In what ended up being a grueling grappling match, John Hathaway outlasted a game Kris McCray to win a split decision.

McCray aggressively looked for the takedown all night, and he took the Brit down early. Hathaway nearly finished the fight early with a toe hold but McCray escaped and remained in top position for much of the remainder of the first round.

Hathaway went right back to work in the second round with his submissions, nearly securing a triangle and an armbar but again, McCray wiggled free.  After stuffing some McCray takedowns, Hathaway scored big with his striking. McCray was exhausted from his constant aggression and takedown attempts but that didn't prevent him from scoring a beautiful reversal into mount to close out the round.

In the third, Hathaway finally took advantage of McCray's depleted gas tank and scored big with offensive takedowns. Hathaway was content to pound away from top position for much of the round and repeatedly took McCray down when he got back to his feet.

After making it to The Ultimate Fighter season 11 finals, McCray came into this bout with an 0-2 record in the UFC.  He desperately needed a victory tonight to keep his UFC dreams alive.

Hathaway's quick rise was halted when received his first loss at UFC 120 to veteran Mike Pyle and he was hoping to get back on track tonight.

SBN coverage of UFC Fight Night 24: Seattle