Steve Erceg, known as ‘Astroboy’, is slated to return to the octagon on August 9, aiming to snap his current losing streak. Following an unexpected UFC title opportunity where he narrowly missed dethroning the dominant flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja, the Australian has encountered a series of setbacks. At UFC 301, many believed Erceg deserved the victory over Pantoja, with two judges scoring the fight closely up until the fifth round. However, since that intense title challenge, which solidified his position among the division’s elite, Erceg has suffered two more losses, including a recent bout against Brandon Moreno. This makes his upcoming fight a pivotal moment in his UFC career.
Steve Erceg Faces Undefeated Hyun Sung Park After Alex Perez Withdraws from August 9
Despite his knockout loss to Kai Kara-France at UFC 305, Steve Erceg proved highly competitive in his fights against both Alexandre Pantoja and Brandon Moreno. Nevertheless, ‘Astroboy’ is in urgent need of a win, even if his performances indicate his capability to contend with top 125-pound fighters. Erceg was initially scheduled to make his comeback on August 9 at UFC Vegas 109 against fellow former title challenger Alex Perez. Unfortunately, Perez`s history of fight withdrawals resurfaced, as the 33-year-old pulled out of the co-main event at the Apex in Las Vegas. Consequently, Erceg has now been booked against a new opponent – the undefeated Hyun Sung Park, who announced the fight himself via Instagram. Park, the winner of the inaugural Road to UFC flyweight tournament, has secured three consecutive stoppage victories inside the Octagon.
Steve Erceg`s Critical Decision in Close UFC 301 Title Bout
In his flyweight championship clash with Alexandre Pantoja, many speculated that a victory in the final round could have crowned Steve Erceg as the new champion. However, with ninety seconds remaining, the challenger attempted a takedown that was countered by his opponent, allowing Pantoja to maintain top control for the rest of the round. Erceg’s decision in those crucial closing moments drew considerable criticism, yet he told Full Send MMA immediately afterward that he stood by his choice:
“I really thought if I could take him down, I’d eat up some time on the ground and make him even more tired and then win on the feet more. So, I probably would have done exactly the same thing. Next time, I just need to be better at it.”
Given his three consecutive losses since that fight, this specific moment remains one of the most significant in his career.
Jack Thornley