Flyweights Brandon Moreno and Askar Askarov put on a sensational fight performance but had to settle with a split draw. Which sets up a stage for a quick rematch in 2020.
Askarov was making his UFC debut in the enemy territory and Moreno in his second UFC stint in front of his home crowd had a lot to prove. Askarov who fights out of Khabib’s team, showcased a dominant ground game. While Moreno used his Mexican boxing to do the damage in the stand up. With a close fight the judges scored the fight 30-27 for Moreno, 29-28 for Askarov and the third round a 28-28 score,resulting in a split draw. Askarov as constantly looking for a submission from all positions and strategically broke down Moreno’s defense. Once Moreno was back on his feet, he exploded and clipped Askarov with a thundering shots that wobbled the Dagestani. As much Askarov wanted to take the fight to the ground, Moreno kept scrambling back to his feet. In the final round, Moreno turned the tables and secured a choke from the back that looked like it was going to end Askarov’s night. But Askarov was able to fight off and secure a top position to fend off what seemed like the first loss of his career.
A crazy exchange in round 2 ends with a shin to the chin that drops Askarov! #UFCMexico pic.twitter.com/MrgUqFq3GH
— UFC (@ufc) September 22, 2019
A split draw! Agree with the judges score cards? #UFCMexico pic.twitter.com/Zx1ph3A7ur
— UFC (@ufc) September 22, 2019