The main card of UFC Fight Night: Taira vs. Park, taking place on August 2, 2025, at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, features an electrifying lightweight clash between Brazil’s Elves Brener and Argentina’s Esteban Ribovics. Both fighters are unranked but have delivered thrilling performances, making this a pivotal bout for either to break into the lightweight division’s top 15.
Elves Brener
Elves Brener (16-5) is a dynamic Brazilian lightweight known for his aggressive striking, potent submission game, and relentless pressure. The 27-year-old, with a 3-2 UFC record since joining in 2023, started strong with three consecutive wins, including knockouts over Guram Kutateladze and Kaynan Kruschewsky, earning two Performance of the Night bonuses. However, back-to-back losses to Myktybek Orolbai (decision) and Joel Alvarez (third-round TKO) in 2024 have put him in a must-win situation. Brener’s striking lands at 3.99 significant strikes per minute with 47% accuracy, and he absorbs 5.30 strikes per minute. His grappling is a key asset, with 11 of his 16 career wins by submission, though he’s yet to secure one in the UFC. His 76% takedown defense and 23% takedown accuracy suggest he prefers striking but can capitalize on ground opportunities.
Elves Brener – Last 5 Fights:
1. Loss vs. Joel Alvarez – TKO (Knees & Ground and Pound) – UFC FN, August 3, 2024
2. Loss vs. Myktybek Orolbai – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC 301, May 4, 2024
3. Win vs. Kaynan Kruschewsky – KO (Overhand Left) – UFC FN, November 4, 2023
4. Win vs. Guram Kutateladze – TKO (Punches) – UFC FN, July 1, 2023
5. Win vs. Zubaira Tukhugov – Decision (Split) – UFC 284, February 11, 2023
Brener, standing at 5’10” with a 72.5-inch reach, aims to snap his losing streak and reassert himself as a lightweight contender.
Esteban Ribovics
Esteban Ribovics (14-2), a 29-year-old Argentine, is a high-volume striker with a knack for thrilling brawls, earning two consecutive Fight of the Night bonuses. Also 3-2 in the UFC since 2023, Ribovics started with a loss to Loik Radzhabov but rattled off three straight wins, including a knockout of Terrance McKinney, before dropping a split decision to Nasrat Haqparast in March 2025. Ribovics lands an impressive 8.08 significant strikes per minute at 43% accuracy, absorbing 5.92 strikes with 55% striking defense. His grappling is less prominent, with 0.48 takedown attempts per fight at 66% accuracy and 63% takedown defense. Ribovics’ relentless pace and durability make him a fan favorite, though his aggressive style leaves him open to counters.
Esteban Ribovics – Last 5 Fights:
1. Loss vs. Nasrat Haqparast – Decision (Split) – UFC FN, March 1, 2025
2. Win vs. Daniel Zellhuber – Decision (Split) – UFC 306, September 14, 2024
3. Win vs. Terrance McKinney – KO (Head Kick) – UFC FN, May 11, 2024
4. Win vs. Kamuela Kirk – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC 290, July 8, 2023
5. Loss vs. Loik Radzhabov – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC 285, March 4, 2023
Ribovics, also 5’10” but with a 69-inch reach, looks to capitalize on his striking volume to overwhelm Brener.
Fight Breakdown
This Brazil vs. Argentina showdown pits Brener’s versatile aggression against Ribovics’ high-output striking. Brener’s path to victory lies in mixing his powerful striking (3.99 significant strikes per minute) with his submission threat (0.7 submission attempts per 15 minutes). His 76% takedown defense should help keep the fight standing early, where he can land heavy hooks and body shots, but his ground game could be decisive if he capitalizes on Ribovics’ 63% takedown defense. Brener’s durability and experience against tough opponents like Kutateladze give him an edge in chaotic exchanges.
Ribovics, favored at -275, relies on his relentless pace and striking volume (8.08 significant strikes per minute), nearly doubling Brener’s output. His crisp boxing and body work can overwhelm opponents, as seen in his win over Zellhuber, but his 43% striking accuracy and tendency to absorb strikes (5.92 per minute) leave openings for Brener’s power. Ribovics’ confidence in a first-round finish, expressed at UFC on ESPN 71’s media day, suggests he’ll push for early pressure, but his grappling remains a work in progress, potentially vulnerable to Brener’s jiu-jitsu.
Both fighters absorb significant damage (Brener 5.30, Ribovics 5.92 strikes per minute), and four of Ribovics’ five UFC fights have gone to decision, as have four of Brener’s five. The over 1.5 rounds prop at -270 reflects this trend, but Brener’s knockout power (two UFC KOs) and Ribovics’ recent head-kick KO suggest a finish is possible. Brener’s longer reach (72.5 vs. 69 inches) and muay thai base could help him control range, while Ribovics’ athleticism and boxing combinations thrive in close-quarters brawls.
Prediction
This lightweight clash is a classic battle of aggression vs. volume. Ribovics’ high-output striking and ability to maintain pressure favor him in a stand-up war, especially if he exploits Brener’s tendency to absorb strikes. However, Brener’s power, longer reach, and superior grappling give him multiple paths to victory, particularly if he mixes takedowns with his striking to disrupt Ribovics’ rhythm. The fight’s history—originally scheduled for UFC São Paulo in 2023—adds intrigue, as both fighters have studied each other extensively.
Ribovics’ confidence in a first-round knockout seems ambitious given Brener’s durability and 76% takedown defense, which could neutralize Ribovics’ striking advantage. Brener’s plan to take the fight to the ground, as stated in his UFC.com.br interview, aligns with his strengths and Ribovics’ weaker grappling defense. Expect a fast-paced, back-and-forth first round, with Brener weathering early pressure before landing a takedown in the second round to secure a submission.
Prediction:
Elves Brener def. Esteban Ribovics via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) – Round 2
A win for Brener could propel him toward a top-15 opponent like Jared Gordon or a rematch with Orolbai, while Ribovics’ stock remains high despite the loss due to his exciting style.