At UFC 301 in Rio de Janeiro, Alexandre Pantoja defended his UFC flyweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Steve Erceg in a closely contested bout. Pantoja started strong in the first round, utilizing his grappling skills effectively after Erceg landed some clean shots. The fight's theme became evident as Pantoja consistently took Erceg down throughout the match.
Despite his relative inexperience, Erceg showcased his ability to compete at the championship level, particularly evident in the second round when he stunned Pantoja with his striking before succumbing to Pantoja's grappling prowess once again. The third round brought a significant moment when Erceg landed a standing elbow, causing a nasty cut on Pantoja's face, although it wasn't enough to halt the fight.
As the fight progressed, Erceg gained momentum, notably winning the fourth round with his diverse boxing attack. However, a crucial mistake in the fifth round, attempting an ill-advised takedown, allowed Pantoja to seize control and secure the victory.
Despite Erceg's loss, he earned respect as a promising contender in the flyweight division's future. For Pantoja, defending his belt in his hometown was a significant achievement, solidifying his reign as champion. The Brazilian fighter reflected on his journey, emphasizing his rise from humble beginnings to becoming a world champion.
Looking ahead, Pantoja aims to further cement his legacy by attempting to become the second flyweight champion to defend the belt three times. The flyweight division has seen challenges in maintaining title reigns since Demetrious Johnson's departure, but Pantoja has emerged as a formidable champion, with victories over tough opponents.
While critics may point out Erceg's lower ranking, Pantoja's dominance against him reaffirms his status as the division's top fighter. Potential rematches with contenders like Brandon Royval and Amir Albazi loom on the horizon, offering Pantoja opportunities to solidify his position as the undisputed flyweight champion.
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