UFC on ABC 9: Ibo Aslan vs Billy Elekana

Billy Elekana’s UFC debut at UFC on ABC 9 in Abu Dhabi turned into a methodical showcase of patience as he outpointed Ibo Aslan across three rounds. Right from the opening moments, Elekana chose precision over recklessness, using his range to keep Aslan at bay while probing with front kicks and jabs. The first round was cautious, with both fighters exchanging low kicks and feints rather than power shots, but Elekana’s slightly sharper timing edged the frame in his favor.

Aslan, known for his finishing instincts, tried to change gears in the second, throwing more volume and looking to close the distance. However, Elekana refused to be drawn into wild exchanges, managing to counter effectively and spoil most of Aslan’s forward surges. The pace remained tepid, with each man landing sporadic strikes, leaving the crowd restless as they awaited a breakthrough moment that never fully materialized.

The final round briefly came alive when a low blow halted the action, but once restarted Elekana delivered his cleanest shot of the night, snapping back Aslan’s head with a stiff right hand. That sequence seemed to cement his confidence as he added a late burst of leg kicks and a flurry in the last minute, sealing the judges’ impression that his measured approach had carried the contest. By the end, it was clear that Elekana’s control and accuracy outweighed Aslan’s sporadic bursts of aggression.

When the scorecards were read, all three judges saw the bout for Elekana with tallies of 30-27, 30-27, and 29-28. It was not a classic, but the fight marked a successful first step for the newcomer, who remained composed under the bright lights and handled a dangerous opponent without taking significant damage. For Aslan, the loss breaks his momentum and highlights the need to adapt when opponents refuse to play into his power-based style.