Alexandre Pantoja vs. Steve Erceg is the main event of UFC 301 a.k.a. UFC Rio, which will take place at Farmasi Arena, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Saturday, May 4, 2024. The main event is the UFC Flyweight Championship fight, in which Pantoja will try to defend his title against a guy who’s fighting only his fourth fight in the UFC.
Before Betting on Alexandre Pantoja vs. Steve Erceg UFC Rio Fight
UFC 301: Pantoja vs. Erceg is taking place in Rio de Janeiro, the hometown of Alexandre Pantoja. Fighting in front of his own crowd is one on a long list of reasons why “The Cannibal” is expected to win.
Another reason is that he’s got plenty of experience fighting big bouts. He’s been fighting professionally since 2007 and is 27-5 overall with zero losses inside the distance. Pantoja won each of his last five fights, the last two of which were championship fights.
The first of those saw him beat Brandon Moreno by a split decision to take over the UFC Flyweight crown. Then, last December, he defended his title against Brandon Royval whom he defeated by unanimous decision.
Now, it’s time for Pantoja to make his third title defense, this time, against a guy who’s relatively new in the UFC. Steve Erceg (12-1) has only been fighting in the UFC for about a year. He’s 3-0 in the UFC, with only one of those wins being against a ranked opponent (Matt Schnell).
Alexandre Pantoja vs. Steve Erceg UFC Rio Offshore Odds & Pick
| Offshore Sportsbook | Alexandre Pantoja | Steve Erceg |
| BetOnline | -240 | +205 |
| MyBookie | -255 | +193 |
| BetUS | -240 | +200 |
| SportsBetting.ag | -240 | +205 |
| XBet | -255 | +193 |
Alexandre Pantoja’s odds are somewhere in the ballpark of -240, which we think is actually great. “The Cannibal” is one of the best flyweights of his generation and he’s fighting in his hometown. On top of everything, his opponent is a fighter with limited experience in the world’s most elite MMA promotion.
Pick: Alexandre Pantoja
