Aussie underdog Steve Erceg goes agonisingly close to UFC title - but makes fatal mistake in final round

Aussie flyweight Steve Erceg has gone very close to stunning the world and winning a UFC title against champion Alexandre Pantoja - and found plenty of new fans in the process.

Pantoja retained control over the flyweight division and his UFC belt by securing a unanimous decision victory, with the judges scoring the bout 48-47, 48-47, 49-46.

But Pantoja had to dig deep and fend off a tough challenge from the West Aussie who had serious success in the striking department.

A valiant Erceg more than held his own across the pulsating back-and-forth showdown but Pantoja's control on the ground ultimately proved decisive.

Many fans and pundits seemed to think Erceg might have been winning the fight, but a decision to attempt a takedown in the final round cruelled him, with the UFC commentary team describing it as a 'big mistake'.

Some current fighters believed Erceg had still done enough, despite the takedown.

'2,3 and 4 I think went to the challenger,' posted former champ Jamahal Hill.

'3-2 Erceg pretty clearly i think,' wrote Joe Giannetti.

'Erceg can keep his chin up, he'll be champion. Going to cause problems for any top 5 FlyW,' wrote MMA coach Damien Brown.

UFC commentator was also a big fan of the Aussie underdog, praising him during the broadcast.

'He is showing that he is elite,' Cormier said.

'He is ranked 10th in the world, but he is going up against the best fighter in the world and doing really well against Pantoja.

'The kid fought a great fight and if he stayed standing, he might have won.'

Speaking after the bout, Erceg was knew he went close and believes he 'blew it'.

'I was surprised how well he can scramble, I usually beat guys there so it was a bit of a shock,' Erceg said.

'I thought the third was close enough - he got me down a couple of times and I beat him on the feet. 

'I thought I could get the fifth round ... I just blew it.'