UFC Fight Night: Machado Garry vs. Prates - Evan Elder Meets Gauge Young in Lightweight Prelim

On April 26, 2025, the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, hosts UFC Fight Night: Machado Garry vs. Prates. The preliminary card features an exciting lightweight matchup between Americans Evan Elder and Gauge "Gee Money" Young. Both fighters are looking to build momentum and make a name for themselves in the competitive 155-pound division.

 

Fighter Backgrounds

Evan Elder

Evan "The Phenom" Elder (9-2-0), representing Kill Cliff FC, is a dynamic lightweight with a mix of knockout and submission victories. Elder has shown resilience and a willingness to engage wherever the fight goes. He is looking to string together wins and climb the divisional ranks.

Gauge Young

Gauge "Gee Money" Young (9-2-0), fighting out of Ignite Jiu-Jitsu, is a powerful finisher with a high number of knockout wins on his record. Young is known for his aggressive approach and ability to end the fight with strikes. He is eager to make a statement in the UFC octagon.

Fighting Styles and Strengths

Evan Elder

• Well-Rounded: Elder has secured wins via both knockout and submission, indicating proficiency in multiple areas.
• Switch Stance: His ability to fight from a switch stance can make him a less predictable striking opponent.
• Decent Striking Volume: Lands 5.02 significant strikes per minute (SIG STR LPM).
• Submission Threat: Has a submission average of 0.63 per 15 minutes (SUB AVG).

Gauge Young

• Knockout Power: Young boasts 6 (T)KO victories out of 9 wins, showcasing significant power in his hands.
• Aggressive Striker: He is known for coming forward and looking to land damaging blows.
• Higher Striking Accuracy: Has a significant strike accuracy of 56.41% (SIG STR ACC) compared to Elder's 52.48%.

Recent Performances

Evan Elder

Elder is coming off a first-round submission victory over Darrius Flowers in July 2024, showcasing his grappling abilities. Prior to that, he secured a unanimous decision win against Genaro Valdez in July 2023. His two professional losses have come via TKO and unanimous decision.

Gauge Young

Young recently secured a first-round TKO victory over Eric Grant in December 2024. Prior to that, he suffered a unanimous decision loss to Quillan Salkilld on Dana White's Contender Series in September 2024 but had a string of TKO victories before that.

Odds and Betting Information

Fighter	Odds
Evan Elder	-195
Gauge Young	+165

Evan Elder enters this matchup as the favorite at -195, while Gauge Young is the underdog with odds of +165.

Keys to Victory

Evan Elder

• Utilize Well-Rounded Game: Elder should look to blend his striking with his grappling to keep Young guessing.
• Avoid a Striking Slugfest: While he has knockout power, engaging in a pure striking battle with Young could be risky.
• Look for Submission Opportunities: If the fight goes to the ground, Elder's submission skills could be a factor.

Gauge Young

• Land Powerful Strikes: Young's primary path to victory is to land a clean power shot and secure a knockout.
• Utilize Striking Accuracy: Focusing on landing his more accurate strikes could help him win exchanges on the feet.
• Defend Takedowns: While Elder's takedown stats aren't high, Young's zero takedown defense percentage suggests he needs to be cautious.

 

Prediction