Tim Elliott secures unanimous decision against Ryan Benoit
The action continues on “Fight Island” as UFC on ESPN 13 kicks off tonight, Wednesday, July 13.
Just four days removed from UFC 251, the promotion returns to the Flash Forum on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.
The event is headlined by ranked featherweights Calvin Kattar and Dan Ige. A flyweight matchup between Ryan Benoit and Tim Elliott will serve as the co-main event.
In the co-main event of the evening. Ryan Benoit will face Tim Elliott in a bantamweight clash. Both fighters are coming into this bout following a loss. Either fighter’s fate may be sealed following this bantamweight brawl.
Ryan “ Baby Face” Benoit has gone 1-2 in his last 3 bouts. Although, always dangerous in the cage as he holds wins over the likes of Sergio Pettis. Benoit has yet to string together a consistent stint since his debut in the promotion. Tonight, at UFC on ESPN 13, Benoit looks to bounce back after split decision loss in December.
Tim Elliott also comes into this bout in desperate need of a win tonight. Elliott is currently riding a 3 fight losing streak, and severely needs a win to keep him within the elite. He has a difficult task in front of him tonight in Ryan Benoit. Will Elliott be able to snap his losing streak at UFC on ESPN 13?
Here is how the bantamweight bout between Ryan Benoit and Tim Elliott went down at UFC on USPN 13, including round by round scoring. For full results, check them out here.
Round 1
A slight feeling out process between these fighters and Benoit is first to commit with an overhand right that connects. Elliott is feeling out his opponents’ range. Elliott is heavy on the leg kicks and front kicks to the body early in the contest. A brief exchange in the pocket and both fighters separate. Benoit lands a thudding leg kick. He follows with a flush left head kick that wobbles Elliott early. Elliott recovers and gets back to activity, pawing his jabs at his opponent. Benoit lands another head kick and Elliot looks for the takedown. Benoit is able to fend the takedown off but is caught with an elbow coming out of the clinch. Benoit circles out to the center of the cage and Elliot continues to follow his man. Benoit finds room for a vicious left hook to the midsection and Elliot immediately looks for the takedown. Benoit easily works his way back to his feet and with 10 seconds Elliot takes Benoit for another ride, getting him to the mat as the bell sounds.
MyMMANews scores round 1 for Tim Elliot 10-9
Round 2
Elliott looks to stay active following his round one performance but is met by two hard punches from Benoit. Benoit lands a body kick and Elliott shoots for the takedown. Benoit is able to nullify the takedown attempt and both fighters are back to their feet. A slight feeling out process with both fighters pawing their jabs to feel the others range. Benoit land a clean uppercut and Elliot is quick to return fire for a brief exchange against the fence. Benoit scores the takedown and Elliott secures the guillotine. Elliott gives up on the submission but maintains mount position. Benoit scrambles and gets Elliott back into his guard. Benoit gets a kneebar as Elliott is looking to escape. Elliot looks for his own heel hook. However, but both fighters give up position and stand on their feet with 40 seconds left in the round. Benoit fires a lead head kick and swings with vicious intentions in the closing seconds as Elliot fires back, changes levels and looks to get the match to the floor. Elliott goes for the takedown but Benoit is able to claim Elliotts back and Elliott fires relentless back-elbows to Benoit‘s face to close the round.
MyMMANews scores round 2 for Ryan Benoit. 10-9
Round 3
The fighters touch gloves and get right back into the mix. Elliott comes forward with jumping front kicks and teep kicks. Both fighters have the same thinking and switch levels at the same time and wind up against the fence trading positions. Elliott is throwing brutalizing knees to the midsection. Elliott backs off of his opponent with something clearly wrong with his right hand. Elliott continues the round throwing his jab on multiple occasions to compensate for what looks to be an injured right hand. Benoit keeps marching forward but is kept on the outside of Elliott’s boxing via the jab. Elliott throws his straight right hand rarely, but surprises and hurts when he utilizes it. With under a minute left, Benoit unloads with a punch barrage that wobbles Elliott. Elliott walks forward, pressing Benoit against the fence. Benoit does his best to regain positioning as time is winding down and Elliott stays active on clinching Benoit to keep him at a safe distance until the final bell.
MyMMANews scores round 3 for Tim Elliott 10-9
Official result: Tim Elliott wins via unanimous decision. (29/28-29/28-29/28)
