Fighters react to Steve Erceg’s unexpected title shot vs. Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 301
March 15, 2024 8:08 pm ET
Steve Erceg is fighting for a UFC title, something that caught many by surprise.
On Friday, the UFC announced that Erceg would be the next challenger for UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja. The two are set to meet in the main event of UFC 301, which goes down on May 4 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Erceg is fighting for a UFC title less than a year into the UFC, and just in his fourth fight in the promotion.
Below is how some UFC fighters reacted to Erceg getting a UFC title shot.
Brandon Royval
Erceg looked good his last fight. I’ll be on weight ready to step in if anything happens. If not I’m sitting front row watching my teammates and next fight square off. https://t.co/LA5wcltRHA
— Brandon (@brandonroyval) March 15, 2024
Muhammad Mokaev
never picked opponents , never pulled out from the fights even tho when I wasn’t healthy
Never missed weight
I will be champion ! You motivated me a lot @Mickmaynard2 thank u
— Muhammad Mokaev (@muhammadmokaev) March 15, 2024
Charles Johnson
UFC giving Erceg a title fight after two fights in the promotion is brutal to the division. So many guys working their way up and with longer active win streaks / finishes.
My only guess I’m assuming Pantoja asked for him . Not saying he can’t win.. but what are rankings for? pic.twitter.com/12DRRy243w
— Charles “InnerG” Johnson (@InnerGmma) March 15, 2024
Renato Moicano
Pantoja literately cleaned the division even before being champion!!!! Erceg got the gold ticket because of it!!!! That been said pantoja by finish #ufc301
— Renato Moicano UFC (@moicanoufc) March 15, 2024
Jake Hadley
You know what I don’t side with @muhammadmokaev often but he should of been next in line IMO
— Jake ‘White Kong’ Hadley (@JakeHadleyMMA) March 15, 2024
Cody Durden
Chase Hooper
Tatsuro Taira
Be sure to visit the MMA Junkie Instagram page and YouTube channel to discuss this and more content with fans of mixed martial arts.
