On Saturday, April 26, 2025, UFC on ESPN 66 will feature a lightweight bout between Evan “The Phenom” Elder and Gauge “Gee Money” Young. Both fighters are looking to solidify their standing in the division, with Elder aiming to continue his ascent and Young seeking to make a significant impact in his UFC debut.
Evan Elder vs Gauge Young Preview
Evan Elder, a 28-year-old fighter from the United States, holds a professional record of 9 wins and 2 losses. Competing in the lightweight division, Elder has demonstrated versatility with victories achieved through knockouts, submissions, and decisions. His most recent win came via submission against Darrius Flowers on July 13, 2024, showcasing his grappling skills and adaptability in the octagon. He has won two straight fights after dropping his first two matchups in UFC and a third straight win would be huge for him here.
Gauge Young, at 24 years old, also hails from the United States and possesses a professional record of 9 wins and 2 losses. Known for his striking prowess, Young has secured the majority of his victories through knockouts. He took a unanimous decision loss to Quillan Salkilld on September 3, 2024 as a part of Dana White’s Contender Series. After getting a win in FAC in December, Young will look to win his first fight at the UFC level against Elder.
Betting Insights
As the fight approaches, betting odds favor Evan Elder, given his recent performances and experience within the UFC. At Sportzino, Elder is at -225 to win this bout, while Young stands at +183. Bettors should consider the following factors when evaluating the matchup:
- Experience: Elder’s tenure in the UFC provides him with familiarity against high-caliber opponents.
- Versatility: Elder’s ability to win through various methods adds unpredictability to his fighting style.
- Recent Performance: Elder’s submission victory in his last fight suggests he is in strong form.
- Striking Power: Young’s knockout record indicates his potential to end fights decisively.
Evan Elder vs Gauge Young Prediction
Evan Elder (-225) over Gauge Young
220K Gold Coins & 10 FREE Sweeps Coins
- Elder has won two straight fights coming into this matchup.
- This is Young’s first UFC fight and we expect some growing pains for him here.
Analyzing the fighters’ records and recent performances, Evan Elder appears to have the advantage entering this bout. His diverse arsenal, encompassing striking and grappling, allows him to adapt to various fight scenarios. Elder’s experience in the UFC further equips him to handle the pressures of high-stakes matches.
Gauge Young’s striking ability presents a legitimate threat, particularly if he can dictate the pace and maintain distance. However, his lack of experience at this level of competition suggests potential vulnerabilities that Elder could exploit, especially if the fight transitions to the ground.
Considering these factors, the prediction leans towards Evan Elder securing a victory, potentially through a submission or decision, by leveraging his well-rounded skill set and experience to control the fight’s dynamics.
