The first featherweight bout on the UFC on FUEL TV 10 card was on the preliminary card as Rodrigo Damm was able to hand Mizuto Hirota his third straight defeat with a split decision win.
The fight opened with the fighters exchanging strikes which included Damm landing a right hand. Hirota fired back with a jab and became the fighter that was pushing the pace.
Damm looked for a takedown after Hirota landed several punches but the attempt was stopped. Damm was able to land a counter strike that had Hirota on his heels and he went for a takedown. The takedown was successful and referee Mario Yamasaki warned Hirota about grabbing the fence.
After Damm was unable to get the fight to the ground, the fighters separated and the fight moved back to the center of the cage. They would stay on the feet for the remainder of the round with Damm landing the better strikes.
As the second round opened, the fighters continued to strike with each other and Damm continued to land counter strikes. Hirota began to throw leg kicks to mix his strikes up and began throwing more combinations. Damm did look for a takedown with a minute left in the second round but Hirota was able to stop the attempt and they continued to have a kick boxing bout until the round ended.
The fighters continued to strike with each other as the final round opened and Damm once again looked for a takedown which was unsuccessful. They would continue to strike with each other until Damm went for a takedown and ended up suplexing Hirota to the mat. Hirota was able to get back to his feet and the fighters exchange strikes as the fight came to an end.
Damm (11-6) would end up winning a split decision as two of the three judges scored for him and he has won two of his three fights in the UFC. Hirota (14-7-1) has now lost three in a row and could be released from the UFC following this defeat.
UFC on FUEL TV 10 Results:
Rodrigo Damm def. Mizuto Hirota via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Caio Magalhaes def. Karlos Vemola via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 2:29
Antonio Braga Neto def. Anthony Smith via submission (knee bar) – Round 1, 1:52