Underdog Steve Erceg predicts to finish flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja in third round

Australian underdog Steve Erceg is brimming with confidence ahead of his UFC 301 title clash. This will come against the fierce flyweight king Alexandre Pantoja. The Perth native boldly stated his plan to overcome the challenge of the Brazilian champion.

Steve Erceg revealed his plans in a recent interview. The Australian fighter was confident that he possessed the skill and power to finish Pantoja. Erceg was asked how he thought the fight would go against Pantoja. He gave a prediction for finishing Pantoja in the five-round title fight.

I think I'm gonna finish [Alexandre] Pantoja, 3rd round.

Steve Erceg via Mainevent YT

The 27-year-old was a surprise announcement for the title contention. He seemed unfazed about facing one of the division’s most seasoned veterans. After all, he’s dreamed of this moment since his days watching Brock Lesnar fight at the UFC. ‘Astroboy’ is on a three-fight win streak and is coming off a vicious knockout of Matt Schnell.

Alexandre Pantoja boasts an imposing five-fight unbeaten streak and a relentless wrestling attack honed over decades on the mats. He recently won against Brandon Royval. However, the Aussie challenger believed his precise striking could neutralize that threat. Erceg remains an underdog, but he remains confident in his skills to neutralize the threat. 

Steve Erceg wants to defend the title multiple times before moving up

UFC fighters often look to conquer new divisions as soon as they become champions in their division. But there is one fighter that has a different mindset. Steve Erceg, the flyweight title contender, is set on an ambitious goal. He plans to defend his title an impressive six times before considering a move up in weight class.

Erceg was recently interviewed by BennyPMMA. The interviewer asked Erceg about his future if he won the flyweight title at UFC 301 against Alexandre Pantoja. Erceg had an answer that not many UFC fighters would share.

Yeah I want to defend my flyweight title for a while. My goal is to get to 6 UFC title defenses and then i can start thinking about moving divisions and all that good stuff.

Steve Erceg via BennyPMMA YT

The 27-year-old Australian has had dominant performances over his opponents. If he manages to win the title, he will have to go through the top flyweight contenders like Brandon Royval and Mohammad Mokaev. Whether he can achieve his lofty goal remains to be seen. 

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