Tim Elliott vs. Askar Askarov

Round 1
We move to the flyweight division for a battle of two ranked contenders, where former title challenger Elliott (15-9-1, 4-7 UFC) aims to hand Askarov (10-0-1, 0-0-1 UFC) his first career loss. The Octagon steward will be referee Keith Peterson, who will guarantee no nonsense will go down in this one tonight. The two men touch gloves, and Elliott begins with a side kick to the torso as Askarov backs off. The footwork and movement of Elliott is already catching Askarov off guard, as he sinks in a low kick and Askarov misses with not one but two in response. The Russian chains three punches together that clip Elliott, but the former challenger shrugs them off and tries to counter with a fierce left. Askarov sneaks up a head kick, and Elliott dances away and gets on his bike until suddenly exploding forward to pursue a takedown. He cannot land it, and Askarov shoves him off and loads up with some punches that hurt Elliott. Elliott waves him on and welcomes the attack, so Askarov obliges him and cracks him with a right hook that causes Elliott to stiffen up until he falls to the canvas -- he may have gone out on his feet for a second. Somehow, he regains composure and shoots in for a takedown, and Askarov shoves him down and follows with some ground-and-pound. The American ties him up with a shoulder lock and an unorthodox hold to keep Askarov from unloading anything. Elliott pulls for a guillotine choke, and as he does so, Askarov pursues an arm-triangle choke and nearly secures a Von Flue choke until Elliott wriggles out of it. Askarov stands up, only to rain down some punches and elbows, causing Elliott to scramble. "Bullet" avoids any submission attempts and throws some heavy punches from on top until the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Askarov
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-8 Askarov
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-8 Askarov

Round 2
The second round opens violently, as he starts swinging and then hits a throw on Askarov. As the Russian scrambles, he gives up his neck and Elliott tries to snatch up the guillotine choke. Askarov is wise to it, and breaks free and shoves Elliott against the fence. Taking Elliott's back, Askarov tries to lift him up and throws him down, but Elliott fights him off and gets away with a few fence grabs to reverse his position. Elliott gives up his back once more, and Peterson slaps his hand away but in the confusion, Elliott gets himself free. Askarov uncorks a vicious one-two that clatter off the jaw of the American, and he moves with the punches but is absorbing some serious punishment. The two clinch up and Elliott throws some uppercuts, but he is more interest in toss Askarov down again. Elliott slams him down, and like before, Elliott goes after his neck, but Askarov shoves him away. The pressure from Elliott continues, who hits a takedown but this time, ends up on top. From his back, Askarov throws up his legs to secure an armbar, and as Elliott pushes past it, Askarov sets up a triangle. Elliott again thwarts the attempt and tries to pass guard, but in the process, Askarov times a sweep and very nearly flips Elliott over, but the American is able to remain on top. The guard from Askarov is providing constant offense, as he threatens another triangle choke until Elliott backs off and the two get to their feet. Elliott throws a looping right hand and cannot land flush, but Askarov does so by ringing Elliott's bell with a stream of punches that make Elliott rush in for another takedown. Elliott looks tired, and Askarov circles around to try to take his back and throw him down, but time runs out before he can get it done.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Askarov
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Elliott
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Askarov

Round 3
One last touch of gloves clocks in this exciting fight, and Elliott begins with a leg kick as he absorbs a jab flying back at him. Askarov evades a lunging combination, and then stings him with a leg kick and a right hand that makes Elliott wave him on again. This time, Askarov decides not to engage, and Elliott chases after him and clips him with a left hook. As Askarov tries to throw back at him, Elliott closes the distance and tries to hit a standing guillotine, but the Russian is not interested in this exchange. Backing off, Askarov lands with several more punches, and Elliott continues to walk him down and throw some heavy leg kicks. The leg kicks from Elliott are starting to pay off, as Askarov is backed up against the fence and swinging heavily. Elliott stalks him down with his hands down, and unloads several fierce body shots as Askarov pushes him away. The Russian briefly shoots in for a takedown, and then lands a powerful one-two but Elliott is unfazed and walking towards him like a 125-pound Terminator. Elliott ties him up, but Askarov pushes him off and scores a vicious right. The chin for Elliott holds up beautifully, but he is absorbing a ton of punishment on the way. Askarov circles away and at one point even runs backward, but Elliott wades forward to throw sloppy punches. Elliott takes a few more punches on the chin and finally decides to shoot in for a double leg takedown, but the Russian stuffs it. The two separate and stand in front of each other for upwards of 10 seconds, and Peterson asks them to engage as Elliott puts his hands on his knees to take a gigantic deep breath. Askarov unloads with a few big punches to end the round aggressively, and this 15-minute flyweight brawl is now in the books. Likely to emerge victorious, this should be the first time Askarov has ever won a fight on the scorecards.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Askarov (30-26 Askarov)
Keith Shillan scores the round: 10-9 Askarov (29-27 Askarov)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Askarov (30-26 Askarov)

The Official Result
Askar Askarov def. Tim Elliott via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)