UFC Mexico: Steve Erceg Falls Short Against Brandon Moreno, What’s Next for “Astro Boy”?

Steve Erceg faced a tough challenge in the main event of UFC Mexico, where he suffered a unanimous decision loss to former two-time flyweight champion Brandon Moreno. The judges scored the fight 49-46 across the board in favor of Moreno, marking Erceg’s third consecutive defeat. Despite the loss, Erceg showcased resilience and technical skill against one of the division’s elite fighters.

Brandon Moreno and Steve Erceg go the distance!

How did you score it?! #UFCMexico pic.twitter.com/QxePPN52w4

— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) March 30, 2025

The fight was largely contested on the feet, with Moreno’s speed and power proving to be the difference. While Erceg landed more total strikes (116 to Moreno’s 89), his shots lacked the impact necessary to sway the judges. Moreno nearly finished the fight in the opening round with a flurry of strikes that had Erceg reeling, but the Australian stayed composed and managed to adjust defensively as the fight progressed. However, he struggled to match Moreno’s pace and versatility, particularly in the later rounds.

This defeat caps a difficult stretch for Erceg, who previously lost to Alexandre Pantoja in a title fight and was knocked out by Kai Kara-France. At 12-4, Erceg remains a talented fighter in a stacked flyweight division but now finds himself at a crossroads. Here are three potential matchups that could help him rebound and rebuild his career.

Asu Almabayev

A fight against Kazakhstan’s Asu Almabayev would be a compelling matchup for both men. Almabayev recently made his UFC debut with a dominant victory over Ode’ Osbourne, showcasing his grappling prowess and well-rounded skill set. Both fighters are rising prospects looking to solidify their place in the division, making this an intriguing stylistic clash.

Erceg has shown he can hang with elite strikers like Moreno, but a fight against Almabayev would test his ability to handle a relentless grappler. For Almabayev, this bout would represent a step up in competition against an opponent who has already faced one of the best flyweights in history. The winner would take a significant step toward breaking into the top 10.

Tagir Ulanbekov

Tagir Ulanbekov is another exciting option for Steve Erceg as he looks to bounce back from his loss to Moreno. Ulanbekov is known for his Dagestani wrestling pedigree and currently holds a 3-1 record in the UFC. With wins over Allan Nascimento and Nate Maness, Ulanbekov has established himself as a dangerous contender just outside the top tier of the division.

This matchup would pit Erceg’s striking and durability against Ulanbekov’s suffocating grappling style. It would also serve as an excellent litmus test for both fighters: Can Ulanbekov handle Erceg’s striking pressure? Can Erceg fend off Ulanbekov’s takedowns? The stakes would be high for both men as they look to make their case for bigger fights down the line.

Ramazan Temirov

If the UFC wants to pair two rising prospects, Ramazan Temirov could be an ideal opponent for Steve Erceg. Temirov recently got a big unanimous decision victory over Charles Johnson and is a surging contender in the flyweight division is a very dangerous fighter with strong striking and improving grappling skills.

A fight between Erceg and Temirov would be an evenly matched contest that could headline a Fight Night prelim or feature on an international card. Both men are hungry to move up the rankings toward a title shot, and their contrasting styles—Erceg’s striking versus Temirov’s power—would make for an intriguing battle. This fight could also help determine which prospect is ready to take on tougher competition in one of the UFC’s most competitive divisions.

Steve Erceg may not have gotten the result he wanted against Brandon Moreno, but he gained invaluable experience fighting one of the best flyweights in MMA history. At just 28 years old, Erceg still has plenty of time to develop into a legitimate contender. Whether it’s Almabayev, Ulanbekov, or Temirov, any of these matchups would provide him with an opportunity to showcase his skills and continue his ascent in the flyweight division.