After an ankle injury sidelined him for nearly 20 months, Evan Elder found ways to keep improving through rehabilitation, strength work, fight-film study and visualization. He sees growth through discomfort as key to staying consistent—and will put that mindset to the test against Samuel Sanches at UFC 334.

By the Numbers
  • Nearly 20 months out of competition.
  • Elder’s fight with Samuel Sanches is on the UFC 334 prelims, which begin at 5 p.m. ET.
Yes, But

The injury limited Elder’s ability to train, particularly because ankle and knee problems are difficult to work around. He says rehabilitation and mental preparation helped him continue making progress despite that setback.

What's Next

Elder returns against Sanches on the UFC 334 prelims, airing exclusively on Paramount+.

Bottom Line

Elder’s long layoff became a test of adaptability: his comeback will show whether the work he did outside full training can translate inside the cage.