Brandon Thatch impressed his bosses a great deal when he knocked out Justin Edwards in just 83 seconds in his Octagon debut back in August. His reward? A date with welterweight warhorse Paulo Thiago on the main card of tonight's (Sat., Nov. 9, 2013) UFC Fight Night 32: "Belfort vs. Henderson" event in Goiania, Brazil.
This was no battle of elite 170-pound title contenders, necessarily, but certainly a big step up for Thatch and a chance for Thiago to start a winning streak.
The action was fast and furious early, as both fighters showed zero patience. That meant we were treated to yet another early finish.
Both guys were lit up early, as evidenced by Thatch coming away with a massive knot on his forehead and a cut above his eye. But he was the one who emerged victorious via a sick knee to the body that put Thiago down for the count. It appeared the knee landed with such force to the ribs that Thiago immediately tapped.
So, a submission via strikes. Impressive.
For complete UFC Fight Night 32 results and blow-by-blow coverage of all the night's action click here.