Fights Go the Distance on UFC 94 Undercard

Japan’s Akihiro Gono may have won the battle of the Octagon entrances in UFC 94: St Pierre vs Penn 2 preliminary action at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, but once the bell rang, it was all Jon Fitch, as the no nonsense welterweight contender pounded out a three round unanimous decision victory.

Scores were 30-27 twice, and 30-26 for Jon Fitch, who was in action for the first time since losing a five round decision to welterweight champion Georges St Pierre last August.

After coming into the Octagon as one of a bizarro world version of The Supremes, complete with wig and sequined dress, Gono found himself pinned against the cage as Fitch looked for the takedown. Gono weathered the early attack and broke free, landing some leg kicks before eating some close range knees from the former UFC welterweight title challenger. Midway through the round, Fitch got his takedown, but Gono quickly rose to his feet, only to be sent back to the mat with Fitch on his back. Fitch worked for the submission from there, and when that failed, he fired off strikes until the round ended.

Fitch kept the pressure on in round two, using his strikes to setup takedowns that in turn led to a ground and pound assault. Gono was game, but he really had no answers for Fitch, and as the round progressed, he started to take more and more punishment on the ground. With a little over a minute left, Fitch got Gono’s back and looked to finish matters, but the Japanese veteran was able to pull out of a last second armbar.

Refusing to let his foot off the gas, Fitch started the final round with strikes and followed up with a takedown of Gono. Gono got to his feet and looked to score with a flying knee, but it missed the mark and Fitch again mauled his foe against the fence and then on the mat before finishing off the fight with some more of his standup blows.

Thiago Tavares broke a two fight losing streak while issuing Manny Gamburyan his second straight loss, winning a three round unanimous decision in their lightweight bout.

Scores were 29-28 across the board for Tavares.

UFC newcomer John Howard became the latest New Englander to make his mark in the Octagon as he won an impressive three round split decision over veteran Chris Wilson in welterweight action.

Scores were 29-28 twice and 28-29 for Howard.

Former heavyweight prospect Jake O'Brien made his 205-pound debut a successful one, scoring a three round split decision over another heavyweight turned light heavy, Christian Wellisch.

Scores were 29-28 twice, and 28-29 for O’Brien.

The Ultimate Fighter season seven’s Dan Cramer didn’t get any breaks by making his professional Mixed Martial Arts debut in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, but after three hard-fought rounds, he eked out a split decision win over season six cast member Matt Arroyo in the welterweight opener.

Scores were 29-28 twice and 28-29 for Cramer.