Steve Erceg emerges as the unexpected victor in the race to challenge Alexandre Pantoja. In a surprising turn of events, the UFC revealed on Friday that Erceg, rather than Muhammad Mokaev, Brandon Royval, or any other familiar names in the flyweight division, will be stepping into the octagon to vie for a UFC belt on May 4.
This announcement comes merely three fights into Erceg’s UFC career, following his recent triumph over Matt Schnell in March. The news sparked a flurry of reactions from Erceg’s fellow fighters, who were taken aback by the mild-mannered 27-year-old’s sudden ascent.
The response to the announcement was swift, with Mokaev expressing incredulity at the decision, considering his own active winning streak and vocal campaign for the title shot.
He reiterated his determination to claim the belt soon, acknowledging the motivation provided by UFC matchmaker Mick Maynard. Mokaev also pointed out his superior number of finishes in the UFC compared to Erceg’s limited octagon experience.
Meanwhile, Renato Moicano UFC weighed in, highlighting Pantoja’s dominance in the division and suggesting that Erceg’s opportunity stemmed from the champion’s thorough clearing out of contenders. Megan Anderson, too, acknowledged the significance of Erceg’s rapid rise to title contention, pondering whether he possesses the skills necessary to dethrone Pantoja.
However, not everyone was supportive of Erceg’s swift elevation in the rankings. Charles “InnerG” Johnson criticized the decision, citing the numerous contenders with longer active win streaks and more finishes who are diligently working their way up the ranks.
He questioned the purpose of rankings if such decisions bypass established contenders. Similarly, Jake ‘White Kong’ Hadley sided with Mokaev, believing he should have been next in line for the title shot.
Despite the controversy surrounding Erceg’s ascent, Brandon Royval remained prepared to step in if needed, showcasing his commitment to staying on weight and supporting his teammates in their upcoming bouts.
The unexpected announcement has stirred the pot in the flyweight division, sparking debates about the criteria for title contention and the fairness of bypassing established contenders. As Erceg prepares to face Pantoja, all eyes will be on UFC 301 to see if the surprise contender can seize the opportunity and make his mark on the division.
