Flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja is set to defend his title in his hometown of Rio de Janeiro against Steve Erceg at UFC 301, marking his first fight in Brazil since 2013.
Alexandre Pantoja’s been itching for this homecoming. The flyweight champ’s defending his title in his birthplace, Rio de Janeiro, this Saturday. His opponent? Steve Erceg, in the UFC 301 main event. Pantoja hasn’t fought on Brazilian soil since 2013, a good three years before he joined the UFC.
He’s sharing the card with the legendary Jose Aldo. A big deal, right? So, is Pantoja ready to snatch Aldo’s title as “The King of Rio”?
Pantoja’s response? “Brazil is the real world.” He’s in love with Rio, the most beautiful city on the planet, according to him. Having Aldo on the same card is special. He hopes Aldo doesn’t quit fighting. He’s learned so much from him. He even had the chance to train with Aldo at Nova União about a decade ago.
Remembering his younger self, watching Aldo, Renan Barao, and other great fighters, Pantoja recalls Aldo’s training sessions. Aldo would beat everyone, no matter how many opponents he faced.
Pantoja’s learned a lot from Aldo. Now, at ATT, American Top Team, he’s learning about defending takedowns. Aldo’s one of the best at that. Pantoja feels a connection. He wants to prove his worth and show Aldo he’s ready to be the King of Rio too.
Flashback to January 2023. UFC visited Rio. Pantoja was there, but only as a backup for the flyweight title main event. The fight went on as planned, with Moreno defeating Figueiredo to regain the championship.
Pantoja then defeated Moreno at UFC 290 and defended his title against Brandon Royval. Now, it’s his time to shine.
“Never imagined this,” Pantoja admits. Last year, he was just a backup for Moreno and Deiveson. He thought maybe something good was coming. Now, it’s better. His name’s on the banner, he’s the main event. He’s living a dream. He’s the champion, fighting for the title in his city.
The crowd’s energy? Amazing. Pantoja wants to give back all that energy. He wants everyone to smile after his fight.
UFC 301 isn’t exactly star-studded. Many popular Brazilian fighters were booked for UFC 299 and UFC 300. So, Pantoja headlining against Erceg, a rising contender who debuted less than a year ago, has received a lukewarm reception.
But Pantoja welcomes a fresh challenge. Especially since it lets him headline at home.
Erceg’s a good name, Pantoja thinks. He called the UFC to fight in Brazil, his wish after defending his belt with Royval. He’s never fought in Brazil for the UFC, and now he’s back in Rio as a champ. He’s excited.
He’s already beaten the guys at the front of the line. Royval, Moreno, Amir [Albazi] has an injury. He thinks Erceg is lucky, but his luck’s about to run out on May 4. Because he’s fighting Pantoja.