SAITAMA -- This is the UFC 144 live blog for Hatsu Hioki vs. Bart Palaszewski, a light heavyweight bout on tonight's UFC pay-per-view from the Saitama Super Arena.
Hioki (25-4-2) won his UFC debut last October at UFC 137 by beating George Roop in a split decision. At the same event, Palaszewski (36-14) also won his UFC debut by knocking out Tyson Griffin.
Follow the live blog below.
Round 1: Hioki drops Palaszewski with an early, crisp jab. Palaszewski's nose is quickly bloodied. He takes Palaszewski down and moves into half-guard. Quickly into side control now for Hioki, who throws elbows, then a series of left hands. Hioki looks great early. Palaszewski gives up his back and HIoki jumps on it. Hioki to the arm bar. Palaszewski powers out. Hioki ends up on top in as a brilliant stretch of transitions ends. Hioki in Palaszewski's guard with 1:00 left. Hioki overwhelming Palaszewski with punches from the top. A big first round for Hioki, 10-9.
Round 2: Palaszewski with his best moment of the fight so far, a straight right hand that backs Hioki up a couple of steps. A much better start for Palaszewski, but Hioki still has the center of the cage. Hioki with a head kick that gets a piece of its target. Hioki's long jab has been a good weapon, snapping Palaszewski's head back a few times. Palaszewski changes course with leg kicks, trying to slow Hioki down. A low blow causes a timeout, but Palaszewski only takes a moment to recover. Palaszewski moving around much better. Hioki scores a late takedown and takes the back. A very close round, but it's Palaszewski's, 10-9.
Round 3: Hioki goes for an early takedown and they end up against the cage. Hioki uses a trip to put Palaszewski on the mat. Hioki with left hands and moves to side control. HIoki tried to mount but couldn't and ended in half-guard. Back to side control, and elbows from the top as he exerts his huge ground advantage. Hioki takes Palaszewski's back with 2:00 left. Palaszewski works hard to try to escape but Hioki's all over him. He tries a rear naked choke, then a neck crank. Palaszewski survives but that's it. Hioki wins it 10-9.
Winner: Hatsu Hioki by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
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- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Frankie Edgar stands with his corner at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
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- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Ben Henderson punches Frankie Edgar at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Ben Henderson chases after Frankie Edgar at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Ben Henderson throws a punch at Frankie Edgar at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Frankie Edgar collides with Ben Henderson at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Frankie Edgar kicks Ben Henderson at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Ben Henderson collides with Frankie Edgar at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Arianne Celeste looks on at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Ben Henderson punches Frankie Edgar at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Frankie Edgar is ready for more at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Frankie Edgar tries to catch a kick from Ben Henderson at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Ben Henderson and Frankie Edgar walks to their corners at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Ben Henderson yells out at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Ben Henderson tries a guillotine on Frankie Edgar at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Ben Henderson rushes Frankie Edgar at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Ben Henderson knees Frankie Edgar at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Frankie Edgar gets kicked low by Ben Henderson at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Frankie Edgar raises his arms at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Frankie Edgar is carried by his corner at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Ben Henderson def. Frankie Edgar by unanimous decision at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Ben Henderson's mother watches the fights at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Ben Henderson celebrates with his team at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Frankie Edgar watches in disappointment at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Ben Henderson greets his family and friends at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Frankie Edgar exits the cage at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
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- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Rampage Jackson butt heads with Ryan Bader at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Rampage Jackson gives a mean look to Ryan Bader at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Rampage Jackson throws a punch at Ryan Bader at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Ryan Bader charges forward at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Rampage Jackson slams down Ryan Bader at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Rampage Jackson is stuck on his back against Ryan Bader at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
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- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Ryan Bader takes down Rampage Jackson at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Ryan Bader tries a choke on Rampage Jackson at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Rampage Jackson shows his fatigue after his fight at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Ryan Bader rests after beating Rampage Jackson at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Ryan Bader beats Rampage Jackson at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Rampage Jackson greets fans at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Mark Hunt stretches before his fight at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
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- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Mark Hunt punches Cheick Kongo at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Mark Hunt walks off after finishing Cheick Kongo at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Mark Hunt beats Cheick Kongo at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Mark Hunt talks to Joe Rogan at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
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- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Jake Shields throws a high kick at Yoshihiro Akiyama at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Azusa Nishigaki handles Octagon Girl duties at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Jake Shields throws a punch at Yoshihiro Akiyama at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
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- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Jake Shields receives instructions from his corner at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Jake Shields acknowledges the crowd at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Jake Shields throws a punch at Yoshihiro Akiyama at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Yoshihiro Akiyama attacks Jake Shields at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Yoshihiro Akiyama collides with Jake Shields at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Jake Shields throws a kick at Yoshihiro Akiyama at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Jake Shields waits for his interview time at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Jake Shields poses with his corner after his win at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Tim Boetsch looks at his opponent at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Yushin Okami says a prayer at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Tim Boetsch battles Yushin Okami at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
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- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Tim Boetsch battles Yushin Okami at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
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- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Hatsu Hioki warms up inside the cage at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Bart Palaszewski enters the cage at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Hatsu Hioki ground and pounds Bart Palaszewski at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Hatsu Hioki tries to armbar Bart Palaszewski at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Hatsu Hioki returns to his corner after the first round at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Azusa Nishigaki takes a stroll at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Hatsu Hioki tries to submit Bart Palaszewski at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Hatsu Hioki attempts to choke out Palaszewski at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
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- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Anthony Pettis pumped to face Joe Lauzon at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
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- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Takanori Gomi (right) charges towards Eiji Mitsuoka at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
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- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Eiji Mitsuoka hurts Takanori Gomi at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Takanori Gomi crowds Eiji Mitsuoka at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Eiji Mitsuoka eats a body kick from Takanori Gomi at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Takanori Gomi TKOs Eiji Mitsuoka at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Takanori Gomi celebrates his win over Eiji Mitsuoka at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Takanori Gomi tells fans "The Fireball Kid" is back at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
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- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Norifumi Yamamoto unloads with punches on Vaughan Lee at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Vaughan Lee attempts an armbar on Norifumi Yamamoto at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Norifumi Yamamoto loses his third straight fight at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
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In This Stream
UFC 144 Live Play-By-Play
- UFC 144 Live Blog: Frankie Edgar vs. Ben Henderson Updates
- UFC 144 Live Blog: Hatsu Hioki vs. Bart Palaszewski Updates
- UFC 144 Live Blog: Joe Lauzon vs. Anthony Pettis Updates
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