We’ve got a thrilling standup clash on tap for Saturday, as flyweight strikers Steve Erceg and Ramazan Temirov collide in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night: Ankalaev vs. Guskov in Abu Dhabi.
Erceg (14–4, 5–3 UFC) has won back-to-back bouts, punctuated by a unanimous decision win over Tim Elliott in March. Temirov (19–3, 2–0 UFC) returns after a one–year suspension due to a positive drug test, aiming to recapture the momentum from his decision win over Charles Johnson in March 2025.
The odds are dead-even on DraftKings Sportsbook, with both Erceg and Temirov holding -110 odds on the moneyline. The fight total is set at O/U 2.5 rounds.
Erceg vs. Temirov Preview
Steve Erceg (#10)
- 14–4 (5–3 UFC)
- 2–1 (T)KO
- 6–0 SUB
Steve Erceg appears to have caught his fall after stumbling near the top of the flyweight mountain. The Australian contender’s championship loss to Alexandre Pantoja in May 2024 kickstarted a brutal three-fight skid, including a first-round stoppage loss at the hands of Kai Kara-France.
“Astroboy,” 30, has rebounded with back-to-back wins: he beat Ode’ Osbourne on the scorecards last August before notching another decision win over Tim Elliott in March. In a wide-open landscape at 125 pounds, Ergec will be leaning on his polished striking and formidable ground game to re-enter the title conversation.
Ramazan Temirov
- 19–3 (2–0 UFC)
- 11–0 (T)KO
- 1–1 SUB
If there’s one thing that can halt a prospect’s momentum, it’s a positive drug test. Ramazan Temirov returns to the Octagon Saturday night after a one-year suspension, just two fights into his UFC career.
It’s worth noting that “Temurlan” popped for Trimetazidine, which is used to treat heart-related conditions — and could enhance an athlete’s endurance. However, unlike anabolic steroids, it doesn’t increase muscle growth or power output. All this to say, the 29-year-old Temirov’s dangerously explosive hands are likely here to stay.
Before his decision win over Charles Johnson in March 2025, Temirov secured five-straight victories by first-round stoppage. He enters Saturday on an 11-fight winning streak, eager to prove that — even after the suspension — he can pick up right where he left off.
Erceg vs. Temirov Pick, Best Bet
Saturday night’s co-main event should make for an exciting standup battle, but don’t count on a finish.
Erceg — who isn’t known for his stoppage ability — should effectively manage distance behind his considerable size advantage (four inches in height, five in reach), more polished striking, and Octagon experience. On the other side of the cage, Temirov’s prolonged absence and potentially compromised gas tank raise questions about his ability to constantly hunt for a knockout.
Regardless of who wins, this one should go the full 15 minutes.
