Steve Erceg says he's okay after KO loss at UFC Abu Dhabi

Australian mixed martial artist Steve Erceg has provided a health update following a first-round knockout loss to Ramazan Temirov in the co-main event of UFC Abu Dhabi this past Saturday, July 25, 2026. In a video posted to his Instagram account early Sunday morning, the 30-year-old flyweight assured fans he is okay and vowed to return to competition.

The fight, held in Abu Dhabi, ended decisively at 4:21 of the opening round after Temirov landed a series of powerful right hands. Erceg was dropped multiple times before a final blow rendered him unconscious, sending him face-first to the canvas and halting his two-fight winning streak. In his statement, Erceg thanked the UFC and the event's hosts, congratulated his opponent, and expressed gratitude for the support from his family and friends. "I had a great camp, felt fantastic, but unfortunately things don't always go your way," Erceg said. "I'll be back."

For Temirov, the victory represents a significant career milestone. Fighting for the first time in 16 months after serving a one-year suspension for a doping violation, the Uzbek fighter extended his overall winning streak to 12 fights. He is now expected to enter the UFC's...