Preview: UFC on ESPN 59 Prelims

Welterweights

Evan Elder (8-2, 1-2 UFC) vs. Darrius Flowers (12-7-1, 0-2 UFC) ODDS: N/A A last-minute addition to this card sees two lightweights move up to 170 pounds for what should be an entertaining scrap. Elder might be a bit lost in the shuffle in such a deep division, but he’s a long-term prospect worth watching, coming to the UFC while trying to add some technique and patience to his game. A late-notice UFC debut in 2022 didn’t go particularly well, as he got bullied and outwrestled by Preston Parsons while moving up in weight, but it has been much smoother sailing against opponents his own size. He was doing well in a war against Nazim Sadykhov before losing via cut stoppage, and he outpaced Genaro Valdez in another engaging encounter. There are still some gaps in Elder’s game, particularly defensively, as he keeps trying to find comfort, which should make for some excellent exchanges against the much wilder Flowers. The 29-year-old Flowers didn’t look particularly UFC-ready upon signing with the promotion, but he also did all he could have been expected to do on the Contender Series in 2022, scoring an upset win with a slam and an injury stoppage in less than two minutes. That mostly sums up Flowers’ approach, as he’s a ball of muscle that leverages his physicality to try and create damage by any means necessary. That led to some chaotic moments in his UFC debut against Jake Matthews, but his technical flaws were much bigger liabilities in a clear loss to Michael Johnson in February. Elder seems tough enough to survive whenever things go sideways and should generally be able to coast this out, but it should be fun to watch him walk that tightrope. The pick is Elder via decision.

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Elder vs. Flowers