC301
— THE MMA GURU (@THATBOYMMAGURU) May 5, 2024
2,3 and 4 I think went to the challenger
— Jamahal Hill (@JamahalH) May 5, 2024
This is a clear Steve Erceg decision. 3-2 at absolute WORST. #ufc301
— MacMally 🍀 (@MacMallyMMA) May 5, 2024
Alexandre Pantoja and round 2 to start cashes at -115 to cap off an amazing night for the discord✅✅✅
(I think he lost)
— Super Fan🇮🇪 (@McGregorRousey2) May 5, 2024
Home cooking for Pantoja, who absolutely did not win that fight.
— Jeff Wagenheim (@jeffwagenheim) May 5, 2024
Judge David Tirelli scored this bout 49-46 exceedingly favoring Alexandre Pantoja. The other 2 scorecards showed reasonable scores. Fabio Alves scored the contest 48-47 in favor of Pantoja. Sal D’amato also scored the fight 48-47 for Pantoja. Perhaps this controversy will fuel Steve Erceg’s motivation to climb the ranks and challenge for the title once more. This could set up a potential rematch that could silence the critics once and for all.
