Robert Whittaker could have needed Steve Erceg to win UFC gold, however he doesn’t agree with the notion that he was robbed towards Alexandre Pantoja.
Erceg despatched a transparent message regardless of the defeat in the primary occasion of UFC 301. Going into his UFC Flyweight Championship bout towards Pantoja, Erceg was the quantity 10-ranked 125-pounder within the UFC. After Saturday evening, he figures to get a pleasant enhance since he got here near defeating the champion. In the long run, Pantoja got here via when it mattered probably the most, gaining management of the challenger within the remaining body to seal a unanimous choice win.
Whereas some followers consider Erceg was robbed of a title win, Whittaker doesn’t see it that approach.
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Robert Whittaker Dismisses Notion That Steve Erceg Was Robbed At UFC 301
Throughout an episode of the MMArcade Podcast, Robert Whittaker weighed in on the Pantoja vs. Erceg struggle consequence. The previous UFC Middleweight Champion stated he doesn’t see something controversial concerning the end result (h/t Bloody Elbow).
“We’re Australians, I needed to see Steve get that title and produce it again, however I don’t understand how a lot of this ‘controversy’ I can look into as a result of I assumed Pantoja did sufficient to win.”
Whittaker went on to share how he was scoring the struggle and why Erceg wasn’t in a position to impress the judges sufficient to sway issues in his favor.
“Personally, I had Pantoja successful the primary three [rounds], I assumed 4 went to Erceg and I feel 5 may have been both approach,” Whittaker stated. “The best way Steve completed [the fight] was type of dangerous – you by no means wish to end in your again.”
Erceg appeared fairly dissatisfied in himself after the struggle, however he figures to be on the prime of the heap within the flyweight division. Time will inform who he’s matched up with subsequent.