Report: Benavidez-Askarov booked for UFC 259
A flyweight bout between Joseph Benavidez and Askar Askarov is set for UFC 259 on March 6, sources told MMA Junkie's Farah Hannoun.
Benavidez is coming off back-to-back losses against current champion Deiveson Figueiredo. The four-time UFC title challenger is considered one of the best flyweights who hasn't won the belt. The 36-year-old has earned notable wins over former champ Henry Cejudo, Jussier Formiga (twice), and Ian McCall.
Askarov is unbeaten as a professional, and he holds a 2-0-1 record in the Octagon. The 28-year-old most recently defeated Alexandre Pantoja via unanimous decision in July.
Benavidez and Askarov sit at No. 2 and No. 3 in the 125-pound division, respectively.
The main event and location for UFC 259 haven't been announced yet.