Stephen Vincenzo Erceg Bio
Stephen Vincenzo Erceg is an Australian professional mixed martial artist competing in the Flyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Born on July 27, 1995, in Perth, Western Australia, Erceg has built a strong reputation in MMA since beginning his career in 2016, showcasing his skills on both local and international stages.
Early Life and Background
Erceg was born and raised in Perth, Western Australia, to a family of Croatian and Italian descent. He attended Corpus Christi College during his upbringing. As a youth, Erceg was a big fan of professional wrestling, which sparked his interest in combat sports. His fascination with wrestling led him to discover mixed martial arts after watching Brock Lesnar compete at UFC 81, inspiring him to start training at a local gym.
In addition to MMA, Erceg has competed in muay thai and Brazilian jiu-jitsu tournaments. He also earned a gold medal in the 65 kg division at the Australian national freestyle wrestling championships, demonstrating his diverse grappling abilities early on.
Path to MMA
Erceg began his professional MMA career in 2016, competing in Australian promotions such as Hex Fighting Series and Eternal MMA. He quickly made a name for himself by winning the flyweight title in Eternal MMA and compiling an impressive 9–1 record. His success in these regional circuits paved the way for his entry into the UFC, marking a significant step up to the international level.
Stephen Vincenzo Erceg Career
Early Career (2016–2022)
Starting in 2016, Erceg fought primarily in Australian MMA promotions, gaining valuable experience and honing his skills. His notable achievement during this period was capturing the flyweight title in Eternal MMA, which highlighted his potential as a rising contender in the division. Throughout these years, he established himself as a well-rounded fighter with a strong grappling base and striking capabilities.
Erceg’s early career was marked by consistent performances and a growing reputation, which eventually led to his signing with the UFC. His record before joining the UFC stood at 9 wins and 1 loss, reflecting his dominance in the regional scene.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Breakthrough (2023–Present)
Erceg made his UFC debut on June 10, 2023, at UFC 289, stepping in as a replacement to face David Dvořák. In a notable upset, he won the fight by unanimous decision, earning his first Performance of the Night bonus. This victory marked a significant milestone in his career, showcasing his ability to compete at the highest level.
Following his debut, Erceg continued to build momentum with a unanimous decision win over Alessandro Costa in November 2023. In March 2024, he secured a second-round knockout victory against Matt Schnell, earning another Performance of the Night award. These performances established him as a serious contender in the flyweight division.
Erceg challenged for the UFC Flyweight Championship against Alexandre Pantoja in May 2024 but lost by unanimous decision. He faced setbacks in subsequent bouts, including a technical knockout loss to Kai Kara-France in August 2024 and a unanimous decision loss to former two-time champion Brandon Moreno in April 2025. Despite these challenges, Erceg rebounded with a unanimous decision win over Ode’ Osbourne in August 2025, demonstrating resilience and continued competitiveness.
Wilkes MMA Era (2016–Present)
Throughout his career, Stephen Erceg has trained with Wilkes MMA, a team based in his hometown of Perth. This partnership has been integral to his development, providing him with coaching and support to refine his skills. His training environment has contributed to his well-rounded fighting style and strategic approach inside the octagon.
Fighting Style and Strengths
Erceg is known for his versatility, combining strong grappling with effective striking. His background in freestyle wrestling and Brazilian jiu-jitsu allows him to control opponents on the ground, while his muay thai experience enhances his stand-up game. His strategic approach and adaptability make him a formidable opponent in the flyweight division.
Notable Events and Milestones
Key moments in Erceg’s career include his UFC debut win over David Dvořák, earning two Performance of the Night bonuses, and his title shot against Alexandre Pantoja. His knockout victory over Matt Schnell stands out as a highlight, showcasing his finishing ability on a big stage.
Stephen Vincenzo Erceg Career Wins
Stephen Erceg has accumulated a total of 13 professional wins out of 17 fights, with victories achieved through a mix of decisions, knockouts, and submissions. His record reflects his well-rounded skill set and ability to finish fights in multiple ways.
UFC Highlights
Since joining the UFC, Erceg has secured several important wins, including his debut victory and knockout of Matt Schnell. These wins have helped him climb the flyweight rankings and earn a title shot. His UFC tenure has been marked by competitive performances against top contenders in the division.
Other Wins and Performances
Prior to the UFC, Erceg found success in Australian regional promotions, notably winning the Eternal MMA flyweight title. His early career success laid the foundation for his transition to the global stage.
Stephen Vincenzo Erceg Family
Family Background and Heritage
Erceg comes from a multicultural background with Croatian and Italian roots. This diverse heritage has been part of his identity growing up in Perth, Australia.
Personal Life
Known by his nickname “Astro Boy,” which he earned due to his resemblance to the Japanese manga character in his youth, Erceg keeps his personal life private. There is no publicly available information about his marital status or children.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Erceg remained an active competitor in the UFC flyweight division. He was scheduled for several bouts, including a main event against former two-time flyweight champion Brandon Moreno in April, where he suffered a unanimous decision loss. Despite this setback, Erceg bounced back with a unanimous decision win over Ode’ Osbourne in August. His 2025 campaign has been characterized by resilience and determination to remain a top contender in the division.
Erceg’s ongoing partnership with Wilkes MMA continues to support his development as he aims to refine his skills and improve his standing in the highly competitive flyweight class. His performances in 2025 demonstrate his commitment to growth and success at the highest level of mixed martial arts.