Steve Erceg is well aware that a couple of wrong decisions likely cost him the title gold at UFC 301. Erceg challenged Alexandre Pantoja in his second defense, to try and emerge as the new flyweight champion. Given that it was not a full camp but rather a short-notice title opportunity, the Aussie performed admirably. But he recognizes where the holes are.
The athletic Steve Eceg opened up a boxing-favorite stance, checking the distance from behind jabs from Round 2 onward. The massive underdog had aspired to build up on his tempo and open up his striking, finishing off by Round 3. Consequently, he did graze open Pantoja and push him consistently, with R3 to 4 coming out the strongest. However, he knows where he went haywire.
I really thought if I could get him down I would eat up the time on the ground and make him even more tired, Next time I just need to be better at this…I thought it could’ve been 2-2 or 3-1 for him…I fought to win the last round to put myself in the position that I give myself a chance… I blew it.
Steve Erceg to FULL SEND MMA, backstage at the UFC 301 post-fight media conference
Pantoja, the American Top Team (ATT) standout, has long been rumored to be a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu savant. Hailing from Arraial do Cabo, Rio de Janeiro, it would not be surprising. Charles Oliveira, Gilbert Burns, and others represent a class of global clinchers and pro-grapplers that have characterized Brazilian fighters. Hence Erceg faced a certain challenge with the rival pulsating between strikes and takedown attempts.
Heading into the final frame, two of the three judges had the fight halved at two rounds apiece. However, Erceg faced a reversal on a premature takedown attempt which cost him. Early on, it was good enough to break the defense. However, with a good enough stand-up striking, even he felt it was useless. Nonetheless, the clash was entertaining; not the only one on the card.
UFC 301: Pantoja vs. Erceg – Facts, Figures, Fundamentals
Steve Erceg (12-2 MMA, 3-1 UFC) rose to the occasion and challenged Alexandre Pantoja for the title gold at UFC 301. He came up short by a few steps, but he did leave a mark; quite literally so. He crashed into the seasoned flyweight titleholder twice with vicious right elbows. Alongside, he garnered praise from many peers for being a title-shot-worthy fighter.
UFC 301: Alexandre Pantoja-VS-Steve Erceg provided plenty tidbits (Source: UFC.go.com/ (@ufcontnt) / X )Consequently, the Aussie’s exciting title scrap wasn’t the only highlight of the day. Much like UFC 283, Live From Jeunesse Arena In Rio de Janeiro, this event also saw a multitude of the crowd veer away to other local events. However, it drew an attendance of 14,514 with a substantial buy gate. Debuting fighters went 2-1 on the card, with most native Brazilian fighters winning.
Michel Pereira, Caio Borralho, Mauricio Ruffy, and Alessandro Costa earned $50,000 in fight-night bonuses. Pereira’s super-athletic backflip knee to the temple drew quite an amazement. The showman has been touting the move since UFC 301’s ceremonial weigh-ins. Jose Aldo recanted a probable retirement after edging out Jonathan Martinez via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).
‘The King of Rio’ got a standing ovation even from a limited house capacity. He proudly touted the tunes of “We Are the Champions” by Queen and “Run This Town” by Rihanna feat. Jay-Z. “AC/DC” was the backing walkout track for three fighters, all going 0-3. After Eminem, “AC/DC” begins a new losing curse with “T.N.T.” “Thunderstruck,” and “Highway to Hell.”
