Alexandre Pantoja is coming home.
When Pantoja steps into the octagon for Saturday’s UFC 301 main event in Rio de Janeiro, he’ll be the first Brazilian champion to defend their title in their home country since Amanda Nunes fought Raquel Pennington in May 2018. That was a triumphant night for Nunes, and Pantoja’s team surely expects the same, but is surprise challenger Steve Erceg set to play the ultimate spoiler?