In an action-packed flyweight clash of the UFC Vegas co-main event, Erceg outpowers Osbourne in three-round battle to claim unanimous decision. On Saturday, August 9, 2025,the co-main event of UFC Fight Night delivered a thrilling bout between Steve Erceg and Ode Osbourne.
For Erceg, the fight was more than just another fight, it was a battle to salvage his UFC future. Once one of the flyweight division’s brightest rising stars, the Australian had stormed into the promotion in 2023 with three straight wins, earning a title shot against Alexandre Pantoja. But 2024 and 2025 have been unforgiving. Erceg fell short in that title bout at UFC 301, he lost by unanimous decision to Alexandre Pantoja for the flyweight title at UFC 301. He was then stopped by first-round TKO at the hands of Kai Kara-France at UFC 305. Most recently, he lost a unanimous decision to Brandon Moreno in Mexico City in March 2025. A fourth consecutive defeat would have put his roster spot in serious jeopardy.
Ode Osbourne, on the other hand, came in riding the wave of a career-reviving victory. After enduring a three-fight losing streak of his own in 2024, Osbourne turned things around in April 2025 with a spectacular second-round TKO over Luis Gurule, earning him a Performance of the Night bonus. The win did not only snap his slump but also gave him the confidence to step in on short notice for this fight, moving up to bantamweight to face Erceg after original opponent Park Hyun-sung withdrew.
From the opening bell, both men fought with urgency. Ode Osbourne wasted no time, opening with a leg kick. Steve Erceg fired back with a right hand over the top. Osbourne answered with more kicks, while Erceg tried to get his boxing going. A hard counter from Osbourne stunned the former flyweight contender. His speed was clear, and he’s landing well on the counter early. Erceg forced the clinch, but Osbourne breaks free. Erceg landed a 1-2, only for Osbourne to counter with a hook. Erceg recovered but received more big shots before shooting for a takedown, pressing Osbourne against the cage. Osbourne replied with a slick switch and took Erceg’s back. The Aussie scrambles, reversed, and looked for a choke. Osbourne defended, scrambled again, and ended the round on top as the horn sounds.
Round 2 started with another leg kick from Osbourne, answered by Erceg’s punches. Erceg shot for a takedown and pinned Osbourne on the cage, but Osbourne defended well, reverses position, and pined Erceg for a few seconds. They returned back to the center and trade punches. Erceg shoots again, but Osbourne fired back with strikes.
The final round saw Osbourne pushed forward, landing a sharp left hook. Erceg answered with a partially blocked head kick and followed with a clean 1-2. Osbourne landed a good right hand, Erceg fired back with his own. Both men exchanged heavy shots in the pocket before Erceg changed levels and secured a double-leg takedown. He moved to half guard with over two minutes left, then transitions to full mount. Osbourne tried to scramble but failed. Erceg locked in a body triangle and went for the choke. Osbourne exploded and got back to his feet, but Erceg got him right back down and regains full mount. After another scramble, Erceg took the back again, looked for the choke, but Osbourne survived till the final horn.
Main Card
Anthony Hernandez def. Roman Dolidze via sub (RNC) (R4, 2:45)
Steve Erceg def. Ode Osbourne via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
Iasmin Lucindo def. Angela Hill via unanimous decision (30-27 x2, 29-28)
Andre Fili def. Christian Rodriguez via split decision (29-28, 30-27, 28-29)
Jean Matsumoto def. Miles Johns via split decision (29-28 x2, 28-29)
Christian Leroy Duncan def. Eryk Anders via first-round TKO (3:53)
Preliminary Card
Julius Walker def. Raffael Cerqueira via unanimous decision (30-27 x2, 30-26)
Elijah Smith def. Toshiomi Kazama via first-round KO (4:10)
Joselyne Edwards def. Priscila Cachoeira via first-round KO (2:24)
Uros Medic def. Gilbert Urbina via first-round KO (1:03)
Gabriella Fernandes def. Julija Stoliarenko via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 x2)
Eric McConico def. Cody Brundage via split decision (29-28 x2, 27-30)
