Former flyweight title challenger Steve Erceg was looking to make it three in a row when he faced off against Ramazan Temirov in the co-main event of UFC Abu Dhabi at the Etihad Arena on Saturday.
For the unranked Temirov, it was a massive opportunity to crack the top 15, and put the division on notice.
Crack is exactly what Temirov did.
Immediatley when the fight began Temirov marched forward and sat Erceg down with the first punch he threw. Erceg dropped to the canvas and shot a desperation takedown to try and recover. After regaining his composure, Erceg returned to the feet where he circled at range. Temirov, who had been sidelined for 17 months with a PED suspension, looked very fast and explosive early in the first.
Late in round one Temirov caught Erceg again and dropped him twice in under five seconds. Erceg tried to show toughness by returning to his feet but was wobbled against the cage. Temirov marched forward and landed another massive right hand that knocked the former title challanger out cold.
A massive statement by Temirov that is sure to draw the attention of the rest of his competition in the weight class. This was the 11th first round finish in Temirov’s career.
Official Result: Ramazan Temirov def. Steve Erceg by TKO (punches), Round 1, 4:21
