Career Averages - Preston Parsons
Career Averages - Evan Elder
Preston Parsons
Evan Elder
Preston Parsons - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jacobe Smith | 0 | 7 of 14 | 50% | 8 of 15 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Preston Parsons | 1 | 12 of 23 | 52% | 12 of 23 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:13 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jacobe Smith | 0 | 7 of 14 | 50% | 8 of 15 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Preston Parsons | 1 | 12 of 23 | 52% | 12 of 23 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:13 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jacobe Smith | 7 of 14 | 50% | 6 of 12 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 1 | 6 of 13 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Preston Parsons | 12 of 23 | 52% | 8 of 17 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 3 | 11 of 21 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jacobe Smith | 7 of 14 | 50% | 6 of 12 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 1 | 6 of 13 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Preston Parsons | 12 of 23 | 52% | 8 of 17 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 3 | 11 of 21 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 |
Angelo picks Jacobe Smith (Andreas Gustofson) but with very low confidence. He believes Smith is the better pure wrestler and that his wrestling will be the difference, as Preston Parsons is clueless if he can't get takedowns. However, he notes that Smith is a UFC debutant and a 2-to-1 favorite, which he considers a bad bet. He thinks Smith's jiu-jitsu is good enough to avoid submissions. He advises against betting on Smith.
Big Brady is very high on Jacobe Smith, calling him a top-three contender series prospect. He praises Smith's wrestling, devastating ground and pound, and power. He notes Parsons is hittable and has poor performances when he can't get takedowns, like against Oban Elliott. Brady predicts Smith will outwrestle Parsons and land a big shot, winning by second-round TKO.
Cody is confident in Smith, citing his elite wrestling pedigree and physicality. He notes Parsons's struggles against strong wrestlers like Oban Elliott. He expects Smith to dominate with takedowns and control.
Daniel is high on Smith's wrestling credentials (D1 from Oklahoma State) and KO power, but notes the -525 price and short notice are concerns. He thinks Smith's wrestling and power will be too much for Parsons, who is chinny and lost to Trevin Giles. He picks Smith but passes on betting due to lack of value.
Smith is making his UFC debut on very short notice but is a much better wrestler and grappler than Parsons. He will keep Parsons in bad positions and grind out a decision win.
Paul also picks Smith, calling him a real deal prospect. He notes Smith's violent Contender Series performance and All-American wrestling. He believes Smith will impose his will and move up the ranks quickly.
The Guru picks Smith, impressed by his contender series performance and offensive grappling. He thinks Smith's athleticism and relentlessness will out-hustle Parsons, who he considers not fast enough to lead. He notes Parsons has given trouble to fighters like Matthew Semelsberger and Trevin Giles but believes Smith's grappling will be the difference.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oban Elliott | 0 | 44 of 125 | 35% | 49 of 142 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 4:56 |
| Preston Parsons | 0 | 36 of 93 | 38% | 71 of 133 | 1 of 9 | 11% | 0 | 0 | 1:58 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oban Elliott | 0 | 9 of 35 | 25% | 12 of 43 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:56 |
| Preston Parsons | 0 | 12 of 34 | 35% | 25 of 50 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:22 | |
| 2 | Oban Elliott | 0 | 13 of 46 | 28% | 14 of 53 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:54 |
| Preston Parsons | 0 | 16 of 29 | 55% | 23 of 38 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:18 | |
| 3 | Oban Elliott | 0 | 22 of 44 | 50% | 23 of 46 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:06 |
| Preston Parsons | 0 | 8 of 30 | 26% | 23 of 45 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 1:18 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oban Elliott | 44 of 125 | 35% | 36 of 116 | 4 of 5 | 4 of 4 | 41 of 122 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Preston Parsons | 36 of 93 | 38% | 15 of 66 | 4 of 9 | 17 of 18 | 31 of 85 | 5 of 8 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oban Elliott | 9 of 35 | 25% | 6 of 32 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 8 of 34 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Preston Parsons | 12 of 34 | 35% | 3 of 21 | 2 of 5 | 7 of 8 | 9 of 30 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Oban Elliott | 13 of 46 | 28% | 9 of 42 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 12 of 45 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Preston Parsons | 16 of 29 | 55% | 7 of 18 | 2 of 4 | 7 of 7 | 15 of 27 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Oban Elliott | 22 of 44 | 50% | 21 of 42 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 21 of 43 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Preston Parsons | 8 of 30 | 26% | 5 of 27 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 3 | 7 of 28 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Parsons (-155), Elliott (+130)
Round 1
Capping off the early prelims is now a welterweight clash between Welshman Elliott (10-2, 1-0 UFC) and submission specialist Parsons (11-4, 2-2 UFC). The Floridian will try to become the first man to tap out Elliott and spoil his six-fight win streak, while aiming to go on his own run for the first time since 2021. Referee Dan Movahedi draws the charge for this stylistic clash, and it kicks off with a spirited clap of hands. Elliott tries to strike first with a spinning wheel kick, and Parsons walks past it slinging hands. “Pressure” pressures his opponent right to the wall, and Elliott spins him around and nails him with an elbow. The two jockey for position against the wire, peppering one another with elbows until Parsons decides to disengage and try another way in. As he circles, he lands a low kick, and his head kick that follows goes wide. Elliott spins with a back kick that lands right above the cup, and Parsons shows no concern and goes right at his man kicking the upper thigh twice. As Elliott parries punches, he is forced to deal with a spin kick to the ribs. Elliott gives him a strike back immediately in the form of a spinning wheel kick, and the two take turns punching one another. Elliott marches forward but his leg is kicked out, and Parsons tries to take advantage but is shoved to the fencing. Elliott flirts with a takedown, and Parsons meets him low with a guillotine setup to thwart it. Parsons fights out of the tie-up and walks forward swinging for the fences. Elliott meets him in the middle, gunslinging right back, and he allows Parsons to leap at him with a Superman punch to tag him with a right hand in response. Elliott shuts down a takedown effort from Parsons and squeezes him against the wall until the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Elliott
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Elliott
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Elliott
Round 2
The two hurry out of their corners so promptly that they forget they want to touch gloves and are too close to one another to offer. They elect to throw hands, and Parsons ducks down to time a single-leg entry that Elliott successfully and comfortable defends. Elliott manages to turn Parsons around and push him against the cage, and he releases the grip and dodges or parries most of the kicks that fly at him. Parsons gets off an effective calf kick and has his head snapped back with a jab, and he comes up just short of a counter left hook. Parsons reaches his man with a left hand, swaying to dodge the counter, and he ducks a trio of punches to shoot on the hips. Elliott perfectly defends the double-leg takedown and sprawls away, managing to circle around and take the back standing in the process. Elliott drags Parsons to a knee for a moment, and he releases his hands clasped around the waist and backs away to reset. Parsons surges after him swinging with a big right hand, and Elliott effectively counters him and ducks a punch to try to take Parsons down. Parsons stays on his feet while Elliott’s hands wrap around his waist, and Parsons grabs the fence but is still taken down. Parsons powers back to his feet and frees himself from the grip, but Elliott is right there in front of him to box him up. Elliott slips back to avoid the counter and escapes, and Parsons gives chase and connects at the end of a right hand. Elliott steps in with a knee to the body and sticks out a jab, and the pressure of “Pressure” continues as he doggedly pursues a takedown he cannot find. The Welshman defends flawlessly and uses a kimura to roll Parsons over, sweeping his man and jumping back up before Parsons can get hold of him to initiate more ground fighting. Elliott pushes his man on the links until the conclusion of Round 2.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Elliott
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Elliott
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Elliott
Round 3
When the round begins, Parsons is the initial aggressor until he walks face-first into a one-two, and he thinks twice about this approach. Elliott beats him to the punch repeatedly, splitting the guard to frustrate Parsons further. Parsons hunts for a takedown in open cage, and Elliott scrambles quickly to defend it. Parsons jumps after a submission, and Elliott wrenches his limb out and shuts down Parsons’ subsequent double that does not work. Parsons stands up labored when Elliott backs off, and he allows Parsons to meander forward so he can counter him with a solid combination. A one-two from Elliott gets Parsons’ attention, who loads up on strikes and gets popped with another one-two before getting bullied to the wall. Elliott disengages so he can keep working Parsons over from boxing range, and he ignores a low kick while fighting behind his jab. Parsons comes up well short with a head kick and eats a jab, and he overswings but manages to connect with a left hook. Elliott pushes “Pressure” to the wall again and sneaks in a left hand on the way, stifling a takedown as well. Elliott elbows on the break, and he ducks a right hook to flash out a jab. Elliott meets a diving takedown and gets pushed back to the chain links, and Parsons manages to scoop his man up and toss him down but falls directly into an armbar setup. The Welshman holds tight on the submission while Parsons holds his knee down on the face, and Elliott continues hanging on with the maneuver and has his toes interlocked in the fence. Parsons shucks it off and turns the corner, but both men get back to their feet in the clinch. Parsons works the body with knees and a few punches, and the fight comes to a conclusion.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Elliott (30-27 Elliott)
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Parsons (29-28 Elliott)
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Elliott (30-27 Elliott)
The Official Result
Oban Elliott def. Preston Parsons via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Angelo picks Preston Parsons, expecting him to dive for takedowns and either submit or decision Oban Elliott. He notes that Oban is well-rounded but not dangerous, and Parsons has 9 submissions in 11 wins. Angelo acknowledges the fight could be boring but believes Parsons will get the grappling going and win.
Cody picks Preston Parsons, citing his relentless pressure, grappling, and power. He notes that Oban Elliott was taken down by Val Woodburn, which is a red flag, and that Parsons has better wrestling and cardio. Cody believes Parsons can grind out a win or even knock Elliott out.
Daniel thinks Preston Parsons is more battle-tested and has faced better competition. He notes Oban Elliott is unathletic and boring but tough. He picks Parsons but not confidently, citing potential jet lag and judging issues.
Daniel picks Modestas Bukauskas inside the distance as his prop. He notes Bukauskas has good takedowns and back-takes from his Cage Warriors days, and expects him to work his grappling. He thinks there's a real chance of a ground-and-pound finish, and the inside distance line at +240 offers value.
Paul agrees with Cody, noting that Elliott's takedown defense is questionable and that Parsons' wrestling will be the difference. He mentions that Parsons has a clear game plan and that Elliott's love from the betting market is unwarranted.
The MMA Guru picks Preston Parsons, believing he is the better fighter with tougher competition. He notes Parsons' well-rounded game, including grappling and submission attempts, and his impressive win over Matthew Semelsberger. The Guru is less impressed with Oban Elliott's striking, calling it slow, and thinks Parsons will mix things up effectively. He acknowledges Elliott's size and potential but trusts Parsons' experience and skill.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preston Parsons | 0 | 28 of 69 | 40% | 33 of 77 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 2 | 0 | 3:08 |
| Matthew Semelsberger | 0 | 47 of 87 | 54% | 116 of 165 | 7 of 11 | 63% | 2 | 1 | 6:26 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Preston Parsons | 0 | 11 of 29 | 37% | 15 of 35 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:44 |
| Matthew Semelsberger | 0 | 20 of 35 | 57% | 45 of 62 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 0:21 | |
| 2 | Preston Parsons | 0 | 9 of 21 | 42% | 10 of 23 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:30 |
| Matthew Semelsberger | 0 | 17 of 31 | 54% | 36 of 53 | 4 of 5 | 80% | 1 | 0 | 2:24 | |
| 3 | Preston Parsons | 0 | 8 of 19 | 42% | 8 of 19 | 0 of 0 | --- | 2 | 0 | 0:54 |
| Matthew Semelsberger | 0 | 10 of 21 | 47% | 35 of 50 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 1 | 1 | 3:41 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preston Parsons | 28 of 69 | 40% | 18 of 55 | 4 of 8 | 6 of 6 | 23 of 60 | 3 of 7 | 2 of 2 |
| Matthew Semelsberger | 47 of 87 | 54% | 25 of 62 | 9 of 11 | 13 of 14 | 25 of 59 | 11 of 13 | 11 of 15 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Preston Parsons | 11 of 29 | 37% | 5 of 20 | 1 of 4 | 5 of 5 | 11 of 27 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Matthew Semelsberger | 20 of 35 | 57% | 5 of 19 | 7 of 8 | 8 of 8 | 17 of 30 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 1 | |
| 2 | Preston Parsons | 9 of 21 | 42% | 6 of 18 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 15 | 2 of 4 | 2 of 2 |
| Matthew Semelsberger | 17 of 31 | 54% | 10 of 22 | 2 of 3 | 5 of 6 | 6 of 19 | 8 of 9 | 3 of 3 | |
| 3 | Preston Parsons | 8 of 19 | 42% | 7 of 17 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 18 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Matthew Semelsberger | 10 of 21 | 47% | 10 of 21 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 11 |
Angelo picks Preston Parsons as a slight underdog, hoping he can weather an early storm and get takedowns like Jeremiah Wells did. He acknowledges Parsons' cardio issues and Semelsberger's one-punch knockout power, which is why his bet is only a quarter unit. He also plans to bet Semelsberger inside the distance as a prop, believing Parsons won't submit him.
Big Brady sees this as a striker vs. grappler matchup. He highlights Semelsberger's incredible power, having knocked down opponents in 7 of 9 UFC fights. He believes if Semelsberger stuffs takedowns, he will knock out Parsons brutally. Parsons' path is via submission, but Brady favors the power of Semelsberger.
Cody picks Parsons, citing his wrestling advantage and full camp, while Semelsberger is on short notice. He notes Semelsberger's suspect chin and cardio due to weight cuts, and that Parsons can take him down and hold him down. He admits it's not a high-confidence play but likes the dog at plus money.
Daniel Vreeland leans with Matthew Semelsberger to knock out Preston Parsons. He acknowledges Semelsberger's power and knockdown rate, but worries about his tendency to end up on his back. Vreeland thinks if Semelsberger can avoid getting taken down, he will bust up Parsons standing. He hopes Semelsberger has fixed the mental issues that held him back.
James does not discuss this fight in the transcript.
Preston Parsons is a pressure grappler who uses relentless forward movement and takedowns to control opponents. He has a strong wrestling base and can grind out decisions. Matthew Semelsberger has power but has struggled against grapplers, as seen in the Jeremiah Wells fight where he was controlled on the mat. Parsons' pace and grappling should neutralize Semelsberger's striking. At plus 110, Parsons is a good value pick, and I expect him to win by decision through control and pressure.
Paul agrees with Cody, picking Parsons as the wrestler on a full camp at plus money. He notes that Semelsberger has never impressed him and that Parsons has a clear path via wrestling. He mentions that Semelsberger's weight cut and short notice could be factors.
The MMA Guru picks Matthew Semelsberger despite acknowledging his tendency to mess up TKO finishes. He notes Semelsberger's size, reach, and power, and believes he has a high likelihood of landing a big KO shot. He is not impressed by Preston Parsons, except for his win over Trevin Giles, which he attributes to Giles' mistakes.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trevin Giles | 0 | 55 of 108 | 50% | 71 of 129 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 2 | 4:14 |
| Preston Parsons | 0 | 42 of 95 | 44% | 62 of 130 | 3 of 11 | 27% | 3 | 1 | 5:16 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Trevin Giles | 0 | 14 of 26 | 53% | 17 of 29 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 1:26 |
| Preston Parsons | 0 | 14 of 28 | 50% | 23 of 43 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 2 | 0 | 1:52 | |
| 2 | Trevin Giles | 0 | 18 of 40 | 45% | 29 of 53 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:23 |
| Preston Parsons | 0 | 13 of 32 | 40% | 18 of 40 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 0 | 1 | 1:30 | |
| 3 | Trevin Giles | 0 | 23 of 42 | 54% | 25 of 47 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 1:25 |
| Preston Parsons | 0 | 15 of 35 | 42% | 21 of 47 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 1 | 0 | 1:54 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trevin Giles | 55 of 108 | 50% | 51 of 102 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 34 of 83 | 7 of 9 | 14 of 16 |
| Preston Parsons | 42 of 95 | 44% | 24 of 77 | 6 of 6 | 12 of 12 | 34 of 84 | 7 of 10 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Trevin Giles | 14 of 26 | 53% | 14 of 25 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 9 of 20 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 4 |
| Preston Parsons | 14 of 28 | 50% | 9 of 23 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 3 | 10 of 23 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Trevin Giles | 18 of 40 | 45% | 15 of 36 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 12 of 31 | 1 of 3 | 5 of 6 |
| Preston Parsons | 13 of 32 | 40% | 7 of 26 | 3 of 3 | 3 of 3 | 11 of 29 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 | |
| 3 | Trevin Giles | 23 of 42 | 54% | 22 of 41 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 13 of 32 | 4 of 4 | 6 of 6 |
| Preston Parsons | 15 of 35 | 42% | 8 of 28 | 1 of 1 | 6 of 6 | 13 of 32 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Parsons, noting his slick grappling and the fact that he showed he can go three rounds in his last fight. He thinks Giles is overrated due to the Roman Dolidze win, which he argues Dolidze actually won. He believes Parsons will get the wrestling going and win, possibly inside the distance. He has a half-unit moneyline bet on Parsons at -105.
Big Brady picks Preston Parsons by submission in the second round. He questions Trevin Giles' fight IQ, durability, and volume, noting that Giles has been finished in all four losses. Brady believes Parsons' pressure and cardio will break Giles, and that Giles' weight cut to 170 will hurt his gas tank. He expects Parsons to mix takedowns, get on top, and secure a submission.
Cody picks Parsons, citing Giles' inconsistency, low output, and recent durability issues. He notes Parsons is younger, improving, and has solid wrestling. He worries about Texas judging but believes Parsons can edge out a decision or get a takedown. He calls it a 50/50 fight but leans Parsons.
Connor initially hesitates but ultimately sides with Zane's pick of Preston Parsons. He acknowledges that Parsons will eat a lot of straight punches early and that Giles is fast and a good straight puncher, but he doesn't trust Giles's application of his tools or his defensive absence at welterweight. Connor notes that Giles looked okay against Louis Cosce but not great, and he believes Parsons's physical pressure will be enough to exploit Giles's weaknesses.
Jacob also picks Parsons, agreeing that Giles is a good boxer but does not use his jab enough and struggles with pressure. He thinks Parsons will get in Giles' face, disrupt his striking, and win inside the distance. He says he is 'pressing Parsons all the way'.
The host likes Parsons' relentless grappling style and believes he can push a pace that Giles may not handle at welterweight. He notes Parsons showed good cardio in his last fight, and expects him to find a finish from top dominant position. He has questions about Giles' energy levels and weight cut.
The Guru picks Giles, citing his experience and athleticism. He notes that Parsons hasn't fought since his debut and lacks a standout skill. He expects Giles to win by decision, using his physicality and technique.
Zane picks Preston Parsons because he believes Trevin Giles's athletic advantages are less pronounced at welterweight and his defensive flaws are more exploitable. Giles backs up with his hands down and is prone to getting hurt, while Parsons is a pressuring bully who will walk through shots and wear Giles down. Zane notes that Giles has not knocked anyone out since 2017 and tends to gas when having success, making him vulnerable to Parsons's relentless pressure.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preston Parsons | 0 | 75 of 112 | 66% | 121 of 160 | 4 of 6 | 66% | 5 | 1 | 7:48 |
| Evan Elder | 0 | 27 of 60 | 45% | 34 of 67 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 2 | 1:47 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Preston Parsons | 0 | 16 of 28 | 57% | 23 of 35 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 2 | 0 | 2:16 |
| Evan Elder | 0 | 12 of 22 | 54% | 15 of 25 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:35 | |
| 2 | Preston Parsons | 0 | 16 of 25 | 64% | 40 of 49 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 2 | 1 | 2:55 |
| Evan Elder | 0 | 7 of 15 | 46% | 8 of 16 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 2 | 0:52 | |
| 3 | Preston Parsons | 0 | 43 of 59 | 72% | 58 of 76 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 1 | 0 | 2:37 |
| Evan Elder | 0 | 8 of 23 | 34% | 11 of 26 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:20 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preston Parsons | 75 of 112 | 66% | 60 of 94 | 9 of 11 | 6 of 7 | 33 of 58 | 7 of 11 | 35 of 43 |
| Evan Elder | 27 of 60 | 45% | 12 of 43 | 11 of 12 | 4 of 5 | 26 of 58 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Preston Parsons | 16 of 28 | 57% | 13 of 24 | 2 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 12 of 23 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 2 |
| Evan Elder | 12 of 22 | 54% | 5 of 15 | 6 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 11 of 21 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Preston Parsons | 16 of 25 | 64% | 12 of 21 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 9 of 15 | 0 of 2 | 7 of 8 |
| Evan Elder | 7 of 15 | 46% | 3 of 11 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 7 of 14 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | |
| 3 | Preston Parsons | 43 of 59 | 72% | 35 of 49 | 5 of 6 | 3 of 4 | 12 of 20 | 5 of 6 | 26 of 33 |
| Evan Elder | 8 of 23 | 34% | 4 of 17 | 3 of 4 | 1 of 2 | 8 of 23 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Evan Elder (referred to as Luis Cose, but likely Evan Elder given the matchup). He likes Elder's power and pressure, and thinks Parsons' takedowns aren't good enough to be a constant threat. He sees it as a sprawl-and-brawl matchup where Elder can settle in and let his hands go. He notes Elder was dominating his last fight before gassing.
Cody picks Elder, citing his striking and preparation for a grappler. He notes Parsons' one-dimensional grappling and tendency to get knocked out. He thinks Elder will stuff takedowns and land a knockout.
The host picks Evan Elder in his quick picks list and includes the fight in his totals parlay under 1.5 rounds. He does not provide detailed reasoning for the pick.
Paul agrees, noting Elder's training at Sanford MMA and preparation for a wrestler. He thinks Elder's striking will be too much for Parsons. He suggests Elder should be around -185 favorite.
The MMA Guru picks Evan Elder (referred to as 'Louis Coskey' in transcript, likely a mispronunciation) over Preston Parsons. He describes Elder as explosive and dangerous early, noting his debut loss but good performance. He criticizes Parsons for being unimpressive and easily handled by Daniel Rodriguez. He predicts Elder will be more patient this time and get a first-round KO, citing power difference. He mentions Elder's recent KO loss but believes he will bounce back.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daniel Rodriguez | 0 | 45 of 83 | 54% | 46 of 84 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:09 |
| Preston Parsons | 0 | 23 of 43 | 53% | 24 of 44 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:15 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel Rodriguez | 0 | 45 of 83 | 54% | 46 of 84 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:09 |
| Preston Parsons | 0 | 23 of 43 | 53% | 24 of 44 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:15 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daniel Rodriguez | 45 of 83 | 54% | 36 of 72 | 2 of 4 | 7 of 7 | 38 of 69 | 1 of 2 | 6 of 12 |
| Preston Parsons | 23 of 43 | 53% | 14 of 33 | 4 of 5 | 5 of 5 | 23 of 43 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel Rodriguez | 45 of 83 | 54% | 36 of 72 | 2 of 4 | 7 of 7 | 38 of 69 | 1 of 2 | 6 of 12 |
| Preston Parsons | 23 of 43 | 53% | 14 of 33 | 4 of 5 | 5 of 5 | 23 of 43 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
Capping off the preliminary card is a welterweight tilt as the hard-hitting Rodriguez (14-2, 4-1 UFC) welcomes short-notice replacement and submission artist Parsons (9-2, 0-0 UFC) to the promotion. The betting line that this fight does not go to decision is high (-250), and referee Mike Beltran and his mustache will need to be on their game as soon as it begins. The fighters do not touch gloves, and Rodriguez instead walks forward to throw hands. Parsons backs him off with a head kick, and he crashes in to pursue a single leg take down early. “D-Rod is not concerned, as he spins around, drops to a knee and breaks away. Parsons touches him with a left hand, and Rodriguez eats it and backs off. Parsons lands another, and Rodriguez gathers himself and starts to get off a few thudding leg kicks. Rodriguez rips the body with a kick and sprawls when Parsons tries to take him down. The California native walks Parsons down to kick him in the lead, and the shin lands with an audible pop. Parsons walks through it to ring home a straight right hand, and he throws kicks from each leg before Rodriguez ties him up. The welterweights trade single punches, and Rodriguez goes to the calf with a kick. Parsons whiffs on a trio of jabs, and he eats a left hand as he tries to find that range. Rodriguez’ leg kicks start adding up, so Parsons looks to give a few back and has two checked. A stinging one-two rings home from Rodriguez, and Parsons stands before him and fire back hard. Parsons gets off a big right hand, and a responsive right hand cracks Persons in the eye and makes Parsons bend over in pain. He backs off, blinking his eye from the punch, and Rodriguez pours it on with heavy punches. Rodriguez shrugs off a takedown, gets off a few heavy punches, and hurts the newcomer again. Parsons bites down on his gumshield and throws heavy leather, but Rodriguez ignores the oncoming fire and continues to tee off on an increasingly damaged Parsons.
The legs give way beneath Parsons as the damage keeps mounting, with a pair of left hands sending Parsons down to the ground. “Pressure” cannot quite handle the pressure of the blows, as Rodriguez lays on one final barrage of punches until Beltran has seen enough.
The victory puts “D-Rod” on a two-fight win streak, and he earns his eighth career knockout by pounding out a game Parsons.
The Official Result
Daniel Rodriguez def. Preston Parsons R1 3:47 via TKO (Punches)
Cody is very confident in Daniel Rodriguez, noting his superior boxing, 10th Planet jiu-jitsu, and experience. He believes Preston Parsons is a can-crusher who has struggled against UFC-level competition. Cody has parlayed Rodriguez with Islam Makhachev, indicating high confidence.
Paul sides with Daniel Rodriguez's experience and striking advantage, but he acknowledges that Preston Parsons is a physically strong grappler who could pose problems if he gets takedowns. He notes Rodriguez's questionable cardio and lack of tested grappling defense, but ultimately believes Rodriguez should win.
Evan Elder - Fight History
Angelo picks Evan Elder, noting that Ahmad Hassanzada is too hittable despite his length and speed. Elder is a well-rounded fighter with heavy kicks and solid punching combinations. The odds have moved from -300 to -415, reflecting confidence in Elder.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evan Elder | 0 | 115 of 210 | 54% | 115 of 210 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:16 |
| Gauge Young | 0 | 81 of 183 | 44% | 81 of 183 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Evan Elder | 0 | 35 of 57 | 61% | 35 of 57 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:16 |
| Gauge Young | 0 | 21 of 37 | 56% | 21 of 37 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:02 | |
| 2 | Evan Elder | 0 | 40 of 76 | 52% | 40 of 76 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Gauge Young | 0 | 24 of 69 | 34% | 24 of 69 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Evan Elder | 0 | 40 of 77 | 51% | 40 of 77 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Gauge Young | 0 | 36 of 77 | 46% | 36 of 77 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evan Elder | 115 of 210 | 54% | 47 of 127 | 45 of 57 | 23 of 26 | 115 of 210 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Gauge Young | 81 of 183 | 44% | 33 of 107 | 33 of 56 | 15 of 20 | 81 of 183 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Evan Elder | 35 of 57 | 61% | 13 of 31 | 14 of 18 | 8 of 8 | 35 of 57 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Gauge Young | 21 of 37 | 56% | 6 of 15 | 9 of 15 | 6 of 7 | 21 of 37 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Evan Elder | 40 of 76 | 52% | 14 of 45 | 19 of 22 | 7 of 9 | 40 of 76 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Gauge Young | 24 of 69 | 34% | 12 of 45 | 8 of 20 | 4 of 4 | 24 of 69 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Evan Elder | 40 of 77 | 51% | 20 of 51 | 12 of 17 | 8 of 9 | 40 of 77 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Gauge Young | 36 of 77 | 46% | 15 of 47 | 16 of 21 | 5 of 9 | 36 of 77 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Elder (-258), Young (+210)
Round 1
A pair of Missouri-based lightweights will share the Octagon with local bragging lights on the line. Elder (9-2, 2-2 UFC) will try to hold the line against newcomer Young (9-2, 0-0 UFC), and the 9-2 records of the two fighters will change in the next 15 minutes or less. It is Elder who is the elder, while Young is the younger of the two in this pairing. Drawing the assignment for this preliminary tilt will be referee Nick Berens, who is well-prepared if this one goes to the judges. The fighters and former teammates tap gloves first, and then get down to business. Young takes the center of the cage, and Elder uses his space to land strikes on the outside. When Young responds with a body kick, Elder clips him with an overhand right. Young staggers back, and Elder gives chase and tosses out a head kick before pursuing a takedown. Young stops the takedown by lifting Elder and hurling him to the side like a dad wrestling with his kid, and he backs Elder up and punches him in the face. Young stays busy with single strikes, potshotting the relative veteran with blows to all targets. Berens tells the fighters to keep their hands closed, and Young does not listen and pokes Elder in the eye when Elder was swinging for a right hand. During the 30-second break, Young is harshly warned for his infraction, and Elder responds, “it happens.” Elder fires off three body kicks one after the other, and his kick is the weapon that keeps Young away from him. Elder goes to the body with a kick, and Young grunts and has to quickly stuff a takedown entry. They trade punches, and Elder’s guard is up to block a high kick that follows. Elder hammers the side and lead leg with constant kicks, and he hears his corner calling for a hook kick and answers them with a spinning hook kick that slams Young in the side of the dome. Young tries to throw back, but he is out of range and is caught with another spin kick. Young is warned for outstretched fingers once more, and Elder further inflicts damage with his kicking arsenal. Elder fakes two takedowns, and then blasts the body with three kicks and aims a low kick right before the horn.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Elder
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Elder
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Elder
Round 2
Elder runs out of his corner to touch gloves, and Young stands firm in front of him and makes Elder back away. This does not prove to be a problem for Elder, who kicks and kicks and kicks. Young reaches him with an overhand right, and he clips Elder with a second. Elder shakes his head and recommits to kicking aplenty, with his body kick arguably his most effective weapon. He pushes Young away when Young advances, and Young jabs his way back towards him. Elder’s body kick finds its home again, and he pounds the front leg with his shin. Elder dips a jab to come over the top with a right hand, and he drills the side with a vicious kick. Young prods his jabs forward, but it is Elder who is the one swinging with bad intentions. Elder gets off a left hand and strafes to the side to not stay in front of jabs. Elder shoots for a takedown from a distance, and Young’s sprawl puts Elder on his back. Elder keeps moving, and he slithers back to his feet and blocks a kick aimed his way. Young’s overhand right is answered by a body kick, and he is turned around with a painful leg kick. Elder sits down on a trio of punches, with the exclamation point a body kick. Young flirts with a high kick that is way out of range, and he backs Elder to the fence but cannot capitalize on the position. Young walks his foe down but is missing with most of his strikes, while Elder is putting him through a slow-motion wood chipper with his kicks. Elder goes to the body and opens up with a right hand over the top, and Young responds with a stomp kick to the knee. Elder deposits a hearty low kick on the lead leg, and a body kick from his other limb concludes the second stanza.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Elder
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Elder
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Elder
Round 3
The two Missourians hug it out to start off the final round, and they proceed to lovingly punch one another square in the face. Young steps back first, and he is chased with a jump knee that misses that mark. When Elder lands, he goes to the body on either side with his shins. Young offers a few awkward low kicks, and Elder ignores them and fires off a straight right hand down the pipe. Elder fakes a takedown to come up high, and Young chases after him but is not able to catch him. Elder flings a pair of high kicks that work the guard, and his low kick and body shot get Young’s attention. Young is tough, and he shows welting and redness everywhere but is not flinching much. Elder dips and lands a right hand, and when he dips a second time, Young picks up on it and tags him with a left hook. Elder opens up with kick after unanswered kick, with Young having to work through them to strike back with jabs to the midsection. Elder slams his shin on the side of Young’s liver, and Young is tough as a two-dollar steak and keeps pushing ever forward. Elder styles on his opponent with longer punches and kicks, and Young corners him against the fence but only manages to land once before getting pushed away. Elder goes high and then low with the same leg, and he snaps the head back with a left hand and connects on the front leg with his right shin. Young tries to time Elder’s ducks and movements with punches, and he catches Elder with a clean left hand that is one-and-done. Elder continues feed Young a steady diet of body kicks, and he slaps Young in the face with an open-handed left. Young rubs his face and has to block a head kick aimed at the same spot, and he pushes through to make Elder bounce off the wire. Elder walks directly into a knee, and Young pours it on with punches and a front kick as he has bloodied his foe’s nose up in the waning seconds. They give it all they have until time expires, and then embrace after 15 minutes of combat.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Elder (30-27 Elder)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Elder (30-27 Elder)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Elder (30-27 Elder)
The Official Result
Evan Elder def. Gauge Young via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Big Brady picks Evan Elder, emphasizing his full camp, experience against better competition, and striking advantage. He notes Gauge Young is taking the fight on short notice and making his UFC debut, which favors Elder. He predicts a competitive decision win for Elder, though he feels the line is a bit wide.
Connor picks Elder hesitantly, citing that Elder is slightly more technically adept and has proven himself against somewhat decent fighters. He notes that both fighters are durable and may have a scrappy back-and-forth, but Elder's steadier work rate and ability to outlast Young could be key. Connor also mentions that Young's record against cans and his performance against Sal Killed gives him little faith in Young.
The host notes Young is slicker with hands but believes Elder's power and physicality will keep Young muzzled, leading to a decision win for Elder.
The MMA Guru picks Evan Elder to win by TKO in the second or third round. He notes Elder's toughness, ability to come back from being hurt, and pressure fighting. He believes Gauge Young stepping in on short notice is a disadvantage, and Elder's grinding style will be too much. He references Elder's performance against Nazim Sadykhov.
Zane also picks Elder, but with hesitation. He notes that Elder is more proven and that Young's record against weak competition is concerning. Zane thinks Elder can outlast Young and keep up a steadier work rate to win rounds, but acknowledges that Young's physicality could be a factor if he brings more force.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evan Elder | 0 | 45 of 86 | 52% | 61 of 104 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 1 | 1 | 2:01 |
| Darrius Flowers | 0 | 24 of 60 | 40% | 26 of 65 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 1 | 0:28 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Evan Elder | 0 | 37 of 75 | 49% | 48 of 88 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:24 |
| Darrius Flowers | 0 | 24 of 58 | 41% | 25 of 59 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 0:06 | |
| 2 | Evan Elder | 0 | 8 of 11 | 72% | 13 of 16 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 1 | 0:37 |
| Darrius Flowers | 0 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 1 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:22 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evan Elder | 45 of 86 | 52% | 17 of 51 | 27 of 33 | 1 of 2 | 29 of 60 | 3 of 5 | 13 of 21 |
| Darrius Flowers | 24 of 60 | 40% | 12 of 37 | 5 of 13 | 7 of 10 | 21 of 56 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Evan Elder | 37 of 75 | 49% | 17 of 49 | 19 of 24 | 1 of 2 | 27 of 56 | 3 of 5 | 7 of 14 |
| Darrius Flowers | 24 of 58 | 41% | 12 of 36 | 5 of 13 | 7 of 9 | 21 of 54 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Evan Elder | 8 of 11 | 72% | 0 of 2 | 8 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 7 |
| Darrius Flowers | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Cody picks Elder, citing his striking advantage and Flowers' poor record. He notes Flowers' 1-10 boxing record and tendency to get knocked out. He believes Elder's power and takedown ability will lead to a finish.
Evan Elder is heavily favored and deservedly so. Darrius Flowers is not UFC-level talent. Elder will pressure, land big power punches, slow Flowers down, and finish him in the first or second round. His takedown defense is good enough to nullify Flowers' BJJ black belt, allowing Elder to control on the feet and get a knockout.
Paul picks Elder, citing his superior striking and Flowers' lack of UFC success. He notes Flowers' short notice and poor wrestling defense. He expects Elder to win by knockout or decision.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evan Elder | 1 | 96 of 195 | 49% | 96 of 195 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 0:06 |
| Genaro Valdez | 1 | 64 of 236 | 27% | 65 of 237 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Evan Elder | 0 | 25 of 50 | 50% | 25 of 50 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Genaro Valdez | 0 | 24 of 76 | 31% | 25 of 77 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Evan Elder | 1 | 37 of 67 | 55% | 37 of 67 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Genaro Valdez | 1 | 22 of 80 | 27% | 22 of 80 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 | |
| 3 | Evan Elder | 0 | 34 of 78 | 43% | 34 of 78 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Genaro Valdez | 0 | 18 of 80 | 22% | 18 of 80 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evan Elder | 96 of 195 | 49% | 61 of 155 | 15 of 19 | 20 of 21 | 96 of 193 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 1 |
| Genaro Valdez | 64 of 236 | 27% | 51 of 210 | 4 of 6 | 9 of 20 | 62 of 231 | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Evan Elder | 25 of 50 | 50% | 12 of 35 | 5 of 6 | 8 of 9 | 25 of 50 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Genaro Valdez | 24 of 76 | 31% | 22 of 69 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 5 | 23 of 75 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Evan Elder | 37 of 67 | 55% | 21 of 49 | 8 of 10 | 8 of 8 | 37 of 67 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Genaro Valdez | 22 of 80 | 27% | 16 of 70 | 1 of 2 | 5 of 8 | 22 of 80 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Evan Elder | 34 of 78 | 43% | 28 of 71 | 2 of 3 | 4 of 4 | 34 of 76 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 1 |
| Genaro Valdez | 18 of 80 | 22% | 13 of 71 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 7 | 17 of 76 | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Evan Elder, believing he is slightly better everywhere except straight-up BJJ, but his submission defense is good enough to keep him out of trouble. He notes both fighters have back-to-back losses, but Elder should win. However, he calls anyone playing minus 275 crazy, saying there are better spots.
Big Brady picks Evan Elder, expecting a wild brawl. He notes Valdez gets hurt frequently and has poor durability, while Elder is tougher and more durable. He predicts Elder will survive an early storm, hurt Valdez multiple times, and eventually finish him via TKO in the second round. He doesn't love the -300 price but thinks Elder's durability will be the difference.
Cody picks Elder, citing his power, durability, and improvement at 155. He thinks Elder will clip Valdez and put him away, as Valdez is defensively liable and gets hit frequently. He notes Elder's cut stoppage loss was not a knockout and he is hungry for his first UFC win. He expects a banger that ends in a knockout within two rounds.
The host believes Elder is the better striker and has good durability to handle a war with Valdez. He expects Elder to mix in takedowns if needed and potentially get a TKO. He notes Elder's improvements at Kill Cliff FC and sees this as a great matchup for Elder to get his first UFC win.
Paul picks Elder, agreeing it's a dangerous fight but noting Elder's durability and that his cut stoppage loss wasn't a knockout. He thinks both guys will stand and trade, and Elder has the advantage. He mentions a PrizePicks prop for over 40.5 significant strikes for Elder, as he expects a high-volume banger.
The MMA Guru picks Evan Elder over Genaro Valdez, praising Elder's footwork, power, and toughness after a strong performance against Nazim Sadykhov. He criticizes Valdez's recent losses to Natan Levy and Matt Frevola, noting Valdez's plodding style and damage taken. He predicts Elder wins by decision or late TKO.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nazim Sadykhov | 0 | 64 of 132 | 48% | 71 of 141 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:19 |
| Evan Elder | 1 | 70 of 142 | 49% | 84 of 158 | 1 of 6 | 16% | 0 | 0 | 1:33 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nazim Sadykhov | 0 | 28 of 74 | 37% | 28 of 74 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Evan Elder | 1 | 35 of 78 | 44% | 36 of 79 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Nazim Sadykhov | 0 | 29 of 45 | 64% | 36 of 54 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:19 |
| Evan Elder | 0 | 32 of 53 | 60% | 45 of 68 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 1:33 | |
| 3 | Nazim Sadykhov | 0 | 7 of 13 | 53% | 7 of 13 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Evan Elder | 0 | 3 of 11 | 27% | 3 of 11 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nazim Sadykhov | 64 of 132 | 48% | 38 of 103 | 19 of 20 | 7 of 9 | 54 of 118 | 10 of 14 | 0 of 0 |
| Evan Elder | 70 of 142 | 49% | 25 of 87 | 36 of 46 | 9 of 9 | 60 of 129 | 10 of 13 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nazim Sadykhov | 28 of 74 | 37% | 15 of 58 | 8 of 9 | 5 of 7 | 26 of 68 | 2 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
| Evan Elder | 35 of 78 | 44% | 16 of 55 | 15 of 19 | 4 of 4 | 34 of 75 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Nazim Sadykhov | 29 of 45 | 64% | 20 of 36 | 7 of 7 | 2 of 2 | 23 of 39 | 6 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
| Evan Elder | 32 of 53 | 60% | 8 of 25 | 20 of 24 | 4 of 4 | 24 of 44 | 8 of 9 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Nazim Sadykhov | 7 of 13 | 53% | 3 of 9 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 11 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Evan Elder | 3 of 11 | 27% | 1 of 7 | 1 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 10 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Sadykhov (-170), Elder (+145)
Round 1
The two lightweights about to take the stage share a fair amount of similarities. Well-schooled Americans with equal records and fairly close knockout and finish rates toe the line as Longo and Weidman product Sadykhov (7-1, 0-0 UFC) squares off with Nick Diaz Academy pupil Elder (7-1, 0-1 UFC). Something’s got to give in this matchup, and referee Mark Smith will know first what that could be. The youthful athletes with plenty to prove touch ‘em up and come out frenetically. Sadykhov slaps a kick low on the calf to introduce himself, and Elder responds with a booming kick to the ribs. They trade body kicks, and Elder goes up high with the instep of his foot to just get blocked. He backs off and reaches with a straight right hand, and Sadykhov walks him down and scores a few punches and a kick. Elder backs him off with his own kicking arsenal, with a front kick to the solar plexus driving Sadykhov back momentarily. Elder swings hard, and Sadykhov catches him with a right hand and drops Elder to his knees. Elder springs back up and a high kick zooms across his dome, and he escapes no worse for wear. Sadykhov gives chase and has his lead leg kicked, but this does not slow him down into a combination of punches to the face. Sadykhov eats a clean kick to the body so that he can bully Elder around, ignoring the kicks and throwing heavy punches in response. Elder shoots in suddenly for a takedown, and the maneuver is stuffed in a hurry. As Sadykhov pops back up, Elder drills him with a right hand that sends Sadykhov flying to the mat. Somehow, Sadykhov springs right back up, with blood streaming from his mouth, and he begins to strike back. The two swing on one another with bad intentions, and both land flush with Elder taking the worse of it as he escapes. Elder plants a left hand on the temple, and he dips away with an elbow to the sternum as he escapes the counters. Sadykhov kicks low and high in rapid succession, and he continues to walk Elder down. Elder sticks him with a left hand, and he rips a kick to the other side. Sadykhov meets him with a left on the chin, and Elder slips away and lands one of his own. Sadykhov knees his man in the chin, and Elder backs off and chains a few punches together. As he pushes off, his finger swipes into Sadykhov’s right eye, and Smith calls time. Sadykhov needs less than 30 seconds to recover before getting right back to business, and he stalks Elder down like a Terminator. Sadykhov scores, Elder fires back, and the two throw down right to the bell to end a terrific round that may be a real handful to score.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Elder
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Elder
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Elder
Round 2
The lightweights rush out of their corners, eager to pick up right where they left off. They re-engage with punches and kicks in rapid succession, with targets to the head and body indiscriminate. Elder loads up on a hefty right hand that knocks Sadykhov back, and Sadykhov eats it like a plate of plov and wades back in the fire to throw haymakers. Elder punches into a takedown, and he successfully trips the fighter from Azerbaijan down to the mat to land in his foe’s guard. Sadykhov scrambles and scoots his way back to the wall, and he posts off his right arm to fight his way back up despite getting kneed in the ribs on the way. Elder squeezes his man on the wire, slowing the fight down and softening the ribs up with knees. Sadykhov explodes out of the clinch and throws back, and the two move together and clack heads to open a cut on corner of his eye. Sadykhov paws at it and gets shoved back, but the two are far from done throwing caution to the wind. Elder strings a few punches together to stun Sadykhov, and Sadykhov swings back and tackles Elder to the mat. Elder climbs back to the wire and stands up, with Sadykhov landing a single left hand before disengaging. Elder walks him down, and the two trade knees and uppercuts on the inside. Sadykhov boots Elder upside the head with his shin, and Elder absorbs it without batting an eye before pushing Sadykhov back to the fencing. Elder scores a few knees before the horn blares, and once the round was ultra-close.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Elder
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Elder
Jack Dankoff scores the round: 10-9 Elder
Round 3
There is a final clap of hands to start off the last round, but it is contentious and they go right to hand-fighting before pulling their extended limbs back. They immediately trade leather, and they go all-out throwing punches and kicks in an early exchange. Sadykhov whips a kick up high, and they get up close and knee one another. During the firefight, a Sadykhov knee slams into Elder’s eyebrow and splits it open from one end to the other. Before Smith can see the wound, Sadykhov strikes a few more times, and Smith pauses the fight and calls in the doctor. As soon as the medical professional observes the gash, he tells Smith that it is way too severe to keep going, and the fight is waved off. Elder protests the ruling, but the damage has been done and he can live to fight another day. What a fight for as long as it lasts, and in a few years, it might be worthwhile to see these up-and-comers share the cage again.
The Official Result
Nazim Sadykhov def. Evan Elder R3 0:38 via TKO (Doctor Stoppage)
Angelo likes Evan Elder's well-rounded skills, loose striking, heavy kicks, and composure on the ground. He notes Elder's short-notice loss at welterweight should be discounted as he's a natural lightweight. Angelo is concerned about Sadykhov's tendency to throw unnecessary spinning attacks, which led to his only loss. He wishes he got Elder at +220 and notes the line is tightening, recommending to bet now.
Big Brady is impressed with Sadykhov's striking and ability to battle through adversity, noting he fights out of bad positions. He thinks Elder's takedown defense is poor based on his debut, and Sadykhov has wrestling of his own. He predicts a decision win, as Elder is tough and has a chin.
Cody picks Sadykhov, noting he has more firepower, hits harder, and has 15-minute cardio. He says Sadykhov trains at a good gym with Aljamain Sterling and others. He acknowledges Evan Elder is better than his UFC debut showed (short notice, up a weight class) but notes Elder gets hit a lot and is defensively poor. He thinks Sadykhov will have forward pressure and either catch him with something or mix in takedowns for a decision win. He says the line is repetitive on this card and he doesn't love it.
Connor agrees with Zane, emphasizing that Sadykhov is a much better puncher and counter puncher than anyone Elder has faced. He notes Elder's vulnerability when stepping in without landing, and that Sadykhov can pressure through Elder's kicks and remain balanced to throw. Connor also points out that Elder's striking is entirely dependent on scaring opponents with kicks, but his punching form is wild and leaves him out of position. He concludes that Sadykhov is a reliable pick to win.
Jacob is high on Evan Elder, calling him an absolute dog after his short-notice performance. He believes Elder is the better technical striker and has shown he can work through adversity. Jacob thinks Sadykhov will look good early but slow down, and Elder's pressure and wrestling will take over. He compares it to the Blake Bilder fight from last week where the odds tightened similarly.
Elder is the better striker with more power and forward pressure, and his training at Kill Cliff FC should improve his cardio and takedown defense. Sadykhov's level of competition is weak, and his takedowns may not work against Elder's strength. Expect Elder to land a knockout in the second round.
Paul picks Sadykhov but is not willing to lay -200. He thought Sadykhov showed flashy striking on Contender Series and has promise, but he's not confident enough to parlay him. He notes there was steam on Elder earlier in the week but the line has corrected. He says Sadykhov is someone to keep an eye on but not someone to lay heavy chalk on in his UFC debut.
The MMA Guru picks Nazim Sadykhov, highlighting his training at Longo and Weidman's gym and his impressive win on the Contender Series against a 9-1 opponent. He contrasts that with Evan Elder's less dominant wins, including a third-round TKO of a 9-16 short-notice opponent. He believes Sadykhov has more talent and skill, predicting a TKO in the later rounds.
Zane sees Sadykhov as a solid, raw prospect with good fundamental power punching and well-roundedness, including top position grappling. He notes Sadykhov's ability to scramble and his innovative striking, like the spinning back kick. Zane contrasts this with Elder, who he describes as a formless regional fighter dependent on heavy kicks to keep opponents at bay, with poor punching form and wrestling defense. He believes Sadykhov's camp (Serra-Longo) instills good technique, and that Sadykhov will be able to push through Elder's kicks and find success in the pocket.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preston Parsons | 0 | 75 of 112 | 66% | 121 of 160 | 4 of 6 | 66% | 5 | 1 | 7:48 |
| Evan Elder | 0 | 27 of 60 | 45% | 34 of 67 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 2 | 1:47 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Preston Parsons | 0 | 16 of 28 | 57% | 23 of 35 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 2 | 0 | 2:16 |
| Evan Elder | 0 | 12 of 22 | 54% | 15 of 25 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:35 | |
| 2 | Preston Parsons | 0 | 16 of 25 | 64% | 40 of 49 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 2 | 1 | 2:55 |
| Evan Elder | 0 | 7 of 15 | 46% | 8 of 16 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 2 | 0:52 | |
| 3 | Preston Parsons | 0 | 43 of 59 | 72% | 58 of 76 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 1 | 0 | 2:37 |
| Evan Elder | 0 | 8 of 23 | 34% | 11 of 26 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:20 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preston Parsons | 75 of 112 | 66% | 60 of 94 | 9 of 11 | 6 of 7 | 33 of 58 | 7 of 11 | 35 of 43 |
| Evan Elder | 27 of 60 | 45% | 12 of 43 | 11 of 12 | 4 of 5 | 26 of 58 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Preston Parsons | 16 of 28 | 57% | 13 of 24 | 2 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 12 of 23 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 2 |
| Evan Elder | 12 of 22 | 54% | 5 of 15 | 6 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 11 of 21 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Preston Parsons | 16 of 25 | 64% | 12 of 21 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 9 of 15 | 0 of 2 | 7 of 8 |
| Evan Elder | 7 of 15 | 46% | 3 of 11 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 7 of 14 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | |
| 3 | Preston Parsons | 43 of 59 | 72% | 35 of 49 | 5 of 6 | 3 of 4 | 12 of 20 | 5 of 6 | 26 of 33 |
| Evan Elder | 8 of 23 | 34% | 4 of 17 | 3 of 4 | 1 of 2 | 8 of 23 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Evan Elder (referred to as Luis Cose, but likely Evan Elder given the matchup). He likes Elder's power and pressure, and thinks Parsons' takedowns aren't good enough to be a constant threat. He sees it as a sprawl-and-brawl matchup where Elder can settle in and let his hands go. He notes Elder was dominating his last fight before gassing.
Cody picks Elder, citing his striking and preparation for a grappler. He notes Parsons' one-dimensional grappling and tendency to get knocked out. He thinks Elder will stuff takedowns and land a knockout.
The host picks Evan Elder in his quick picks list and includes the fight in his totals parlay under 1.5 rounds. He does not provide detailed reasoning for the pick.
Paul agrees, noting Elder's training at Sanford MMA and preparation for a wrestler. He thinks Elder's striking will be too much for Parsons. He suggests Elder should be around -185 favorite.
The MMA Guru picks Evan Elder (referred to as 'Louis Coskey' in transcript, likely a mispronunciation) over Preston Parsons. He describes Elder as explosive and dangerous early, noting his debut loss but good performance. He criticizes Parsons for being unimpressive and easily handled by Daniel Rodriguez. He predicts Elder will be more patient this time and get a first-round KO, citing power difference. He mentions Elder's recent KO loss but believes he will bounce back.
Expert Picks (5)
Angelo picks Evan Elder (referred to as Luis Cose, but likely Evan Elder given the matchup). He likes Elder's power and pressure, and thinks Parsons' takedowns aren't good enough to be a constant threat. He sees it as a sprawl-and-brawl matchup where Elder can settle in and let his hands go. He notes Elder was dominating his last fight before gassing.
Cody picks Elder, citing his striking and preparation for a grappler. He notes Parsons' one-dimensional grappling and tendency to get knocked out. He thinks Elder will stuff takedowns and land a knockout.
The host picks Evan Elder in his quick picks list and includes the fight in his totals parlay under 1.5 rounds. He does not provide detailed reasoning for the pick.
Paul agrees, noting Elder's training at Sanford MMA and preparation for a wrestler. He thinks Elder's striking will be too much for Parsons. He suggests Elder should be around -185 favorite.
The MMA Guru picks Evan Elder (referred to as 'Louis Coskey' in transcript, likely a mispronunciation) over Preston Parsons. He describes Elder as explosive and dangerous early, noting his debut loss but good performance. He criticizes Parsons for being unimpressive and easily handled by Daniel Rodriguez. He predicts Elder will be more patient this time and get a first-round KO, citing power difference. He mentions Elder's recent KO loss but believes he will bounce back.
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!