By Michael David Smith
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After a brilliant run in
Japan , featherweight
Hatsu Hioki made his
UFC debut on Saturday night and won a close split decision over
George Roop on Saturday night at
UFC 137 .
Although Hioki dominated the second round, staying in full mount for more than three minutes, the first and third rounds were close enough that Roop easily could have taken the decision. As it turned out, one judge scored the fight 29-28 for Roop, but two scored it 29-28 for Hioki.
"He was stronger than I expected," Hioki said after the fight.
This victory, following Hioki's success in Japan, should give him a good chance of earning a UFC featherweight title fight in the near future. He's probably a win or two away from a chance to fight for the 145-pound belt and become the first Japanese UFC champion. Hioki made clear in his post-fight comments that he's fighting to represent his country.
"Even though we are in a tough situation, Japanese
MMA is not dead," Hioki said.
UFC 137 Photos
Francis Carmont def. Chris Camozzi via unanimous decision at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Francis Carmont def. Chris Camozzi via unanimous decision at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Francis Carmont def. Chris Camozzi via unanimous decision at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Francis Carmont def. Chris Camozzi via unanimous decision at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2011 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Clifford Starks def. Dustin Jacoby via unanimous decision at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2011 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Clifford Starks def. Dustin Jacoby via unanimous decision at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Clifford Starks def. Dustin Jacoby via unanimous decision at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Clifford Starks def. Dustin Jacoby via unanimous decision at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Brandon Vera and Eliot Marshall applaud one another after their fight at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Eliot Marshall drops Brandon Vera at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Eliot Marshall knees Brandon Vera at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Brandon Vera kicks Eliot Marshall en route to a via unanimous decision at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Ramsey Nijem def. Danny Downes via unanimous decision at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Ramsey Nijem def. Danny Downes via unanimous decision at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Ramsey Nijem def. Danny Downes via unanimous decision at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Ramsey Nijem def. Danny Downes via unanimous decision at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Ramsey Nijem def. Danny Downes via unanimous decision at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Ramsey Nijem def. Danny Downes via unanimous decision at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Ramsey Nijem def. Danny Downes via unanimous decision at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Ramsey Nijem def. Danny Downes via unanimous decision at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Bart Palaszewski def. Tyson Griffin via first-round KO at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Bart Palaszewski looks at a downed Tyson Griffin at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Bart Palaszewski def. Tyson Griffin via first-round KO at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Bart Palaszewski def. Tyson Griffin via first-round KO at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Bart Palaszewski def. Tyson Griffin via first-round KO at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Hatsu Hioki beats George Roop via split decision at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
George Roop throws a kick at Hatsu Hioki at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Hatsu Hioki and George Roop exchange punches at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
George Roop throws a right hand at Hatsu Hioki at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Hatsu Hioki enters for his UFC debut at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Donald Cerrone def. Dennis Siver at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Donald Cerrone def. Dennis Siver at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Donald Cerrone def. Dennis Siver at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Donald Cerrone def. Dennis Siver at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Donald Cerrone def. Dennis Siver at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Donald Cerrone def. Dennis Siver at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Donald Cerrone def. Dennis Siver at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Scott Jorgensen beats Jeff Curran via unanimous decision at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Jeff Curran clashes with Scott Jorgensen at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Scott Jorgensen punches Jeff Curran at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Jeff Curran swings at Scott Jorgensen at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Jeff Curran comes forward against Scott Jorgensen at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Jeff Curran stares down Scott Jorgensen at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Jeff Curran punches Scott Jorgensen at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Nick Diaz hits B.J. Penn at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Nick Diaz throws a left punch at B.J. Penn at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
B.J. Penn crushes a left hand on Nick Diaz at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Nick Diaz throws punches at B.J. Penn at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Nick Diaz attacks B.J. Penn at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Nick Diaz throws a kick at B.J. Penn at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Nick Diaz smashes a left hand on B.J. Penn at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Nick Diaz charges forward against B.J. Penn at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Nick Diaz wants B.J. Penn to engage at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
B.J. Penn hits Nick Diaz at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Nick Diaz connects on a left hand against B.J. Penn at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Nick Diaz and B.J. Penn are ready to return to battle at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
B.J. Penn's face shows the damage done by Nick Diaz at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
"Stitch" Duran attends to B.J. Penn at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Nick Diaz punches B.J. Penn at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
B.J. Penn lands a left hand on Nick Diaz at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Nick Diaz taunts B.J. Penn at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
B.J. Penn lands a left hand on Nick Diaz at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Roy Nelson def. Mirko Cro Cop via third-round TKO at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Roy Nelson def. Mirko Cro Cop via third-round TKO at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Roy Nelson def. Mirko Cro Cop via third-round TKO at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Roy Nelson finishes Mirko Cro Cop with punches at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Roy Nelson punches Mirko Cro Cop at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Roy Nelson takes a look at Mirko Cro Cop at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Roy Nelson traps Mirko Cro Cop at the end of the second round at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Roy Nelson charges Mirko Cro Cop at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Roy Nelson throws a right hand against Mirko Cro Cop at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Roy Nelson throws a right hand against Mirko Cro Cop at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Nick Diaz exits after making a successful UFC return against B.J. Penn at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
B.J. Penn exits the cage after his final MMA fight at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Nick Diaz celebrates with his team after his unanimous decision win over B.J. Penn at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Nick Diaz shouts to the camera that he won the fight at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Nick Diaz relaxes after his fight against B.J. Penn at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Nick Diaz raises his arms after the sound of the bell at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Cheick Kongo defeats Matt Mitrione via unanimous decision at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Matt Mitrione grabs a headlock against Cheick Kongo at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Cheick Kongo attacks the body of Matt Mitrione at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Matt Mitrione charges Cheick Kongo at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Matt Mitrione (right) throws a left hand against Cheick Kongo at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Mirko Cro Cop leaves the cage after his "farewell" fight at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Arianny Celeste holds up the round three card at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
The stage of UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Donald Cerrone celebrates with his team after beating Dennis Siver at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 137 Photos
Bart Palaszewski celebrates with his team after knocking out Tyson Griffin at UFC 137 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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After a brilliant run in Japan, featherweight Hatsu Hioki made his UFC debut on Saturday night and won a close split decision over George Roop on Saturday night at UFC 137.
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