UFC Abu Dhabi video: Ramazan Temirov runs through Steve Erceg with face-plant knockout

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ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – JULY 24: Ramazan Temirov throws a punch against Steve Erceg in their flyweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at Etihad Arena July 24, 2026 in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Ramazan Temirov is known for being a fast starter and he was at his explosive best in the biggest fight of his career.

Saturday’s UFC Abu Dhabi flyweight co-main event ended in spectacular fashion as Temirov rocked one-time title challenger Steve Erceg with a flurry of punches that dropped him face-down to the canvas in the closing minute of the opening round.

Watch the amazing knockout below.

The smaller Temirov wasted no time rushing at Erceg with a clear plan to end the fight quickly. Erceg defended well early on, but couldn’t get his own offense going, and as Round 1 progressed it was Temirov who began to land more consistently. The end came for Erceg when Temirov caught him with a haymaker of a right hand, followed by two more that put Erceg away.

Referee Mike Beltran officially halted the bout at the 4:21 mark of Round 1.

Temirov (20-3) improved to 3-0 in the UFC following wins over Charles Johnson and CJ Vergara. The 29-year-old was competing for the first time since serving a one-year suspension for a positive drug test in 2025.

Erceg (14-5) sees a two-fight win streak snapped as he falls to 5-4 in the UFC and concedes his top 15 spot in the rankings to Temirov.