This weekend a big shift could take place to the pound-for-pound ranks of the UFC.
Middleweight Champion Drus Du Plessis is opposed to Khamzat Chimaev in a matchup that could shoot the shares of both men even higher than it already is.
Although this has changed into recent fights, some still do not believe that 'Stillnocks' gets the honor he deserves because of his unique fighting style.
The same comments were made about another UFC champion, which Joe Rogan recently showered with praise after his last victory.
Steve Erceg speaks very much about Alexandre Pantoja, even though he acknowledges that he “doesn't look like a good hunter”
Alexandre Pantoja is one of the most dominant active champions in the UFC, but for some reason he is often omitted from the current pound-for-pound ranks.
His style may not always be the most visually impressive, but it is certainly effective, as was the case when he was deep groove to keep his flight weight in an incredibly close fight.
Steve Erceg could not catch 125 pounds of gold in his first shot on the belt, despite pushing the Brazilian champion.
Photo by Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Before Erceg returned to the winning column by beating Ode Osbourne, he broke out why he believes that Pantoja does not get the respect he deserves in an exclusive interview with Bloody Elbow.
The Australian former Challenger title gave a simple explanation why Pantoja is so good in finding a way to win, even if it is not beautiful.
“I think the reason he is capable of, is because he is really good in those positions. To be honest, I think Pantoja is not respected much because he doesn't look clean and he doesn't look like a good hunter if that makes sense.
“He is sloppy on the feet, he is reckless, but he is really good on the floor. Even his Takedowns, his Takedowns don't look:” Oh wow, that's a beautiful double. “It's like:” Oh, he fell into him a bit and stumbled him. ”
Steve Erceg expects a new dominant version of Alexandre Pantoja in his next fight
Although Alexandre Pantoja may still not get the honor he deserves, his recent series of dominant victories has seen this start that turned his advantage to his benefit.
A date has not been confirmed for his next title defense, but we know who will be about the cage of the Brazilian champion.
Joshua van is going to bring a lot of hype into the matchup after his fight of the annual candidate with Brandon Royval, so that he shoots the front of the queue.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Unfortunately for the young challenger, Steve Erceg is not too optimistic about his opportunities.
“To be honest, I don't think he will put pressure on him,” Erceg told Bloody Elbow. “I think Pantoja will run towards him like a crazy madman, he is going to get a Takedown very early, he is going to jump on his back and he will finish him.
“If he doesn't, he will look timid on the fence. He will make a backup and then he goes Blitz again, takes him down and take another shot. I just don't see that it can handle Pantoja.”