Steve Erceg has updated fans after face planting during the UFC Abu Dhabi co-main event.

Erceg was looking to extend his winning streak to three when he collided with Ramazan Temirov this past Saturday. “Astro Boy†got dropped with a right hand in the opening frame, and Temirov never took his foot off the gas. Eventually, Temirov caught him on the chin a few more times and Erceg was dropped again to seal the deal.

In a video update posted on his Instagram page, Erceg told fans that he's in good health following the rough knockout loss (via Bloody Elbow).

“Hey guys, just wanted to check in and let you know that I'm okay,†Erceg said. “I had a great camp, felt fantastic, but unfortunately things don't always go your way. First of all, thank you to the UFC for all the opportunities you've afforded me. Thank you to Abu Dhabi for the hospitality, and congratulations to Sharabutdin on a great fight. Lastly, I'd like to say to all my family and friends that your continuous support means the world.

“I'll be back. Thanks.â€

This is Erceg's first loss since March 2025. He had snapped a three-fight skid with a unanimous decision over Ode Osbourne. Erceg followed that up with another decision over Tim Elliot, but he will need to get back on the horse after being stopped for the second time in his pro MMA career.

Meanwhile, Temirov continues his rise in the flyweight division. Erceg was ranked No. 13 in the Meta panel rankings and No. 10 in the media rankings prior to Saturday's loss. That means Temirov will have a number next to his name in both panels when the rankings are updated.

Where does Steve Erceg go from here? Are his hopes of reentering the UFC title picture a pipe dream, or can he overcome this latest setback? Drop your opinion in the comments below.

Carlos Ulberg had vested interest in the UFC Abu Dhabi main event, and he believes he saw enough of Magomed Ankalaev to have him downloaded.

Ankalaev took center stage inside Etihad Arena this past Saturday. He shared the Octagon with Bogdan Guskov, who was a late replacement for the injured Khalil Rountree. Ankalaev ended up scoring a fifth-round TKO finish.

Ulberg is the reigning UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, so he had his eyes on the Ankalaev vs. Guskov fight. During his interview with UFC on Paramount+, “Black Jag†said Ankalaev showed him enough in case the two ended up clashing with the 205-pound gold at stake (via MMAJunkie).

“I saw what I needed to see, and I'll make sure I do everything I can to get back in there,†Ulberg said. “I've always seen Ankalaev as a top contender, so he's definitely one of the guys that will be up next as well. … I saw what I needed to see. I'll leave it at that.â€

Ulberg has been out of action due to a torn ACL, which he suffered in his title-winning bout against Jiri Prochazka back in April. The light heavyweight king said he's hoping that an early 2027 return is in the cards.

“I'm just making sure I need to do everything I need to keep on task with my injury, but then also just been working closely with the (UFC) PI and make sure I can get back in there as quickly as possible, but then also as safely as possible,†Ulberg said. “We're looking at early next year, so 2027 if we're being smart so we don't come in too early and reinsure ourselves.â€

One big talking point within MMA is whether or not there will be an interim UFC light heavyweight title fight before the end of 2026. Paulo Costa recently made his 205-pound debut, and he has been calling for an interim title fight. Alex Pereira recently lost an interim heavyweight title fight against Ciryl Gane, and one can't rule out “Poatan†returning to the 205-pound division.

When Carlos Ulberg is ready to return, who do you think he'll end up facing? Will it be Magomed Ankalaev or another top contender? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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