"Taira opened the fight behind a sharp jab and quick calf kicks, wasting no time setting the tone. Before Van could even get going, Taira shot in on a takedown, bringing him down quickly and falling straight into mount."
"Van came out with confidence, establishing his jab early and repeatedly finding a home for it as Taira struggled to answer on the feet. Even with the threat of a takedown, Van stayed aggressive, pressing forward and dictating the pace."
"Showing little respect for Taira's striking, Van pumped out a steady stream of jabs. When Taira shot in, Van met him with a clean knee that rocked the challenger and shifted the momentum decisively."
"That moment came shortly after, as a stiff jab dropped Taira. Van followed him to the ground and unleashed heavy ground-and-pound in search of the stoppage. Taira managed to get back to his feet, but Van dragged him down again and briefly threatened with a rear-naked choke that looked more like a neck crank."
Taira started quickly with a sharp jab and calf kicks, then secured an early takedown and controlled position by dropping into mount. Van responded by defending takedown attempts and trading strikes, including a knee on an exit. As the fight progressed, Van established his jab and kept pressing forward despite takedown threats. He repeatedly landed clean knees and hurt Taira with a big right hand, then dropped him with a stiff jab. Van followed with heavy ground-and-pound, briefly threatened with a rear-naked choke, and dragged Taira down again after he stood. Taira survived, but Van continued to punish takedown attempts and ultimately forced a late stoppage to retain the title.
Read at Cageside Press
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