UFC flyweight Steve Erceg has had a rapid rise in the sport.
At UFC 301, he'll challenge Alexandre Pantoja for UFC gold at 125-pounds in what will be just his fourth fight in the company.
Here's what you need to know about Erceg:
MORE: Every upcoming bout for Aussies and Kiwis in the UFC
Is Steve Erceg Australian?
Yes, he certainly is.
Erceg is from Perth in Western Australia.
While he hasn't yet got the chance to fight in Australia while with the UFC, Erceg has said he'd love to defend the flyweight belt at UFC 305 in his hometown later this year.
Who is Steve Erceg?
Erceg is a 28-year-old mixed martial artist from Perth, Western Australia.
Signed to the UFC in February last year, Erceg made his debut at June 2023's UFC 289 in Vancouver with victory against Czech fighter David Dvorak, the 10th ranked flyweight.
The Aussie followed his maiden win by defeating Alessandro Costa by decision at UFC 295 at Madison Square Garden in November 2023.
Erceg then scored an impressive second-round knockout victory over Matt Schnell at UFC Fight Night in February.
Despite only being ranked 10th in the flyweight division, Erceg has been given a shot at Alexandre Pantoja's UFC title with other contenders either injured or booked to fight.
The main event bout at UFC 301 will be on Sunday, May 5 in Pantoja's home-town of Rio de Janiero, Brazil.
Erceg is currently 12-1 as a professional, having won 11 in a row since losing his second bout.
Steve Erceg record and bio
- Nationality: Australian
- Nickname: AstroBoy
- Born: July 27, 1995
- Height: 5'8" (173cm)
- Reach: 68.5" (174cm)
- Total fights: 13
- Record: 12-1 with eight wins by stoppage (6 submissions, 2 knockout)