10th Planet Watch – 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu Van Nuys Blog

This win should put Hardy that much closer to stardom. He’s on a Meteoric rise to the top. Thanks to Sherdog for the scorecard.

Akihiro Gono vs. Dan Hardy
Round 1
Hardy starts fast in the first stanza with straight punches. The left hook is Hardy’s weapon of choice early, as it grazes often. Gono mainly retreats and counters back with one punch at a time. Gono has enough of the trading and goes to the clinch. Gono connects with a right hand that snaps Hardy’s head backwards. The fighters trade kicks to the body before the round closes. 10-9 for Hardy.

Round 2
Again Hardy puts his head down and comes out swinging. Gono, who’s now the proud owner of some heavy swelling on his face, briefly gets a takedown. Now back on their feet, Gono connects with a stiff kick to the body. Hardy seems to get mad as his punches are coming with more force than before. Gono clinches again and is hit with a hard right hook as the round ends. 10-9 for Hardy.

Round 3
The third period starts conservatively, but unfolds much differently as the round plays out. Gono, swollen and bloody, sees a kick make contact with his cup. He is is given time to recover. Gono clinches and pushes Hardy to the canvas, where he lands an illegal knee to the face of the downed fighter. Time is called but action resumes as both fighters are showing the signs of a battle. Hardy absorbs a hard punch to the chin that buckles his frame. A flying knee from Gono misses its mark and he slips to the mat. Time runs out and Hardy takes the round. The official judges see the bout 29-28 (twice) for Hardy, and 29-28 for Gono. Hardy takes the split decision after an entertaining fight.