Darren Elkins improved to 6-1 in the UFC featherweight division on Wednesday at UFC Fight Night 27 as he defeated Hatsu Hioki by unanimous decision.
In the opening round, the fighters exchange strikes for a majority of the round with Hioki landing several body shots that seemed to hurt Elkins. Hioki would end up getting the fight to the ground but he was unable to work much of his submission game.
Elkins was able to get back to his feet and took Hioki to the ground in the final 30 seconds of the round. He was able to land some short strikes on the ground before the round came to an end.
As the second round opened, Elkins became the aggressor and was throwing his strikes first. Hioki did take the fight to the ground in the opening minute of the round but Elkins was able to get back to his feet. After two minutes of striking, Elkins caught a kick of Hioki and took the fight to the ground.
Elkins would get the back of Hioki but was unable to lock in a submission. With being unable to get a submission, he landed several punches on the ground. Hioki would wall walk and after getting back to his feet, he took the fight to the ground and got the back of Elkins. Hioki would not be able to get a submission and Elkins reverse the position as the round came to an end.
In the final round, Elkins was able to take the fight to the ground in the opening minute and had top position. While on his back, Hioki attempted to set up a triangle choke but Elkins was stopping the attempts. Elkins was able to use his ground strikes to control the final round and the fight would be determined by the judges.
All three judges scored the fight for Elkins (17-3) and he has won six of his last seven fights in the UFC. Hioki (26-7-2) has now dropped three straight fights in the UFC and could be released following this defeat.
UFC Fight Night 27 Results:
Darren Elkins def. Hatsu Hioki via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Jason High def. James Head via submission (guillotine choke) – Round 1, 1:41
Zak Cummings def. Ben Alloway via submission (d’arce choke) – Round 1, 4:19
Roger Bowling vs. Abel Trujillo declared a no contest (unintentional illegal knee) – Round 2, 4:57