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).
Alexandre Pantoja will defend his flyweight title at UFC 301 versus Steve Erceg on May 4 in Rio, per the promotion. No word just yet on if this will be the main event.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) March 15, 2024
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.
Another Aussie is coming for the strap!!
Huge step up for Astroboy here in just his 4th fight in the promotion – does he have the tools to shut down Pantoja, though? 👀 https://t.co/WJtsWNjBTx
— Megan Anderson (@MeganAnderson) March 15, 2024
Erceg looked good his last fight. I’ll be on weight ready to step in if anything happens. If not I’m sitting front row watching my teammates and next fight square off. https://t.co/LA5wcltRHA
— Brandon (@brandonroyval) March 15, 2024
I like how unenthusiastic Steve looks about getting a title shot 😂😂😂
(banger of a fight tho 🔥🔥) https://t.co/sT45P3QaUR
— Chase Hooper (@chase_hooper) March 15, 2024
A number of others raised questions on whether Erceg truly deserved it.
Who
— Sean O'Malley (@SugaSeanMMA) March 15, 2024
Tf UFC just done?
I have second active winning streak in MMA flyweight history!InshaAllah I will take this belt soon!
— Muhammad Mokaev (@muhammadmokaev) March 15, 2024
Pantoja literately cleaned the division even before being champion!!!! Erceg got the gold ticket because of it!!!! That been said pantoja by finish #ufc301
— Renato Moicano UFC (@moicanoufc) March 15, 2024
You know what I don't side with @muhammadmokaev often but he should of been next in line IMO
— Jake 'White Kong' Hadley (@JakeHadleyMMA) March 15, 2024
UFC giving Erceg a title fight after two fights in the promotion is brutal to the division. So many guys working their way up and with longer active win streaks / finishes.
My only guess I’m assuming Pantoja asked for him . Not saying he can’t win.. but what are rankings for? pic.twitter.com/12DRRy243w
— Charles "InnerG" Johnson (@InnerGmma) March 15, 2024
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.
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