UFC vet Demian Maia (28-9) extended his current winning streak to three this past Saturday when he submitted the former ONE and Bellator welterweight champion Ben Askren (19-2).
The pair met in UFC Fight Night 162’s main event at the . It was build up as the clash of two of the best grapplers in the world.
Askren, 35, got the better start of the two, showcasing his improved boxing. Maia, 41, was keeping a distance from “Funky”, as his counters punches were landing rarely. The first round ended on the ground, as Askren did a successful takedown and managed to keep his position until the end.
The second round suggested the same. The two fighters preferred the standing game, as it was clear that one mistake could get them to tap. Askren landed some good right hands and was pressing forward and he even bloodied the nose of his opponent. The second part ended in the same fashion as the previous one – Askren did another fruitful takedown and dominated the battle on the mat, but Maia’s defense was on point and time expired.
There a lot of exchanges and close-range fighting in the round, with Askren again doing the more damage. This time Askren attempted an early takedown and the two were on the ground once again. This time Maia managed to get a hold of Askren’s back and soon enough the Brazilian locked the Rear-Naked Choke and the American tapped before he blacked out for a second.
It was Askren’s second straight defeat in UFC in his third outing. The former wrestler kicked off his UFC campaign with a win against Robbie Lawler, but then Jorge Masvidal happened.
