Steve Erceg brings ‘angry’ mindset to UFC Abu Dhabi

Perth flyweight Steve Erceg says the more aggressive mindset that helped him rebuild his UFC career remains intact as he prepares to face Ramazan Temirov at UFC Abu Dhabi on Saturday, 25 July.

The former title challenger enters the bout seeking his third consecutive victory following a three-fight losing run. The official UFC profiles list Erceg at 14-4 and his Uzbek opponent at 19-3, while the promotion’s latest preview positions the contest as an important test of Erceg’s place in the flyweight division.

Australian viewers can stream UFC Abu Dhabi through Paramount+.

Watch the full Australian MMA interview with Steve Erceg here: [ADD VIDEO LINK].

‘Angry Steve’ remains part of Erceg’s approach

Erceg’s recent change in mentality was one of the central topics of the interview. While he continues to respect his opponents, he said he is no longer allowing that respect to become excessive.

“There’s obviously still that respect there, but I’m not over-respecting people,” Erceg said.

“I guess angry Steve is still there. I’m looking at it more like a fight again rather than a competition.”

That distinction became important after Erceg moved from being the fighter pursuing established names to the ranked contender others wanted to face.

He acknowledged that rankings and expectations could create additional pressure before a contest, particularly when he was viewed as fighting someone below him. Once the bout begins, however, Erceg said those considerations disappear.

Ramazan Temirov presents a different challenge

Erceg initially expected Temirov to bring a wrestling-heavy approach, but his review of the Uzbek fighter showed a more striking-focused opponent.

Temirov’s official UFC profile credits him with 11 knockout victories from his 19 professional wins. Erceg said he still expected Temirov to possess capable wrestling, even if his striking had become the more obvious part of his game.

Asked how he expected the fight to unfold, Erceg offered a concise prediction.

“I’m going to make him very tired and I’m going to take him out,” he said.

The comment represents Erceg’s expectation rather than a guaranteed outcome, with Temirov carrying his own finishing threat into the contest.

Flyweight title remains the priority

The interview also covered the changing flyweight division and current champion Joshua Van, whose grappling against Tatsuro Taira impressed Erceg.

Erceg said he viewed Van as the legitimate champion, while remaining interested in how another meeting with former champion Alexandre Pantoja might unfold.

Despite admitting that making the flyweight limit has become more difficult as he has grown older, Erceg is not planning an immediate move to a heavier division.

“I want to win a title at flyweight first and then I’ll look at going up,” he said.

That ambition remains long-term. Erceg’s immediate task is extending his winning run against Temirov and protecting his position among the division’s established contenders.

Wilkes MMA’s growth in Perth

Away from the upcoming fight, Erceg reflected on the development of Wilkes MMA and the changing standard of emerging fighters in Perth.

Erceg said Wilkes did not have an MMA program when he first began training there. The gym’s mixed martial arts program developed as he started competing and coach Dave Wilkes became increasingly involved in the sport.

The team has since expanded beyond Erceg, recently fielding five amateur fighters on the same event. He said the current standard among developing athletes was considerably higher than when he began his career, while the number of available competitions had also increased.

Erceg has also trained with fellow UFC athlete Cody Haddon, although their schedules prevented them from working together during his latest camp.

Watch the complete Australian MMA interview with Steve Erceg for his thoughts on Temirov, the flyweight division and the growth of Wilkes MMA

‍