protagonist in UFC 301, held this Saturday (4), in Rio de Janeiro, Alexandre pantoja He had a real battle, but he got the better of it. Holder of the flyweight belt (up to 56,7kg), the Brazilian accepted the challenge of facing Steve Erceg and fought a five-round challenge. After 25 minutes of competition, the Tupiniquim team was declared the winner in a unanimous decision by the judges.
The victory confirms the Brazilian at the absolute top of the division. Now, Pantoja has two title defenses.
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With access to the quick fight for the belt, Erceg gave trouble and scared the champion in some situations. The athlete, however, did not convince the side judges and suffered his first setback in the company in his fourth appearance.
The belt is from Brazil
The fight started with Pantoja taking the initiative with a low kick followed by a straight shot. The champion went up and looked for a takedown afterwards. Erceg defended himself and managed to get away from the Brazilian. Alexandre was aggressive and scored with long-range attacks. Pantoja tried to confuse his opponent and alternated blows to the Australian's head and base. Halfway through the stage, the champion managed the takedown and started looking for transitions for the finish. Steve tried to react, but the Brazilian continued to pressure. Pantoja tried to get to his opponent's back, but his opponent resisted. In the final minute, Alexandre attacked with ground and pound, but Erceg managed to stay on his feet. Alexandre didn't let go of his opponent and took the fight to the ground again. Almost at the end of the round, the challenger got back to his feet, but there was no more time.
In the second stage, Pantoja closed the distance in the opening seconds. The champion's strategy was to take the fight to the ground. Erceg resisted, but was pressed against the bars by the Brazilian. Steve managed to get away and started attacking the Tupiniquim with jabs and straight shots. After a scare, Alexandre fell and managed to take his opponent to the ground. The champion managed to get to mount, but the Australian tried hard to stop Pantoja's advances. Halfway through the round, Erceg managed to 'explode' and stayed on his feet. Almost in the final minute, Steve got scared by connecting with a straight shot, followed by an elbow, which exploded in the champion's face. Pantoja absorbed the attack well and moved away. Towards the end of the round, Pantoja managed another takedown, ending the round in an advantageous position.
The third round began with the athletes exchanging attacks in the center of the octagon. The challenger scored with low kicks and punches, while the champion looked for the best moment to attack. The Australian had the advantage in the assault and frustrated the Brazilian's actions. An elbow from Steve opened a cut on the champion's face. Near the final minute, Alexandre looked for another takedown, but Steve defended himself well. Almost at the bell, Pantoja managed a takedown, but the timer ran to zero.
Alexandre pantoja (dir.) fighting in UFC 301. Photo: Reproduction/X @UFC
In the fourth round, it was Erceg's turn to try for a takedown, but the champion defended himself well. Steve found the best distance and scored against the Brazilian. Pantoja started launching attacks in a vacuum and 'couldn't find' the challenger in the Octagon. Steve tried another takedown and, again, the Tupiniquim protected himself. Almost at the end of the stage, the advantage remained with the Australian. Alexandre tried to take him down once again, but the round was over.
The last round had Erceg launching the first attack, with a jab. Pantoja continued to have difficulty attacking his opponent and wasted blows. Steve tried a takedown, but suffered a huge reversal from the champion. The Australian stood up, but Alexandre remained glued to his rival's back. Halfway through the stage, Erceg managed to free himself and attacked the champion again with jabs and straight shots. Almost at the end of the fight, Erceg attempted a takedown, but Pantoja reversed the situation, landing in an advantageous position. In the final seconds, Pantoja attacked with ground and pound, until the fight came to an end.
UFC 301 results
MAIN CARD
Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Alexandre pantoja derrotou Steve Erceg in the unanimous decision of the judges (48-47, 48-47, 49-46) – fight for the belt
Bantam weight (up to 61,2 kg): José Aldo derrotou Jonathan martinez in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Light heavyweight (up to 93 kg): Anthony Smith finished Victor Petrino with a guillotine 2m from R1
Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Michael Pereira finished Ihor Potieria with a guillotine 54s from R1
Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Caio Borralho derrotou Paul Craig by knockout at 2m10s of R2
PRELIMINARY CARD
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Joanderson Tubarão derrotou Jack shore by technical knockout at 3:34 of R2
Straw weight (up to 52,1 kg): Iasmin Lucindo derrotou Karolina Kowalkiewicz in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Myktybek Orolbai derrotou elves brener in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-27, 29-27, 29-27)
Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Drakkar Klose derrotou Neto BJJ in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Mauricio Ruffy derrotou Jamie Mullarkey by technical knockout at 4:42 of R1
Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Dione Barbosa derrotou Ernesta Kareckaite in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Ismael Bonfim derrotou Vinc Pichel in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Alexander Costa won Kevin Borjas by technical knockout at 1:35 of R2
UFC 301 Stats
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