Alexandre Pantoja vs. Steve Erceg UFC 301 – As the UFC returns to the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on May 4, 2024, fight fans are in for a treat with a compelling flyweight title bout at UFC 301. Alexandre Pantoja, “The Cannibal,” will defend his title against the rising star Steve Erceg, known as “Astroboy.” With Pantoja’s record standing at an impressive 27-5-0 compared to Erceg’s 12-1-0, this matchup promises to deliver high-octane action. As we delve into the UFC 301 best free picks, let’s explore what makes this fight a must-watch and potentially lucrative for astute bettors.
Alexandre Pantoja vs. Steve Erceg
When: Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 10:00 PM ET
Where: Farmasi Arena Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
TV: ESPN+
Alexandre Pantoja vs. Steve Erceg Betting Odds
| Moneyline | |
| Pantoja | -275 |
| Erceg | +210 |
Alexandre Pantoja Analysis
Having a professional record of 27 wins out of 5 losses give Alexandre Pantoja the status of arguably the greatest flyweight champion. Notably, his average fight time of 12:10 minutes as well represent his effectiveness at long-term involvement, which possibility might come in handy during the championship. Pantoja has a striking accuracy of 49% and averages 4.32 significant strikes per minute, which forms his lethal style of offense. His grapple standings, as well, are not bad with average 2.20 takedowns every 15 minutes and 48% accuracy. The current win against Royval only affirms that he is indeed the strongest among other champs. Pantoja’s wide-ranging proficiencies and battle-tested fitness is a tough factor to play against in any fight.
Steve Erceg Analysis
Despite the fact that Steve Erceg, up to date with an MMA record of 12-1-1, is less experienced, he, however, portrays a bright future in the UFC flyweight division. Erceg is at 5′ 8″ in height thus 3 inches above his opponents, which gives him the slight reach advantage that he has used smartly and thrown more (4.57) strikes in 3 mins of a fight with 48 % accuracy. In these aspects, especially in striking defense and takedown defense, he slightly surpasses his opponent having 55% for striking defense and 77% for higher takedown defense. Erceg’s latest victory against Schnell was a hint of his growing punching power and his good thinking ability in the ring. So, we can say that he could be the player who will be a threat to the champion.
Alexandre Pantoja vs. Steve Erceg Stats
| Pantoja | Erceg | |
| Wins/Losses/Draws | 27-5-0 | 12-1-0 |
| Average Fight Time | 12:10 | 11:49 |
| Height | 5′ 5″ | 5′ 8″ |
| Weight | 125 lbs. | 125 lbs. |
| Reach | 67″ | 68″ |
| Stance | Orthodox | Orthodox |
| Strikes Landed per Min. | 4.32 | 4.57 |
| Striking Accuracy | 49% | 48% |
| Strikes Absorbed per Min. | 3.90 | 3.64 |
| Defense | 50% | 55% |
| Takedowns Average/15 min. | 2.20 | 1.69 |
| Takedown Accuracy | 48% | 30% |
| Takedown Defense | 67% | 77% |
| Submission Average/15 min. | 1.0 | 0.8 |
Alexandre Pantoja vs. Steve Erceg Betting Picks
Keeping the fighters’ prior records as well as the present-day performance level in mind, Alexandre appears to outweigh Pantoja in terms of the experience received and a proven level of the performance at the championship money. It is his devastating attack and dominant position of the title defense that make him a very fierce boxer. He, however, possesses splendid defense and reach which might shift the outcome of the fight into a more predictable one than that’s being estimated by the forecasters.
While the huge factor of Pantoja’s actual betting decision is the experience and the winning history, it is interesting to have the thought that maybe, Erceg, who is often underestimated, has the potential to upset the odds. An important factor is the fact that his great reach and defensive skills can break down Pantoja’s rhythm and make the fight more difficult than expected.
Free Pick: Alexandre Pantoja -275
As we gear up for this electrifying match at UFC 301, it’s clear that this event offers not just high-quality entertainment but also intriguing opportunities for Canadian live betting enthusiasts. Both fighters have the skills to win, but the smart money should consider the experience and historical performance of Alexandre Pantoja, even as they keep an eye on the promising challenger, Steve Erceg.
