Flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja successfully defended his title at UFC 301 this past Saturday, defeating Steve Erceg by unanimous decision.  In defeat, the ninth-ranked Erceg had a good showing in just his fourth octagon appearance.   

Pantoja’s ability to take the fight to the ground and maintain top control was likely the deciding factor in some close rounds.  Former middleweight titleholder Robert Whittaker believes it was Pantoja’s experience is ultimately what led to the win.  

“We’re Australian, so we were going for Steve.  I wanted to see Steve get that title and bring it back,” Whittaker said on the MMArcade Podcast.  “I thought Pantoja did enough to win.  Now whether or not it’s a fan favorite him getting takedowns and utilizing control time instead of damage time, or working like that.  It’s still winning fights.”

“Personally, I had Pantoja winning the first three (rounds).  Four went to Erceg, and I think five, it could have been either way, but I thought the way Steve finished was kind of bad.  You never want to finish on your back.  I think finishing on your back doesn’t look favorably to the South American judges.” 

Despite the loss, Whittaker thought Erceg had a good performance.  He also believes that if the two ever with again that Erceg will win.    

“I thought that was an amazing showing for Steve,” Whittaker said.  “This is his fourth fight in the UFC and he’s gone from fight to fight to fight, higher up to higher up, higher in the rankings.  He speed ran his way through the division.”

“It thought he fought a terrific fight.  I thought he did really well.  I think he did get out wrestled and out scrambled on occasion in several key moments, and I feel like that came from Pantoja’s experience.  Pantoja had experience on him.  I fell that was the deciding factor,” Whittaker continued.  “I think if they were to meet a second time, Steve gets the W.”  

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