Round 1
Griffin lands two hard low kicks to start the fight. Griffin sneaks a jab through the defense of the Brazilian. Griffin takes the center of the cage with his back foot and throws his jab and right hand while Franca circles. The Xtreme Couture fighter continues to abuse the left leg of Franca with low kicks. Griffin connects to the body with a straight right. The American has doubled up on his jab for the first time of the fight. Griffin peppered the BJJ black belt throughout the first frame, but the crowd was displeased with the pace of the action.
Jordan Breen scores the fight 10-9 Griffin
Jeff Sherwood scores the round 10-9 Griffin
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Griffin
Round 2
Griffin stays behind his jab to start the second stanza. Griffin clips Franca with a right hand and a toughman-like brawl ensues. Griffin mixes in a kick to the body with his haymakers and Franca catches it. Franca holds the leg and throws his right hook nonstop to the head. Griffin does little to trump his free-swinging opponent, as he throws his right hand exclusively until Franca lets go of the leg. Technique returns to the bout as Griffin drops Franca with a right straight. Griffin swarms and absolutely tees off on his prey. Franca is taking heavy shots, but he’s trying to catch Griffin in an armbar. Franca goes for the heel and Griffin has none of it. He keeps punching until Franca goes limp. Referee Dan Miragliotta steps in at 3:26 of round two.
Tyson Griffin defeats Hermes Franca at 3:26 via TKO in Round 2