UFC News: Fight Night Main Card Opens With Shocking Walk-Off KO

Originally posted on FanNation MMA Knockout | Last updated 3/2/24

The main card for UFC Vegas 87 kicked off with a violent knockout when Steve Erceg took on Matt Schnell in a flyweight bout.

Despite the heavyweight headliner, many fans pointed to the scheduled bantamweight and flyweight action as the most interesting fights on the card.

The first of two top-ranked flyweight bouts promised fireworks when Erceg stepped into the Octagon with Schnell, and “Astro Boy” added to his lengthy winning streak when he landed a vicious left hook to end things early in the second round.

ONE AND DONE ‍

Steve Erceg kicks off this #UFCVegas87 main card with a second round KO! pic.twitter.com/Ac1uYVprnu
— UFC (@ufc) March 2, 2024

The result marked Erceg’s first finish in the UFC after he picked up a pair of decision victories last year, and the Australian’s striking has become a dangerous facet of his game after most of his pre-UFC wins came via submission.

The violent knockout could stand out as the most impressive win of the night on any other card, but during the UFC Vegas 87 prelims Vinicius Oliviera put himself in contention for Knockout of the Year when he slept Benardo Sopaj with a flying knee.

Erceg entered the Schnell matchup as the UFC’s #12-ranked flyweight, and after only three fights with the promotion, “Astro Boy” should be ranked in the division’s Top 10 once the rankings are updated next week.

This article first appeared on FanNation MMA Knockout and was syndicated with permission.

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