Alexandre Pantoja overcomes nasty cut and huge battle with unheralded challenger Steve Erceg at UFC 301 to win decision after five-round thriller, as Brazilian retains title in Rio de Janeiro
- Alexandre Pantoja held off challenger Steve Erceg to defend his flyweight belt
- Pantoja, fighting in his home country of Brazil, achieved a scorecard clean sweep
- But it was far from plain sailing as Pantoja suffered a bloody gash on his forehead
Alexandre Pantoja successfully defended his UFC flyweight title after a unanimous victory against Steve Erceg in front of his home crowd in Brazil.
Pantoja held off the challenger to retain his belt, earning a clean sheet on the scorecards (48-47, 48-47, 49-46), but also suffered a nasty cut on his face.
The favorite faced his unknown opponent in Rio de Janeiro after starting at the top of the first round before being dragged into a bloody war.
A brave Erceg more than held his own during the pulsating back-and-forth confrontation, but Pantoja’s control on the ground ultimately proved decisive.
“I’m here to fight the best in the world and this guy is one of them,” Pantoja said.
‘What a difficult opponent to have here. I think I should move my head, these guys are hitting me too much. What an incredible guy, an incredible opponent.”
Pantoja started aggressively, but Erceg, coming so close to shocking a raucous full house, responded effectively in a flurry of eye-catching exchanges.
Earlier in the event, Jose Aldo had electrified the crowd in the co-main event after his dominant victory against Jonathan Martinez on his return from retirement.
More to follow.