Trash talk serves as a strategic tool for fighters to gain a mental edge over their opponents by undermining their confidence and focus. Beyond the mind games, such verbal sparring can enhance the entertainment value of the sport, drawing increased attention and engagement from fans. The UFC often leverages these heated dialogues to boost fight hype and pay-per-view sales.
Sometimes, however, trash talk between fighters goes beyond promotional theatrics or gamesmanship. Sometimes the words stem from genuine dislike or disdain.
Australian flyweight contender Steve Erceg had some choice words for former UFC fighter Muhammad Mokaev. This escalating feud began after Mokaev's abrupt departure from the UFC, which UFC President Dana White attributed to issues outside the cage. ​
Erceg, typically reserved and not known for engaging in trash talk, voiced his distaste of Mokaev's behavior during an appearance on "The Ariel Helwani Show."
The UFC flyweight alleged that Mokaev displayed disrespect toward UFC staff, stating, "I didn't like the way he interacted with people around him… He seemed like a privileged diva."
The tension intensified when Mokaev reportedly sent Erceg a direct message on social media mocking his knockout loss to Kai Kara-France at UFC 305, asking if he had "woken up."
Despite the heated exchange, a fight between the two fighters appears unlikely in the near future, as they are currently signed with different promotions. Erceg is set to face former two-time UFC champion Brandon Moreno at an upcoming event in Mexico City, providing him an opportunity to redirect his focus toward his own competitive pursuits. Mokaev, on the other hand, currently competes in Brave Combat Federation.
When asked if he would take the opportunity to fight Mokaev if he were to return to the UFC, Erceg enthusiastically responded, “Yeah one hundred percent. I'd love to slap him around. I assume that if I ever went to London and he saw me on the street I assume he’s going to try to ‘king’ hit me. I’m ready for whatever nonsense he wants to generate."
Upon seeing the interview clip, Mokaev took to social media and responded to Erceg with some choice words of his own.
I won’t say much but Karma will get you for all those lies
You already got KOd, hope Moreno will KO you tooBtw when he fought against Mat Schnell I came to you and said all the best to you , when you fought for the belt I tweeter 2-3 times and wish you the best but when I got…
— Muhammad Mokaev (@muhammadmokaev) March 25, 2025
For now, the trash talk between the two flyweights has intensified the spotlight on both fighters. Whether the personal drama will stay online or spill out into a real-life altercation remains to be seen.
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