Pantoja to defend flyweight title in Brazil

Alexandre Pantoja has waited a long time to headline a pay-perview card on his native soil, and he wants it known that everyone is welcome in Brazil.

“I want to say to all the fans to respect the gringos that are here because Brazil’s a good place with very good people,” Pantoja said. “We’re very nice to everyone who comes to (our) country.”

The welcome mat extends only so far, though, with the flyweight champion comparing himself to a cannibal in how he will treat Australia’s Steve Erceg on Saturday night in UFC 301 in Rio de Janeiro.

A Brazilian fighter is in every match on this card.

Pantoja (27-5) is a minus-185 favourite, according to BetMGM, which means a $100 (U.S.) bet pays $54.05 if he’s successful. Even Erceg (12-1) said it’s not the dream matchup many envisioned for the main event, but Pantoja already has beaten many others in the division to dwindle the options.

So the division’s 10th-ranked challenger got the call.

“UFC decided to give me a shot,” Erceg said. “I’m here to be the best guy in the world so, whether I’m an underdog or whether I’m a favourite, it doesn’t really matter to me.”

This is the first time in four years a flyweight bout has been the main event for a PPV card, and the 34year-old Pantoja said he doesn’t take that honour lightly.

“I’ve learned more and more about how to be a champion with UFC,” Pantoja said. “UFC gave me that opportunity. I’m still learning with that. I’m very humble. … I hope I can win Saturday and still be a good example for everyone.”