Round 1 The fighters circle one another hopping in and out trying to find their range. Kannungo dives in on a leg but Rickel defends well forcing Kannungo to get back to his feet into a clinch. Paul drops down and thrusts forward with a textbook double leg takedown. Rickel locks the leg of Masud Kannungo and falls back for foot lock. Masud Kannungo desperately tries to peel the hands off and barely gets them free allowing a scramble to the feet. Rickel slides in and grabs a leg lock taking Kannungo to the ground. Rickel works for a reverse heel hook but cannot finish and opts to enter Masud Kannungos guard. Kannungo begins to posture on his side. Rickel lands a couple of outside hooks and Kannungo returns to the guard. Round 1 is finished.
Round 2 A welt begins to form under Masuds eye after a strong cross-hook landed from Paul Rickel. Paul Rickel dives in on a leg but Masud Kannungo defends well forcing Paul Rickel to get back to his feet into a clinch. Paul Rickel drops down and thrusts forward with a textbook double leg takedown. Kannungo slides his body to the side and pushes out of guard. Paul Rickel grabs a guillotine hold and forces Kannungo back down gaining side control. Paul Rickel drops some good elbows to the face of Kannungo forcing him to give up his back. Paul Rickel peppers Kannungo with several shots to the face. Paul Rickel attempts to lock in a rear naked choke, but Masud rolls into to mount to cleverly avoid it. The ref stops the fight as the round comes to an end.
Round 3 Paul Rickel connects with jab cross combination. After an exchange of punches, the fighters engage in the clinch. Paul drops down and thrusts forward with a textbook double leg takedown. Masud slides his body to the side and pushes out of guard. Paul Rickel grabs a guillotine hold and forces Masud back down gaining side control. Paul Rickel drops some good elbows to the face of Kannungo forcing him to give up his back. Paul peppers shot to the head of Masud Kannungo looking for an opening to apply a rear naked choke but Masud Kannungo is hand playing well. Kannungo starts to wiggle out of back control, Rickel lets him escape putting them both on their feet. The bell signals the end of round 3.
