UFC returns with its fifth Pay-per-view event of the 2024 season with UFC 301 at the Rio Arena in Rio de Janeiro. Brazilian flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja meets Aussie challenger Steve Erceg in the title headliner of UFC 301. Coming from UFC 300’s monumental success, there’s much pressure on the fighters, especially Erceg, who faces an unknown but feisty crowd.
Steve Erceg is very new to the contention scene, having competed only three times in the UFC. However, he has taken criticism for his title shot in strides. Boasting a mild-mannered disposition, Erceg most often jokes around negative feedback. He is also hilariously leaning towards doppelganger comparisons with Hollywood veteran Steve Carrel’s character, “Michael Scott.” Despite all the pressures, Erceg remains composed to achieve what he set out to do.
Yeah, I’m definitely prepared for it…I’m honestly excited for the opportunity to get yelled at and to die…and bottles thrown at me… [laughs] I think it’s going to be very exciting and um, I can’t wait to take the belt and put it on, get on a plane and fly home…
Steve Erceg via “Submission Radio” Podcast
Submission Radio co-hosts Kacper Rosolowski & Denis Shkuratov asked the fighter to weigh in on the Brazilian fanbase, notorious as the most passionate fans in the world. The Colby Covington incident in Brazil almost caused a brawl. As such, Erceg winning over Pantoja could have similar repercussions.
The Brazilian crowd received criticism from UFC fans when they walked out on Glover Texeira’s retirement speech at UFC 283. More recently, during the UFC 300 Q&A Session sitdown with ESPN MMA‘s Megan Olivi, Brazillian fans notably slurred at Arman Tsarukyan. This was in support of Charles Oliveira. Hence, Erceg knows what to expect, and the Aussie means to bring the belt home.
Steve Erceg sympathizes with Muhammad Mokaev scuffling over title shot
The news of the #10 ranked Steve Erceg taking on champion Alexandre Pantoja had taken the MMA community by storm. Something else impacting the cause was Pantoja having fought most of the top 10 peers already. Brandon Moreno and Brandon Royval have lost against him; Amir Albazi is on a lay-off. Erceg becoming the #1 contender for the 125-pound title did not sit well with fellow flyweight Muhammad Mokaev.
Steve Erceg believes he was a more exciting title shot option for Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 301 (Source: UFC.go.com/IMAGO)Mokaev beat former title contender Alex Perez at UFC Fight Night 238. However, ‘Astro Boy’ Erceg considers the performance to be stylistically lacking. Hence, Erceg felt the promotion chose him instead of the undefeated phenom. Mokaev took to a social media tirade, comparing their stats so far. In a sense, Erceg understands where he’s coming from.
I mean, I would be upset if I was him…he’s been in the UFC for a lot longer than I have, um…six fights and six wins. And Pantoja has called him out as well…so I can fully understand why he’s upset.
Steve Erceg via “Submission Radio” Podcast
Mokaev currently stands at 11-0 MMA and 6-0 UFC. Hence, Erceg gets that the undefeated streaking phenom would be upset with a 3-fight newbie calling him unexciting or getting a title shot over him. However, the Aussie challenger believed Mokaev’s lackluster performance did not impress the UFC to reward a title shot.
