Round 1 The fighters circle each other. Harold Murphy connects with a series of punches forcing Darren Ward into a clinch. Murphy escapes the clinch and creates some distance. Murphy throws a few strikes allowing him to clinch with his opponent. The fighters jockey for position in the clinch. "Bugenhagen" goes for a hip throw of his own, but Harold is able to counter it, sending "Bugenhagen" to the ground. Murphy lands a few stiff elbows from side control. Murphy lands a few stiff elbows from side control. Round 1 comes to a close.
Round 2 Harold narrowly dodges a cross from Ward, but falls catching him in his guard. Harold Murphy gives up guard avoiding a powerful hammer fist. He now has half guard. Murphy tries to slip his leg out to get full guard, but is having difficulty. Harold hits an upward elbow on Ward, and attempts to get to full guard. During the scramble though Ward takes side control. Ward drops some hammer fists on Murphy. Darren slides his knee across the body of Harold Murphy and takes full mount. Round 2 comes to a close.
Round 3 Ward attempts a striking combination, but Harold Murphy forces the clinch. Darren gets double underhooks, and unleashes unanswered knees to the midsection. Murphy attempts a takedown from the clinch, but Darren pulls a switch on him, ultimately leading to both fighters on their feet. Darren circles Harold Murphy, landing jabs and crosses at will. "Bugenhagen" connects with a strong right hook. Harold Murphy throws a cross that easily dodged by Ward. Darren takes Murphy down to the mat with a good double leg takedown, leading to him standing over Murphy. Darren Ward drops a huge strike to Harold Murphys chin, landing into his guard. The round comes to an end.
