In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Australian fighter Steve Erceg fell just short of claiming the flyweight championship in his fourth UFC fight against Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 301. Erceg put up a valiant effort, pushing Pantoja to the limit in a thrilling main event that had fans on the edge of their seats.
Despite a strong showing, Erceg’s late takedowns in the fifth round, which were quickly reversed by Pantoja, ultimately cost him the title. Judge Dave Tirelli’s puzzling scorecard of 49-46 in favor of Pantoja added to the disappointment, but the other two officials had the fight tied going into the final round.
Reflecting on his performance, Erceg expressed regret over his decisions that may have led to his defeat. He acknowledged Pantoja’s ability to counter his takedowns and control the ground game, a factor that likely swayed the judges in favor of the reigning champion.
Despite the loss, Erceg’s impressive effort in his first title fight after less than a year in the UFC earned him respect from fans and critics alike. While he may have to regroup and work his way back up the ranks, Erceg remains determined to secure another shot at the gold with a few more victories under his belt.
As Erceg heads back to Australia with his first UFC loss and the end of his 11-fight win streak, the fighter’s resilience and determination leave no doubt that he will be back stronger and more determined than ever.