Video: Maia chokes Askren unconscious at UFC Singapore

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Check out the full-fight video highlights of Demian Maia putting Ben Askren to bed in the UFC Singapore main event.

The UFC Singapore main event was the setting where the promotion’s #10 welterweight Demian Maia choked out the #11 ranked Ben Askren in the third round. There was a lot of time spent on the feet across the first-two rounds. Each man landed clean punches. There were a lot of straight strikes that scored for Maia, and some crafty uppercuts from Askren. The fight finally hit the deck at the end of the second act, courtesy of “Funky” Ben, but Maia was quick to sweep.

Askren was able to secure the takedown much earlier in the third round off of a single leg. Again Maia found the sweep, this time by way of leg lock attempt. He then transitioned to the back and started working for the RNC. Askren struggled for a second, but the choke was tight and Ben went to sleep before being able to properly tap. It took a while, but we ended up getting to see the grappling greats go at it on the ground.

Check out Bloody Elbow’s play-by-play from of Demian Maia’s third round technical submission of Ben Askren:

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Askren closes the distance hunting for the takedown but Maia escapes into open space. A big bodylock takedown is achieved by Askren, who takes side control. Maia works his way back to his feet. A body kick lands for Askren and then he misses by a mile with a spinning backfist. A big body knee hits for Maia as Ben closes the distance. A stinging cross gets through for Maia and Askren grabs a single leg. Maia uses a leg lock attempt to sweep. He takes full mount, and then the back. He works for a RNC. Ben tries to fight it but it’s tight. ASKREN GOES TO SLEEP!!!!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!! YESSSSSS!

Demian Maia def. Ben Askren by technical submission (RNC) at 3:54 of round 3: Welterweight