Preview: UFC Kansas City Prelims

Lightweights

Evan Elder (9-2, 2-2 UFC) vs. Gauge Young (9-2, 0-0 UFC)

ODDS: Elder (-258), Young (+210)

Elder is an underrated prospect, even if it’s unclear how much long-term upside he has as a rock-solid if unspectacular fighter. Elder’s UFC career didn’t get off to the best start, as he was physically overwhelmed by Preston Parsons up at welterweight and lost via cut stoppage to Nazim Sadykhov, but he has gotten to show off his wares with steps back in competition against Genaro Valdez and Darrius Flowers. Elder might run into an athletic ceiling and needs to continue developing some defensive comfort—he tends to get hit hard at least once per fight—but at worst, he should be able to plug away as a gatekeeper, which is where he winds up here against a UFC newcomer. Young had a bit of hype ahead of his 2024 showing on Dana White’s Contender Series, where he lost but put in a game effort against Quillan Salkilld. A grinder during his best efforts on the regional scene, Young got frozen out by a longer striker and stifled a bit by someone who could match his physicality. Elder doesn’t particularly have that type of neutralizing ability in his game, at least not yet, so this should be a fairly even scrap. The call is still that the UFC veteran lands the best offense of the fight. The pick is Elder via decision.

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