Steve Erceg and Ramazan Temirov meet in the UFC Fight Night 282 co-feature Saturday at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom.
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Last event’s results: 3-2
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UFC main cards, 2026: 75-41-1
Steve Erceg vs. Ramazan Temirov UFC Fight Night 282 preview
Erceg (14-4 MMA, 5-3 UFC) looks to make it three straight wins after victories over Ode Osbourne and Tim Elliott. The former title challenger fought for the belt at UFC 301, but lost a decision to then-champion Alexandre Pantoja.
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Temirov (19-2 MMA, 2-0 UFC) looks to win his third UFC fight in as many appearances. He has won his first pair of outings by stopping CJ Vergara and winning a decision against Charles Johnson. Temirov is currently on an 11-fight winning streak.
Steve Erceg vs. Ramazan Temirov UFC Fight Night 282 expert pick, prediction
The co-main event on Paramount+ features a men’s flyweight fight between Steve Erceg and Ramazan Temirov.
Erceg, who feels like the Cory Sandhagen of his division, appears to be finally getting his feet back underneath him after going on a losing skid post his valiant title-challenging effort opposite Alexandre Pantoja.
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That said, Erceg faces a stiff power-puncher who will likely test his resolve in Temirov.
An almost karate-style boxer, Temirov is an explosive in-and-out striker who can fight coming forward or counter off his back foot. But between having a suspect gas tank and grappling ability past the first layer, it’s hard to know what we’ll get from Temirov in an extended fight, considering that he’s coming off a year-long layoff due to a drug suspension.
Add in the superior experience and strength of schedule of Erceg, and it’s hard not to favor the former title challenger to survive some early storms en route to pulling away via his educated boxing savvy (as well as the Aussie’s elbows in close).
The official pick is Erceg by decision.
Steve Erceg vs. Ramazan Temirov UFC Fight Night 282 odds
Despite the oddsmakers setting the Australian fighter as the favorite, public money has pushed the Uzbekistani slightly ahead, listing Temirov -114 and Erceg -106 via FanDuel.
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Steve Erceg vs. Ramazan Temirov UFC Fight Night 282 start time, how to watch
As the co-main event, Erceg and Temirov are expected to walk to the cage at approximately 2:10 p.m. ET. The fight streams live on Paramount+.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Steve Erceg vs. Ramazan Temirov prediction, pick for UFC Fight Night 282
