Ali Akbar RosadyJoseph Morales, the triumphant winner of The Ultimate Fighter Season 33, has articulated a clear ambition for his immediate future in the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s competitive flyweight division. Following a stellar 2025 campaign that saw him secure two impressive submission victories in the UFC octagon, Morales has set his sights on a ranked opponent for his anticipated return in the first quarter of 2026, specifically targeting March. His desired adversary: Australian contender Steve Erceg.
Morales, known by his moniker "Bopo," rapidly ascended in the promotion this year, first by navigating the demanding reality show format of The Ultimate Fighter to claim the season’s championship. This success was quickly followed by two compelling performances in official UFC bouts. Between August and November of 2025, Morales demonstrated his submission prowess, tapping out veteran Matt Schnell and prospect Alibi Idiris. These victories, coupled with his TUF triumph, have solidified his position as a rising force in the 125-pound weight class.
Speaking to MMA Fighting, Morales articulated his rationale for the call-out. "I would love to fight Steve Erceg," Morales stated. "He’s got a name in the division and he beat Ode [Osbourne]. He’s coming off a win. I think just our skills would match well together. He’s got good grappling and good striking and he’s a really good martial artist. I just think it’d be a good fight for me." This statement underscores Morales’s strategic approach, seeking a formidable opponent who presents a well-rounded challenge and carries significant recognition within the division.
Morales’s professional record prior to his UFC run demonstrated a fighter with a solid foundation, often competing in regional promotions where he honed his versatile skillset. His journey through The Ultimate Fighter offered a rigorous proving ground, forcing him to adapt to multiple opponents and fight scenarios under the intense scrutiny of the reality show. Winning the series not only provided him with a UFC contract but also showcased his mental fortitude and technical proficiency. His subsequent UFC victories against Schnell and Idiris further cemented his credentials, with the submission finishes highlighting his dangerous ground game, a critical asset in the flyweight division.
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Steve Erceg, the target of Morales’s call-out, is a significant figure in the flyweight landscape. Erceg, an Australian native, entered the UFC with considerable hype from his regional circuit dominance. His most recent outing saw him secure a crucial victory against Ode Osbourne in August 2025. This win was particularly significant for Erceg, as it snapped a challenging three-fight losing streak. Prior to defeating Osbourne, Erceg had faced a gauntlet of elite flyweights, suffering defeats against former champions and top contenders Alexandre Pantoja, Kai-Kara France, and Brandon Moreno. These experiences, despite being losses, provided Erceg with invaluable octagon time against the division’s best, undoubtedly contributing to his development as a martial artist. His record stands as a testament to his willingness to face high-level competition, a characteristic that likely appeals to Morales in his pursuit of a meaningful challenge.
Morales is targeting a March 2026 return, a timeline that allows him to enjoy the upcoming holiday season without the immediate pressures of a stringent training camp and diet. "I’m just gonna stay ready and see what happens," he remarked, indicating a readiness to adjust if circumstances dictate. This patient yet prepared approach aligns with his broader career philosophy.
"I’m patiently impatient," Morales elaborated, reflecting on his career trajectory. "I just want to take my time and wait and when the things come like that, I’m going to take it with a full opportunity. I’m taking it lightly. When they give me the ranked opponents, I’m ready to dominate. And if I’m not ranked yet, that’s okay, I’m just going to keep winning my fights and keep showcasing and keep being the best that I can be. And the belt will come and the ranked opponents will come and just take it step by step." This statement illustrates a mature understanding of the professional fighting landscape, emphasizing consistent performance and incremental progression towards championship aspirations.
The UFC flyweight division, historically one of the most dynamic weight classes, has experienced significant upheaval and shifts at its apex in recent months. Joshua Van notably claimed the 125-pound belt in the absence of former champion Alexandre Pantoja, who was sidelined due to injury. The exact circumstances of Van’s title acquisition, whether it was an interim belt or a fight for a vacated championship, highlighted the fluidity at the top. Pantoja’s injury, initially a source of concern, has since shown no fractures or ligament tears to his arm and elbow following further medical examinations. However, a definitive timeline for his return to full training and competition remains undisclosed, leaving the division’s immediate future uncertain.
Amidst these changes, several other contenders have made significant strides, further intensifying the competitive landscape. Tatsuro Taira, a young and undefeated prospect, has continued his meteoric rise, demonstrating an impressive blend of striking and grappling that has led many to view him as a future champion. Kyoji Horiguchi, a decorated veteran with championship accolades in other major promotions, has re-established himself as a formidable presence, lauded by many as a legend in the sport. Manel Kape, known for his explosive striking and aggressive style, has also secured massive wins, positioning himself as a perennial threat to anyone in the top tier. These performances have collectively reshaped the divisional hierarchy and fueled speculation regarding the next challenger for the flyweight title.
Morales offered his perspective on the current state of the division, acknowledging its competitive depth. "The division is wide open," he affirmed. He provided commentary on his fellow competitors, noting, "Manel Kape is a great striker, he’s very tough, he hits hard. Horiguchi is one of the best in the sport, he’s a legend right now in our division. Tatsuro is young, he looks unbeatable right now." Morales articulated a dual perspective, stating, "As a fan, I’m enjoying watching the top guys go out there. As a fighter I’m motivated and preparing for myself to be able to fight those guys and to be able to beat them." This reflects a fighter who is both appreciative of the sport’s talent and singularly focused on his own ascent.
Regarding the current champion, Joshua Van, Morales extended credit for his accomplishment but expressed reservations about the longevity of his reign. "Technically he’s the champion, I can’t take that away from him," Morales conceded. "Nobody can, no matter if they agree with the way the fight went or not. He’s the best in the division. Do I think he’s going to be a champion for long? I don’t think so. I don’t think he’s going to have the same reign as Pantoja. Pantoja, I think he’s one of the greatest flyweights of all-time." This assessment, while acknowledging Van’s current status, suggests Morales anticipates a rapid evolution at the top, potentially involving the established and rising contenders.
Morales concluded by identifying the key figures whose upcoming performances will likely dictate the immediate future of the title picture. "So it’ll be interesting to see how the Horiguchi fight plays out, who’s next with Tatsuro and Manel Kape getting those fights. I think those are the three guys to watch and see who’s gonna get the title shot next." Joseph Morales’s call-out of Steve Erceg, therefore, is not merely a request for a fight but a calculated move within a highly dynamic and rapidly evolving flyweight landscape, positioning himself to challenge the division’s elite as he targets a championship run in 2026.
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