Askar Askarov


Askar Askarov is a Russian mixed martial artist and freestyle wrestler. He currently competes in the Flyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. A professional mixed martial artist since 2013, Askarov previously competed in Absolute Championship Berkut and 2017 Summer Deaflympics 61 kg freestyle wrestling gold medalist. As of July 31, 2020, he is #3 in the UFC flyweight rankings.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Askarov made his professional MMA debut in Russia in July 2013.
In 2016, he became the first ACB flyweight champion when he beat José Maria Tomé by submission in the fifth round. He defended the belt twice against Anthony Leone and Rasul Albaskhanov before he vacated the belt and left the organization.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Askarov made his UFC debut against Brandon Moreno on the main card of. Though Moreno was competing in front of his home fans in Mexico, they fought to a split draw after three rounds.
For his second fight in the Octagon, Askarov was booked to face former UFC flyweight title challenger Tim Elliott at on January 18, 2020 at UFC 246. Askarov won the bout via unanimous decision.
In his third fight for the promotion, Askarov faced Alexandre Pantoja at UFC Fight Night 172 on July 19, 2020. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Personal life

Askarov was born deaf, and though his hearing has improved, he can only hear approximately 20% of the sounds most people can, meaning he cannot hear instructions from his team during a fight. Askarov has represented Russia as part of the national deaf wrestling team, including at the Summer Deaflympics in Samsun, Turkey in 2017, where he won a gold medal.

Championships and accomplishments