'Fighting for my contract': Why Steve Erceg's job is on the line at UFC Vegas 109

Steve Erceg faces a must-win scenario this weekend at UFC Vegas 109, despite challenging for a world title just 15-months-ago.

The 30-year-old rose through the flyweight division's ranks at a rapid pace during his first 11-months in the organisation.

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After just three fights, he'd earned his chance against reigning champion Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 301 in Brazil.

Erceg fell short that night, dropping a razor-close decision which began his recent skid of three losses on the bounce.

"Unfortunately, I’m on three losses and I could be fighting for my contract," Erceg told MMA Fighting.

The precipitous fall from grace has given the Australian a renewed sense of focus as he enters his bout against Ode Osbourne.

"I think when you try to overthink and put too much on your plate, it can be detrimental," he said.

"So I’m going to go out there and I’m going to punch another guy in the face, and if I win, I know I did everything I could to do so. If I [lose], that’s life, unfortunately."

The booking of the fight between Erceg and Osbourne has been the result of a calamity of events.

Erceg was originally scheduled to fight Alex Perez in the co-main event, before the American pulled out due to injury.

Then, surging South Korean contender Hyun Sung Park stepped up in his place, however, he was forced to withdraw after receiving an offer to fight in the main event of last week's card.

Finally, the UFC's matchmakers settled on Osbourne. A 33-year-old knockout artist who comes into this fight riding the momentum of a decisive victory back in April.

Erceg is heavily favoured to get the job done over Osbourne, but given his recent run of form, the pressure is at an all-time high for 'Astro Boy'.