Steve Erceg says Alexandre Pantoja is "lacking in some areas" as a fighter, shares bold prediction for UFC 301 title clash
Steve Erceg believes he can capitalize on certain vulnerabilities in Alexandre Pantoja's game. The rising 125-pounder detailed his thoughts about the reigning UFC flyweight champion in an interview with MAIN EVENT, an Australian YouTube channel dedicated to the coverage of combat sports.
Pantoja has been extremely successful as of late, helming an impressive five-fight win streak that has seen him capture and defend the division's title. However, his devil-may-care attitude and willingness to step into the line of fire, even to his own detriment, are aspects that Erceg feels will work in his favor instead.
"He really embodies determination, that sort of thing. He's walking forward, doesn't matter how tired he gets, he's gonna keep pushing. But I do think, technically, he's lacking in some areas and I'm going to exploit those areas to the best of my ability and come away as the new champion."
Check out Steve Erceg's take on Alexandre Pantoja's skills (6:34):
Erceg, who faces Pantoja in the main event of UFC 301, has been given the opportunity of a lifetime. There is a massive disparity in rankings regarding the matchup, as the Australian is the No. 10-ranked flyweight in the world, while Pantoja is the promotion's current 125-pound champion.
For this reason, the bout raised eyebrows among many, even other fighters, but Erceg is nothing if not determined to prove his doubters wrong. The pair will cross swords on the first week of next month on May 4, in Pantoja's hometown of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where Pantoja will find himself in notoriously hostile territory.
Steve Erceg is right to be confident ahead of his clash with Alexandre Pantoja
Every fighter is confident heading into a fight, but Steve Erceg has as good a reason as any #10 fighter facing their division's champion. The truth of the matter is that Alexandre Pantoja has not looked flawless in his recent wins. In fact, he looks fairly human, while Erceg is on an impressive tear.
Check out Steve Erceg's knockout of Matt Schnell:
The Australian, who is 12-1 in his professional MMA career, is currently riding the wave of an 11-fight win streak. He has not tasted defeat in nearly seven years and is also coming off a brutal knockout of Matt Schnell. While many doubt his chances, he must, at least, believe if he is to score an upset.