Friday, February 14, 2025
Koo_Logo Versions
Follow on KOO

Steve Erceg’s Unexpected Title Shot Against Alexandre Pantoja At UFC 301: Deserving or Surprising?

More from author

Saikat Banerjee
Saikat Banerjee
A wordsmith who indulges in the world of combat sports, Saikat Banerjee is an MMA, boxing, and arm wrestling content writer at The MMA India Show and The Sports Room. Apart from combat sports, he also engages in Indian sports content at The Sports India Show. Currently pursuing an MBA from Jadavpur University, Saikat's other interests lie in motorcycling, working out, and travelling.
- Advertisement -

In a surprising turn of events, Steve Erceg (12-1), ranked 10th in the UFC flyweight division, has been granted a title shot against the reigning champion, Alexandre Pantoja (27-5). The announcement came ahead of UFC 301, where the two fighters are set to clash on May 4, 2024, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

There has been no official confirmation from the UFC whether Pantoja vs. Erceg would headline UFC 301, as stated by Ariel Helwani on X (formerly Twitter).

Now the question that has been looming in everyone’s mind- Does Erceg truly deserve this title shot?

Steve Erceg- the journey up the pecking order

Steve Erceg’s journey to the title shot has been unconventional. While other contenders have been sidelined due to recent fights or injuries, Erceg seized the opportunity. His impressive record of 12 wins and 1 loss speaks volumes about his skill and determination. The Australian fighter, known as “Astro Boy,” has been on a whopping 11-fight winning streak, with a 3-0 record in the UFC. His well-rounded game and relentless pursuit of victory have caught the attention of the promotions’s matchmakers.

On the other side of the octagon stands Alexandre Pantoja, the current flyweight champion. Pantoja, nicknamed “The Cannibal,” has successfully defended his title once before—against Brandon Royval at UFC 296 in December last year, after winning the title from Brandon Moreno at UFC 290 in July. His professional record of 27 wins and his current five fight win streak showcases his dominance in the division. With a Brazilian fighting spirit and a well-honed skill set, Pantoja is a formidable champion.

Upon the announcement of the fight, a handful of UFC fighters had mixed reactions to the news

Some backed the Aussie for landing the title shot.

A number of others raised questions on whether Erceg truly deserved it.

Landing a title shot with just three fights in the UFC is truly something out of the ordinary, and while there are arguments that more fighters up the rankings should have been in his spot, or that he lacks the recognition, what makes this fight intriguing is a fresh face challenging the established champion, which adds excitement to the division. Erceg’s unorthodox path to the title shot injects unpredictability into the matchup.

Fight fans crave narratives that defy convention. Erceg’s story—of an underdog rising to the occasion—captures our imagination. Whether he deserves the shot or not, Erceg has the chance to etch his name in UFC history.

On May 4, Erceg vs. Pantoja promises fireworks and the Octagon will reveal whether this unexpected title bout was a stroke of genius or a leap of faith- if “Astro Boy” can upset the odds and claim the flyweight throne.

ALSO READ: Former UFC Middleweight Champion Blames Canada For Losing His Title

SHARE
Steve Erceg’s Unexpected Title Shot Against Alexandre Pantoja At UFC 301: Deserving or Surprising? - Steve ErcegSteve Erceg’s Unexpected Title Shot Against Alexandre Pantoja At UFC 301: Deserving or Surprising? - Steve ErcegSteve Erceg’s Unexpected Title Shot Against Alexandre Pantoja At UFC 301: Deserving or Surprising? - Steve ErcegSteve Erceg’s Unexpected Title Shot Against Alexandre Pantoja At UFC 301: Deserving or Surprising? - Steve ErcegSteve Erceg’s Unexpected Title Shot Against Alexandre Pantoja At UFC 301: Deserving or Surprising? - Steve Erceg

If any content is used from this article, kindly backlink to this page.

If you like reading about sports, make sure you check out SportsIndiaShow.com
Also follow India’s biggest arm wrestling tournament at ProPanja.com

- Advertisement -

Related articles