Ramos tags Tanaka with a hook Beautiful! #UFCHouston pic.twitter.com/TjA9e9ObMU
— #UFCHouston (@ufc) February 5, 2017
Ricardo Ramos and Michinori Tanaka met in the middle of the octagon for their bantamweight bout that aired on FS1. Both fighters threw caution to the wind at the start of the fight, charging to the center of the octagon but it would all lead to a tangle along the fencing o the octagon shortly thereafter.
Once the fight made its way back to the center of the octagon, Ramos dropped and wobbled Tanaka multiple times but was not able to finish him before the round ended. Not only did Tanaka make it back to his feet before the round ended, but he seemingly made a full recovery.
Tanaka pressed Ramos up against the fence early on but it was Tanaka who would end up on his back just moments later. Ramos worked his way into an armbar and Tanaka fought with all of his strength to escape the hold. Tanaka showed great patience by escaping and made his way into Ramos’ closed guard afterward. Tanaka gained mount but lost it shortly thereafter; Tanaka pushed the pace on the canvas but the fight would make its way back to the middle of the octagon.
Tanaka got a second wind in the final round, bringing the fight to Ramos and almost playing catch-up with strikes landed. Ramos was punching wildly, hoping something would land but Tanaka made sure to stay outside striking distance when he wasn’t engaging. This led to a timidity warning from Herb Dean, warning Tanaka to engage more or else he would be penalized a point.
Tanaka scored a takedown in the final moments of the third round and Ramos caught him in a guillotine attempt. With just ten seconds remaining, Tanaka escaped the hold with ease and pummeled his way to a judges’ decision.
Ricardo Ramos def. Michinori Tanaka by way of Unanimous Decision (29-28, 30-27, 29-28)
