Round 1 After an exchange of punches, the fighters engage in the clinch. Howard works the clinch to his advantage, carefully connecting with precise strikes. Rusty dodges an uppercut to the chin, though loses his balance and falls to the ground, with Taylor standing over him. Taylor attempts to drop a fist on Howard, but misses and lands in his guard. Rusty is hit with a series of powerful punches while utilizing the guard. Rusty goes for a kimura from the bottom, but Bradley slips out at the last second. Howard goes for a kimura from the bottom, but Bradley slips out at the last second. Bradley Taylor attempts to pass Rusty Howards guard, and does so, but receives multiple strikes in the attempt. Round 1 comes to a close.
Round 2 After an exchange of punches, the fighters engage in the clinch. Bradley Taylor receieves numerous knees to the thighs from Howard. Taylor recieves a strong elbow opening up the clinch. Rusty Howard connects with a strong right hook. Bradley is staggered by a jab to the chin. Rusty Howard connects with a strong right hook. Bradley attempts a takedown but slips, and Howard backs away. Howard is standing over Bradley. Rusty Howard drops a huge strike to Bradleys chin, landing into his guard. Round 2 comes to a close.
Round 3 Rusty Howard circles Bradley Taylor, mixing jabs and leg kicks. Bradley Taylor narrowly dodges a cross from Rusty Howard, but falls catching him in his guard. Rusty attempts to set in a hammer lock from being caught in the guard. Bradley slips out of it at the last moment. Howard defends a triangle attempt, throwing Bradley Taylors straight leg over his head and makes a move for side control. Taylor is able to hold him to half guard. Rusty tries to pull his leg out of half guard, but no luck. Howard tries to pull his leg out of half guard, but no luck. Rusty tries to pull his leg out of half guard, but no luck. The round comes to an end.
