Ivan Erslan
Croatia
Still searching for first UFC win
Erslan lost to Navajo Stirling via unanimous decision (28-29, 28-29, 27-29) at UFC 315 on Saturday in Montreal.
ANALYSIS
It got really bad late for him late, but for the most part, Erslan put forth a reasonable enough performance as a +285 underdog. He absorbed very little notable damage in the first two rounds, although the tide began to turn when Stirling picked up a pair of takedowns in the second frame. Of course, none of this ended up mattering after Stirling landed a late knockdown and nearly earned the stoppage in the closing seconds. Not only has Erslan lost each of his first two UFC bouts, but he was just 2-2 in his last four fights prior to his company arrival. There's nothing to be excited about here.
It got really bad late for him late, but for the most part, Erslan put forth a reasonable enough performance as a +285 underdog. He absorbed very little notable damage in the first two rounds, although the tide began to turn when Stirling picked up a pair of takedowns in the second frame. Of course, none of this ended up mattering after Stirling landed a late knockdown and nearly earned the stoppage in the closing seconds. Not only has Erslan lost each of his first two UFC bouts, but he was just 2-2 in his last four fights prior to his company arrival. There's nothing to be excited about here.
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Fighting Stirling in May
Erslan will take on Navajo Stirling at UFC 315 in Montreal on May 10, per Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl.
ANALYSIS
Erslan will head into the fight looking to bounce back from his recent loss to Ion Cutelaba in September. The 33-year-old Croatian fighter will look to use his experience to overcome disadvantages in both height and reach against the younger Stirling. With a combined professional record of 14-1 in KO/TKO finishes, both fighters will likely be looking to use their striking in this one.
Erslan will head into the fight looking to bounce back from his recent loss to Ion Cutelaba in September. The 33-year-old Croatian fighter will look to use his experience to overcome disadvantages in both height and reach against the younger Stirling. With a combined professional record of 14-1 in KO/TKO finishes, both fighters will likely be looking to use their striking in this one.
Struggles in UFC debut
Erslan lost to Ion Cutelaba via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 28-29) at UFC Fight Night on Saturday in Paris.
ANALYSIS
Making his UFC debut as a very slight favorite (-120), Esrlan didn't show much. He appeared both hesitant and cautious, which is a major issue against an opponent such as Cutelaba who is known for going full throttle at all times. Ion has major durability issues, but Erslan either wouldn't or couldn't take advantage of the situation. This fight wasn't as close as the "split decision" term would lead you to believe. The soon-to-be 33-year-old Croatian is going to get another shot with the company, but little should be expected considering what we saw this evening.
Making his UFC debut as a very slight favorite (-120), Esrlan didn't show much. He appeared both hesitant and cautious, which is a major issue against an opponent such as Cutelaba who is known for going full throttle at all times. Ion has major durability issues, but Erslan either wouldn't or couldn't take advantage of the situation. This fight wasn't as close as the "split decision" term would lead you to believe. The soon-to-be 33-year-old Croatian is going to get another shot with the company, but little should be expected considering what we saw this evening.
Set for UFC debut
Erslan is fighting Ion Cutelaba at UFC Paris on Sept. 28, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
Erslan will make his UFC debut in Paris as he is set to take on Ion Cutelaba in a light-heavyweight bout. Erslan heads into the fight with a 14-3-0 overall record but has lost two of his last four fights. On the other hand, Cutelaba is 1-4 since May 2022, so Erslan may be able to make some noise in his UFC debut.
Erslan will make his UFC debut in Paris as he is set to take on Ion Cutelaba in a light-heavyweight bout. Erslan heads into the fight with a 14-3-0 overall record but has lost two of his last four fights. On the other hand, Cutelaba is 1-4 since May 2022, so Erslan may be able to make some noise in his UFC debut.