Ultimate Fighting Championship flyweight contender Matt Schnell shot to public recognition overnight courtesy of the instant classic he put on against Su Mudaerji at UFC on ABC 3 in July 2022. The seasoned veteran from Louisiana weathered a torrent of punishment before rallying to secure a technical submission in a two-round classic. That victory, sandwiched between losses to Brandon Royval and Matheus Nicolau, besides several other notable performances, forged his identity as someone who embraces a battle to the bitter end. He is now tasked with the stiff trial of taking on surging No. 12-ranked flyweight contender Steve Erceg this Saturday at UFC Fight Night 238 in Las Vegas.
Erceg, a distinguished challenger from Down Under, has only competed in two UFC bouts but is already on the radar as a fierce competitor. Interestingly, “Astro Boy” replaced Schnell to take on David Dvorak at UFC 289 after the American fractured his hand while sparring. Erceg won his UFC debut by unanimous decision and bagged “Performance of the Night” honors in the process. The Australian naturally became the frontrunner to challenge “Danger” next. However, when Schnell pulled out again, Erceg collected yet another clear-cut triumph against replacement opponent Alessandro Costa via unanimous decision. With the overlapping narratives at different junctures, it is long overdue that they finish this chapter of their careers.
Ahead of their forthcoming battle at the UFC Apex, a look at some of their statistical highlights:
9: Schnell has nine submission victories on his record, which highlight his killer instinct when the fight hits the canvas.
3: Schnell occupies the shared eighth spot on the flyweight list for most fight night bonuses with three.
8:10: Schnell holds the sixth spot on the flyweight ladder when it comes to shortest average time in the UFC at eight minutes, 10 seconds.
4.25: Schnell averages 4.25 strikes per minute, which ranks 10th on the division’s rankings ladder.
56: The fact that Schnell’s significant strike defense is listed at 56% underscores that while engaging in high-octane clashes, he is still able to exhibit solid defensive skills.
10: Erceg is riding on a 10-fight undefeated streak going into the fight against Schnell.
6: Erceg has rattled off six submission victories throughout his career, which underline his grappling prowess.
77: Erceg has also exhibited 77% takedown defense in two UFC fights, indicating he is a hard fighter to get to the canvas.
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