MMA Preview – David Dvorak vs Steve Erceg at UFC 289
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DAVID DVORAK VS STEVE ERCEG FACTS
When is UFC 289? Sunday 11th June, 2023 - 01:00 (UK)
Where is UFC 289? Rogers Arena, Vancouver, British Columbia (Canada)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 289? Click here to buy tickets for UFC 289
What channel is UFC 289 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC 289? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
DAVID DVORAK VS STEVE ERCEG LOWDOWN
2022 was a miserable year for David Dvorak (20-5). He entered it having won his first three UFC fights - Bruno Gustavo da Silva (2020), Jordan Espinosa (2020) and Juancamilo Ronderos (2021) extending his impressive win streak to 16. However, he then ran into the upper echelon losing unanimous decisions to Matheus Nicolau and Manel Kape.
He was originally scheduled to fight Matt Schnell who unfortunately got injured paving the way for Steve Erceg (9-1) to make his debut. He missed out on making his entrance against Clayton Carpenter three weeks ago at UFC Fight Night 223 due to visa issues. Thankfully, he is ready for the pay-per-view card and is coming in hot on an eight-fight win streak including six finishes (one knockout and five submissions) for his local Eternal MMA in Australia.
DAVID DVORAK VS STEVE ERCEG PREDICTION
This is a dangerous fight for Dvorak taking on a debutant as the heavy favourite. He has the pressure of looking at a three-fight skid and Erceg has an impressive skill set. The Aussie’s jiu-jitsu is exceptional, and he will no doubt look for any opportunity to get the fight to the ground.
Dvorak needs to stay composed and although he is a terrific grappler himself, he needs to keep the fight on the feet. The Czech native has powerful leg kicks, but he may think twice as Erceg will look to catch them and drag the fight to the floor.
Erceg is a good fighter, but we feel Dvorak’s takedown defence will hold up and enable him to convince the judges with his striking at least.
Prediction: Dvorak via Decision
Value bet: Erceg to win
