As often happens in a fight where both men are consummate grapplers, a large portion of the fifteen minute battle between Maguire and Thoresen was realised standing. Thoresen is a lean, tall 170lber and he used this difference in length to utilise straight shots in the first round and keep Maguire at bay. Firing in body and leg kicks, Thoresen’s aim was slightly off as a low blow caused a halt to the action but they resumed and finished the round by engaging.

Another low kick saw Thoreson’s foot and Maguire’s box become acquainted once again, but they continued to battle on and Maguire found more confidence with his hands. A reversal from Thoreson’s takewdown attempt saw Maguire take top position but he was immediately threatened by a heel hook. Maguire’s escape from the submission attempt left his Oslo-based opponent on top and from here he had his strongest offensive stint of the bout. Thoreson found his way to Maguire’s back and managed to open up a cut on his opponent’s forehead en route. With a tight body triangle, he worked for the choke but time ran out.

The third round saw some back and forth action both standing and on the ground. Maguire attacked with an omoplata and Thoreson attempted a triangle but neither was enough to finish the fight. They ended with Maguire on top but Thoreson’s dominant second round and crisp straight punches were enough to earn him the victory.

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