The Welsh Gangster Looks to Remain Undefeated in the UFC
Oban “The Welsh Gangster” Elliott is quickly becoming one of the most exciting rising stars in the UFC’s Welterweight Division. At just 27 years old, the fighter from Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, is gearing up to make his fourth UFC appearance at UFC Fight Night: Blanchfield vs Barber. Since earning his contract on Dana White’s Contender Series, Elliott has been unstoppable inside the octagon, compiling a 3-0 record with an aggressive style that mixes precision striking and tough resilience. His highlight reel knockout of Bassil Hafez at UFC 309 in Madison Square Garden only added to his soon-to-be stardom. Afterward, in the octagon interview, he would say, “The world's most famous arena just got to see the world's most dangerous gangster put the man on his back.”
Elliott’s rise has been marked by resilience and steady improvement. Early in his career, he faced some setbacks competing on the regional Cage Warriors circuit, but he used those challenges to enhance his game. Since then, he has gone on to win eight straight fights, including a unanimous decision over Preston Parsons at UFC 304 and a dominant performance against fan favorite Val Woodburn at UFC 298. Elliott has been praised for his ability to adapt mid-fight, demonstrating excellent cardio and fight IQ, which has helped him maintain control against tough opponents.
This upcoming bout against Ramiz Brahimaj presents a new set of challenges for Elliott. Brahimaj is known for his dangerous grappling and submission skills, posing a threat on the ground that could test Elliott’s takedown defense and wrestling ability. Brahimaj recently secured a first-round knockout against Mickey Gall at UFC 309, earning a Performance of the Night bonus. This shows that while he is primarily a grappler, he is also a striker capable of finishing fights early, making him a dangerous, well-rounded opponent. Elliott’s preparation for this bout has focused on neutralizing Brahimaj’s ground game while capitalizing on striking opportunities, which is where Elliott’s skill set excels. Training out of Shore Mixed Martial Arts, Elliott has expressed confidence in his game plan and readiness to showcase his continued growth in the octagon. If Elliott can get another win dominantly, he’ll get even closer to being a household name and one of the top rankings in the Welterweight Division.
