Askar Askarov makes his UFC debut on the UFC Mexico City main card, against the returning Brandon Moreno.
The UFC is coming to Mexico City, Mexico on September 21, at the Arena Ciudad de Mexico. The card is set, with a handful of UFC debuts at the event. Brandon Moreno returning to the UFC after going 1-0 since his release, and will welcome newcomer Askar Askarov.
5’6″
Flyweight
26-years-old
Khasavyurt, Russia
Berkut FC
10-0
3 KO/TKO
7 Submissions (3 Rear-naked Chokes, Anaconda choke, Twister, Guillotine and an Armbar)
How will Askarov fare in the UFC:
Askarov is a legit talent who has been one of the top flyweights prospects for quite some time. He’s fought about as good as competition as you can outside the UFC. His opponents, at the time he faced them, had a combined record of 94-24-1 which is outstanding.
The Russian is a methodical fighter who wastes no energy, picking his shots very well. He has excellent timing on the feet, has shown power in his hands and possesses some nice leg kicks as well. On the mat is where he excels having excellent jiu-jitsu with seven submission wins. He has been taken down before, but has never stayed there always getting back upright or attacking in his opponent’s guard. Askarov is very good on top with light movement, flowing in the grappling nicely. He does a great job slicing his knee through the guard and getting the mount as well. He could be a bit more aggressive, but he’s a polished fighter. Showing great Fight IQ, his leg kicks are a big factor and if he attacks with those more he will be even more of a threat. The sky is the limit and as it’s a long shot to call at this point, he could very well be a future title challenger.
- Striking: B-
- Kickboxing: C
- Clinch: C
- Wrestling: B-
- Grappling: A
- Striking Defense: B-
- Takedown Defense: C
- Cardio: A
- Biggest Strength: Grappling
- Biggest Weakness: N/A
How Askarov matches up with Moreno:
Moreno is a very tough debut for anyone to take. Offensively, Moreno is good everywhere and defensively, he needs work everywhere. It’s a good fight since Askarov has looked outstanding against good competition but Moreno has been competing at a high level for a while. On the feet, Askarov has the advantage but on the mat it is close. Askarov seems like the better overall fighter with better cardio, but it’s a toss-up.
