Two very dangerous and talented featherweights got things off to a very quick start yesterday (April 6, 2013) as Diego Brandao took on Pablo Garza on the UFC on Fuel TV 9 main card in Stockholm, Sweden.
Both fighters were riding one fight winning streaks and were hoping to really build some momentum in the division after showcasing some solid growth in their last fights.
With a huge size differential, Diego Brandao needed to be patient and find that perfect opening to get inside and he found it.
From the outset, this was a complete different Brandao. Normally very frenetic and practically spastic in the early goings of a fight, Brandao was much more composed at the beginning. The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) season 14 winner sat back far enough outside Garza's immense range and patiently looked for an opportunity to shoot.
When he found it, he seized upon the opening and quickly closed the distance, lifting Garza up into the air and slamming him to the ground with authority.
On the canvas, Brandao was composed but also aggressive, technically breaking Garza down and passing his guard in a systematic way. Garza tried to thwart his attempts, shrimping to avoid a mount pass, but Brandao easily found side control and kept a wrap on "The Scarecrow's" neck.
When Garza relaxed for an instant, Brandao exploded, tightening his hold on the neck and leaping to the opposite side with an arm triangle completely locked in.
Garza tried to hang tough, but eventually, Brandao grip squeezed tight enough that he was forced to tap.
For complete UFC on Fuel TV 9 results, including blow-by-blow, fight-by-fight coverage of the entire event as well as immediate post-fight reaction click here, here and here.
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