UFC Fight Night: Ankalaev vs. Guskov  25 Jul 2026 · Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, AE

Ramazan Temirov defeats Steve Erceg by KO/TKO

Loss Steve Erceg 14-5-0
Win Ramazan Temirov 20-3-0
KO/TKO · right hand

Round 1 · 4:21

Erceg vs Temirov — Flyweight · UFC Fight Night: Ankalaev vs. Guskov

Predictions summary

What happened

The result, the defining moments, and what the verdict means.

Temirov opened aggressively with heavy right hands.

He kept pursuing Erceg whenever Erceg looked for space.

A right hand folded Erceg and sent him to the canvas late in round one.

Pre-fight analysis — how we saw it going in

Case for Erceg

Erceg wins on level and craft. 'Astro Boy' has shared the cage with the division's best — a five-round loss to former champion Brandon Moreno and a flyweight title shot against Alexandre Pantoja — and he has rebuilt with decisions over Tim Elliott and Ode' Osbourne. His well-rounded game and six career submissions give him more ways to win than Temirov has yet had to solve in the UFC.

Case for Temirov

Temirov wins if his hands land clean. He is a perfect 5-0 across his last five with eleven career knockouts, and he introduced himself to the UFC by out-pointing Charles Johnson and stopping C.J. Vergara inside a round. The southpaw pressure and one-shot power are real; if he turns it into a firefight, Erceg has been hurt before — Kai Kara-France stopped him in a single round.

What We Were Watching For

  • Experience vs momentum: Erceg has fought for a title, while Temirov is a perfect 2-0 inside the UFC — does the jump in level tell?
  • Erceg's grappling: can he take the power out of the fight by getting Temirov to the mat, where he holds a clear submission edge?
  • Temirov's left hand: eleven KOs from a southpaw stance — the moment it lands flush is the moment the fight can end.
  • The Kara-France echo: Erceg's one clean knockout loss came to a pressure puncher — does Temirov fit that same profile?
Records & career stats
Erceg vs Temirov
14-4-0
Record
19-3-0
2-3 last 5
Recent formRecent formWin–loss record over the fighter’s last five bouts, newest first, as carried in their UFC/FightMetric career stats.
Source pending
Australia
Nationality
Source pending
30
Age
29
1.73 m
Height — Erceg leads
64 in
173 cm
Reach — Erceg leads
63 in
—
StanceStanceWhich side a fighter leads from — a striking term, not a religious one. Orthodox: right-handed, left foot and hand forward (the common default). Southpaw: the mirror image, right side forward (usually a left-hander). Switch: changes between the two during a fight.
Source pending
57%
Finish rateFinish %Finish rateThe share of a fighter’s wins that ended inside the distance — by KO/TKO or submission — rather than going to the judges’ scorecards. Higher means more finishes.
Source pending
2
Wins by KO/TKOKO wins — Temirov leads
12
6
Wins by submissionSub wins — Erceg leads
1
4.56
Sig. strikes landed / minStr / minSignificant strikes landed per minuteAverage number of significant strikes a fighter lands for every minute of fight time — a read on striking output and pace. From UFC/FightMetric career stats.
4.73
4.14
Sig. strikes absorbed / minAbs / min — Temirov leadsSignificant strikes absorbed per minuteAverage number of significant strikes a fighter takes for every minute of fight time. Lower is better — it means they get hit less often. From UFC/FightMetric career stats.
3.65
56%
Striking defenseStrike def. — Temirov leadsStriking defenseThe percentage of opponents’ significant strikes that do not land — strikes slipped, blocked or evaded. Higher is better. Not the same as striking accuracy, which counts your own strikes that land. From UFC/FightMetric.
62%
67%
Takedown defenseTD def. — Temirov leadsTakedown defenseThe percentage of opponents’ takedown attempts that are stuffed. Higher means harder to put on the mat. From UFC/FightMetric.
100%
13:46
Avg. fight timeAvg. timeAverage fight timeThe mean length of the fighter’s bouts (minutes:seconds) — a rough read on whether they tend to finish early or go the distance. From UFC/FightMetric.
07:24
Wilkes Martial Arts & Fitness Academy
Team
Legion Fight Club

Career stats per UFC.com; recent form is each fighter's last five bouts. Record is as of fight night; career stats, recent form and win totals are the latest on file and may include this fight. Bars compare each stat on a fixed scale; the “Edge” marker flags the leading corner where the gap is meaningful. The snapshot plots five career rates — output, striking defense, durability (strikes absorbed, inverted), takedown defense and finish rate — each normalised on its own scale.

Comments

Comments are currently closed while we finish moderation and privacy controls.

Who Called It?

How the analysts' picks held up once the cage door closed.

Bedtime MMA
Hear it — 29:17

Current pick evidence

Picked: Steve Erceg

Fight result: Ramazan Temirov · KO/TKO

Picks Steve Erceg for his cleaner striking, size and reach against Temirov.

“size and reach advantage. And one reason I'm going to pick Steve is he's not”

Analyst track record Track record countsWinner counts resolved calls. Method and Round count only after a correct winner call. Underdog counts picks for a strict underdog in frozen pre-fight odds.Methodology

  • Winner Accuracy 70.8% 121 50
  • Method Accuracy 62.9% 56 33
  • Round Accuracy 38.5% 10 16
  • Underdog Accuracy 48.5% 16 17
View full track record (171 calls)
DFS By The Numbers
Hear it — 27:36

Current pick evidence

Picked: Steve Erceg · Dec

Fight result: Ramazan Temirov · KO/TKO

Takes Erceg as the better minute-winner through striking, grappling and cardio if he avoids Temirov's early power.

“favorite in hindsight. But I'm going to go with Ersk here. I think he's even the”

Analyst track record Track record countsWinner counts resolved calls. Method and Round count only after a correct winner call. Underdog counts picks for a strict underdog in frozen pre-fight odds.Methodology

  • Winner Accuracy 64.4% 94 52
  • Method Accuracy 58.5% 48 34
  • Round Accuracy 35.9% 14 25
  • Underdog Accuracy 35.0% 7 13
View full track record (146 calls)
HopperMMA
Hear it — 21:38

Current pick evidence

Picked: Steve Erceg

Fight result: Ramazan Temirov · KO/TKO

Picks Steve Erceg, citing the more proven and well-rounded fighter after Temirov's long layoff.

“step down in competition. Doesn't really make much sense.”

Analyst track record Track record countsWinner counts resolved calls. Method and Round count only after a correct winner call. Underdog counts picks for a strict underdog in frozen pre-fight odds.Methodology

  • Winner Accuracy 63.6% 77 44
  • Method Accuracy 64.6% 42 23
  • Round Accuracy 47.2% 17 19
  • Underdog Accuracy 26.3% 5 14
View full track record (121 calls)
Andrew Richardson
Read source

Current pick evidence

Picked: Steve Erceg · Dec

Fight result: Ramazan Temirov · KO/TKO

MMA Mania's UFC Abu Dhabi X-Factor preview has Andrew Richardson picking Steve Erceg by decision.

Analyst track record Track record countsWinner counts resolved calls. Method and Round count only after a correct winner call. Underdog counts picks for a strict underdog in frozen pre-fight odds.Methodology

  • Winner Accuracy 58.6% 34 24
  • Method Accuracy 70.6% 24 10
  • Round AccuracyNo qualifying picks
  • Underdog Accuracy 14.3% 1 6
View full track record (58 calls)
Jesse Holland
Read source

Current pick evidence

Picked: Steve Erceg · Dec

Fight result: Ramazan Temirov · KO/TKO

MMA Mania's UFC Abu Dhabi preview has Jesse Holland picking Steve Erceg by decision.

Analyst track record Track record countsWinner counts resolved calls. Method and Round count only after a correct winner call. Underdog counts picks for a strict underdog in frozen pre-fight odds.Methodology

  • Winner Accuracy 49.1% 27 28
  • Method Accuracy 55.6% 15 12
  • Round AccuracyNo round picks
  • Underdog Accuracy 27.8% 5 13
View full track record (55 calls)
AJ Devito
Hear it — 56:22

Current pick evidence

Picked: Ramazan Temirov

Fight result: Ramazan Temirov · KO/TKO

Favors Temirov's explosive pressure, power and defensive wrestling over Erceg, while noting Erceg's toughness and grappling ability.

“I'm going Ramazan Temirov.”

Analyst track record Track record countsWinner counts resolved calls. Method and Round count only after a correct winner call. Underdog counts picks for a strict underdog in frozen pre-fight odds.Methodology

  • Winner Accuracy 69.6% 165 72
  • Method Accuracy 58.4% 59 42
  • Round Accuracy 75.0% 6 2
  • Underdog Accuracy 46.2% 12 14
View full track record (237 calls)
Michael Chiesa
Hear it — 31:04

Current pick evidence

Picked: Ramazan Temirov

Fight result: Ramazan Temirov · KO/TKO

Calls it close but favors Temirov's explosiveness and more meaningful shots; he explicitly leaves finish versus decision open.

“be what gives Steve Ursk problems. I I I have to side with Tamarov in this fight.”

Analyst track record Track record countsWinner counts resolved calls. Method and Round count only after a correct winner call. Underdog counts picks for a strict underdog in frozen pre-fight odds.Methodology

  • Winner Accuracy 67.7% 42 20
  • Method Accuracy 50.0% 2 2
  • Round AccuracyNo round picks
  • Underdog Accuracy 14.3% 1 6
View full track record (62 calls)
We Want Picks
Hear it — 35:18

Current pick evidence

Picked: Ramazan Temirov

Fight result: Ramazan Temirov · KO/TKO

Names Ramazan Temirov as the full-card pick in this preview.

“No, I'm kidding. I pick Raman. I bet on Ramazan.”

Analyst track record Track record countsWinner counts resolved calls. Method and Round count only after a correct winner call. Underdog counts picks for a strict underdog in frozen pre-fight odds.Methodology

  • Winner Accuracy 64.1% 93 52
  • Method Accuracy 40.0% 2 3
  • Round AccuracyNo qualifying picks
  • Underdog Accuracy 34.5% 10 19
View full track record (145 calls)

Analyst picks: Bedtime MMA Miss; AJ Devito Hit; Michael Chiesa Hit; DFS By The Numbers Miss; We Want Picks Hit; HopperMMA Miss; Andrew Richardson Miss; Jesse Holland Miss.

Analyst prediction scorecards
Expand row
Bedtime MMA171 resolved calls
Bedtime MMA
Hear it — 29:17

Current pick evidence

Picked: Steve Erceg

Fight result: Ramazan Temirov · KO/TKO

Picks Steve Erceg for his cleaner striking, size and reach against Temirov.

“size and reach advantage. And one reason I'm going to pick Steve is he's not”

Analyst track record Track record countsWinner counts resolved calls. Method and Round count only after a correct winner call. Underdog counts picks for a strict underdog in frozen pre-fight odds.Methodology

  • Winner Accuracy 70.8% 121 50
  • Method Accuracy 62.9% 56 33
  • Round Accuracy 38.5% 10 16
  • Underdog Accuracy 48.5% 16 17
View full track record (171 calls)
Erceg · to winTemirov · KO/TKO R1MissNot applicable — the winner call missedNot applicable — the winner call missed
AJ Devito237 resolved calls
AJ Devito
Hear it — 56:22

Current pick evidence

Picked: Ramazan Temirov

Fight result: Ramazan Temirov · KO/TKO

Favors Temirov's explosive pressure, power and defensive wrestling over Erceg, while noting Erceg's toughness and grappling ability.

“I'm going Ramazan Temirov.”

Analyst track record Track record countsWinner counts resolved calls. Method and Round count only after a correct winner call. Underdog counts picks for a strict underdog in frozen pre-fight odds.Methodology

  • Winner Accuracy 69.6% 165 72
  • Method Accuracy 58.4% 59 42
  • Round Accuracy 75.0% 6 2
  • Underdog Accuracy 46.2% 12 14
View full track record (237 calls)
Temirov · to winTemirov · KO/TKO R1HitNot calledNot called
Michael Chiesa62 resolved calls
Michael Chiesa
Hear it — 31:04

Current pick evidence

Picked: Ramazan Temirov

Fight result: Ramazan Temirov · KO/TKO

Calls it close but favors Temirov's explosiveness and more meaningful shots; he explicitly leaves finish versus decision open.

“be what gives Steve Ursk problems. I I I have to side with Tamarov in this fight.”

Analyst track record Track record countsWinner counts resolved calls. Method and Round count only after a correct winner call. Underdog counts picks for a strict underdog in frozen pre-fight odds.Methodology

  • Winner Accuracy 67.7% 42 20
  • Method Accuracy 50.0% 2 2
  • Round AccuracyNo round picks
  • Underdog Accuracy 14.3% 1 6
View full track record (62 calls)
Temirov · to winTemirov · KO/TKO R1HitNot calledNot called
DFS By The Numbers146 resolved calls
DFS By The Numbers
Hear it — 27:36

Current pick evidence

Picked: Steve Erceg · Dec

Fight result: Ramazan Temirov · KO/TKO

Takes Erceg as the better minute-winner through striking, grappling and cardio if he avoids Temirov's early power.

“favorite in hindsight. But I'm going to go with Ersk here. I think he's even the”

Analyst track record Track record countsWinner counts resolved calls. Method and Round count only after a correct winner call. Underdog counts picks for a strict underdog in frozen pre-fight odds.Methodology

  • Winner Accuracy 64.4% 94 52
  • Method Accuracy 58.5% 48 34
  • Round Accuracy 35.9% 14 25
  • Underdog Accuracy 35.0% 7 13
View full track record (146 calls)
Erceg · DecTemirov · KO/TKO R1MissNot applicable — the winner call missedNot applicable — the winner call missed
We Want Picks145 resolved calls
We Want Picks
Hear it — 35:18

Current pick evidence

Picked: Ramazan Temirov

Fight result: Ramazan Temirov · KO/TKO

Names Ramazan Temirov as the full-card pick in this preview.

“No, I'm kidding. I pick Raman. I bet on Ramazan.”

Analyst track record Track record countsWinner counts resolved calls. Method and Round count only after a correct winner call. Underdog counts picks for a strict underdog in frozen pre-fight odds.Methodology

  • Winner Accuracy 64.1% 93 52
  • Method Accuracy 40.0% 2 3
  • Round AccuracyNo qualifying picks
  • Underdog Accuracy 34.5% 10 19
View full track record (145 calls)
Temirov · to winTemirov · KO/TKO R1HitNot calledNot called
HopperMMA121 resolved calls
HopperMMA
Hear it — 21:38

Current pick evidence

Picked: Steve Erceg

Fight result: Ramazan Temirov · KO/TKO

Picks Steve Erceg, citing the more proven and well-rounded fighter after Temirov's long layoff.

“step down in competition. Doesn't really make much sense.”

Analyst track record Track record countsWinner counts resolved calls. Method and Round count only after a correct winner call. Underdog counts picks for a strict underdog in frozen pre-fight odds.Methodology

  • Winner Accuracy 63.6% 77 44
  • Method Accuracy 64.6% 42 23
  • Round Accuracy 47.2% 17 19
  • Underdog Accuracy 26.3% 5 14
View full track record (121 calls)
Erceg · to winTemirov · KO/TKO R1MissNot applicable — the winner call missedNot applicable — the winner call missed
Andrew Richardson58 resolved calls
Andrew Richardson
Read source

Current pick evidence

Picked: Steve Erceg · Dec

Fight result: Ramazan Temirov · KO/TKO

MMA Mania's UFC Abu Dhabi X-Factor preview has Andrew Richardson picking Steve Erceg by decision.

Analyst track record Track record countsWinner counts resolved calls. Method and Round count only after a correct winner call. Underdog counts picks for a strict underdog in frozen pre-fight odds.Methodology

  • Winner Accuracy 58.6% 34 24
  • Method Accuracy 70.6% 24 10
  • Round AccuracyNo qualifying picks
  • Underdog Accuracy 14.3% 1 6
View full track record (58 calls)
Erceg · DecTemirov · KO/TKO R1MissNot applicable — the winner call missedNot applicable — the winner call missed
Jesse Holland55 resolved calls
Jesse Holland
Read source

Current pick evidence

Picked: Steve Erceg · Dec

Fight result: Ramazan Temirov · KO/TKO

MMA Mania's UFC Abu Dhabi preview has Jesse Holland picking Steve Erceg by decision.

Analyst track record Track record countsWinner counts resolved calls. Method and Round count only after a correct winner call. Underdog counts picks for a strict underdog in frozen pre-fight odds.Methodology

  • Winner Accuracy 49.1% 27 28
  • Method Accuracy 55.6% 15 12
  • Round AccuracyNo round picks
  • Underdog Accuracy 27.8% 5 13
View full track record (55 calls)
Erceg · DecTemirov · KO/TKO R1MissNot applicable — the winner call missedNot applicable — the winner call missed

3 of 8 called the winner.

The experts above are a lens, not credentials we conferred — analyst, fighter or betting desk.

No AI predictions are available for this fight yet.

No market odds are available for this fight yet.

Independent fan-made fight recap. Not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the UFC or any other MMA promotion. Analysis is editorial opinion, not betting advice. Fighter names and records are used for commentary. Image credits · Methodology · Privacy · Terms.