Steve Erceg, feeling frustrated with his recent UFC performance, is determined to revive his career when he competes against Alex Perez in Las Vegas this August. His latest loss to former flyweight champion Brandon Moreno has been particularly disheartening, described by him as the worst fight of his professional life.
Erceg is eager to end a streak of three consecutive defeats, having previously challenged for the flyweight title just over a year ago. Following a setback against champion Alexandre Pantoja, he faced losses to both Kai Kara-France and Moreno, which have significantly dampened the momentum from his earlier UFC achievements.
His disappointment with the fight against Moreno is profound. “I believe it was the worst performance I’ve experienced,” Erceg shared. “I didn’t actively engage; instead, I tried to play it too safe. At the time, I thought I might be ahead on points since I felt I was landing my jab repeatedly.”
Reflecting on his performance, he recognized the impact of the prior knockout against Kara-France. “I think there were several reasons behind my lackluster performance, and the knockout from my last fight certainly weighed on my mind as I faced Moreno,” he admitted.
Going into his upcoming match with Perez, Erceg views this opponent as less formidable than his recent challengers, but he acknowledges that his prior respect for them might have hindered his performance. “I have been overly respectful towards them, almost expecting something unique from them, when in reality, they’re just human like me,” he explained.
With a clearer mindset for his encounter with Perez, he feels ready to reclaim his confidence. “While he is a skilled wrestler who often uses his abilities defensively, he can also strike aggressively. It’s crucial for me to maintain focus,” Erceg said, affirming his drive to exhibit his skills and assert his dominance in the octagon.
“I’m tired of merely competing; I want to enter with the mindset of being the dominant player. This time, I’m determined to move forward and put my past behind me,” he concluded.
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