Baibars marches from Syria into the Mongol-dominated Seljuq Sultanate of Rûm on April 15, 1277, and attacks the Mongol occupation force in the Battle of Elbistan (Abulustayn).

Upon reaching Elbistan with at least ten thousand horseman, Baibars makes ready for battle with the Mongols, expecting them to be around thirty thousand.

However, although the Mongol forces are smaller than the Mamluk army, the Georgians and Rumis help bolster their numbers.

The Mongols attack first and charge the Mamluk heavy cavalry.

At the start of the battle many of the Bedouin irregulars in the Mamluk army are also killed.

Their attack is concentrated on the left flank of the Mamluk army, which results in the Sultan's standard bearers (sanjaqiyya) being killed.

The Mamluks, however, are able to regroup and launch a counterattack.

Baibars himself goes with a few troops to deal with the Mongol right flank that is pounding his left flank.

Baibars orders a force from the army from Hama to reinforce his left.

The large Mamluk numbers are able to overwhelm the Mongol force, who, instead of retreating, dismount from their horses.

Some Mongols are able to escape and take up positions on the hills.

Once they become surrounded they again dismount and fight to the death.

During the battle, the Mongols destroy the Mamluk left wing, consisting of many Bedouin irregulars, but are ultimately defeated.

It seems that both sides were expecting assistance from the army o Pervâne and his Seljuqs.

Pervâne had attempted to ally himself with both factions to keep his options open, but had led the battle with the Seljuq Sultan to Tokat.

The Seljuq army had been present near the battle, but did not take part.

After the battle, many Rumi soldiers are taken captive; others join the Mamluks willingly.

Pervane's son Muhadhdhab al-Din is captured; in addition, many Mongol officers and common soldiers are taken prisoner.

Two of the soldiers captured, Qipchaq and Salar, will become mamluks of Qalawun and will become very important amirs.

The Mongol officers' lives are spared as well.