Preview: UFC Fight Night 231 Prelims

165 lb. Catchweight

Elves Brener (15-3) vs. Kaynan Kruschewsky (15-2)

ODDS: n/a

Brener looks to cap off an unexpectedly successful 2023 in a potential barnburner. Signed as a late replacement to face Zubaira Tukhugov in February, Brener frankly didn't look like a UFC-level fighter based on his regional film, though his aggressive style figured to at least result in some entertaining fights. But to his credit, Brener hung tough enough with Tukhugov over fifteen minutes to earn a controversial decision win - and while the judges seemed to be the only ones that thought Brener actually won the fight, he proved himself as a fighter worthy of his UFC shot. And after Brener's sophomore outing in the UFC, there's no doubt he belongs; faced with highly touted prospect Guram Kutateladze, Brener authored another of the biggest upsets of the year, overwhelming Kutateladze over the long haul and scoring a shocking third-round knockout. Brener ends the year against countryman Kruschewsky, who steps in on four days’ notice for his UFC debut after earning a contract on the Contender Series in September. Kruschewsky's an interesting test even with the late notice, particularly since he seems to be the most comfortable of Brener's UFC opponents when it comes to standing his ground and trading; Kruschewsky typically takes some time to pick his spots but has proven quite potent when he springs into action. Add in that Kruschewsky looks capable of hanging with Brener on the mat, and there's a chance that Brener's aggression finally works against him and walks him into a finish. But given the late notice and Brener's apparent durability, the bet is that he can tire out Kruschewsky over the long haul even if there's some early trouble; the pick is Brener via decision.

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