Alexandre Pantoja has waited a long time to headline a pay-per-view 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 in a bit of mixed messaging. “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 favorite, according to BetMGM, which means a $100 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. |
Belgium probes Russian interference in EU electionsHong Kong protest: Government uses social distancing to block demonstratorsWinston Peters 'not going back' on coTākaka man who died in mysterious circumstances namedChina's local virus cases downSix months into Gaza war, Israel faces deepening isolationGovernment agencies' Gloriavale response not being extendedFinance minister should resign over scrapping of Interislander upgrade fundingLaura Kuenssberg: West facing 'authoritarian' alliance, says NATO chiefUkraine lowers conscription age after drop in volunteers to fight Russian invasion