March 26, 2025 4:20 pm ET
MEXICO CITY – Steve Erceg has an additional pep in his step going into Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 64 principal occasion towards Brandon Moreno.
After a title-fight loss to Alexandre Pantoja was adopted by a first-round knockout defeat to Kai Kara-France, factor seemed grim for Erceg (12-3 MMA, 3-2 UFC). He didn’t really feel nice about his spot, however then the telephone rang with a chance to headline towards former two-time flyweight champion Moreno (22-8-2 MMA, 10-4-2 UFC) at Area CDMX in Mexico Metropolis (ESPN2, ESPN+).
“I used to be uncharacteristically excited,” Erceg informed MMA Junkie at Wednesday’s UFC on ESPN 64 media day. “Normally the very first thing that hits me is the nerves, like, ‘I’m about to combat this badass UFC fighter.’ However I don’t know what it’s. Perhaps as a result of he’s a man I’ve checked out for therefore lengthy, preventing in Mexico. I used to be pumped for the chance and I’m going to take it with each fingers.
“I used to be shocked they gave me one other principal occasion spot towards somebody so extremely ranked, however all I need to do is combat the hardest dudes on the planet. Whether or not I’ve setbacks or no matter, that doesn’t hassle me. Clearly shedding sucks, however I need to show I’m a tricky man. I’d by no means take into consideration turning down a combat, particularly of this magnitude.”
If Erceg, No. 9 within the newest USA TODAY Sports activities/MMA Junkie flyweight rankings, can upset No. 3-ranked Moreno, he mentioned he places him again on the proper path again towards title rivalry.
“This might positively be my greatest win,” Erceg mentioned. “So far as the place it places me, it places me within the combine. I feel doubtless Kai Kara-France will most likely combat (Alexandre Pantoja) for the title. Then I feel (Brandon) Royval and Manel Kape have carried out sufficient to be No. 1 contenders, in order that they’ll most likely combat one another. Then I’ll combat any individual extremely ranked first, then the loser or winner of a kind of fights.”
For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC on ESPN 64.
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