UFC on ESPN 72: Dolidze vs. Hernandez, scheduled for August 9, 2025, at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, features a flyweight co-main event between ranked contender Steve Erceg and dangerous knockout artist Ode’ Osbourne. Both fighters are coming off momentum-swinging performances and will be looking to make a statement in the competitive 125-pound division.

Steve Erceg
Steve Erceg (12–4) is a technical and composed fighter from Australia, currently ranked #10 in the flyweight division. Known for his well-rounded skill set, Erceg blends sharp boxing with a strong grappling base, highlighted by his six career submission victories. He maintains a steady pace, rarely wasting movement, and excels in positional control once the fight hits the mat.

Erceg has faced elite opposition in recent outings, dropping decisions to former champion Brandon Moreno and Kai Kara-France after a five-round title loss to Alexandre Pantoja. Despite the setbacks, his competitive showings against top-tier talent have cemented him as a legitimate threat in the division. His best UFC performance came in March 2024 when he knocked out Matt Schnell in under 30 seconds, earning Performance of the Night honors.

Steve Erceg – Last 5 Fights:

1. Loss vs. Brandon Moreno – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC on ESPN, March 29, 2025
2. Loss vs. Kai Kara-France – TKO (Punches) – UFC 305, August 18, 2024
3. Loss vs. Alexandre Pantoja – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC 301, May 4, 2024 – For UFC Flyweight Title
4. Win vs. Matt Schnell – KO (Punch) – UFC FN, March 2, 2024
5. Win vs. Alessandro Costa – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC 295, November 11, 2023

Erceg’s key to victory lies in staying disciplined on the feet, using his jab to set up takedowns, and avoiding getting drawn into wild exchanges where Osbourne’s power can change the fight instantly.

Ode’ Osbourne
Ode’ Osbourne (13–8, 1 NC) is an explosive striker from Jamaica with a highlight-reel-heavy resume. Sporting six career knockouts, he thrives in chaotic exchanges and has the reach and athleticism to land from unusual angles. Osbourne’s fast starts and creative striking have made him a fan favorite, but his aggressive approach has also left him vulnerable to counters and submissions.

Osbourne snapped a three-fight skid in April 2025 with a second-round TKO over Luis Gurule, showcasing his punching power and killer instinct. However, his previous losses to Ronaldo Rodríguez, Jafel Filho, and Asu Almabayev exposed gaps in his defensive grappling, an area Erceg is well-equipped to exploit.

Ode’ Osbourne – Last 5 Fights:

1. Win vs. Luis Gurule – TKO (Punches) – UFC on ESPN, April 5, 2025
2. Loss vs. Ronaldo Rodríguez – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC 306, September 14, 2024
3. Loss vs. Jafel Filho – Submission (RNC) – UFC FN, March 16, 2024
4. Loss vs. Asu Almabayev – Submission (RNC) – UFC on ESPN, August 5, 2023
5. Win vs. Charles Johnson – Decision (Split) – UFC FN, February 25, 2023

Osbourne’s path to victory will likely involve keeping the fight at striking range, using his reach to snipe from the outside, and punishing Erceg’s entries with straight punches and counters.

This is a classic clash of styles between a patient, methodical technician and an unpredictable knockout threat. Erceg’s durability and championship-level experience make him more likely to survive the early storm, but Osbourne’s explosiveness ensures he is dangerous at all times.

If Erceg can close the distance and implement his grappling-heavy approach, Osbourne’s past submission losses suggest a finish is possible. On the other hand, if Osbourne keeps it standing and maintains space, his power could turn the fight in his favor.

Prediction
Given Erceg’s ability to control pace and his proven skill set against elite competition, he has the tools to neutralize Osbourne’s explosiveness. Expect him to weather early attacks, secure takedowns, and work toward a submission.

Prediction: Steve Erceg def. Ode’ Osbourne via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) – Round 2

A win here could set Erceg up for another top-5 opponent, while Osbourne will need to regroup to avoid falling further from contention.