Steve Erceg’s UFC Road: Redemption Awaits at UFC Fight Night on August 10

Australian flyweight Steve Erceg returns to the Octagon this Sunday, August 10th (for Aussies), at UFC Fight Night in a bout that has become one of the most unpredictable stories of the year. Originally set to face Hyun Sung Park, Erceg is now scheduled to fight Ode Osbourne, following a string of last-minute opponent changes that have defined his fight week.

Erceg’s resilience will be tested like never before as he looks to rebound from a challenging run in the UFC.

Last-Minute Chaos: Three Cancelled Opponents in a Week

Fight week has been nothing short of a whirlwind for Steve Erceg. Initially matched against South Korean prospect Hyun Sung Park, the bout was cancelled, only for Erceg to be rebooked against former title challenger Alex Perez. That too fell through. Then came Asu Almabayev, who also withdrew from the card. Finally, Erceg landed a matchup with Ode Osbourne, a dangerous striker known for his explosiveness.

In the span of a week, Erceg has prepared for four different opponents, all with vastly different fighting styles. It’s a logistical nightmare for any fighter, but particularly for one looking to snap a losing streak and reignite his UFC campaign.

A Promising Start, Now a Career in the Balance

Steve Erceg entered the UFC with momentum and hype, boasting an impressive skill set that combined technical grappling, calculated striking, and composure beyond his years. Early performances suggested he could be a real force in the flyweight division.

But after a strong start, his UFC run has hit serious turbulence:

March 29, 2025 – Lost via unanimous decision to former champion Brandon Moreno

August 17, 2024 – Suffered a TKO loss to Kai Kara-France in the first round

May 4, 2024 – Dropped a decision to Alexandre Pantoja

Erceg now holds a 12-4 professional record, with his UFC losing streak sitting at three. While his previous losses have come against elite opposition, another defeat could significantly impact his trajectory within the division.

This Weekend: High Stakes Against Osbourne

Ode Osbourne (13-8) is not the type of opponent you want on short notice. With unorthodox attacks and knockout power, Osbourne brings chaos into the cage, and if Erceg isn’t fully dialed in, the fight could spiral quickly.

On the flip side, this matchup presents an opportunity. A decisive win could reset Erceg’s standing in the UFC and remind fans why he was considered one of Australia’s top MMA prospects just a year ago.

Conclusion: Make-or-Break Moment

This Friday’s UFC Fight Night is more than just another card for Steve Erceg—it’s a turning point. After enduring a brutal stretch of cancelled bouts and hard-fought losses, Erceg enters the Octagon with something to prove.

He’s not just fighting Ode Osbourne.

He’s fighting to stay relevant.

He’s fighting to silence the doubters.

And perhaps most importantly, he’s fighting to remind everyone—including himself—of the talent that brought him to the UFC in the first place.

‍