Argentinian lightweight Esteban Ribovics faced off against Brazil’s Elves Brener in a main card battle at Saturday’s UFC Vegas 108.
The first UFC Apex card in nearly two months found both men looking to return to the win column, with Brener having dropped two straight. Ribovics entered off a single loss, against Nasrat Haqparast.
Both fighters exchanged low kicks in the opening ten seconds before Brener initiated the the grappling but was unsuccessful on his takedown attempt. Ribovics was able to reverse position and drag Brener to the ground momentarily. Both fighters scrambled to their feet and started trading bombs in the center of the cage. Ribovics marched forward looking to land big right hand shots while Brener timed multiple straight left hands. Back and forth exchanges on the inside saw Ribovics work the body and head with slick boxing combinations, while Brener hung tough throwing creative techniques. Brener attempted a spinning backfist but fell to the floor and was met with huge ground and pound shots by Esteban.
Each fighter had landed over 35 significant strikes in the round in a fight that was quickly becoming an all out war. After an action packed opening five minutes, Ribovics had jumped out to an early lead, but Brener had moments himself.
In the second, Brener tried to gain back the respect of Ribovics utilizing his kickboxing from the outside. Ribovics successfully defended a takedown, and continued walking down Brener to the fence. Brener utilized his jab to keep Esteban at bay, but the dangerous Argentinian fighter kept finding openings for big shots to the body and head. With a minute left in the round both fighters continued to throw down in the center of the cage, as Brener seemed to be gaining momentum. This was quickly turning into a fight of the night candidate and had fans at the apex on their feet.
The third and final round saw Esteban crash forward with big right hands forcing Brener to the fence. Both fighters had landed over 80 significant strikes in the fight. Brener landed a good left hook followed by a right hand that got the attention of Ribovics. Midway through the round the striking totals had eclipsed 100 for each. A beautiful left hand by Ribovics found a home but Brener was showing toughness in the pocket. Brener crashed forward with a takedown attempt but was unsuccessful. Each fighter traded big shots back and forth as one minute remained in the round. Blood was pouring from the mouth of Brener but he was undeterred. Brener landed a left hand that rocket Ribovics and a spinning backfist moments later.
A lightweight slugfest in the Apex reached the final bell as each fighter embraced in exhaustion. A fantastic fight between two very tough competitors. This was going to be a very tough fight to score for the judges. All three judges saw this contest for Esteban Ribovics, who is now 4-1 in his last five fights. Ribovics is quickly turning into a fan favorite as one of the most entertaining fighters on the roster.
Official Result: Esteban Ribovics def. Elves Brener by unanimous decision (29–28, 30–27, 30–27)
