Nazim Sadykhov is set to fight Evan Elder in the UFC Vegas 69 prelims. The lightweight fight is positioned to headline the preliminary card. The three-round bout will mark the debut of Nazin, who is coming off a win against Ahmad Suhail Hasanzada in Dana White‘s Contender Series on August 16, 2022. The KO win earned him a contract to make his main roster debut.
The 28-year-old is currently on a 7-fight win streak. His only loss was in his first fight itself. Juan Galarza caught him in a rear-naked choke submission in 2018. Since then, he has 5 KO wins and 1 submission win. Evan Elder, on the other hand, has only 1 loss in his pro career as well. Preston Parsons beat him in April 2022 on his UFC debut. It was also the last fight on his record. So he will be fresh after a break of almost a year.
Nazim Sadykhov will fight Evan Elder at UFC event on February 18th. (first rep. @mma_kings) #UFC #MMA #UFCESPN #UFC2023 pic.twitter.com/6F1XwgaejB
— Marcel Dorff 🇳🇱🇮🇩 (@BigMarcel24) November 1, 2022
Evan Elder has 4 KO wins in his career, along with 1 submission win and 2 decision victories. So fans can expect a high-octane action fight. Although it may not provide a finish, the bout will be an entertaining one nonetheless. But who may have the upper hand come Saturday? Let’s find out.
UFC Vegas 69: Nazim Sadykhov vs Evan Elder, Stats
Stats | Nazim Sadykhov | Evan Elder |
---|---|---|
Wins | 7 | 7 |
Losses | 1 | 1 |
Height | 1.78 m | 1.78 m |
Division | Lightweight | Lightweight |
Reach | 175.3 cm | 182.9 cm |
Age | 28 | 25 |
Sadykhov vs Elder: Fight Breakdown
Nazim Sadykhov and Evan Elder have both had one fight inside the Octagon respectively. Nazim fared much better inside the Octagon than Elder. Nazim averaged 4.42 strikes per minute with a striking accuracy of 59%. He also had a striking defense of 65% and absorbed 2.59 strikes per minute. Sadykhov also held a takedown defense of 77%.
This guy is going to steal the show Feb 18th @ufc 🐺 pic.twitter.com/2ZwXmj4QxX
— Matt “The Steamrolla”Frevola (@SteamRollaa) February 5, 2023
The 25-year-old fighter, on the other hand, only landed 1.80 strikes per minute. In contrast, Elder’s absorption rate is very high. The opponent landed 5.00 strikes per minute on Elder. He also failed to take down his opponent even once during the fight. However, that was not a true display of his abilities. So fans should expect a better show from him this weekend. Hence, it will be a close fight between two fresh fighters.
Judging by their recent fights, Nazim Sadykhov is no doubt the favorite. He is more efficient with his striking with much better striking accuracy and defense. However, Evan Elder will have the better reach advantage.
But the question is, can he take advantage of that and keep his distance from Sadykhov? Nazim will try to push for a finish and it will give Elder a chance to perhaps land a well-timed counter. However, Nazim’s better form gives him the edge this Saturday.