Steve Erceg faces the biggest challenge of his career this weekend at UFC 301. Challenging for the flyweight title in what will be only his fourth UFC fight, there are a lot of eyes on Erceg as he looks to overcome an insurmountable task. However, he has the backing and the confidence of one of the best featherweights to ever do it, going into the fight.
For those unaware, Steve Erceg will be challenging Alexandre Pantoja for the flyweight crown in the main event of UFC 301. With the original headliner of Alex Pereira vs Jamahal Hill moved up to UFC 300, the responsibility of selling the PPV has fallen on the shoulders of the relatively new Aussie flyweight fighter. Currently ranked #10 in his division, and many may be questioning how or why he is getting the title shot.
Wheels up to Rio ✈️
The flyweight belt is up for grabs 🏆
Presale info: https://t.co/KhR1ww7s1q | #UFC301 pic.twitter.com/pxIQM9PXfm
— UFC (@ufc) March 15, 2024
For the most part, the current state of the flyweight division has it so that all top contenders are either booked or have already lost to Pantoja. That said, the matchmakers have elected Erceg to be the one to get the title shot next, despite a lot of complaints and outrage from other contenders. Despite the circumstances, fellow countryman and former featherweight champion is in full support of Steve Erceg.
Alexander Volkanovski reveals how much Steve Erceg learned from their training session
Coming into this one, Steve Erceg has been massively overlooked, and understandably so. With only three fights to his name until now, Erceg, although undefeated, has not shown anything yet to suggest that he is better than any of the contenders above him. At the same time, some may argue that it makes ‘Astroboy’ less predictable for his opponents.
Speaking on mainevent, Alexander Volkanovski revealed how much he had learned about Erceg by having him in one of his training sessions. According to Volk, the 28-year-old seemingly learned a lot from watching him and will use it for his fight against Alexandre Pantoja.
“I trained with him when I was in Perth, I think it was for my Islam (Makhachev) camp, my first one.”
“I’m glad he got to see how I trained and all that, I remember having a chat to him and he’s saying he took a lot out of that session as well.
“I think that’s going to be crucial for this fight and the fact that he might be put in some positions (against Pantoja), might be put in some uncomfortable positions, but I’m sure he’s doing that time and time again in the gym. That’s what’s going to make a big difference in this fight.”
“Get yourself uncomfortable, get yourself in bad positions in the gym, and say you’re ready for whatever.”
“I cannot wait for him to go out there and showcase his skill.”
All things considered, Volkanovski believes that there is a lot to Steve Erceg that fans and fighters are not yet aware of. With most of his hype coming after his walk-off KO against Matt Schnell at UFC Vegas 87, Erceg was simply just another fighter on the roster up until then.
Alexander Volkanovski believes that Steve Erceg can be another Australian champion
Seeing that Steve Erceg will be heading into enemy territory for his title fight at UFC 301, Alexander Volkanovski has been heavily involved and in conversations with the fighter throughout fight camp. Being a tenured fighter and champion himself, Volk’s nuggets of wisdom will surely go a long way in helping Erceg have a say against a fighter like Alexandre Pantoja.
Ahead of the fight, ‘The Great’ also commented on Erceg possibly becoming the third Australian champ, following in the footsteps of himself and former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker. Naturally, Volk is fully in support of Erceg and believes that he has what it takes to beat Pantoja and be the champion.
Alexander Volkanovski offering some advice to upcoming title challenger Steve Erceg on fighting in enemy territory 👀🇧🇷#UFC301
— MMA Orbit (@mma_orbit) April 21, 2024
“100%, I truly do believe it. Obviously, some people look at this like it was fast track to the UFC title but that doesn’t mean he’s not ready. I’ve heard many people say it, earlier in his career, that he’s gonna get right to the top, in his skills showcasing the skills that he has, the well-roundedness he has, he’s been looking great.
“He is well-rounded, he is smart, he’s fit, he’s got all the right tools to be a champion and I think he does it this weekend. I cannot wait.”
As Volkanovksi has hinted at with his comments, Steve Erceg has a lot that he hasn’t displayed yet. Although many may see him as a crisp boxer, Erceg also happens to have arguably some of the best grappling in the entire division. Thus, it will be the surprise factor of the challenger that he will be banking on to make the difference against Pantoja. Despite it being a ‘mismatch’ according to some, many are expecting a great fight come Saturday night.