UFC Vegas 81 will take place on October 14, 2023, at the UFC APEX facility in Las Vegas. The fight card is filled with a bunch of exciting bouts. One of the most exciting fights will be on the preliminary card for the featherweight bout, Darren ‘The Damage’ Elkins vs. TJ ‘Downtown’ Brown.
This will be Darrin Elkins’s first fight of the year, as the veteran is coming off a unanimous decision loss against Jonathan Pearce at the UFC on ESPN 42 on December 3, 2022. He is 1-2 in his last three bouts. Elkins is best known for his exciting fights and out-of-nowhere comeback victories.
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TJ Brown is coming off a submission loss against Bill Algeo earlier in 2023 at UFC Fight Night. Just like his opponent, Brown is also 1-2 in his last three bouts. ‘Downtown’ is a jiu-jitsu specialist known for his technical ground game and submission ability.
Darren Elkins vs. TJ Brown stats
Stats | Darren Elkins | TJ Brown |
Wins | 27 | 17 |
Losses | 11 | 10 |
Height | 5′ 9″ | 5′ 8″ |
Division | Featherweight | Featherweight |
Reach | 71″ | 72.1″ |
Age | 39 | 33 |
Darren Elkins vs. TJ Brown prediction
Darren ‘The Damage’ Elkins (27-11-0) is a wrestler with an average of 2.73 takedowns landed per 15 minutes and a 58% takedown defense. He has an average submission attempt rate of 1.08 per 15 minutes, which has led to five of his victories coming via submission.
He has 9 of his 27 victories via KO/TKO with 38% striking accuracy and 52% significant strike defense. His significant strike rate is 3.53 per minute, while he absorbs 3.35 strikes per minute. 13 of his 27 victories have come via decision.
“The Damage” Darren Elkins(@DarrenElkinsMMA) vs Michael “The Menace” Johnson
After getting rocked a few times in the first round, Elkins is able to get Johnson down and impose his will on him to eventually to Johnson’s back and sink in a RNC in another impressive comeback… pic.twitter.com/xXljyAjHlJ
— Underrated MMA Performances (@FinishesUfc) September 20, 2023
TJ ‘Downtown’ Brown (17-10-0) is a submission specialist with an average submission attempt rate of 1.3 per 15 minutes, leading to 10 of his 17 victories coming through submission. Brown has an average takedown rate of 3.53 per 15 minutes with a 55% takedown accuracy.
He has 45% striking accuracy, accounting for 4 of his 17 wins via KO. His significant strike rate is 3.63 per minute while absorbing 3.14 strikes per minute. He likes to go for finishes with only 3 decision wins throughout his MMA career.
TJ Brown picks up his first UFC finish!!!!#UFC282pic.twitter.com/EL1JEUgXd8
— MMA Mania (@mmamania) December 11, 2022
Both Elkins and Brown are recovering from losses and need to win desperately. This fight is especially important for Darren Elkins because, at the age of 39, he is at the tail end of his career. He has always been a fan favorite because of his entertaining fighting style, but that style always puts him at risk of a knockout or submission.
TJ Brown is a submission wizard and will look to capitalize on any mistake that Darren makes, but Elkins ain’t no slouch on the ground either. ‘The Damage’ always keeps his fights interesting due to his ability to make a comeback at any point in the fight. In this match, TJ Brown will win against Darren Elkins via Submission.