UFC Singapore: Demian Maia chokes out Ben Askren in battle of grapplers

Brazilian Jiu-jitsu ace Demian Maia became the first person to submit Ben Askren inside the Octagon after defeating the former Olympic wrestler via rear naked choke on Sunday.

Maia emerged victorious in the battle between two expert grapplers at UFC Fight Night 162 in Singapore, submitting his 35-year-old opponent in the third round.

Though both fighters displayed world class grappling skills, but the real action didn't quite happen until the third round as much of the first two rounds saw them testing each other out on their feet -- seeing who would make the first takedown.

Askren then took Maia to the canvas, trying to dominate his veteran opponent but the Brazilian reversed the position and went to full mount.

The BJJ expert quickly gained control of Askren from the back, sinking in a rear-naked choke that forced a tap from the American at 3:54 of round 3.

Meanwhile, in a tweet just moments after the match, Askren described his loss was due a 'bad decision' that he made during the fight.

"Made a bad decision and I failed. Sorry to everyone who I let down," he wrote.

With an MMA record of 28-9 and 21 victories inside the Octagon, Maia holds the second-most wins in UFC history, behind 'Cowboy' Donald Cerrone.

He has fought for the belt in two different divisions, at middleweight against Anderson Silva and at welterweight against Tyron Woodley.

Maia has a record streak of wins by submission, with victories over Jorge Masvidal, John Fitch and Chael Sonnen – another champion wrestler.

The 41-year-old is a 4th degree Brazilian Jiu-jitsu black belt who has won multiple world championships, including gold at the ADCC World Championships and South American Championships.