Steve Erceg defeated Tim Elliott by unanimous decision with all three judges scoring the bout 29-28. Erceg effectively outstruck Elliott on the feet, landing 137 significant strikes compared to Elliott's 84. This marks Erceg's second consecutive victory after a three-fight losing streak. Elliott's winning streak of two finishes comes to an end. The bout showcased Erceg's improved striking and ability to control the pace throughout the fight.
Steve Erceg returned to winning form on home soil, defeating Tim Elliott by unanimous decision at UFC Perth on May 2, with all three judges scoring the contest 29-28.
Erceg, nicknamed "Astroboy," was the busier and more accurate striker throughout the three rounds, landing 137 significant strikes to Elliott's 84. The 30-year-old Australian holds a 14-4 record and sits ninth in the flyweight rankings. Fighting out of Wilkes Martial Arts, the orthodox southpaw operates at four significant strikes per minute with 45 percent accuracy, and the Perth performance reflected that output. The victory ends a difficult stretch for Erceg, who had dropped three straight before stringing together back-to-back wins.
Elliott, 39, came in ranked eleventh at flyweight and brought a 22-14-1 record into the cage. The American southpaw is known primarily as a grappler, averaging 3.71 takedowns and 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes, but he was unable to impose that game plan consistently enough against Erceg's pace and footwork. His two-fight finishing streak is now over.
Why it matters
- Erceg climbs back toward the top ten with consecutive wins, strengthening his case for a higher-ranked opponent
- Elliott's inability to convert his grappling against a striker with solid takedown defense raises questions about his path back up the rankings
- The result shifts the flyweight landscape slightly, with Erceg at ninth and Elliott at eleventh now separated further in momentum
