Askar Askarov had to deal with the unusual style of Tim Elliott at UFC 246, but did so successfully, coming away with a unanimous decision.
Flyweight action at UFC 246 saw former title challenger Tim Elliott, looking to go on one last run, taking on relative newcomer Askar Askarov. Elliott entered the night off a loss to Deiveson Figueiredo, who will fight for the vacant 125lb championship next month at UFC Norfolk. The 33-year old had been trading wins and losses since his 2016 defeat at the hands of the great Mighty Mouse, Demetrious Johnson.
In his Octagon debut, meanwhile, Askar Askarov fought to a draw with Brandon Moreno at UFC Mexico City back in September.
It was a back kick out of the gate for the unorthodox Tim Elliott taking on the dynamic Askar Askarov. Elliott went low with a few kicks and Askarov nailed him with a combination of punches. Elliott landed a leg kick then narrowly avoided a counter from Askarov. Elliott was staying just out of his opponent’s range while beckoning him forward. Then, Askarov landed a crisp overhand right that stiffened Elliott up. Askarov brought the fight to the ground and somehow Elliott snapped back into reality, looking for a straight armbar from his back. Askarov postured up after getting his arm free and threw several hammerfists. Elliott established butterfly guard and held him down. With a few seconds left in the round, Askarov postured up and landed a few more hammerfists.
Askarov landed an uppercut right away, but was subsequently thrown to the canvas by Elliott. Elliott tried for a guillotine, but Askarov popped out and landed a combination on the feet. The Dagestani fighter pinned Elliott against the cage, landing knees to the leg of his opponent. The fighters separated and Askarov started landing bombs on the feet. Elliott rolled with them, and again threw Askarov down. They returned to the feet quickly and yet again, Elliott got a hold of Askarov and threw him down. This time, Elliott was able to stay on top, avoiding an armbar, then transitioned to side control. Askarov tried to sweep Elliott, but it was shut down as Elliott returned to half guard. Back to the feet the fight went with 30 seconds left. A slew of jabs landed for Askarov as he attempted a takedown in the final seconds.
Elliott was blitzing in with combinations to start the final round. After an uppercut by Askarov, Elliott pinned him against the cage and landed a bunch of uppercuts to the body. Elliott began landing leg kicks and his confidence was growing. Elliott dropped his hands and was inviting punches from Askarov as he moved forward. Elliott continued to walk forward, but was perhaps too far behind at this point in the contest. Elliott drove Askarov to the canvas very briefly, then Askarov landed a pair of punches before time expired.
Askar Askarov def. Tim Elliott by Unanimous Decision (30-27 x2, 29-28)
