The prelims of UFC on ABC 9: Whittaker vs. de Ridder, scheduled for July 26, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, feature a high-stakes light heavyweight bout between Turkish-Austrian knockout artist İbo Aslan and UFC sophomore Billy Elekana. With both fighters looking to rebound from submission losses, this matchup pits raw knockout power against athletic resilience.
İbo Aslan
İbo Aslan (14–2) is a pure finisher with all 14 career wins by knockout, often needing less than a round to get it done. The 6’3” powerhouse has built a reputation as one of the most dangerous early-round strikers in the division. His UFC resume includes dominant wins over Anton Turkalj and Raffael Cerqueira, both finished in violent fashion. However, submission losses to Ion Cuțelaba and Anton Turkalj have exposed a clear grappling vulnerability.
Aslan relies on blitzing combinations and overwhelming aggression, and while he’s lethal early, his cardio and ground game remain question marks. If kept standing, few can withstand his raw power and pace.
İbo Aslan – Last 5 Fights:
Loss vs. Ion Cuțelaba – Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke) – UFC FN: Cejudo vs. Song, Feb 22, 2025
Win vs. Raffael Cerqueira – TKO (Punches) – UFC 308, Oct 26, 2024
Win vs. Anton Turkalj – TKO (Punch) – UFC on ESPN, Mar 30, 2024
Win vs. Paulo Renato Jr. – TKO (Punches) – DWCS 58, Aug 15, 2023
Win vs. Giorgi Khubejashvili – TKO (Leg Kick and Punches) – VFN 33, Jun 22, 2023
Billy Elekana
Billy Elekana (7–2) is a well-rounded and athletic striker with flashes of explosiveness. He earned his UFC contract following solid performances in the PFL and LXF circuits. While he’s gone the distance multiple times, Elekana owns three TKO wins and one submission finish, demonstrating versatility. However, in his UFC debut, he was submitted by Bogdan Guskov after showing early promise.
Elekana has solid defensive movement and decent striking, but he struggles when pressured and has yet to prove his ability against high-powered knockout artists like Aslan.
Billy Elekana – Last 5 Fights:
Loss vs. Bogdan Guskov – Submission (Guillotine Choke) – UFC 311, Jan 18, 2025
Win vs. Jureall Simmons – TKO (Punches) – LXF 18, Jul 27, 2024
Win vs. Chuck Campbell – Decision (Split) – PFL 7, Aug 4, 2023
Win vs. Tristan Overvig – Decision (Unanimous) – PFL Challenger Series, Mar 10, 2023
Loss vs. Daniel Compton – Decision (Split) – LFA 137, Jul 29, 2022
This fight likely won't go the distance. Aslan is a one-round wrecking machine, and Elekana has yet to prove he can neutralize that kind of early pressure. Elekana’s best chance is dragging the fight into deeper waters and testing Aslan’s cardio, but that’s a dangerous game.
Prediction
İbo Aslan def. Billy Elekana via TKO (Punches) – Round 1
Aslan’s first-round finishing rate is overwhelming, and Elekana hasn’t shown the level of defensive wrestling or movement needed to survive Aslan’s early blitz. Expect fireworks and a quick stoppage.