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What is Next for UFC Fighter Steve Erceg After Three Consecutive Losses

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Michael Aldon | Last updated Mar 29, 2025 11:02 PM ET

Steve Erceg's journey took a promising turn when he faced Alexandre Pantoja for the flyweight title at UFC 301 back in May. Entering as the underdog, Erceg delivered a gutsy performance, pushing the champion Pantoja to the brink in a bout that was closely contested, with two judges scoring it 48-47 in favor of Pantoja. Despite the loss and the disparity in ranking between himself and Pantoja, Erceg's competitive spirit and grit were evident at the highest level.

At UFC 305 in August, Erceg’s fight against Kai Kara-France ended abruptly in the first round, with Kara-France securing a knockout victory. This loss was a significant setback for Erceg, halting his aspirations for a swift return to title contention.

Now, however, Steve Erceg's rise in the UFC flyweight division has encountered an even more dangerous hurdle as he suffers his third consecutive loss, this time to former champion Brandon Moreno by unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night in Mexico. This defeat marks a pivotal moment in Erceg's career, leaving questions about his sudden downturn and potential paths forward.

The UFC's flyweight division remains highly competitive, with emerging talents continually reshaping the landscape. For Erceg to reestablish himself as a contender, he may need to take a fight against lower-ranked opponents to rebuild confidence and form.

A possible fight against seasoned veterans such as Tim Elliott or Kyoji Horiguchi could provide Steve Erceg with a winnable opportunity to add a well-established name to his resume. Alternatively, facing emerging talents like Charles Johnson or Kai Asakura would not only present Erceg with a formidable challenge but also offer these up-and-coming fighters a chance to solidify their careers moving forward.

Looking ahead, a period of rest and reassessment will be beneficial. With proper recovery and the right adjustments, a resurgence in the UFC flyweight division is possible for Erceg. The period after this loss will be crucial for him to navigate this losing skid and reclaim his position among the flyweight division's best.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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