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6 months ago
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Australian fighter Steve Erceg is gearing up for what he calls his 'Brock Lesnar moment' as he prepares to take on reigning UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 301 in Brazil.
Erceg, who hails from Perth, aims to join the ranks of Australia's UFC champions, with Robert Whittaker and Alexander Volkanovski leading the pack.
At the weigh-ins in Rio de Janeiro, Erceg faced a mixed reception from the crowd, with some boos accompanying his appearance on the scales.
However, the 28-year-old remained composed, making weight at 125 pounds.
Despite his relative newcomer status in the UFC, Erceg exuded confidence, comparing his potential rise to the top with that of Conor McGregor and WWE star Brock Lesnar.
Erceg's journey to the title shot has been unconventional, having made just three appearances in the Octagon since signing with the UFC eleven months ago.
Erceg has enjoyed a rapid ascent to the top of the UFC rankings and is ready for his title shot in Brazil after making weight
Erceg faces a hostile environment in Rio de Janeiro and was jeered by the parochial home crowd after his weigh in
His opponent, Alexandre Pantoja, presents a formidable challenge, but Erceg is undeterred, embracing the underdog role.
While other fighters at the weigh-ins, like Michel Pereira and Paul Craig, showcased flamboyant displays, Erceg kept it low-key, opting for a simple entrance with no fanfare or face paint.
His focus remained squarely on the task at hand as he shook hands with UFC matchmaker Mick Maynard.
Reflecting on his unlikely path to a title shot, Erceg expressed excitement at the opportunity and relished the hostile atmosphere.
'Getting to hear the boos, I'm very excited … can't wait,' he said.
The Aussie fighter compares his underdog story to Brock Lesnar, who transitioned from WWE to the UFC
Reigning UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja will present a stern challenge for the Aussie in Brazil
He acknowledged the comparisons to UFC stars like Anderson Silva, Rampage Jackson, and Joanna Jedrzejczyk, all of whom enjoyed rapid ascents to championship glory.
Erceg's admiration for Brock Lesnar's transition from WWE to MMA served as inspiration for his own journey into mixed martial arts.
Despite Lesnar's initial setback in the UFC, Erceg found motivation in the underdog's resilience and eventual success.
As he prepares to step into the Octagon for his title bout, Erceg embraces the role of the outsider, drawing parallels to fellow Australian champions who faced similar doubts before their victories.
'For whatever reason, it seems we Aussies have been underestimated for a long time,' Erceg said.
'And that can be even after winning the belt 'With Volk, he only finally started to be truly recognised after beating Brian Ortega, which was after beating Holloway twice.
'Same with Rob Whittaker, who had to beat Romero twice. 'I don't know what it is. 'But I just can't wait to get out there this weekend.'
English (US)