The UFC on FUEL TV 5: "Struve vs. Miocic" event today (Sept. 29, 2012) in Nottingham, England, featured John Hathaway's return to the Octagon to battle John Maguire in a welterweight battle of two Englishman hoping to impress in their home country.
Hathaway came in riding a two fight winning streak while Maguire hadn't lost in his last seven fights, including his first two under the Zuffa banner. That didn't stop him from being the biggest underdog on the entire card.
The two spent the first round exchanging punches, which played to Hathaway's strengths. Maguire's so-called "gypsie jiu-jitsu" skills were nowhere to be found in the opening frame, mostly because he didn't even bother to attempt a takedown until the final 20 seconds.
Advantage after one: Hathaway.
Although the second round saw plenty of mat action, Maguire spent the majority of it on his back with Hathaway pounding away at him in his full guard. It was boring and lacked appeal to the masses but an effective way to achieve victory.
Advantage after two: Hathaway.
Guess how the third went? Well, most of it saw the two exchange punches without urgency, an odd strategy for Maguire, seeing as he was down two rounds to zero. He finally bothered to put his foot on the gas with about a minute remaining with a takedown and working from on top but by then, it was too little too late.
Advantage after three: Hathaway.
Fight: Hathaway.
Remember to check out complete UFC on FUEL TV 5 results of the entire card by clicking here.