Steve Erceg believes the UFC saw him as a more exciting option than Muhammad Mokaev for a title shot. Erceg (12-1 MMA, 3-0 UFC) challenges flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja (27-5 MMA, 11-3 UFC) in the UFC 301 headliner May 4 in Rio, getting the opportunity over undefeated Mokaev (11-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC). Erceg knocked out Matt Schnell at UFC Fight Night 238 . On the same night, Mokaev beat former title challenger Alex Perez , but Erceg doesn’t believes Mokaev left the best impression with his performance, despite having more octagon experience than him. “Two of the clear guys, (Brandon) Moreno and (Brandon) Royval, just fought for the title and lost,” Erceg told Middle Easy