Undisputed flyweight champion, Alexandre Pantoja made good on his first outing on residence soil since his transfer to the Octagon — efficiently retaining his divisional title with a unanimous resolution (48-47, 48-46, 49-46) over challenger, Steve Erceg of their UFC 301 primary occasion conflict.
Pantoja, the present undisputed flyweight titleholder, headlined tonight’s return to Rio de Janeiro at UFC 301, having efficiently defended his crown at UFC 296 again in December in a rematch judging victory towards Brandon Royval.
![Alexandre Pantoja retains title in Brazil return, beats Steve Ercog in thin decision win - UFC 301 Highlights 2 Pantoja Erceg UFC 301](https://i0.wp.com/www.lowkickmma.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Pantoja-Erceg-UFC-301.jpeg?resize=612%2C420&ssl=1)
![Alexandre Pantoja retains title in Brazil return, beats Steve Ercog in thin decision win - UFC 301 Highlights 2 Pantoja Erceg UFC 301](https://i0.wp.com/www.lowkickmma.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Pantoja-Erceg-UFC-301.jpeg?resize=612%2C420&ssl=1)
As for Erceg, the Australian — who was three-fights deep right into a profitable run and his Octagon stint besides, earned his title combat with Pantoja tonight off the again of a shocking KO win over Matt Schnell only a month in the past.
![Alexandre Pantoja retains title in Brazil return, beats Steve Ercog in thin decision win - UFC 301 Highlights 3 Pantoja Erceg 4](https://i0.wp.com/www.lowkickmma.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Pantoja-Erceg-4.jpeg?resize=612%2C409&ssl=1)
![Alexandre Pantoja retains title in Brazil return, beats Steve Ercog in thin decision win - UFC 301 Highlights 3 Pantoja Erceg 4](https://i0.wp.com/www.lowkickmma.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Pantoja-Erceg-4.jpeg?resize=612%2C409&ssl=1)
And starting in typical aggressive trend, Pantoja managed to scramble with success all through his 5 spherical back-and-forth towards Perth native, Erceg.
![Alexandre Pantoja retains title in Brazil return, beats Steve Ercog in thin decision win - UFC 301 Highlights 4 Pantoja UFC 301](https://i0.wp.com/www.lowkickmma.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Pantoja-UFC-301.jpeg?resize=422%2C612&ssl=1)
![Alexandre Pantoja retains title in Brazil return, beats Steve Ercog in thin decision win - UFC 301 Highlights 4 Pantoja UFC 301](https://i0.wp.com/www.lowkickmma.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Pantoja-UFC-301.jpeg?resize=422%2C612&ssl=1)
Nonetheless, coping with a large lower throughout his brow, Pantoja took his foot off the fuel significantly within the fourth spherical — and managed to swing the bout in his favor within the fifth and remaining body to efficiently retain his throne atop the 125lbs division.