Ezra Elliott entered RUF 65 on November 1, 2025, with an opportunity to capture the RUF featherweight championship for Red Hawk Academy.
At RUF 65, Ezra Elliott needed only 1 minute and 33 seconds to defeat De’Aundre Tipton by first-round rear-naked choke and leave the cage as the new featherweight champion.
The result added another finish to Elliott’s undefeated professional run. It also marked an important milestone in his path from the regional MMA scene to the UFC.
Ezra Elliott’s Championship Opportunity at RUF 65
RUF 65 brought a full night of professional and amateur MMA to Celebrity Theatre, but Elliott entered the event with more than another victory on the line.
The featherweight championship represented an opportunity to turn an impressive undefeated start into something tangible. Against Tipton, Elliott delivered the kind of performance that had already become familiar to those following his career: composed, efficient, and decisive
“Championships are earned long before fight night through preparation, consistency, and trust in the work.”
— Red Hawk Academy
A Major Moment for Red Hawk Academy
Elliott’s championship victory represented another significant achievement for the team at Red Hawk Academy. His first-round finish reflected the wrestling, grappling, composure, and disciplined preparation developed through years of consistent training.
The victory represented:
- A first-round championship finish
- Another win in Elliott’s undefeated professional run
- A major milestone in his progression as a mixed martial artist
- A proud moment for his coaches and teammates at Red Hawk Academy
- Another example of the high-level training taking place inside the academy
Ezra Elliott’s performance at RUF 65 became an important part of his journey from the regional MMA scene to the UFC. It also reflected the standard Red Hawk Academy works to maintain every day. Beginners, developing athletes, and professional fighters can train, improve, and push one another forward inside the same academy.
Ready to begin your own training journey? Explore Red Hawk Academy’s programs, view the current schedule, or visit Start Here to find the right class.