UFC 298 Results: Oban Elliott Overcomes Rocky Start in UFC Debut
Oban Elliott has won his UFC debut at UFC 298. The Welshman faced early adversity after being knocked down by Val Woodburn but ultimately managed to steal the rounds with his position-based grappling.
"I know where I'm going, and as of February 17, I am the man," Elliott remarked in his post-fight interview. "And to be the man, you have to beat the man."
With this victory, Elliott extends his win streak to six fights, and hands Woodburn his second loss. The American fighter was last knocked out by Bo Nickal in just 38 seconds at UFC 290 - he will most likely get one more chance for a win in the UFC.
Round-by-Round
After some feeling out, Elliott landed a flush head kick early in round one - the audible smack evoked a loud gasp from the Anaheim audience.
Elliott stormed his presumably hurt opponent, only to be met with a flurry of haymakers which sat the Welshman down. Woodburn smelled blood and hunted the finish, clubbing Elliott on the ground. "The Welsh Gangster" managed to reverse position and spent the remainder of the round threatening submissions and landing ground and pound.
Round two was largely inactive after the pace of the first, Elliott went heavy on the kicks, but Woodburn capitalized quickly. The American caught a leg and tumbled his foe to the ground - though, in a moment of questionable decision-making, he decided to try and take Elliott's back. Elliott walked Woodburn to the cage and soon reversed the position for a repeat of round one. Woodburn wound up on top for a few seconds, but round two was in the books for Elliott.
Enter round three, Elliott knows his route to victory is in the grappling, and soon enough, he finds himself on top of Woodburn. Elliott assumes full mount about halfway into the round, but in MMA, one mistake can cost everything. Elliott has a lapse in judgment, and Woodburn finds his way to the feet, does the American find a knockout blow? No, Woodburn opts to grapple against the fence, to the bewilderment of the commentary crew.
"Too little, too late," Jon Anik remarks as Elliott appears to seal the deal.
(30-27x2, 29-28) Oban Elliott
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