Recent RotoWire Articles Featuring Askar Askarov
Chris Olson is back for the second fight in a week's time to break down another Fight Island event, this time featuring a title fight. See who his best captain picks are, plus analysis on the rest of the card.
Jon Litterine is back to break down UFC Fight Island 2, and he likes Kelvin Gastelum in what projects to be a tremendously close fight. Check out the rest of his DraftKings picks.
We've got a quick turnaround for the second Fight Island event, with Calvin Kattar and Dan Ige set to headline the rare Wednesday fight card. Jon Litterine breaks it down on DraftKings.
While Tyron Woodley may be too much of a counter striker to merit a captain spot, Chris Olson still likes him as a cash-game option on FanDuel. Check out his picks for UFC Apex on Saturday in Las Vegas.
While it wasn't the ending Yair Rodriguez or fans in Mexico City hoped for, with just one combined fantasy point scored in the main event, it was a very unique night. Richard Mann breaks it down by the numbers.
More Fantasy News
Headed for July 18 showdown
Askarov will take on Alexandre Pantoja in a flyweight matchup on the July 18 card, MMAFighting.com reports.
ANALYSIS
After a subpar debut that resulted in a draw versus Brandon Moreno last September, Askarov rebounded with an impressive showing against veteran Tim Elliott at UFC 246. He typically does a lot of his damage on the mat but displayed his abilities standing up versus Elliott, landing 73 significant strikes compared to Elliott's 47, while also stopping eight of Elliott's 11 takedown attempts. Look for Askarov's game plan to change this time around, though Pantoja is a relatively well-rounded fighter. The two will coincidentally duke it out on the same night as the flyweight title is on the line between Deiveson Figueiredo and Joseph Benavidez, which could suggest it will have future implications in the division. Askarov sits as roughly a (+160) betting underdog shortly after the announcement of this bout.
After a subpar debut that resulted in a draw versus Brandon Moreno last September, Askarov rebounded with an impressive showing against veteran Tim Elliott at UFC 246. He typically does a lot of his damage on the mat but displayed his abilities standing up versus Elliott, landing 73 significant strikes compared to Elliott's 47, while also stopping eight of Elliott's 11 takedown attempts. Look for Askarov's game plan to change this time around, though Pantoja is a relatively well-rounded fighter. The two will coincidentally duke it out on the same night as the flyweight title is on the line between Deiveson Figueiredo and Joseph Benavidez, which could suggest it will have future implications in the division. Askarov sits as roughly a (+160) betting underdog shortly after the announcement of this bout.
Strong effort for first UFC win
Askarov defeated Tim Elliott via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27) at UFC 246 on Saturday in Las Vegas.
ANALYSIS
It was an easy victory for Askarov on the heels of his split decision draw against Brandon Moreno in his UFC debut last September. Askarov looked quite poor in the Moreno fight but he rebounded in a big way in this one. Askarov easily controlled the striking exchanges between the two men in addition to stuffing 8-of-11 takedown attempts from Elliott. Askarov is much better on the mat than on the feet so his strong work on the striking game on Saturday was a pleasant surprise. The Dagestani tired a bit as the fight progressed but he was so effective in the early going that he was able to cruise to the unanimous decision win. Askarov is definitely worth keeping an eye on in the flyweight division.
It was an easy victory for Askarov on the heels of his split decision draw against Brandon Moreno in his UFC debut last September. Askarov looked quite poor in the Moreno fight but he rebounded in a big way in this one. Askarov easily controlled the striking exchanges between the two men in addition to stuffing 8-of-11 takedown attempts from Elliott. Askarov is much better on the mat than on the feet so his strong work on the striking game on Saturday was a pleasant surprise. The Dagestani tired a bit as the fight progressed but he was so effective in the early going that he was able to cruise to the unanimous decision win. Askarov is definitely worth keeping an eye on in the flyweight division.
Pegged to fight Tim Elliott
Askarov will fight Tim Elliott in a flyweight bout Jan. 18 at UFC 246, MMAFighting.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Askarov is still seeking his first UFC win, but he's ranked No. 12 in the division due to his dominance in Absolute Championship Akhmat. Elliott, on the other hand, is No. 8, and he's coming of a submission loss to Deiveson Figueiredo.
Askarov is still seeking his first UFC win, but he's ranked No. 12 in the division due to his dominance in Absolute Championship Akhmat. Elliott, on the other hand, is No. 8, and he's coming of a submission loss to Deiveson Figueiredo.
Fortunate to emerge with draw
Askarov and Brandon Moreno fought to a split decision draw (28-28, 29-28, 27-30) at UFC Fight Night on Saturday in Mexico City.
ANALYSIS
Askarov's UFC debut was underwhelming and a couple questionable scorecards from the judges were the only reason he is leaving Mexico City with his perfect record intact. The Russian newcomer leaned on the takedown early and often in his company debut. He landed four of his 11 tries, but did stunningly little with his positional advantage. His effectiveness waned following a reasonable effective first round. Askarov's reputation is that of a ground specialist with a limited amount of power in his hands and that's what we saw on Saturday. Quite frankly, the soon-to-be 27-year-old didn't earn the draw that he received.
Askarov's UFC debut was underwhelming and a couple questionable scorecards from the judges were the only reason he is leaving Mexico City with his perfect record intact. The Russian newcomer leaned on the takedown early and often in his company debut. He landed four of his 11 tries, but did stunningly little with his positional advantage. His effectiveness waned following a reasonable effective first round. Askarov's reputation is that of a ground specialist with a limited amount of power in his hands and that's what we saw on Saturday. Quite frankly, the soon-to-be 27-year-old didn't earn the draw that he received.
First UFC bout booked
Askarov has agreed to fight Brandon Moreno at UFC Mexico City on Sept. 21, Marc Raimondi of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
Askarov signed with the promotion on Thursday and wasted no time getting him his first fight in the octagon. Competing mainly under the well-respected ACB promotion, Askarov worked his way to a 10-0 professional record. He brings the stopping power UFC President Dana White would like to see in the smaller weight classes, as all 10 of Askarov's victories have been either by way of knockout or submission. His opponent, Moreno, re-signed with the UFC on Thursday after being dropped by the promotion in late 2018. It's still unclear what the future of the flyweight division is, so the winner here could very well be forced to move up to bantamweight if they want to continue their run with the UFC. Askarov stands at just 5-foot-5, so it could be a tough ask.
Askarov signed with the promotion on Thursday and wasted no time getting him his first fight in the octagon. Competing mainly under the well-respected ACB promotion, Askarov worked his way to a 10-0 professional record. He brings the stopping power UFC President Dana White would like to see in the smaller weight classes, as all 10 of Askarov's victories have been either by way of knockout or submission. His opponent, Moreno, re-signed with the UFC on Thursday after being dropped by the promotion in late 2018. It's still unclear what the future of the flyweight division is, so the winner here could very well be forced to move up to bantamweight if they want to continue their run with the UFC. Askarov stands at just 5-foot-5, so it could be a tough ask.