“Don’t think people would’ve been super excited…” Steve Erceg reveals why UFC looked past undefeated phenom Muhammad Mokaev for title fight

UFC 301 has a surprising main event with #10-ranked Steve Erceg challenging the flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja. While this matchup received huge criticism, there were few options at flyweight. One fighter who could’ve earned the title shot was Muhammad Mokaev. Now, Erceg detailed what made the UFC look past Mokaev to give him a title opportunity.

Steve Erceg believed the fans wouldn’t be interested in a matchup between Muhammad Mokaev and Alexandre Pantoja. Mokaev showcased a lackluster performance in his last fight. As such, Erceg made his case for the UFC choosing him despite being only three fights old in the promotion. Erceg said:

I don't think people would've been super excited about seeing (Muhammad Mokaev) fight for the title after his last performance. I got the Matt Schnell fight, who is top ten ranked and I beat him emphatically. So, I just think (UFC) liked the storyline there. That's why I think they went me.

Steve Erceg via YT-Middle Easy

Steve Erceg and Muhammad Mokaev fought on the same card, UFC Vegas 87. The undefeated phenom earned a win against Alex Perez and looked at a title shot next. Even Erceg believed Mokaev would be preferred, considering the hype surrounding him. But, the hype took a hit since ‘The Punisher’ put on an underwhelming performance, which turned the MMA fan base against him.

Although there was condemnation for booking Steve Erceg vs. Alexandre Pantoja, the flyweight title picture looked dry. The Australian fighter slipped into the title challenger spot with his stunning knockout. If Erceg wins, he will become one of the very few fighters who won the title in under five UFC fight appearances.

Steve Erceg looks at the title picture of the flyweight division and names options for his first title defense

Steve Erceg believed he was ‘lucky’ to be in the right place at the right time to fight for the UFC title. As such, he looked at the landscape of the flyweight division and shared his thoughts about fighting for the title. ‘Astroboy’ named a few options for his first potential title defense.

Firstly, he considered Amir Albazi as a potential challenger. Then, he looked at the potential title eliminator fight, Brandon Moreno vs. Brandon Royval, and dismissed them. Erceg said:

I thought Albazi would be next but he is injured at the moment... Moreno, he already fought Pantoja three times, Royval was Pantoja's last title defense and not only me, fans don't like to see the same fights over and over again...I'm lucky! I understand it's sort of right place at the right time.

Steve Erceg via Middle Easy

A win for Steve Erceg would leave the flyweight division wide open for new matchups. As such, he named Muhammad Mokaev, Amir Albazi, and the winner of ‘Manel Kape vs. Matheus Nicolau‘ as potential title challengers for him. However, Erceg has to finish the task at hand and produce an upset win over the flyweight champion on his home soil before talks of title defenses.

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• WATCH: UFC contender Brandon Royval’s cafe visit gets interrupted by random drug-testing

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