Alexandre Pantoja (28-5 MMA, 12-3 UFC) has successfully defended his UFC flyweight championship against Steve Erceg (12-2 MMA, 3-1 UFC) via unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46) in the main event of UFC 301 at Rio Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
This marked Pantoja's first fight in his hometown since 2014. He pressured Erceg throughout the fight, utilizing an aggressive style that resulted in cuts for both fighters. Pantoja's takedown attempts and powerful punches secured him the victory despite the visible damage.
The fight lacked highlight-reel moments but showcased the perseverance of the Brazillian fighter who is also known as "The Casnnibal."
This win extends his record to 15 full rounds fought in his three UFC title fights, including a potential 2023 Fight of the Year contender against Brandon Moreno in July.
Erceg's team reportedly made a strategic error by informing him he was down on points heading into the final round.
While he displayed a more aggressive grappling style in the final minutes, this may have inadvertently allowed Pantoja to reverse positions and secure crucial points from the judges, two of whom had the fight even before the final frame.
The Australian expressed disappointment, acknowledging a mistake in his last-ditch takedown attempt.
“I just blew it,” Erceg reportedly said adding that, “If he had stayed standing, I believe he would have won the fifth round.”
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