Read about Hillsboro native Evan Elder’s triumph in the UFC, overcoming personal loss to secure a victory. Discover his journey, training, and future plans in the octagon.
| Key Points |
|---|
| Evan Elder, a Hillsboro native, secured a victory in a lightweight bout in the UFC. |
| Despite facing personal loss, Elder’s determination and toughness led him to drop his opponent in each round. |
| The victory was crucial for Elder’s career, as another loss could have resulted in his release from the UFC. |
| Elder trains at the Kill Cliff Fight Club in Deerfield Beach, Fla., and plans to return to the octagon in December or January. |
| Elder’s success has attracted attention in his hometown, and he will be making a promotional appearance at the Hillsboro Fairgrounds. |
| Elder advocates for MMA as an outlet for wrestlers after college, offering new opportunities and excitement. |
Rising UFC Star Evan Elder Overcomes Personal Tragedy
Hillsboro native Evan Elder, a rising star in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), recently secured a victory in a lightweight bout in Las Vegas. Elder, a 2015 Hillsboro High graduate, made his debut in the UFC in August 2022, and despite facing early setbacks, he managed to turn the tide in his favor. In this article, we’ll delve into Elder’s journey, his recent victory, and his future plans in the octagon.
A Tough Start
Elder’s first two fights in the UFC didn’t go as planned. He lost his debut to Preston Parsons by decision and was TKO’d by Nazim Sadykhov in February. With one more loss potentially ending his MMA career, Elder faced immense pressure heading into his July lightweight bout against Genaro Valdez.
Triumph Over Tragedy
What made Elder’s victory over Valdez even more special was the personal loss he experienced during his fight camp. Elder’s grandfather passed away, adding emotional weight to an already challenging period. However, Elder’s determination and toughness shone through as he dropped Valdez to the mat in each of the three rounds, ultimately securing a decision victory.
Fighting for His Job
Elder acknowledged the significance of his win, stating that it was a crucial fight for his career. After losing his first two fights, another loss could have resulted in his release from the UFC. The organization has a surplus of fighters to choose from, making it difficult to make it and stay in the promotion. Elder’s victory not only showcased his skills but also solidified his place in the UFC.
Training and Future Plans
To prepare for his fights, Elder trains at the Kill Cliff Fight Club in Deerfield Beach, Fla. Currently, he is taking a break and spending time with his family in Jefferson County. However, he plans to return to the octagon in December or January. Elder typically fights three to four times a year, a grueling schedule that tests his physical and mental fortitude.
A Rising Star in Hillsboro
Elder’s success has garnered attention in his hometown of Hillsboro. On October 8, he will be making a promotional appearance at the Hillsboro Fairgrounds, where fans and community members can meet the rising UFC star. With Hillsboro’s recent wrestling championship and strong football and softball teams, Elder’s presence is sure to attract a large crowd.
The Future of MMA
Elder is a strong advocate for MMA, particularly for athletes with a wrestling background. He believes that MMA provides an exciting and rewarding outlet for wrestlers after college. With its growing popularity, MMA offers new opportunities for athletes to apply their skills and compete at the highest level. Elder’s dedication to his craft and his desire to continually improve make him a formidable force in the octagon.
