Elekana vs Fernando Preview: Reach vs Power at Light Heavyweight

Same height, very different arms. When Billy "Son of Susie" Elekana of the United States meets Brazil's Lucas Fernando at UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas on Nov. 7, both men stand 6-foot-3, but Fernando will have an 80-inch reach to Elekana's 77. Neither light heavyweight is ranked, and the numbers pit a pure striker against a fighter who can win anywhere.

Fernando, 29, is 14-3-0 and joined the UFC in August 2026. His résumé is built on power: eight knockouts (57% of his wins), two submissions, four decisions and eight first-round finishes. He barely leaves the feet, with 95% of his significant strikes coming at distance, 3% in the clinch and 2% on the ground. He lands 3.71 significant strikes per minute at 57% accuracy, absorbs 3.21, and carries a 1.15 knockdown average. Curiously, for all that power, his average fight lasts 13:05.

Elekana, 31, is 10-2-0 and has been in the UFC since January 2025. His wins are spread almost evenly: three knockouts, three submissions and four decisions, with four first-round finishes. He is the lower-volume striker at 2.71 landed and 3.59 absorbed per minute, though his 56% accuracy is nearly level with Fernando's. His knockdown average is 0.42. Where he really differs is on the mat: 18% of his significant strikes land on the ground, against Fernando's 2%.

The rest of the stat sheet leans Fernando's way. He has the better striking defense, 51% to 46%, and the higher takedown rate, 1.72 to 0.85 per 15 minutes, while Elekana attempts slightly more submissions, 0.85 to 0.57. Elekana's fights are shorter on average, at 8:51. On paper, the striking exchanges belong to the Brazilian; the scrambles and the mat are where Elekana's more varied record comes into play.

The big question: can Elekana close the distance and get this to the ground before Fernando finds his range with that 80-inch reach?

The card opens at 2 p.m. local time, with the main card at 5 p.m. Get your seat: Elekana vs Fernando tickets.