Jason MacDonald (185) vs. Rory Singer (186)
R1 – Clinch on the fence and the wrestle for underhooks. Singer gets the head clinch and fires off knees, dragging MacDonald to the mat with him as he falls back. Singer fends off MacDonald well from his back, getting to his feet when the Canadian misses a diving punch in. MacDonald tries to get it matside again with a single, but Singer stuffs. A scramble and Singer nearly takes MacDonald’s back for the choke. It ends with MacDonald in Singer’s guard. Singer has the triangle locked with no arm across to finish.
R2 – Push to the fence and MacDonald completes the takedown. MacDonald to mount, earning the finish with punches on Singer.
Jason MacDonald def. Rory Singer - TKO (Referee Stoppage – Strikes) 3:18 R2
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Forrest Griffin (205) vs. Hector Ramirez (204)
R1 – Ramirez earns takedown, briefly passes to side, but backs out and up to standing, obviously preferring to stand. The round plays out here, each tagging the other with punch-kick combos. A mouse forming under his right eye, Griffin adds a little heat behind his at the end of the competitive round, likely swaying the judges.
R2 – It will be a stand-up battle. Griffin is steady with high kicks and punches, but Ramirez is keeping up, at least stamina-wise. Griffin nearly corners Ramirez on the fence with 1:40 to go, but a low blow from Griffin halts the action. Griffin takes the round by staying active, but Ramirez is not out.
R3 – After much of the play has stayed on its feet, Ramirez bum-rushes a takedown, but Griffin bounces to his feet. Griffin keeps the pressure on. The problem is Ramirez can absorb punishment with the best of them so the round drags on. Griffin is eyeing the megatron for the clock numerous times. There is no brilliant finish, but the workhorse Griffin should get the unanimous decision.
Forrest Griffin def. Hector Ramirez – Unanimous Decision (30-27 all)
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Rich Franklin (185) vs. Yushin Okami (185)
R1 – It begins with trading, Franklin the aggressor who can’t find his opening. Okami is deflecting all shots, throwing back, but not landing himself. A clinch on the fence, Franklin has underhooks. Stalemate and referee John McCarthy separates. They continue the dance with little connection from either. Franklin takes it on Octagon control.  |