Alexandre Pantoja vs. Steve Erceg May 4 2024 UFC 301 – As the excitement builds towards UFC 301, the flyweight title bout between Alexandre Pantoja and Steve Erceg is set to captivate fans. With Alexandre “The Cannibal” Pantoja bringing a seasoned record of 27-5-0 against the up-and-coming Steve “Astroboy” Erceg, who holds a record of 12-1-0, this matchup is not only a clash of experience versus new blood but also a crucial moment for bettors looking for UFC 301 free betting picks.
Fight Details
| When: | Saturday, May 4, 2024 10:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Farmasi Arena, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
| Stream: | UFC Fight Pass |
Alexandre Pantoja
Alexandre “The Cannibal” Pantoja, one of the flyweight division veterans, is the one who could be clearly noticed not only because of his achievement which is 27-5-0 but also because of his balanced and aggressive fighting style. This shows that he is not only equipped with a well-rounded mixed martial arts approach, which is the combination of strong grappling skill and technical striking. Pantoja’s average extended battle time of over twelve minutes indicates his endurance and strategic patience, allowing him to expose the value of opponent over the course of the fight.
Pantoja is undoubtedly versatile while striking with the number of significant strikes he lands (4.32 per minute) being right at 49% of accuracy. This, of course, shows quantity, but also the degree of force that enables him to gradually break down his rivals’ defenses. On top of that, his grappling skills are incredible; he averages 2.20 takedowns every 15 minutes with 48% success. Besides, his ability to maintain ground positions is supported by his competence in submissions, averaging one submission attempt per fight, which manifests Ben’s wide range of prowess and danger in various aspects throughout the fight.
It was a proof of his great skills as he was able to control the victory and the fight by the use of his feet and on the ground techniques in his last bout against Royval. Pantoja’s skills in adapting and imposing his will on foes make him a terrific contender to watch in the flyweight class. The multiplicity of kicks, punches, fighting suits and fight IQ contributes to Alexandre Pantoja being one of the most solid favorites going into UFC 301, and looking out against any opponent, including the new star, Steve Erceg.
Steve Erceg
Steve “Astroboy” Erceg has racked up a track record of 12-1-0 within a short period of time. The name “Astroboy” carries a futuristic and active element which can define his style in the ring, which he always shows during his fights. In this match-up, Erceg will bring a slightly different type of physical advantage as he stands three inches taller than Pantoja with a slightly longer reach that gives him the ability to maintain distance and use his striking proficiency.
Erceg lands an average of 4.57 significant strikes per minute with a 48% accuracy, which is ahead of Pantoja in terms of output, which could be an important issue in a high-speed battle. However, his defensive skills are astonishing – a striking defense of 55% coupled to a truly standout takedown defense of 77%. This points that Erceg is not only capable in offense but also fluent in evading damages and dictating the tempo and voluminousness of the battle.
Nevertheless, his grappling achievement is executable as indicated by the average of 1.69 takedowns per 15 minutes and a 30% takedown accuracy. Adding to this fact, his submission rate of 0.8 per 15 minutes also speaks volumes about his prowess of finishing fights on the mat if the situation arises. The most recent time he managed to do this was during his bout against Schnell where he executed his strategy, allowing him to strike and blocking his opponent’s blows.
Alexandre Pantoja vs. Steve Erceg May 4 2024 UFC 301 Summary
When comparing both fighters, Alexandre Pantoja’s extensive experience and balanced skill set in both striking and grappling make him a slight favorite. However, Steve Erceg’s defensive capabilities and his recent track record suggest he is more than capable of upsetting the veteran. This fight promises to be a closely contested battle, with each fighter having distinct advantages that could sway the outcome.
For bettors seeking to place informed wagers, high-rated betting platforms suggest leaning towards Pantoja due to his proven track record and resilience in the ring. Nonetheless, the smart money might also consider the potential for an upset by Erceg, given his impressive rise and defensive skills. As UFC 301 approaches, the tension is palpable, and this flyweight title bout is poised to be a highlight of the event, offering both thrilling action and intriguing betting opportunities.
