A huge flyweight fight has arrived.
Kai ‘Don’t Blink’ Kara France takes on the undefeated Askar Askarov at UFC Columbus.
Round 1:
The fight starts off but without too much action. Both fighters are hesitant to throw a strike, moving around the Octagon. Askarov attempts a takedown two minutes into the fight. Kara France defends well with incredible balance but eventually gets taken down. Askarov gets the back of Kara France after establishing control. Kara France defends the hands and Askarov gets some ground and pound in. Askarov tries to sink in the rear-naked choke as Kara France gets up. However, Askarov is like a backpack on him.
‘Don’t Blink’ fights the hands of Askarov who tries to submit him. The Russian lands some nasty elbows to the head of Kara France before attempting another choke. Round ends.
Round 2:
Kara France starts the round aggressively. He throws big shots which land on Askarov. The Russian retaliates with a takedown attempt. After a few seconds, he gets the fight down to the mat. Kara France works his way back up to the feet.
Kara France throws quite of few feints on the feet. He continues to box but Askarov evades effectively. Askarov clinches up with Kara France, trying to get another takedown. He’s denied. Kara France throws absolute haymakers to the head of Askarov. He wobbles Askarov on the feet once more. Askarov returns fire but Kara France gets the better of him
Round 3:
Askarov lands a heavy kick to the nuts of Kara France. Fight is stopped momentarily. They get back into the action after a minute. Askarov slips after throwing a head kick at Kai. Askarov goes for a takedown but Kara France defends for the most part. Askarov seizes the back of Kara France while standing up, getting a body triangle on him. Kara France escapes with the Russian rushing for another takedown. Kai denies it.
The two trade shots from a distance. Kara France is relentless in his approach late in the round. Kara France lands occasionally but Askarov shows great striking defense. Askarov attempts another takedown but the bell beats him to it. Fight ends.
Official result: Kai Kara France defeats Askar Askarov via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
Check out the highlights below:
Strong first round for @Askar_MMA 💪 #UFCColumbus pic.twitter.com/3KA752YVPk
— UFC (@ufc) March 27, 2022
he's ok #UFCColumbus pic.twitter.com/Czi5cDMQHB
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) March 27, 2022
Ladies & gentleman… WE'VE GOT A FIGHT ON OUR HANDS 🍿 #UFCColumbus pic.twitter.com/9ECV3FO13f
— UFC (@ufc) March 27, 2022
What. A. Scrap – who you got? 📝
— UFC (@ufc) March 27, 2022
[ #UFCColumbus LIVE on @ESPN ] pic.twitter.com/xKFzzGsOx0
KAI KARA-FRANCE TAKES THE W ON HIS BIRTHDAY 🎂
— UFC (@ufc) March 27, 2022
[ @KaiKaraFrance | #UFCColumbus ] pic.twitter.com/uSKy8OFa9v
🗣 O-H!
— UFC (@ufc) March 27, 2022
[ @KaiKaraFrance | #UFCColumbus ] pic.twitter.com/V1X2l4CXco
