Darren Elkins did it again.
Synonymous with the unlikeliest of comebacks, Elkins (25-9 MMA, 15-8 UFC) once again defied the odds when he rallied from a difficult first round to finish Darrick Minner (26-11 MMA, 2-1 UFC) with ground-and-pound at 3:48 of Round 2 during their UFC on ESPN 27 fight.
The featherweight contest was the third fight on the UFC on ESPN 27 main card. The event took place Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas and aired on ESPN.
Elkins, 37, was outgrappled and nearly submitted at multiple points in the first round – a period of time during which Minner is known for finishing fights. Split open above his left eye, Elkins survived guillotine attempts and an armbar.
In Round 2, Elkins took over in the grappling department. For minutes, he worked in and out of the crucifix position as the damage to Minner mounted. Death by a thousand paper cuts, Elkins continued to hammer away until the referee stepped in and stopped the fight.
Up-to-the-minute UFC on ESPN 27 results include:
- Darren Elkins def. Darrick Minner via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 3:48
- Maycee Barber def. Miranda Maverick via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
- Adrian Yanez def. Randy Costa via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 2:11
- Brendan Allen def. Puna Soriano via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
- Nassourdine Imavov def. Ian Heinisch via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 3:09
- Mickey Gall def. Jordan Williams via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 2:57
- Julio Arce def. Andre Ewell via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 3:45
- Sijara Eubanks def. Elise Reed via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 3:49
- Diana Belbita def. Hannah Goldy via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
