Bashir Hafez and Orban Elliott at UFC 309 ceremonial weigh-in Credit: Jake Noecker/Cageside Press
Rising welterweight prospects Orban Elliott and Bashir Hafez each looked to build on their recent success in their second bout at UFC 309.
Hafez made his debut against Jacques Della Maddalena, but lost another split decision to one of the most high-profile fighters at 170 pounds. He fought back against Mickey Gall, while “Welsh Gangster” Elliott had won his first two fights inside the Octagon.
Elliott used his jab frequently from the start, settling into the role of counter-striker as Hafez moved forward. Hafez sat back and continued to throw punches, keeping everything on the back burner. It was mostly singles in the opening frame, but Hafez connected with a solid kick near the end. He switched stances several times and almost caught Elliott’s kick near the end of the round. Elliott countered with a head kick that narrowly missed before the buzzer.
Bashir Hafez started the second round with a perfectly placed calf kick. He continued a little later. The second frame was a series of single strikes, shot after shot, kick after kick. Orban Elliott’s jab often kept Hafez on the outside and appeared to be the difference maker.
Heading into the third goal, if anyone had gone up, it probably would have been Elliott, but it could have been 1-1. After a while, it didn’t matter. Elliott connected with a clean overhand right that dropped Hafez and then pounced. Hammerfists rained down and the referee quickly moved to end the match. This gave Orban Elliott his biggest win in the UFC to date.
“Boys and girls, we’re just getting started,” Elliott told Joe Rogan after the win.
Official Results: Orban Elliott def. Bashir Hafez Knockout, Round 3, 0:40
