Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos vs. Zach Scroggin: UFC Fight Night 247 Preliminary Card Preview & Predictiona month ago
Elizeu "Capoeira" Zaleski dos Santos brings his striking expertise, including flying knees and spinning kicks, to the Octagon in his matchup against undefeated prospect Zach Scroggin. Zaleski dos Santos is a seasoned UFC veteran, known for his knockout power, while Scroggin enters with a perfect record and aims to extend it against one of the division's top fighters. Will Zaleski dos Santos' experience prevail, or will Scroggin continue his rise?

Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos (24-8-1) is a Brazilian mixed martial artist with an extensive career in the UFC's welterweight division. Known for his dynamic striking, Zaleski dos Santos combines powerful kicks and unpredictable strikes with solid grappling. He enters this fight following a majority draw against Rinat Fakhretdinov at UFC Fight Night 231, after a split decision win over Abubakar Nurmagomedov at UFC on ESPN 46. Despite a recent loss to Randy Brown at UFC 302, Zaleski dos Santos remains a dangerous striker who will look to capitalize on Scroggin's lack of UFC experience.

Zaleski dos Santos - Last Five Fights

* Loss vs. Randy Brown at UFC 302 - Makhachev vs. Poirier (Jun 01, 2024) – Decision (Unanimous)
* Draw vs. Rinat Fakhretdinov at UFC Fight Night 231 - Almeida vs. Lewis (Nov 04, 2023) – Draw (Majority)
* Win vs. Abubakar Nurmagomedov at UFC on ESPN 46 - Kara-France vs. Albazi (Jun 03, 2023) – Decision (Split)
* Win vs. Benoit St. Denis at UFC 267 - Blachowicz vs. Teixeira (Oct 30, 2021) – Decision (Unanimous)
* Loss vs. Muslim Salikhov at UFC 251 - Usman vs. Masvidal (Jul 11, 2020) – Decision (Split)

Zach Scroggin (7-0-0) is an undefeated prospect from Marathon MMA, known for his knockout power and submission game. The 28-year-old will make his UFC debut in this highly anticipated fight. Scroggin’s most recent victories include a unanimous decision win over Zak Bucia at FAC 24 and a submission victory over Josh Weston at FAC 23. Scroggin has proven to be a well-rounded fighter, but this will be his toughest challenge yet against the experienced Zaleski dos Santos.

Scroggin - Last Five Fights

* Win vs. Zak Bucia at FAC 24 - Fighting Alliance Championship (May 03, 2024) – Decision (Unanimous)
* Win vs. Josh Weston at FAC 23 - Fighting Alliance Championship (Feb 02, 2024) – Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)
* Win vs. Josh Tulley at FAC 20 - Fighting Alliance Championship (Oct 15, 2023) – Decision (Unanimous)
* Win vs. Matt Murphy at FAC 19 - Fighting Alliance Championship (Sep 01, 2023) – TKO (Punches)
* Win vs. Tyler Sykes at FAC 18 - Fighting Alliance Championship (Jun 23, 2023) – KO (Head Kick)

Prediction: Zaleski dos Santos' striking experience and ability to land devastating blows will likely be the key in this fight. While Scroggin is undefeated, his lack of experience at the UFC level may work against him when facing a well-rounded and seasoned opponent. If Scroggin can get this fight to the ground, he might have a chance, but Zaleski dos Santos’ superior striking will make it difficult for Scroggin to control the pace.

Prediction: Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos wins by TKO in Round 2.