There was no bigger underdog on the entire UFC 209 card than Darren Elkins.
Elkins was supposed to be something of a stepping stone for top featherweight prospect Mirsad Bektic and, for the best part of 14 minutes, he was no more than that.
Bektic, undefeated when he set foot in the Octagon on Saturday night, made his opponent look like he was in no condition to continue by the time the third round came around on the UFC 209 prelims.
Several gaping cuts had been opened up on Elkins’ forehead early on after Bektic snatched a crucifix and began raining down elbows.
NASTY Crucifix early on for @MirsadBekticMMA! #UFC209 pic.twitter.com/iNmgZN9vDB
— UFC (@ufc) March 5, 2017
Bektic repeatedly sliced through Elkins’ half-guard and landed thudding shots from side control but it was not just in the grappling department that the 26-year-old was dominating.
Bektic also possessed a visible speed advantage on the feet and his opponent looked out of his depth in every area as he dropped two rounds to the American Top Team prospect.
‘The Damage’ is taking… errr… Damage! 😬 #UFC209
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) March 5, 2017
So. Fast! @MirsadBekticMMA is lighting up Elkins at #UFC209 ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/NK6DcAyHJF
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) March 5, 2017
Elkins needed a finish, that was made abundantly clear in his corner before the third and final round started.
But, proving himself one of the toughest and most stubborn fighters at 145lbs, Elkins bit down on his gumshield and refused to give in.
And with less than two minutes on the clock, this happened.
Wow!! Out of nowhere!! @DarrenElkinsMMA finishes Mirsad Bektic at #UFC209 pic.twitter.com/wFGTTFGGOG
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) March 5, 2017
The “primal” nature of the celebration was noted by UFC colour commentator Joe Rogan in his post-fight interview with Elkins, who has now won four in a row in the UFC.
…and you thought #HayeBellew was a big upset!? 😳
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) March 5, 2017
And the fact that ‘The Damage’ got the job done against all odds simply wowed the crowd in attendance and the viewers watching at home.
Darren Elkins! DO YOU BELIEVE IN MIRACLES?!
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) March 5, 2017
MMA is seriously the damn best sport. What heart and what a comeback by Darren Elkins. No one can talk shit on his tattoo for a bit. #UFC209
— Mike Bohn (@MikeBohn) March 5, 2017
Elkins might have a broken jaw too. That's one of the greatest displays of heart in a sporting event I've ever seen.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) March 5, 2017
Damn! Elkins a badass. That was sick! #ufc209 @ufc
— BRYAN BARBERENA (@bryan_barberena) March 5, 2017
FYI! That's heart! Elkins, you're an animal. "The damage" indeed! 😱 Bektic was looking like "Beastic" up until that KO. #UFC209
— Kenny Florian (@kennyflorian) March 5, 2017
