A pair of former flyweight title challengers faced off at UFC Perth on Saturday, with Australia’s own Steve Erceg taking on veteran Tim Elliott.
Both men were coming off victories, with Elliott on a modest two-fight win streak including a submission of Kai Asakura last August. Erceg had most recently found success against Ode Osbourne.
Elliott came out with is trademark unusual style throwing multiple spinning kicks to the body early. Erceg stayed composed and looked for a big shot on the outside. A right hand from Erceg landed on the chin of Elliott. After eating the blow Elliott returned fire and connected on a punch inside the momentarily dropped Erceg. Elliott would land a takedown moments later that may have secured him the round.
A nice jab from Elliott got things going in the second round. The veteran would throw a dangerous elbow right after that nearly missed Erceg’s chin. Elliott was in an out of range bobbing back and forth with jabs and body shots. At the midway mark of the round Elliott would land another takedown. Erceg continued to circle the outside, looking to counter with straight punches as Elliott came in. Both fighters would land a takedown before the fight returned to the feet. This was quickly turning into a high pace fight that looked to be taking its affect on both competitors.
With the fight likely scored 1-1 the third round would be the deciding frame of the fight. Erceg was putting together some of his best volume this round throwing a considerable amount of punches in the first minute. The jab of Erceg was starting to keep Elliott at bay, while landing points for the Australian. Elliott was walking through punches, but it was Erceg was doing the damage from the outside. A great fight between these two flyweights went to the scorecards with Erceg picking up a much needed win at home.
Official Result: Steve Erceg def. Tim Elliott via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)