“It’s not like he’s going out there and fighting like Justin Gaethje”-Steve Erceg on Alexandre Pantoja’s tendency to take damage in fights (Exclusive)

Prior to his flyweight title bout at UFC 301 in Brazil on May 4, challenger Steve Erceg had a one-on-one interview with Sportskeeeda MMA to discuss his upcoming match against champion Alexandre Pantoja. A topic of discussion regarding Pantoja is his impressive resilience in the face of adversity during fights.

During the interview, Erceg made the following statement:

“I think it is a factor but I don’t think it’s a factor in this fight. I think Pantoja has had a couple of wars but nothing crazy. It’s not like he is going out there and fighting like Justin Gaethje every fight or anything. He is grappling a little bit and I don’t think his chin has looked to wear out in any way. So I think it’s going to be the best of him versus the best of me.”

Take a look at Erceg’s remarks below (9:46):

Alexandre Pantoja reveals the reasoning behind selecting Steve Erceg as his next title defense opponent

Despite Steve Erceg’s lower ranking, many have been surprised by Alexandre Pantoja’s decision to defend his title against him. However, Pantoja himself appears unconcerned.

During a recent interview on the official Instagram of UFC Brazil, Pantoja disclosed a surprising motive for agreeing to the fight.

“It’s funny because that’s pretty much what I ask for. I was joking that I wanted a somewhat unknown opponent and this guy comes to me, who is tough. I even said, ‘I hope this guy moves up a category because he’s huge.’ Then he falls for me, but I say that jokingly. He’s a very tough opponent.”

Furthermore, he went on to say:

“I believe that, at this moment, he is more difficult than [Brandon] Royval, than [Brandon] Moreno, because he is a guy who comes from behind, with nothing to lose, he is number ten in the rankings, he comes fresh into the category. The only thing against it is that I think I have more fighting experience. I believe this will be used by me in the octagon.”

Take a look at Pantoja’s remarks about Steve Erceg mentioned below: