Soto Karass rocked Thurman early in the first, which prompted Thurman to battle his way out of trouble. At the end of the first, it was Thurman who stung Soto Karass and got him in trouble with a series of punches. It was a war of wills in the passing rounds, with each fighter throwing and landing hard power shots. Thurman having the edge with Soto Karass’ face taking damage.

In the final minute of the fifth, Thurman landed a big left uppercut counter that sent Soto Karass down on his face. Soto Karass made it up and managed to battle his way to the bell. Thurman controlled the following rounds with his movement, jab, hard punching and combinations.

During the ninth, Thurman land a huge right and then a combination to send Soto Karass down and out. The referee caught Soto Karass as he was going down, as he waved things off.