MMA Preview – Alexandre Pantoja vs Steve Erceg at UFC 301
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ALEXANDRE PANTOJA VS STEVE ERCEG FACTS
When is UFC 301? Sunday 5th May, 2024 - 01:00 (UK)
Where is UFC 301? Farmasi Arena, Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 301? Click here to buy tickets for UFC 301
What channel is UFC 301 on? TNT Sports 1
Where can I stream UFC 301? TNT Sports subscribers can stream the fight online via the TNT Sports website and Discovery+
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
ALEXANDRE PANTOJA VS STEVE ERCEG LOWDOWN
Alexandre Pantoja (27-5) gets to headline a pay-per-view card in front of his home fans after defending his flyweight title against Brandon Royval (2023) at UFC 296. That came after his crowning glory at UFC 290 where he came out on top in a war and ‘Fight of the Night’ display with Brandon Moreno (2023). He snatched the belt and now hopes to go on a run to make everyone proud.
Steve Erceg (12-1) should buy a lottery ticket after finding himself headlining this card and fighting for a title in just his fourth UFC fight. It may be more down to the fact that there are no more flyweight contenders, nonetheless, he has looked good in his unanimous decision wins over David Dvorak (2023) and Alessandro Costa (2023). He then pulled off the second knockout win of his career with a picture-perfect left hook on the damaged chin on Matt Schnell
ALEXANDRE PANTOJA VS STEVE ERCEG PREDICTION
Pantoja’s last two bouts is priceless experience banking 10 title-fight rounds against top contenders. Moreno and Royval were not at their best, but it is experience Erceg does not have. He has never been past the third round and has not fought the same level of competition.
He is understandably the heavy underdog, but this is a tough fight for Pantoja. Erceg has the wrestling and jiu-jitsu to nullify the grappling of the champ and he has never been more confident in his striking.
We can see Pantoja underestimating the Aussie and he can easily get clipped or caught in a scramble with Erceg pouncing on his back. If Pantoja feels he can just walk him down and drag him to the canvas, he will get humbled.
Erceg is a quality wrestler and is the more technical striker. For that reason alone, he is worth a punt. Pantoja is extremely durable and never been finished, so it will need something special for Erceg to find a finish. A decision is more likely, and we expect that championship experience to be the difference.
Prediction: Pantoja via Decision
Value Bet: Erceg via Decision
