Elves Brener was at a watershed moment as he entered 2021, with two consecutive losses unluckily coinciding with one of the worst pandemics in recent history. However, despite facing trials and tribulations, Brener remained resilient. With unwavering faith in his victory, he fought his way back and impressed fans with his fervor. As the 26-year-old Ultimate Fighting Championship lightweight went undefeated after the two tough blows, his power and dedication lingered on the minds of fight enthusiasts across the globe.
Brener’s comeback to victory will be put to the test as he goes head to head with Esteban Ribovics at UFC Fight Night 231. The prominent match is set to take place on November 4 at Ibirapuera Gymnasium in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Confirming the importance of the two consecutive defeats against Sergei Andreev in November 2019, and Gabriel Santos in October 2020, Brener recalled them as the turning points in his career that made him even stronger.
Discussing the struggle and growth that came along with the setbacks, Brener said, “The two back-to-back losses earlier in my career were indeed a very difficult period for me, but they were part of my growth. It was very important for me to spend this time becoming more mature and putting in more hours at the gym. It’s what raised my game and toughened me up. The goal is to continue evolving, always tougher and stronger. That’s going to get me to the top.”
Currently enjoying a four-fight winning streak, he performed impressively in his promotional debut in February with a close win over Zubaira Tukhugov. Then proving his mettle once again in July at UFC on ESPN 48, he achieved a third-round technical knockout of Guram Kutateladze, impressively earning both fighters a $50,000 “Fight of the Night” bonus. He shared his enthusiasm for his fights saying, “My fight in July was a true battle. I stated beforehand that I was ready for that. Ultimately, by working hard and taking things one step at a time, everything works out in the end.”
Brener is all set for his upcoming challenging assignment against Esteban Ribovics, considered one of South America’s top prospects. Ribovics bounced back from a March loss to Loik Radzhabov with a unanimous decision over Kamuela Kirk at UFC 290 on July 8. Brimming with confidence for the upcoming showdown Brener said, “Esteban is very tough. It’s what we always expect in this weight class. I’m happy with this matchup. You can be sure I’m ready to put on another show. Sparks are going to fly.”
In his preparations, Brener has been training out of the Diego Lima-led Chute Boxe affiliate, a camp known for its focus on player strengths and consistent improvement. Speaking about his learnings, he shared, “This game demands that we always keep getting better. That’s what makes it crazy. We keep doing what we’re good at. We watch our opponents’ videos to come up with the best strategy, and once we’re in the cage, it’s a matter of being aggressive and looking for the win the entire time.”
For Brener, the motivation that pushes him to give his best in the ring is close to his heart. “I fight for my family, for my daughter and son. It’s extra motivation to bring a victory home. I’ll be aggressively chasing a knockout or submission. It’s what the fans can expect.” His enduring spirit and resolve are the true essence of a champion, making all upcoming matches with him an awaited spectacle for any MMA enthusiast.