UFC Fight Night (Aug 28): Darren Elkins vs. Hatsu Hioki Preview

UFC Fight Night takes place on August 28, 2013, which features an important featherweight bout between Darren Elkins and Hatsu Hioki. Both fighters are looking to get back in the win column, increasing their motivation to win.

Coming into this bout, Elkins is looking to redeem himself in a big way. His latest performance was against Chad Mendes, where Mendes was able to get the TKO in the first round. Before this loss, Elkins was on a five-fight winning streak, so he will be looking to regain his status in the division, and a win over Hioki would certainly do just that.

Just like Elkins, Hioki will be looking to get some momentum again, as his latest outing was a loss to Clay Guida. In the bout, Guida was able to remain on top, but Hioki landed strikes and threatened with submissions, arguably winning the fight.

However, the judges ultimately awarded the split decision to Guida, and Hioki took a hit in the featherweight rankings. Before this loss, many pegged Hioki the next big thing in the division, and someone who might even be able to give Jose Aldo a run for his money in terms of the grappling.

Both of these fighters have well-rounded skills, making this a great scrap. Elkins is  a pressure fighter who utilizes his crisp boxing technique coupled with his relentless wrestling game. Hioki is one of the most established grapplers in this division, and he loves using his rubber guard. It should be a fun scrap that gives the winner a chance to remain relevant in the division again.

via UFC: Darren Elkins vs. Hatsu Hioki Preview.