UFC returns with its fifth Pay-per-view occasion of the 2024 season with UFC 301 on the Rio Area in Rio de Janeiro. Brazilian flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja meets Aussie challenger Steve Erceg within the title headliner of UFC 301. Coming from UFC 300’s monumental success, there’s a lot strain on the fighters, particularly Erceg, who faces an unknown however feisty crowd.
Steve Erceg may be very new to the rivalry scene, having competed solely thrice within the UFC. Nonetheless, he has taken criticism for his title shot in strides. Boasting a mild-mannered disposition, Erceg most frequently jokes round destructive suggestions. He’s additionally hilariously leaning in the direction of doppelganger comparisons with Hollywood veteran Steve Carrel’s character, “Michael Scott.” Regardless of all of the pressures, Erceg stays composed to realize what he got down to do.
Yeah, I am positively ready for it...I am truthfully excited for the chance to get yelled at and to die...and bottles thrown at me... [laughs] I believe it may be very thrilling and um, I am unable to wait to take the belt and put it on, get on a airplane and fly residence...Steve Erceg through “Submission Radio” Podcast
Submission Radio co-hosts Kacper Rosolowski & Denis Shkuratov requested the fighter to weigh in on the Brazilian fanbase, infamous as probably the most passionate followers on the earth. The Colby Covington incident in Brazil nearly induced a brawl. As such, Erceg profitable over Pantoja may have related repercussions.
The Brazilian crowd obtained criticism from UFC followers after they walked out on Glover Texeira’s retirement speech at UFC 283. Extra not too long ago, through the UFC 300 Q&A Session sitdown with ESPN MMA‘s Megan Olivi, Brazillian followers notably slurred at Arman Tsarukyan. This was in help of Charles Oliveira. Therefore, Erceg is aware of what to anticipate, and the Aussie means to carry the belt residence.
Steve Erceg sympathizes with Muhammad Mokaev scuffling over title shot
The information of the #10 ranked Steve Erceg taking up champion Alexandre Pantoja had taken the MMA group by storm. One thing else impacting the trigger was Pantoja having fought a lot of the high 10 friends already. Brandon Moreno and Brandon Royval have misplaced in opposition to him; Amir Albazi is on a lay-off. Erceg changing into the #1 contender for the 125-pound title didn’t sit nicely with fellow flyweight Muhammad Mokaev.
Mokaev beat former title contender Alex Perez at UFC Combat Night time 238. Nonetheless, ‘Astro Boy’ Erceg considers the efficiency to be stylistically missing. Therefore, Erceg felt the promotion selected him as an alternative of the undefeated phenom. Mokaev took to a social media tirade, evaluating their stats to this point. In a way, Erceg understands the place he’s coming from.
I imply, I'd be upset if I used to be him...he is been within the UFC for lots longer than I've, um...six fights and 6 wins. And Pantoja has known as him out as nicely...so I can totally perceive why he is upset.Steve Erceg through “Submission Radio” Podcast
Mokaev at present stands at 11-0 MMA and 6-0 UFC. Therefore, Erceg will get that the undefeated streaking phenom could be upset with a 3-fight beginner calling him unexciting or getting a title shot over him. Nonetheless, the Aussie challenger believed Mokaev’s lackluster efficiency didn’t impress the UFC to reward a title shot.
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