Steve Erceg speaks with Daniel Cormier after his loss to Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 301.
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#UFC #ufc301
Number 10 contender, 4th UFC fight and he had this performance. I know it's disappointing, but there's nothing to be ashamed of. This was huge for Erceg. He should be proud and keep working. He has what it takes to be a champion. More opportunities will come along.
He got robbed by dirty dirty brazil stop being a melt and speak the truth. This is a champion fighter who may even change career over FAKE FALSE judging. Fk the UFC.
He has a big future, i believe he can be a champion one day
Most definitely he’ll be a champion the guy’s a stud. Crisp boxing and his grappling isn’t bad.
They hold wrestling too high I felt like ercegs striking was far superior
"I am surprised how well he scrambled". Welcome to the UFC with USADA no longer testing.
Did all that in his 20s, His main weakness tonight was his inexperience, He will be fighting for the title again one day... Respect earned today
He's 28 going on 29 this year 😂. How is that early 20s? You just say anything for likes.
Where you get early 20's from? He's young but not that young.
@@brandonamezquita4501He’s probably 0b3se.
He’s not in his early twenties.
Steve's disappointed but should hold his head high with so few fights in the ufc and further development he's going to challenge for the belt again
When his voice breaks as he’s saying “I just blew it.” Bruh got me tearing up 😢. Love this dude, he’s a total beast and I believe he can be champ soon.
Pull yourself together bro 🥴Dude got a title shot after three fights in the UFC and lost a decision
Fr just feels sad. Could’ve been such a great moment to cap off the incredibly solid work he put into the fight.
@@primalspongebob6144 do you think you’ll be okay?
That’s still a great learning moment, going for those takedowns at the end was a mistake. Next time he won’t make it. Meanwhile a fight between him and Royval or Kara France sounds like a total banger
@@jonde4445ok i’m not that worried about it big boy. I’m exaggerating a bit, go outside and enjoy some fresh air you ain’t gotta worry about me.
Erceg did GREAT and he won himself name recognition and star potential 🇦🇺
Erceg won the title. He got robbed in the Favela
He showed some truly elite striking man, sick combos, sneaky angles and he’d usually pull back just in time to avoid the big bombs. I wanna see him vs Moreno, but since he’s on a break, a fight with Kai Kara France sounds like a banger!
Pantoja was bleeding like a mf. If you give it to suger sean over yan then Erceg earned that shit
Fr, Yan vs O'malley was much much closer than this shit
O'Malley will forever be on your mind..
@@ImagoofybaIIwhen I rewatched that fight Yan clearly won 2 rounds it was close but not that close but I'm glad Sean sent Aljo to the featherweight division
Difference is O'Malley is protected by the judges, refs and Dana.
I thought the last minute or so of control time would determine the winner. I had the same feeling in the O'Malley fight. But judges always lean towards the champ or crowd favorite and how the round ends. The O'Malley fight had closer rounds. But a 10 9 is a 10 9. If if i land double the strikes in round 1 and u control me all of round 2. We are still even for round 3. Need total fight scoring to fix that.
Nah why is this actually Sad
He seems to be a great guy😢 he is young though.
He’s a really classy dude and he looks like Michael Scott
@@swifty123 Man I was ready to make a meme too "office worker to UFC champion. Oh well he will certainly get another shot down the line
Cuz Steve is the goat
Yeah, this bummed me out while watching. He seemed so disappointed in himself. Steve really delivered an amazing performance. I think he should’ve won
Steve erceg is THE mf to look out for. Astroboy proved he was the best flyweight. After 25 mins of fighting what serious danger did Pantoja put him in?
No danger at all.
Nah
Poor emotional fangirls crying again. It's always a robbery now when you picked the wrong guy lol
@@GG-mf3rz Most of the shots Erceg hit Pantoja with Knocks 90% of the division out fucking cold.
@@Jefe-qh8kd I picked and betted on Pantoja, made money off him winning, still a robbery.
I know Pantoja always gets rematches but this is the most necessary rematch to make because of how close it was
Close???
@@PiglipsMaximustrue, no close, clearly 3-2 for Erceg
Necessary? It was a unanimous decision and Erceg never deserved the title shot in the first place.
He put up a better fight than Royval and Moreno
@@Wessside213deserved he literally did better than pantojas last 2 fuck outta here if it was up to me this mf is moving up to #3 rank atleast
0:53 "I just blew it" can make a grown man cry
What happened to damage based scoring, he pieced up Pantoja and he just layed and did absolutely nothing. How can you give him the 5th for laying and landing two pitter patter shots
I got news for you. The judges don't understand the technical aspects of MMA or the full rules.
Thats how most judges interpret the rules and fighters need to understand that. They take effective striking and grappling as being equal. But you cant completely ignore grappling and judge it as a kickboxing fight neither. Steves the one that decided the typical striker that trains some grappling is all the sudden great at wrestling and lost himself the fight. The inexperience showed. He tried that earlier in the fight and failed but didnt learn.
Overseas card. Overseas judges.
Guys like Sterling or Pantoja tonight who just take oponnent down and do ABSOLUTE NOTHING should get minus points.
What are you yapping
just heartbreaking man
We trained BJJ together all the time, was allways such a class person to be around I'm sad asf
Yes , getn robbed does always hurt
@@mmaforever594 I trained with him before. Super weird dude and makes people uncomfortable
@@sandman62100 🧢🧢🧢
Actually Erceg is mentally well, he alway look depressed even when there's nothing going on
Don’t beat yourself up brother. Your young, stay hungry, future champ.
In Vegas or anywhere else, Erceg would be walking away with the title.
if he'd won the fight sure
@@joaov643 If you'd read the updated rules you'd agree, for sure
@@dude9038 Wait, what are the updated rules? I'm new to UFC what advantage would there be if he fought in Vegas or somewhere else?
He doesn't mean the rules he means the judging criteria (he's saying damage should be the main thing to judge) @ChaseKayzer
Oh yeah I agree. Yesterday I told my buddy I feel like he would have won in a fight to the death yet still lost due to points.
Nah bedtime won idc, TRUST
All my homies love Steve, I’ll be rooting for him every time
this man is definitely a future champ, he’s gonna come back so strong and be one of the best.
Erceg won that shit
In no universe
Agreed
😂
0 MMA knowledge
@@nephartuzim8879You’re the one without MMA knowledge if you think Pantoja won, by the judging criteria Erceg should’ve won.
I never feel bad after fights usually, but this was a clear sign of home-field advantage. Erceg def won the fight and over the next few days there’s gonna be a lot of people talking about it. there’s nothing to hold his head for, he’s young and he will definitely be a champion for sure. Let’s not forget this is the number 10 guy in the division going into the title fight. He made it look like he was the one defending the title. Steve is a guy of few words, but man he definitely gained a lot of fans tonight.
He may not have won the title, but I guarantee Erceg left the octagon with a tonne of new fans.
"I just blew it" 😔 that hurt man. Erceg is the main character of flyweight now. Gsp had to lose his first title shot to become the goat later on, TRUST!
The lead up to this fight has made me a genuine fan of erceg, literally in less than a year he’s gone from a nobody, to a title challenger, with no gimmicks, no trash talking, just straight up humbleness and great fighting. Looking forward to seeing what he does next. I can definitely see him coming for the strap again soon, and with a little more experience, I can see he becoming a legitimate well rounded champ.
Proved he's a Top 5 guy, gonna make some money now.
With damage based scoring how can anyone give that fight to pantoja he did little to no damage through the entire fight erceg clearly won 2,4,and 5 based off of damage and possibly rd.3 also
He clearly didn't win the 5 stop it man he started to wrestle when he was winning on the feet got taking down absolutely fed up his chances of winning with that low IQ move.
@peacefuldecadence328 he outstruck pantoja the entire 5th round and split his eyebrow open with an elbow. Read the rules bro. It's not a matter of opinion. Erceg won round 5
Pantoja spent most of his time walking backwards 🤷
@@Wyatt_Riley idk man, stats say he got pieced in every round, wrestling and outstruck, this is just like volk v islam 1, 1 good finishing round HE SHOULDVE WON HE HAD HIM DONE IN THAT 1 ROUND, nah bubba
@@robertdonat321 So it's up to his opponent to close the void, and attack, this is a literal cage, you can't run.
*Fun Fact:* Erceg made his debut 1 month after Belal Mohammed's last fight, Didn't ask for a title shot yet he still got one before Belal... Dana White really hates Belal Mohammed 😭
Belal and aljo are boring af
Maybe becuz he is palestenian
@@nadimh8170 he born in chicago
Steve was the choice over the flyweight belal 😂
Who's this Belal guy everyone talks about?
ROBBERY ROBBERY ROBBERY ROBBERY ROBBERY
😂😂😂
Robery was Weidman x Bruno. This was legit
Regardless of the outcome Steve showed the whole world that he is a champion level fighter. Pantoja's experience won him the fight tonight but I have no doubt in my mind that Steve will be a champion at some point
incredible performance by him
Erceg got robbed like it's a Mugging TRUST
Pantoja is nearly the most boring fighter in the promotion
@WillMelville honestly but he can't beat Aljo because he actually punches while on the ground 😂😂
They couldn’t let their boy lose in Brazil.
You guys are delusional af. I was rooting for Erceg the whole time but Pantoja won that
Pantoja is boring ASF but clearly won
Erceg clearly won rounds 2, 3 and 4
I thought pantoja 1-2 and erceg 3-4.
I agree
@@jacobwebb5371I agree, erceg looked like he was bout to dominate the 5th then he shoots🤦🏽♂️
and according to UFC judging criteria, he 100% won round 5. He landed 2 heavy shots, pantoja did nearly nothing on the ground. Takedowns without damage or close subs mean nothing, based on the actual criteria
@@lukehanley4272 I think giving Erceg round 5 is fine, but he deserved to lose that round with his idiotic takedowns
The inexperience showed in the 5th. Shooting take downs on a guys who's had almost 10 minutes ground control throughout the fight while you've been winning on the feet was baffling. I had it 2-2 going into the 5th and thought Steve lost that fight from making poor decisions.
All the coaches had to say was “it’s 2-2, keep it standing” 😪
u put up a great fight we love u steve
He put up a challenging fight against the undisputed champion at only 4 fights in the UFC. He has a bright future for sure.
What a win for bedtime mma
Why tf would his coaches tell him he was down 0-3 after the third? Pretty sure that's why he felt like he had to take that chance in the fifth with the TD attempt. If they told him the right score he'd literally be champ right now.
100% agree. Made a desperation shot even though he was up. He did his job to win the fight, the coaches did not. Tough job though
I agree, but I think the coaches know being in Brazil already has them down a round..Erceg had to fight like he was behind even if he really was or not
LITERALLY WHAT I SAID! Shit pissed me off, it was 2-2 n they was saying he needs a finish smh
@@claytonboren3353surprisingly tho the judges would’ve actually gave erceg the fight had he not tried wrestling half way through the 5th
Because they’re giving him the worst case scenario so he pushes himself.
nothing to be ashamed about, he stepped up to the plate and was given a great opportunity, only up from here for him! props for taking this challenge on
why in the hell did he keep going for a takedown when he was dominating the standup game??
This guy will be champion 4th UFC fight and gave the toughest guy in the division a HARD fight and bloodied him up 2 years Ercegs Champ
Pantoja puts on a crazy pace and he was well and truly hanging in there. Now he has 5 round experience in hostile territory. Plenty of positives to take away from this fight, head up and come back stronger Michael Scott
Head up champ. Did australia proud. Had the best flyweight on ropes and was very close to winning. He will be back
For someone who's only been in the UFC for a single year, you did real well Steve; you put up a better fight against Pantoja than any current top contender could ever dream of. Future champ right here
As an Ausie, I'm so proud of Erceg and that was a clear robbery. Had it 4 rounds to 2. Erceg dominated him on the feet with ease and rocked him with every punch. Australia is the greatest country in earth and we own Brazil. 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺
Also and Aussie and i disagree Erceg lost that fight himself by going for takedowns in round 5.
Brother is not biased whatsoever frfr
I thought you were Indian...
Australia is so great to point where you’re rights don’t exist and criminals walk freely.
4 rounds to 2 lmao.
If he didn't go for those takedowns in the 5th and kept it standing with jabs, uppercuts, and straight rights it would've been a different story. None the less Erceg definitely proved he has the abilities for top level fights. Id say the UFC is gonna give him a contender fight next and he'll be right back in the slot for another shot at the title.
I had erceg by decision +450🤧those takedowns after literally winning the striking killed me. Idk if he gassed or what
We're proud of you Erceg.. Bedtime crew forever!!
I feel like everyone became a Steve Erceg fan after this night. He's such a humble man, and a savage fighter. Dude will be back in that octagon for another title fight in no time.
Erceg really performed great and aside from a few costly mistakes controlled the fight.
Steve doesnt know this but he has incredible potential in the ufc
i think steve erceg corner kinda cost him his fight by telling him he was down 0-3 after the first 3 rounds. his corner just seemed to lack confidence. sad to see him realize he lost because of the 5th round. if it was a draw i would have thought it was the most legit draw in ufc modern history. erceg def surprised me and made me a believer in his striking. he should still move up the ranks for his performance
100% wish he trusted his striking more. Corner needed to remind his that he got the shot at title because of his striking
Steve Erceg may not have won the belt, but he earned people's respect
3-2 Erceg
ALL DAY
No4x 1 pantoja
Maybe but taking Pantoja down didnt help his case in rd5
We love you Erceg❤
This dudes only 27 and he just went on a tear out of nowhere and took the champ 5 rounds and arguably won the fight, sheeesh
Now he can fight a top contender and then right back in the title contender, it is a very good championship performance
Ecreg just gained an instant fan. THIS IS THE FUTURE, SUPER HIGH LEVEL
not robbery at all he is actually winning the fight in 5th round until that 1 takedown mistake and pantoja controlled him i knew it after that
Literally threw the fight for no good reason
“i just blew it” man ts is heartbreaking like my last relationship TRUST😞
At least you had a last relationship...🥺😔😩
Damn mannnnn
Awesome job by Steve - Future champ in the making
Thanks for bad ass fight What a worrier
Won a new fan today !! you will be back Erceg!
Erceg is good...obviously gutted after the fight but definitely comes back better and is a massive threat in this division
You didn't blow it Steve, the judges did you dirty.
As a Brazilian and a Pantoja fan, I have to congratulate this guy, he is a great athlete and a potential future champion, his race for the title has just begun... I don't think the fight was a robbery Alexandre clearly won. O CAMPEÃO TEM NOME E É ALEXANDRE PANTOJA 🇧🇷🥇
Erceg makes flyweight fun
his hands are so good and big enough to go up a weight class,, wow so much potential
man you can se the two tiers in his face , astroboy you got our hearts rooting for you
Man stevo. Round 5 them unnecessary takedowns. You had him!
There are levels in this game, and Steve Erceg just proved that he belongs to the top level. A future champ for sure 🇦🇺
he should have a title eliminator fight i think he should fight albazi or mokaev
Steve really caught my eyes this young n a demon hes ganna get another shot idk how soon but I can see him as a champ
future champ right there man
They should revoke the license of the judge that gave pantoja a 49-46
He earned a fan
In Brazil we say ' o choro é livre' That means ' you can cry wherever you want' Even DC thinks Pantoja won this fight.
That isnt saying much. DC doesnt have a good track record of calling fights.
He also thinks that Aljomaine Sterling should fight for the BMF belt So it absolutely doesn't matter what he thinks.
Of course the Brazilian is biased, who would’ve guessed?
DC thinks Pantoja won because he loves it when the nuthuggers win, DC was a nuthugger himself. And also DC is hired by UFC so ofc he isnt gonna trash them publicly
You also say "don't move!! you and the girl put your wallets & your jewelry in this bag!!"
For the life of me I could NOT understand why Steve kept trying to take the fight to the ground after being taken down 9 times...He was costing his only advantage in the fight had he focused on his striking he would have had a better chance...It was wild seeing him cost himself like that
Inexperience cost him the win, 2-2 going in to the final round just needed to stay on his feet. Also bad corner advice.
Pantojas face to fist style worked flawlessly.
His face to elbow game was quite sharp too.
😂👍
he did good hugs aswell
Damnn was that arena half empty despite being so small ?
Bigger and better Steve onto the next
Chin up mate, big things ahead
People saying robbery have never fought.
This will only make him better ,only matter of time before he’s champion
Respect this guy 🙌💪
lol, DC walking away as he half assedly consoles Erceg, savage
what a legend Steve Erceg is ...
STEVE YOU DID GREAT
I think Pantoja won, but that wasn't an embarrassing perfomance by any means. If he gets 1 or 2 more wins I think he gets another title shot.
This guy is a great warrior! I see him being a champion in a near future .
Pantoja won at least 3 rounds, even erceg corner said that, your boy held in the cage and had the genious idea of trying a takedown in the 5th, sorry that you guys have no more champions :(
He will be back 💪
Should be champ! 🎉🎉 did al the damage
bro is the real deal. he's gonna hold that belt one day
I couldnt be more proud of steve. Dude is incredibly good, just needs a few more wins and he takes tge belt
why erceg made takedowns in last minutes, is still a mystery
Erceg clearly won..rematch in Perth!
ik he’s upset but he did a great job lost to the champ by 1 round. also did better than royval did who just beat moreno.
The champ of the people!
That is what my grandmother would explain as Steve shit the bed in the last round. You're probably right Nana you're probably right.
"I am surprised how well he scrambled". Welcome to the UFC with USADA no longer testing.
Erceg is legit!!!
Everyone unanimously agreed he had no business being in a title fight yet. He proved us wrong. Dude did well. Get a couple more wins and he'll be back in the title picture.
“Everyone”🤔30% of bettors including myself picked Steve. He’s the better fighter. Tape showed that.
@@deshaunimations7471 I wasn't downplaying his skill set. I'm saying people agreed he wasn't up for a title shot yet. He just joined the UFC and got the Poatan treatment. After this fight though, I want to see him fight other top contenders. I saw his last KO and knew he was skilled. But the fast track to the title was unexpected.
Good to see Erceg fans are being as normal as Volk fans post-Islam 1. You're gonna ruin this dude's career without knowing it.
Those elbow were beautifully placed. But sadly I do think 5th round was the ultimate factor in the fight