I worked for Uber Eats three years ago - now I'm a champion headlining UFC 301

Pantoja is pinching himself as he prepares to headline in his hometown.

"That's my night," he told talkSPORT MMA.

"I can't believe this is going to happen. I feel a lot of nerves about that because I can't even imagine or dream about that.

"I'm the champion of the UFC and I'm going to Rio De Janeiro with my belt to fight in my town. I have all my friends there, all the people who've helped me to that moment.

"I expect everybody to leave the arena with a big smile on their face. That's why I fight, to make people happy. I fight with the best fighters and my bonus is to make everybody happy."

Pantoja was the nearly man of the UFC 125lb division for years before outpointing Brandon Moreno over five rounds to become a world champion in July 2023.

In 2021, Pantoja was a top contender and had just beaten Manel Kape, but being a UFC fighter wasn't paying the bills, so he sent his family back home while he stayed in America to train.

The 34-year-old was alone for eight months and used his spare time to raise money as an Uber Eats delivery driver - he was dropping off food just days before fighting Brandon Royval in August 2021.

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Pantoja also competed in jiu-jitsu tournaments for cash before changing his life by earning a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus for beating Royval.

Three wins later, he's quit all his side hustles as he's making a comfortable living as the UFC flyweight champion, and he's determined to keep his winning streak going.

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Erceg is just three fights into his career with MMA's promotion and is being written off by some ahead of UFC 301 - but Pantoja knows better than to overlook an opponent.

'The Cannibal' worked harder than most to reach the top and he is now using the fear of losing everything to drive him on against Erceg.

Pantoja added: "I think I'm ready for that moment.

"You know, this is a fight I need, somebody fresh. Somebody that I will go to the gym and train a lot for.

"I like to feel a little scared about my opponent. I like to feel that because then I work so much more. I don't like to go to the gym and feel like I can beat him very easily.  

"I don't think like that with Steve Erceg, he's a strong guy.

"It's not just about how he fights. He feels very calm in the Octagon. I can see that he enjoys the moment, doesn't feel nervous and enjoys the pressure."