Takanori Gomi returns to his homeland to welcome Diego Sanchez back to the octagon for his first fight in over a year.
The pace was frantic throughout the entire first round. Both Gomi and Sanchez landing punches and kicks, with Sanchez landing the three takedowns in the round. Sanchez attempted a knee-bar late in the first round, but a very calm Gomi shifted his way out of it.
Again the pace continued in the second. Takedowns by Sanchez were stuffed by Gomi and a warning from the referee to Sanchez due to a low blow. The third round could decide the fight.
Gomi controlled the center of the Octagon early in the round. Both fighters throw punches and kicks in bunches for the entire round. The confusion of stance switches by Gomi definitely played a part in the fight, however the early takedowns by Sanchez sealed the deal.
Diego Sanchez def. Takanori Gomi by Split Decision (29-28,28-29,29-28)
