Lightweights
Nazim Sadykhov (7-1, 0-0 UFC) vs. Evan Elder (7-1, 0-1 UFC)Even after a disappointing UFC debut, Elder still looks like a prospect to watch. A powerfully built athlete, Elder is building out a solid striking game with some knockout power, all while having some wrestling in his back pocket. There are still some clear issues that need to be ironed out with experience, namely involving comfort and cardio, but the 25-year-old looks like the type of talent who could become a contender by the time he turns 30, even if it figures to be a bumpy road along the way. For now, it is a matter of Elder finding enough wins to stick around on the UFC roster as he learns, particularly after dropping his debut to Preston Parsons in 2022. Elder was up a division at welterweight and did well to survive, but he also accomplished little while on the losing end of a three-round grind. He looks to rebound against Sadykhov, an Azerbaijani-American making his UFC debut after a win on Dana White’s Contender Series in August. Sadykhov can be a bit frustrating at times, but things have usually worked out for the “Black Wolf.” He is a powerful knockout artist who can sometimes take time to get going, waiting things out until his opponent gets tired before turning up the aggression. When Sadykov does put his foot on the gas pedal, he looks like an absolute terror, but everything up to that point can be a bit of an adventure where he does not get much done. This would be a nice time for Elder to pivot to a more wrestling-based approach, as that has been the most effective way to neutralize Sadykhov, but this does look to be a tale of two fights on paper. Elder should find some early success, but Sadykhov seems guaranteed to pick up steam and blow the fight wide open in his favor at some point. Sadykhov brings more power to the table, but this should be a violent scrap for as long as it lasts. The pick is Sadykhov via decision.
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Sadykhov vs. Elder
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