LAS VEGAS – Elves Brener refuses to get too big for his britches after scoring the biggest win of his career so far.
Brener (15-3 MMA, 2-0 UFC) came into his UFC on ESPN 48 bout with Guram Kutateladze (12-3 MMA, 1-2 UFC) as a significant betting underdog at +500. He was given next to no chance of victory, but then he went through the fire and scored a third-round TKO win in the lightweight bout that netting him Fight of the Night honors.
It was a massive result for the 25-year-old, who is a primary training partner of former UFC champ Charles Oliveira at Chute Boxe in Brazil, but it’s not a win that will disrupt his focus or ego.
“I want to go step by step,” Brener told MMA Junkie Radio through an interpreter at UFC X Radio Row earlier this month. “A few weeks ago nobody knows who I am, but right now you can see my pictures, my Instagram – everything is growing so big. But it’s step by step.”
Part of keeping humble is not calling anyone out just yet. He’s only had two fights inside the UFC to this point, and although both wins were significant, he still sees himself in a position where the UFC brass should guide his development.
“I know the UFC is going to pick a good guy for the next fight for me,” Brener said. “I’m ready for whoever is coming next.”
