Forward of their undisputed flyweight championship battle this weekend in Brazil at UFC 301, championship stars, Alexandre Pantoja and Steve Erceg squared off for a face-to-face assembly in entrance of the Sugarloaf mountain – taking within the Rio de Janeiro surroundings.
Pantoja, the present undisputed flyweight champion – approaching two fights into his title reign, returns to his native Brazil for the primary time since a 2014 victory outdoors the UFC – making his promotional debut on house soil, 9 years deep into his tenure.
For Erceg, the comparatively organizational newcomer features in a championship setting for the first time since his move from Eternal MMA again in the summertime of final yr. And handing over a trio of consecutive victories since his transfer from the Australian promotion, Erceg appears to be like to upset the applecart in his conflict with Pantoja.
Alexandre Pantoja faces off with Steve Erceg in Rio
Squaring off for the primary time this week forward of Saturday’s title battle showcase on the Farmasi Enviornment in Rio de Janeiro, Pantoja and Erceg were backdropped by the region’s huge Sugarloaf mountain – which additionally hosts the large Christ the Redeemer statue.
Profitable spoils at 125lbs again in July of final yr throughout Worldwide Struggle Week at UFC 290, Alexandre Pantoja turned in one other profession win over rival, Brandon Moreno to mint himself because the undisputed flyweight champion.
Returning in December at UFC 296, Pantoja landed his first profitable protection of the championship with one other resolution win in a hard-fought rematch towards Brandon Royval.
Incomes his shot at Octagon simply final month, Erceg turned in his first knockout win since touchdown within the promotion, ending Matt Schnell with a blistering stoppage – touchdown himself Efficiency of the Evening honors in addition.
UFC 301 can even host the return of Brazilian icon, Corridor of Fame inductee, Jose Aldo – who competes in his final contracted bout against Jonathan Martinez, having remained sidelined for the previous two years since his conflict with Merab Dvalishvili.
Who wins at UFC 301 this weekend: Alexandre Pantoja or Steve Erceg?
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