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AIPROPX ReportYahoo Sports · 1h ago
Former UFC title challenger releases statement following brutal knockout loss, gets booted from rankings
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 09: Steve Erceg of Australia is seen on his stool after round one against Ode Osbourne of Jamaica in a bantamweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on August 09, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Flyweight title challenger Steve Erceg suffered a brutal first-round knockout loss to up-and-coming heavy hitter Ramazan Temirov in the co-main event of UFC Abu Dhabi this past weekend inside Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates ( watch highlights ).
Following the loss, Erceg took to Instagram to let everyone know he is doing okay.
“Hey guys, just wanted to check in and let you know that I’m okay,” Erceg said. “I had a great camp, felt fantastic, but unfortunately things don’t always go your way. First of all, thank you to the UFC for all the opportunities you afford me. Thank you to Abu Dhabi for the hospitality, and congratulations to Ramazan on a great fight. Lastly, I’d like to say to all my family and friends that you’ll continue to support me in the world, and yeah, I’ll be back.”
View this post on Instagram
Unfortunately for Erceg, the loss came with more than just damage.
On top of suffering a blistering knockout defeat, Erceg was completely removed from UFC’s new-ish Meta Top 15 rankings. However, he remains ranked in the traditional media rankings and still sits two spots above Temirov.
Weird.
Erceg (14-5) had his two-fight win streak snapped in Abu Dhabi and has now been knocked out twice during his UFC run, which started off incredibly well.
“Astroboy” rattled off three straight wins to earn a Flyweight title shot, and he came very close to capturing the belt before ultimately losing a unanimous decision . After that title setback, Erceg dropped two more fights, giving him a three-fight losing streak before he battled back with consecutive wins.
Now, he is back in a tough spot.
Erceg is 5-4 inside the Octagon, and while he is still one of the more skilled Flyweights in the world, getting removed from the Meta rankings after one knockout loss is certainly a rough development.
As for what comes next, Erceg could probably use a reset after such a nasty finish.
A matchup with someone like Mitch Raposo makes sense.
For complete UFC Abu Dhabi results, coverage and highlights click HERE .
Former UFCAstroboyFormer Ultimate Fighting ChampionshipUFCFlyweightSteve ErcegRamazan TemirovUFC Abu DhabiEtihad ArenaAbu DhabiUnited Arab EmiratesFollowing
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