Steve Erceg is the surprise winner of the Alexandre Pantoja sweepstakes.
UFC revealed Friday that Erceg– not Muhammad Mokaev, Brandon Royval, or any of the other normal flyweight suspects– will be the one challenging Pantoja for a UFC belt on May 4 when the promo go back to Rio de Janeiro for UFC 301. The statement comes simply 3 bouts into Erceg's octagon profession, fresh off a March win over Matt Schnell, and sparked lots of response from the mild-mannered 27-year-old's fellow fighters.
Have a look at response to the statement listed below, consisting of an incredulous reaction from Mokaev, who had actually been vocally marketing for the area.
Tf UFC simply done?
I have 2nd active winning streak in MMA flyweight history!
InshaAllah I will take this belt quickly!
— Muhammad Mokaev (@muhammadmokaev) March 15, 2024
never ever chosen challengers, never ever took out from the battles even tho when I wasn't healthy
Never ever missed out on weight
I will be champion! You encouraged me a lot @Mickmaynard2 thank u
— Muhammad Mokaev (@muhammadmokaev) March 15, 2024
I have more surfaces in the UFC than Ercegs battles mate
— Muhammad Mokaev (@muhammadmokaev) March 15, 2024
Offer me Royval in Manchester I gon na whip him, you wan na see surface?
Offer me this battle! I will complete him
— Muhammad Mokaev (@muhammadmokaev) March 15, 2024
Pantoja literately cleaned up the department even before being champion !!!! Erceg got the gold ticket since of it !!!! That been stated pantoja by surface #ufc 301
— Renato Moicano UFC (@moicanoufc) March 15, 2024
Another Aussie is coming for the strap!!
Big action up for Astroboy here in simply his 4th battle in the promo – does he have the tools to shut down Pantoja? https://t.co/WJtsWNjBTx
— Megan Anderson (@MeganAnderson) March 15, 2024
UFC offering Erceg a title battle after 2 battles in the promo is harsh to the department. Lots of guys working their method up and with longer active win streaks/ surfaces.
My only guess I'm presuming Pantoja requested him. Not stating he can't win. What are rankings for? pic.twitter.com/12DRRy243w
— Charles “InnerG” Johnson (@InnerGmma) March 15, 2024
You understand what I do not side with @muhammadmokaev frequently however he need to of been next in line IMO
— Jake ‘White Kong' Hadley (@JakeHadleyMMA) March 15, 2024
Erceg looked great his last battle. I'll be on weight prepared to action in if anything occurs. If not I'm sitting front row viewing my colleagues and next battle square off. https://t.co/LA5wcltRHA
— Brandon (@brandonroyval) March 15, 2024 » …
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