Former UFC Title Challenger Steve Erceg Given Another Stiff Test After Knockout Loss

Western Australia's Steve Erceg will reportedly fight Asu Almabayev at the UFC Apex.

Jason Silva-Imagn Images

Steve Erceg is getting no easy fights in the flyweight divsion.

Signed to the UFC in 2023, Western Australia's Erceg has gone 3-2, his first loss to Alexandre Pantoja in an unexpected title fight at UFC 301 - a fight he had almost won. The highly-touted Erceg would go on to lose a few months later in his backyard of Perth where he was knocked out by top contender Kai Kara-France at UFC 305.

UFC's Steve Erceg. / Jason Silva-Imagn Images

Erceg To Face Asu Almabayev At UFC Apex

After taking some time off, the #9-ranked Erceg is back at the UFC Apex in the new year, looking to rebuild towards a title opportunity.

Ex-UFC Star Paige VanZant Set for MMA Return after Signing with New Promotion

According to a report from DarTeam Kazakhstan, Erceg will return against #8 contender Asu Almabayev at a UFC Fight Night event on March 1. The event will take place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada.

UFC's Asu Almabayev. / Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Kazakhstan's Almabayev has a similar story to "AstroBoy" Erceg, skyrocketing to the rankings after his third fight in the promotion.

Almabayev is currently 4-0 in the UFC with his last win being the biggest of his career - a decision effort over Matheus Nicolau in October. Almabayev stands with an impressive 21-2 record, not having lost in nearly 8 years.

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