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. Iâll be on weight ready to step in if anything happens. If not Iâm sitting front row watching my teammates and next fight square off. https://t.co/LA5wcltRHA
â Brandon (@brandonroyval) March 15, 2024
Muhammad Mokaev
never picked opponents , never pulled out from the fights even tho when I wasnât healthy
Never missed weight
I will be champion ! You motivated me a lot @Mickmaynard2 thank u
â 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 Iâm assuming Pantoja asked for him . Not saying he canât win.. but what are rankings for? pic.twitter.com/12DRRy243w
â Charles âInnerGâ 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
â Renato Moicano UFC (@moicanoufc) March 15, 2024
Jake Hadley
You know what I donât side with @muhammadmokaev often but he should of been next in line IMO
â Jake âWhite Kongâ Hadley (@JakeHadleyMMA) March 15, 2024
Cody Durden
Chase Hooper
Tatsuro Taira
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