One of two newcomers on the UFC Vegas 52 card, Evan Elder was stepping up on short notice, and moving up a weight class to face Prestson Parsons.
Elder had been on the radar for a bit, having been paired with ex-UFC fighter Cody Pfister for the FAC lightweight title next month. That might have led to a Contender Series shot; instead, it was straight to the UFC for Elder.
In the opening seconds of the welterweight bout, Elder threw a spinning attack and Parsons got the takedown. He tried to jump on the back but Elder shook him off. He did get back up to his feet fairly quickly. Parsons landed a big right hand and pushed Elder against the cage. When they separated Parsons was walking Elder down landing with his hands. Elder did a good job landing kicks to the body. Around a minute left, Parsons timed a beautiful entry, got the angle and took Elder down. Parsons threatened with an arm triangle but Elder survived to the bell.
Right away in round two Parsons got in on the legs lifting Elder and putting him on his back. Parsons quickly moved into mount. Elder did a really good job at exploding back to his feet. Parsons shot in for anther takedown and with some resistance he drove in getting his opponent to the mat. Right back into the mount Parsons went. He landed some nasty elbows before taking the back. Elder did turn towards him but immediately Parsons swept back on top. Parsons again had an arm triangle in and as it looked tight; Elder escaped and got on top. The round ended on the feet.
Parsons came forward to start the final round shooting for a takedown but Elder defended. They traded kicks at distance, both finding success. Parsons shot in on a leg and again Elder defended. Elder then shot his own takedown, and got Parsons down. Unfortunately for Elder, Parsons immediately swept him getting on top. Very smoothly Parsons moved into mount twice. Parsons poured it on more with some nasty elbows cutting Elder under and above each eye, and ended the round landing in mount.
No surprise to the winner, with Parsons winning a unanimous decision.
Official Result: Preston Parsons def. Evan Elder by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)
