Australia's Steve Erceg has narrowly fallen short of claiming the UFC flyweight title with an unanimous decision defeat against Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 301.
Fighting in front of Pantoja's home-town crowd in Rio de Janeiro, Erceg was only condemned to defeat after losing the final round against the Brazilian champion.
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Alexandre Pantoja vs. Steve Erceg result: Flyweight championship at UFC 301
Pantoja defended his UFC flyweight title against Erceg by unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46), with a victory in the final round likely getting him over the line.
Erceg acquitted himself excellently through the first four rounds, maintaining an advantage in striking, while Pantoja was stronger in grappling.
With the fight going down to the fifth and final round, Erceg saw two of his takedowns reversed, allowing the Brazilian to gain the ascendency in the fight.
Post-fight, Erceg reflected on the final round where he was defeated in an area of his own strength.
"I was surprised by how well he scrambled, I usually am better than that," Erceg said.
"I thought if I could win the last round I'd give myself a chance."
In front of his home-town crowd, Pantoja urged the fans to stay before he paid tribute to Erceg's effort.
"Stay in the arena please! I am in here to fight the best in the world, what a tough guy, what a tough division," he said.
"He's an incredible guy, I need a bit of a break, I've fought three times this year, it's time for me to samba with my girl."
UFC 301 UFC 301 full card results
Main Card
- Alexandre Pantoja def. Steve Erceg via unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46) for the UFC flyweight title
- Jose Aldo def. Jonathan Martinez via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Anthony Smith def. Vitor Petrino via submission (2:00 into round one)
- Michel Pereira def. Ihor Potieria via submission (0:54 into round one)
- Caio Borralho def. Paul Craig via KO (2:10 into round two)
Prelims
- Joanderson Brito def. Jack Shore via TKO (3:35 into round two)
- Iasmin Lucindo; def. Karolina Kowalkiewicz via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Myktybek Orolbai def. Elves Brener via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-27)
- Drakkar Klose def. Joaquim Silva via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Early Prelims
- Mauricio Ruffy def. Jamie Mullarkey via TKO (4:42 into round one)
- Dione Barbosa def. Ernesta Kareckaite via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Ismael Bonfim def. Vinc Pichel via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Alessandro Costa def. Kevin Borjas via TKO (1:35 into round two)