Round 1 Both fighters begin to exchange Edwin catches Melo with an eye poke. The referee calls time and lets Melo gather himself. Melo says he is ok and the fight continues. "Thunder" parries a jab but leaves himself open for an uppercut. Tiago Melo lands a strong outside leg kick and follows it up with a jab-cross combo. A wild hook from Melo is ducked by Edwin Thompson who lands a cross-hook to the body before backing away. Tiago Melo performs and axe kick but "Thunder" catches the leg as it comes down. "Thunder" drives forward taking Tiago Melo down to the ground. The round comes to an end.
Round 2 Melo shuffles away from Edwin Thompsons strikes and lands a powerful chopping kick to the lead leg. "Thunder" backs away, obviously feeling the affects of the kick. Tiago hits an uppercut to the head of Edwin Thompson followed by a hard hook. After an exchange of punches, the fighters engage in the clinch. Melo takes "Thunders" back standing. Edwin Thompson isolates an arm to lock a spinning kimura but Melo lands a sharp shovel punch that forces Edwin Thompson to release. A trip to the ground allows Thompson to move into the guard of Melo. Edwin sits up in Melos open guard and spins to an leg lock. Tiago is able to gator-roll out of it and make it to standing. Melo stuffs a shot from "Thunder" and hits him with an outside body shot. "Thunder" gives up on the takedown and pulls guard. "Thunder" sets in an omaplata, forcing Tiago to roll through, giving "Thunder" side control. "Thunder" throws his knee into the ribs of Tiago. "Thunder" lands a few stiff elbows from side control. Round 2 comes to a close.
Round 3 Edwin Thompson connects with numerous jabs to the face of Melo. A single-leg attempt is well defended by Tiago. "Thunder" stands up, lifting the leg of Tiago and executing a trip takedown. Edwin drops some good punches while being caught in the guard. A kimura attempt is defended well by Edwin and he is able to sneak his leg through Melos loose guard, to half guard. Thompson attempts to sink a neck crank from half guard. It does not appear to be tight enough as Melo gives a thumbs up to the referee until he finally struggles out. Tiago Melo holds the head of Edwin close to avoid shots. Edwin slams shots to his opponents ribs and throws hard elbows to the thighs. Melo tries to scramble out of half guard, but Edwin takes his back during it. The bell signals the end of round 3.
