Kicking of the UFC 314 prelims Saturday was a pair of battle-tested featherweight veterans in Darren Elkins and Julian Erosa. The matchup had all the makings of a dog fight, with both fighters known for their relentless outputs and durability- a potential sleeper candidate to break the “Fight of the Night” drought.
The fight got off to an interesting start with a crouching Elkins getting clipped by a shot that knocked him off balance. Elkins briefly touched the canvas only to return to his feet moments later. Darren closed the distance and successfully landed a takedown. Elkins wasted no time and began landing some effective ground and pound immediately. Erosa fired back off of his back and landed a picture perfect that badly hurt Darren. Erosa used the opportunity to return to his feet as Elkins tried to recover and desperately looked for a leg. When the two finally separated again, Elkins was looking to land a big overhand and was still stumbling around.
Erosa looked calm and firmly in the driver’s seat, of the fight. Taking his time picking shots. With two minutes to go in the round, Erosa snipped Elkins with a rangy punch that hurt him all over again. Elkins absorbed some damage on the ground surviving compromising positions before returning to his feet once again. (They dont call him ‘The Damage’ for nothing!) Seconds later and Erosa slowed the pace down, kept range, and went to work. Julian put together a beautiful combination against the cage starting with punches and landing a flush elbow and short punch that sent Darren stumbling to the canvas. Elkins clung on to the foot of Erosa for dear life but ate some ugly stirkes
In his post-fight octagon speech, Erosa spoke on how proud he was of his continuous progression as a fighter even at 35 years of age. Julian also mentioned how pumped he was to bring his win streak to three. (All first round finishes)
Official Result: Julian Edwards defeats Darren Elkins by TKO, Round 1, 4:15
