Bryan Caraway defeated Mtich Gagnon by submission (rear naked choke) at 1:39 of round three
The first Fuel TV fight of UFC 149 was a very good one, but Mitch Gagnon's cardio issues ended up costing him in the end. Bryan Caraway survived a rough first round to take over late, submitting Gagnon with a rear naked choke early in the third round. Caraway's crafty grappling combined with Gagnon's tiredness was just too much to overcome for the debuting Canadian.
Caraway looked to land some rights early, but Gagnon ducked under and looked for a takedown. He ended up with his back, then ended up in Caraway's guard. Gagnon landed some good ground and pound, but Caraway rolled to an armbar. Gagnon got out, then dropped some brutal ground and pound. After some exchanges on the feet, Caraway got a double leg takedown of his own. He pushed out to the side and moved to mount with 10 seconds to go, but ran out of time.
Gagnon looked a little slower in round two, but landed a couple of nice punches early and did some good work in the clinch. Caraway was forced to go for a takedown. Gagnon looked for a guillotine but lost it and Caraway ended up on his back. Caraway methodically worked on his back, steadily landed punches and looking for a choke. Caraway ended up in mount briefly, then went back to back control. Gagnon somehow spun around to Caraway's back and they returned to the feet.
Gagnon was countering well early in the third until he gave up a takedown and Caraway took his back. Caraway worked a way for a bit, then managed to slip his arm under Gagnon's chin, forcing him to tap.
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