UFC Fight Night Preview & Prediction: Steve Erceg vs Ode Osbourne

A fast-rising contender meets a flashy veteran in this exciting flyweight showdown as Australia’s Steve Erceg takes on Jamaica’s Ode Osbourne. Both fighters are trying to break into the 125-lb top 15 and a strong performance here could propel the winner toward the division’s bigger names. Erceg made a strong UFC debut earlier this year by out-pointing a tough opponent with sharp boxing, efficient grappling, and calm composure under pressure.

Osbourne, meanwhile, remains one of the most explosive yet unpredictable fighters in the weight class, capable of highlight-reel finishes but sometimes falling victim to inconsistency. Their styles contrast sharply: Erceg prefers clean technique and steady pressure, while Osbourne relies on fast-twitch striking and unorthodox timing. With the flyweight division heating up, this matchup carries significant implications for who could emerge as a new contender in early 2025.

Tale of the Tape

Fighter	Steve Erceg	Ode Osbourne
Professional Record	10–1	12–6 (1 NC)
Height	5’8” (173 cm)	5’7” (170 cm)
Reach	68” (173 cm)	73” (185 cm)
Fighting Style	Technical boxer/grappler	Explosive striker

Stylistic Matchup

Erceg is fundamentally sound with crisp hands, disciplined footwork, and well-timed takedowns. He likes to fight behind a long jab and gradually overwhelm opponents with steady pressure and cage control. While not a reckless finisher, his consistency and fight IQ make him a problematic matchup for fighters who rely on bursts. Osbourne, in contrast, is all about unpredictability. He throws flying knees, spinning kicks, and long straight punches from odd angles, looking to score early knockouts. If he keeps the fight at kicking range, his reach and athleticism can frustrate opponents — but if forced backward or pressed into later rounds, cardio and defensive lapses have historically cost him against strong technicians.

SHOP: The Kickboxer Collection

Prediction

Expect Erceg to stay composed, avoid wild exchanges, and chip away with straight punches and clinch control. Osbourne’s explosiveness makes him dangerous early, but over three rounds the steadier, more strategic fighter typically prevails at flyweight. Steve Erceg by decision, using work rate, pressure, and fundamentals to neutralize Osbourne’s bursts of offense.