MMA Match Preview: Elves Brene (16-5)r vs. Esteban Ribovics (14-2)

Date: Saturday, August 2, 2025
Event: UFC Fight Night: Taira vs. Park
Location: UFC Apex, Las Vegas, Nevada
Division: Lightweight (155 lbs)
Card Placement: Main Card
Broadcast: ESPN+ / UFC Fight Pass

Fight Overview

In what promises to be a barnburner, Brazil’s Elves Brener (16-5) takes on Argentina’s Esteban “El Gringo” Ribovics (14-2) in a high-octane lightweight clash. Both fighters are known for their durability, aggression, and willingness to engage in wild exchanges. With Brener looking to rebound from a two-fight skid and Ribovics aiming to bounce back from a razor-thin split decision loss, this bout has all the makings of a “Fight of the Night” candidate.

Tale of the Tape

Attribute	Elves Brener	Esteban Ribovics
Record	16-5	14-2
Age	27	29
Height	5’10”	5’10”
Reach	72.5″	69″
Stance	Orthodox	Orthodox
UFC Record	3-2	3-2
Last Fight	Loss to Joel Álvarez	Loss to Nasrat Haqparast (SD)
Team	Chute Boxe Diego Lima	Alfa Team

Fighter Breakdown

🇧🇷 Elves Brener

Strengths:

Gritty, well-rounded skillset with 11 career submissions

Strong boxing and underrated power (KO win over Kutateladze)

Durable and thrives in chaotic exchanges

Weaknesses:

Absorbs 5.30 significant strikes per minute

Low takedown accuracy (23%) despite solid defense (76%)

Coming off two consecutive losses

🇦🇷 Esteban Ribovics – “El Gringo”

Strengths:

High-volume striker (8.08 significant strikes landed per minute)

Excellent cardio and relentless pressure

Durable and capable of rallying late in fights

Weaknesses:

Absorbs 5.92 strikes per minute

Takedown defense at 63% could be exploited

Sometimes fights at opponent’s pace

Tactical Matchup

Brener’s Path to Victory:
Mix in takedowns to disrupt Ribovics’ rhythm, use reach advantage to land counters, and capitalize on ground exchanges. His submission game could be a key weapon if he secures top control.

Ribovics’ Path to Victory:
Push the pace early, overwhelm Brener with volume, and exploit defensive lapses. His ability to maintain pressure and land clean combinations could break Brener’s rhythm and force mistakes.

This fight is tailor-made for fireworks. Ribovics has the edge in volume and composure, while Brener’s grit and submission threat make him a live underdog. Expect a wild pace, but Ribovics’ sharper hands and pressure should carry him to a decision win.