Steve Erceg is wasting no time plotting his next move after a dominant performance at UFC Perth. The Australian flyweight, fresh off a unanimous decision victory over Tim Elliott, has his sights set on two very different opponents—both of whom could catapult him closer to title contention.

Fans have been buzzing about potential matchups for "Astro Boy," and Erceg has taken notice. The two names that keep surfacing are Amir Albazi and Brandon Royval, and Erceg is eager to step into the Octagon with either one. "I've been looking at posts about who people think I should fight," Erceg told heavywgtMMA. "Two that were brought up were Amir Albazi and Brandon Royval. They're both coming off losses but ranked ahead of me, so it would be a good time to meet either one. They're obviously two very different fighters. Let's meet up and have a crash."

For Erceg (14-4), the win over Elliott was more than just another notch on his record—it was a much-needed relief. After a three-fight skid that began with his 2024 title shot loss to Alexandre Pantoja, he rebounded with a win over Ode Osbourne last year, but that performance left him unsatisfied. At UFC Perth, however, Erceg put on a striking masterclass, showcasing the skills that made him a title contender in the first place.

Both potential opponents come with their own challenges. Albazi (17-3) has dropped two straight fights to Brandon Moreno and Kyoji Horiguchi, while Royval (17-9) is on a two-fight losing streak against Joshua Van and Manel Kape. Despite their recent setbacks, both remain dangerous and ranked above Erceg, making either matchup a compelling step forward in the flyweight division.

Whether it's the grappling-heavy style of Albazi or the chaotic striking of Royval, Erceg is ready to prove he belongs among the elite. For a fighter who thrives on pressure, the next chapter can't come soon enough.