Steve Erceg's first UFC bout at bantamweight ends up being a success, as he scored a decision victory over Ode' Osbourne in the co-main event of UFC Vegas 109.
Osbourne used down kicks to the legs throughout the opening of the fight before connecting on a right hand that seemed to do damage. Erceg attempted to pin Osbourne against the fence, but Osbourne avoided it. Another right hand by Osbourne wobbled Erceg near the fence. Erceg weathered a small flurry and pressed Osbourne against the fence. A takedown attempted by Erceg failed, however, and Osbourne threatened a choke. Erceg managed to escape, however, and he got to Osbourne's back and threatened his own choke. Osbourne would get out of it and end the round on top in Erceg's guard.
Osbourne looked to continue his success in the second round by flashing his speedy strikes, but Erceg managed to pin him against the fence after about a minute. Erceg held him there for a little while before the fight returned to the center, where Erceg found some success with the right hand. Erceg would level change and pin Osbourne against the cage again. Osbourne reversed and escaped the grasp, but not without taking a body kick. After a clash of right hands, Erceg tried for another takedown attempt, but Osbourne avoided it.
The third round started quiet for the first couple of minutes, with Erceg getting the better of Osbourne, before a takedown of Osbourne halfway through the round. Erceg pressured his way into mount, threatening an arm-triangle before Osbourne gave his back up. Erceg attempted a rear-naked choke with a body triangle, but Osbourne escaped -- though Erceg locked a headlock and took Osbourne back to the mat. Erceg threatened a choke once more and ended the fight on top in mount.
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This fight broke a three-fight losing skid for Erceg, a skid that started with an unsuccessful title shot against Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 301.
Osbourne has now lost four of his last five. He came into this fight off a finish of Luis Gurule at UFC Vegas 105 in April.
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