Steve Erceg, the Australian mixed martial artist, has been making waves in the UFC’s Flyweight division. Born on July 27, 1995, he has shown incredible promise with his grappling and submission skills, earning a reputation as a fighter to watch. As of 2025, Steve continues to make strides in his career, despite facing tough losses in 2024, including a defeat to Alexandre Pantoja for the UFC Flyweight Championship. This article dives deep into Steve’s career, his fighting style, and what’s next for him in the UFC.
Steve’s journey to the UFC was marked by impressive performances in regional promotions. His UFC debut in 2023 was highly anticipated, and while his recent bouts have tested his mettle, fans are still hopeful for his future in the octagon. Let’s take a closer look at his career, his key matches, and the latest updates regarding his upcoming fights.
Key Takeaways
- Steve Erceg is a skilled Australian mixed martial artist known for his submission game and grappling.
- As of January 2025, he holds a professional record of 12 wins and 2 losses.
- Erceg’s last fight was in August 2024 against Kai Kara-France, where he lost via TKO in the first round.
- He is currently ranked #9 in the UFC Flyweight division.
- Erceg’s fighting style focuses on grappling, and he has secured six victories by submission.
Steve Erceg’s Early Life and Fighting Career
Steve Erceg was born in Australia and developed a passion for combat sports at a young age. His natural athleticism and love for martial arts led him to pursue a career in mixed martial arts (MMA). Known by his nickname "Astroboy," Steve quickly gained attention for his aggressive grappling style, which was complemented by a solid submission game. This combination made him a formidable opponent in the flyweight division.
Before joining the UFC, Erceg built his record on the regional MMA circuit. His success in promotions like Cage Warriors and Australia’s Eternal MMA paved the way for his entry into the UFC, where he would face some of the top contenders in the world. Erceg’s rise in the MMA world has been impressive, with a professional record of 12 wins and only 2 losses as of early 2025.
Steve Erceg’s Fighting Style
Steve Erceg is primarily known for his grappling and submission skills. With six submission victories in his career, he has established himself as a dangerous force when the fight hits the ground. His ability to control his opponents and finish fights with submissions makes him a unique threat in the UFC’s Flyweight division. Erceg’s focus on grappling has been honed through years of training, and he’s always looking for opportunities to transition into dominant positions.
In addition to his submission game, Steve has shown improvements in his stand-up skills, though his ground game remains his most dangerous weapon. This blend of techniques makes Erceg an unpredictable fighter who can dominate in multiple areas of the fight.
Steve Erceg’s UFC Career and Key Matches
Erceg’s UFC Debut
Steve Erceg made his UFC debut in 2023, following an impressive run in regional promotions. The debut was much anticipated by fans, as Erceg’s submission game was well-regarded. His first fight in the UFC showcased his skills but also highlighted areas where he could improve, particularly against elite competition.
Steve Erceg vs. Alexandre Pantoja (May 4, 2024)
One of the most significant moments in Steve Erceg’s career came when he faced Alexandre Pantoja for the UFC Flyweight Championship at UFC 301 on May 4, 2024. Although Erceg showed determination throughout the fight, he lost by unanimous decision, marking a pivotal moment in his young career. Despite the loss, the fight served as an important learning experience for Erceg as he looked to refine his skills and move forward.
Steve Erceg vs. Kai Kara-France (August 18, 2024)
In another key matchup, Steve Erceg faced Kai Kara-France at UFC 305 on August 18, 2024. Unfortunately for Erceg, this bout ended in disappointment as he lost via technical knockout in the first round. The fight highlighted some of the challenges Erceg faces when up against top-tier fighters in the Flyweight division. However, many fans and analysts believe that Erceg has the potential to bounce back stronger from these setbacks.
Steve Erceg’s Ranking and Future Prospects
As of January 2025, Steve Erceg is ranked #9 in the UFC Flyweight division. Although he has faced some setbacks, his career is far from over. At just 29 years old, Erceg still has plenty of time to rise through the ranks and become a serious contender for the title. His recent losses to Pantoja and Kara-France, while disappointing, also serve as valuable learning experiences that will help him improve.
Erceg’s next fight is eagerly awaited by fans, and many hope to see him rebound from his losses. As one of the top-ranked fighters in the division, Erceg remains a serious threat and could very well be back in the title picture soon.
Steve Erceg’s Record and Stats
Steve Erceg’s professional MMA record stands at 12 wins and 2 losses. His victories have come from a variety of methods, with 6 of those wins coming by submission. Here is a quick look at his career stats:
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Wins | 12 |
| Total Losses | 2 |
| Wins by Submission | 6 |
| Wins by KO | 2 |
| Wins by Decision | 4 |
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) |
| Weight | 125 lb (56.7 kg) |
| Current Rank | #9 in UFC Flyweight Division |
Conclusion
Steve Erceg’s MMA journey is just beginning, and despite a couple of tough losses, he remains a promising fighter in the UFC’s Flyweight division. With his strong grappling skills and dedication to improving, Erceg is poised to continue climbing the rankings. His recent bouts have provided valuable lessons that will only help shape his future career. Fans are eagerly awaiting his next move, as he looks to build on his experiences and eventually challenge for the Flyweight title.
Erceg’s resilience and work ethic make him a fighter worth watching in the coming years. As he continues to refine his skills and gain experience against top-tier fighters, there’s little doubt that Steve Erceg will remain an exciting prospect in the UFC.
FAQ
When is Steve Erceg’s next fight?
As of January 2025, details about Steve Erceg’s next fight have not been confirmed. Fans are eagerly awaiting announcements regarding future matchups.
What is Steve Erceg’s UFC ranking?
Steve Erceg is currently ranked #9 in the UFC Flyweight division as of January 2025.
What is Steve Erceg’s professional MMA record?
Steve Erceg has a professional MMA record of 12 wins and 2 losses.
How old is Steve Erceg?
Steve Erceg was born on July 27, 1995, making him 29 years old as of January 2025.
How did Steve Erceg perform in his last fight?
In his most recent fight against Kai Kara-France on August 18, 2024, at UFC 305, Steve Erceg lost by technical knockout in the first round.