UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja is set to defend his title against Steve Erceg at UFC 301, as announced by the promotion on Friday.
The highly anticipated event will take place on May 4 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Pantoja’s hometown. While it has not been confirmed if the title fight will be the main event, fans can expect an exciting matchup.
Pantoja’s last fight was a victorious one against Brandon Royval at UFC 296, where he showcased his ground game and secured a unanimous decision victory. Despite a dominating performance, Pantoja is gearing up to face Erceg, a relatively unknown challenger.
Erceg, hailing from Australia, has quickly risen in the UFC flyweight division with impressive wins over notable opponents. His recent knockout victory over Matt Schnell has put him in the spotlight, and Pantoja acknowledges the threat he poses.
With a career record of 12-1, Erceg is ranked No. 10 in the UFC flyweight rankings and presents a unique challenge for Pantoja. The champion recognizes Erceg’s skills and is not taking his opponent lightly, emphasizing the need to stay focused and avoid underestimating him.
Additional matchups confirmed for UFC 301 include Michel Pereira vs. Makhmud Muradov, Anthony Smith vs. Vitor Petrino, and Joanderson Brito vs. Jack Shore, promising an action-packed event for MMA fans worldwide.