Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC
Former flyweight title challenger Tim Elliott will look to get back in the win column against Askar Askarov at UFC 246.
The UFC’s first show of 2020 is beginning to take shape.
It was confirmed earlier this week that flyweights Tim Elliott and Askar Askarov will square off on the January 18th pay-per-view at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Elliott (15-9-1) returned from a 22-month layoff at UFC Tampa, but was met with an instant guillotine choke loss to Deiveson Figueiredo. It wasn’t too long ago that Elliott was cut from the UFC after a three-fight losing streak, won the Titan FC flyweight title, then won The Ultimate Fighter flyweight tournament earn a title shot vs. Demetrious Johnson. While Elliott lost a decision to “Mighty Mouse,” it was competitive and he put forth a good effort. Since then, he’s 2-2 in his last four, with injuries and opponent withdrawals affecting his schedule.
Askarov (10-0-1) made his UFC debut against Brandon Moreno at UFC Mexico City, fighting to a split draw. The Russian is still undefeated and boasts a 100% finishing rate in his wins. He’s notably beaten Anthony Leone and former UFC fighter Jose Maria Tome while competing under the ACB banner.
UFC 246 is scheduled to be headlined by a non-title welterweight bout between former two-division champion Conor McGregor and Donald Cerrone.