UFC Fighter Dvořák Prepares for Match Against Australian Steve Erceg

He spent two weeks in Vancouver with the coaching staff, all building towards his sixth appearance in the world’s most prestigious fight organization. Czech fighter Dvořák is ready to end his two-match losing streak and jump on a string of successful streaks again. On the other side of the cage, however, the original opponent, American Matt Schnell, will not appear, on the contrary, the Australian newcomer in the UFC, Steve Erceg, took advantage of his injury.

The 31-year-old native of Hořice was able to fulfill the necessity in the form of the weight limit during Friday (he weighed 56.9 kg), his opponent also did without problems. “We started dewatering yesterday (Thursday) and I weighed in the evening. I had the last 600 grams left, which I went to bed with. I finished it overnight,” he describes the process of dropping, during which there was no shortage of a bathtub or a sleeping bag. “I dropped 2.1 kg in one point. That’s a massacre. Two years ago it gave me maybe 600 grams,” he continued on his YouTube channel , where he also revealed that he will have about six extra kilograms in the match.

Several times he had the opportunity to run into his upcoming opponent in the bowels of the hotel, with whom they subsequently met in a staredown. “Normal kid. I’m so glad he accepted this match. It was the worst thing the UFC told us. That after the injury of the original opponent, they have no one for us. We were very upset about it, they even said that there was little chance of finding a replacement,” recounts Dvořák, who will still see the fight.

“Steve is a champion of the Australian organization, as well as a champion in jiu-jitsu and wrestling. He has a black belt. In this he has a resemblance to Schnell. He is also a very good grounder, but for me (Schnell) is a much better stander,” Dvořák compares the qualities of both fighters. “I want to show him something he hasn’t experienced in Australia. To welcome him to the UFC, as he deserves and belongs. For him to say, that it’s a different league,” smiles Dvořák, who has so far recorded three wins and two defeats in the famous organization.

The change of opponent was also connected with the reshuffling of the fight card of the UFC 289 tournament. “They reshuffled me. I was originally going to go as the last match before the main card. They threw me at the very beginning, I’m going as the second match,” reveals Dvořák, whose fight with the Australian should come on Sunday, June 11 at approximately 01:30 CET.

The main duel of the entire gala evening will be provided by women. The next defense of the bantam division will feature two-time champion Amanda Nunes, who will be challenged by Irena Aldana. Attention will surely be focused on the Brazilian Charles Oliveira, who wants to get back to the title chance through Beneil Dariush. Premier Sport broadcasts the tournament live.