Alexandre Pantoja fends off valiant challenge from Steve Erceg to retain title in UFC 301 main event

Alexandre Pantoja had to battle until the final second to ensure he thwarted a valiant challenge from Steve Erceg in the UFC 301 main event.

It was a back-and-forth war over five rounds with each competitor winning enough moments to feel like the fight would be decided in the final five minutes. Ultimately, Pantoja’s ability to control Erceg on the ground helped him secure the win as he retained his title in front of a raucous crowd in Rio de Janeiro.