Erceg vs R. Temurov Prediction 25 July 2026
🔥 The co-main event at UFC Abu Dhabi is shaping up to be a real showstopper. Former title challenger Steve Erceg is determined to climb back into the championship conversation after a string of mixed performances. Standing in his way is the ambitious Uzbek knockout artist Ramazonbek Temirov, who is eager to cement his place among the division’s elite.
Head-to-head statistics Erceg - R. Temurov
Steve Erceg Player Overview
Steve Erceg represents Wilkes MMA and stands out as one of the most versatile fighters in his division. His recent career has been a rollercoaster: a loss to Kara-France, a frustrating setback against Moreno, but then a string of confident victories. Erceg demonstrates excellent distance management and is comfortable both countering and dictating the pace of a fight. His win over Tim Elliott proved that the Australian has fully recovered and is ready for bigger challenges. Erceg brings discipline, endurance, and the composure needed to defeat dangerous strikers like Temirov.
Match Results: Steve Erceg
Ramazan Temurov Player Overview
Ramazonbek Temirov is a dynamic knockout artist from the Muradov Legion Team, renowned for finishing his fights inside the distance. He made a huge statement early in his UFC career, demolishing C.J. Vergara in the opening round. Temirov’s fighting style is highly entertaining: he thrives on relentless pressure, always hunting for that single, decisive shot. His most recent bout against Charles Johnson in March 2025 demonstrated that Temirov can go the distance and secure a win on the judges’ scorecards. After a lengthy layoff, he’s expected to return with plenty of energy and a burning desire to remind the entire division of his presence.
Match Results: Ramazan Temurov
⭐ Editors’ prediction
Despite Temirov’s reputation as a knockout artist, this bout is likely to go deep into the later rounds. Erceg is a highly intelligent tactician, adept at neutralizing aggressive opponents and shutting down their power shots with smart defensive work. After a lengthy layoff, Ramazonbek is unlikely to rush into wild exchanges, especially considering Steve represents the toughest test of his career so far. Both fighters are well aware of how much is at stake for their rankings and are expected to fight with a strong emphasis on defense. It makes sense to anticipate a high-paced yet highly strategic contest. That’s why we’re backing the over 2.5 rounds market.