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.
https://twitter.com/ufc/status/838210273336909825
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.
https://twitter.com/UFCEurope/status/838210805598420992
https://twitter.com/UFCEurope/status/838213253096329216
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.
https://twitter.com/UFCEurope/status/838213945219395584
The "primal" reaction 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.
https://twitter.com/UFCEurope/status/838216199540518913
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.
https://twitter.com/bokamotoESPN/status/838213621209432064
https://twitter.com/MikeBohnMMA/status/838213870267187203
https://twitter.com/arielhelwani/status/838213960646062081
https://twitter.com/bryan_barberena/status/838214097732784128
https://twitter.com/kennyflorian/status/838214203647242241
