Rising welterweight prospects Oban Elliott and Bassil Hafez were the second fight in at UFC 309, each hoping to build on recent successes.
Hafez had made his debut against Jack Della Maddalena, losing a split decision again one of the hottest names at 170lbs. He’d bounced back against Mickey Gall, while “The Welsh Gangster” Elliott had won his first two outings inside the octagon.
Elliott employed his jab early and often in the opening round, and settled into the role of counter-striker as Hafez pressed forward. Hafez was sitting down on his punches, putting everything behind them. It was mostly single strikes through the opening frame, with Hafez connecting with a solid kick just ahead of the final minute. He showed a few stance switches, and nearly caught an Elliott kick in the dying seconds of the round. Elliott answered back with a head kick that just missed ahead of the buzzer.
Bassil Hafez opened round two with a perfectly placed calf kick; he followed up with another moments later. The second frame saw the single-strike trading continue, often shot for shot, kick for kick. Oban Elliott’s jab appeared to be the difference maker, as it was often keeping Hafez on the outside.
Heading to the third, if anyone was up, it was likely Elliott, though it could just as well have been 1-1. Moments later, it didn’t matter. Elliott connected with a clean overhand right that dropped Hafez, then pounced. Hammerfists rained, and the ref quickly moved in to bring an end to the fight. With that, Oban Elliott secured his biggest win in the UFC to date.
“We’re just getting started, boys and girls,” Elliott told Joe Rogan after the win.
Official Result: Oban Elliott def. Bassil Hafez by knockout, Round 3, 0:40
