Gunnar Nelson went back to basics and shook off his first career loss in short order.
The Icelandic submission whiz wasted little time Saturday night at UFC 189 against Brandon Thatch, winning via rear naked choke at 2:54 of the opening round of their welterweight fight at Las Vegas' MGM Grand Garden Arena.
It was the 10th career submission victory for the 26-year-old Nelson.
I'm usually very confident that when it gets to the ground, I'll get the finish," said Nelson (13-1-1). "It wasn't different this time."
Nelson set the tone by drilling Thatch (11-3) with a left to the jaw which rocked Thatch, then a right flush to the jaw which dropped him.