The Wolf moved in from the bell, powering Howard backward for a takedown then quickly moving in. Howard tried to reverse several times, but spent most of the first round in the guard position. With more than half of Howard's white hair stained red from a gash at the top of the forehead, the referee stopped the action for a doctor's check but it was decided that Howard could continue. In the second, Howard resisted Wolf's takedown attempts, preferring to stand and strike, but soon found himself down in the guard again. Wolf moved for position, but could not strike to effect until, after Howard bucked him away, he was able to assume a reverse back trunk lock and push dozens of knees in on the top of Howard's head. To the bloodied and battered but never-say-die Howard's credit, it was his corner, convinced he had absorbed enough punishment, which finally threw in the towel.