Alexandre Pantoja tops spirited Steve Erceg to defend title - ESPN

Alexandre Pantoja turned back a formidable challenge from Steve Erceg to earn a unanimous decision and retain the UFC flyweight championship in the main event of UFC 301 on Saturday night.

Fighting in front of his fellow countrymen at the Farmasi Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the champion dealt with a surprisingly sturdy opponent in Erceg who challenged him at every turn of their 25-minute battle. It would be Pantoja's experience, grappling and nine takedowns that would turn back the challenge of a fighter many thought was undeserving of a title opportunity

But Erceg, from Perth, Australia, gave Pantoja all he could handle.

«I'm in here to fight the best in the world and this guy is one of them,» Pantoja said. «What a tough fighter and what a tough division.»

It was a fight that ended up being decided in the final round as two of the three judges had it even after four rounds of action. However, Erceg's ill-advised takedown attempt in the fifth round gave the Brazilian the opening to secure a takedown and take control down the stretch.

Pantoja might have underestimated Erceg, who entered the fight as the UFC's No. 10-ranked fighter. He recklessly charged in with punches in an attempt to overwhelm Erceg in the opening round. But Erceg remained poised and never looked like the moment was too big for him. The second round saw a slight shift in momentum as Erceg began to pick off Pantoja's advances while utilizing a short elbow to prevent the champion from getting a distinct advantage over him.

Pantoja routinely threatened Erceg's back in the middle rounds, but Erceg remained calm and fought off «The Cannibal.» The fourth was yet another round where Erceg found success with his striking and won the exchanges on the feet.