Jason Danner says he has that “dawg” in him, as displayed in his “Dawg-jitsu” speciality and his “Rawdawg” nickname. Danner turned pro in 2023 after going 5-1 as an amateur, and he’s off to a 3-0 start to his pro career. The 29-year-old is coming into this bout off a first-round TKO over Sean Johnson in October.

 

Nathan Gilmore also found success on the amateur circuit before turning pro in 2021. Three of Gilmore’s four victories have come via KO/TKO, and he enters tonight’s fight on a three-fight win streak. Gilmore most recently fought in October as well, scoring a second-round finish of Kevin Martin Jr.

 

Which of these two men will impress in this bantamweight showcase?

 

 

Round 1

 

Danner with a body kick to start. A kick from Gilmore. Low kicks from Danner. Strong left hand lands from Gilmore as the two go chest-to-chest against the fence. Danner’s back is to the fence but he lands a knee. He turns the position around. They’re now off the fence – only to move to the fence on the other side of the SmartCage. Gilmore has Danner against the fence again. Danner appears to be busted open around his nose. Gilmore with a takedown off the body lock. Danner tries to get underneath him to press Gilmore into the fence. Danner is back to his feet and continues to press. There’s a break. Danner blocks a head kick. Danner with a right hook before he presses Gilmore again. Gilmore with inside elbows – only for Danner to take him down.

 

Danner is hunting for Gilmore’s back as Gilmore looks to get back to his feet. Gilmore does so, but he eats a knee, and Danner scores another takedown. Danner now has a North-South position on Gilmore. Danner is searching for the back again. Gilmore gets back to laying on his back. Gilmore has a high guard as Danner tries to posture up. Danner lands a few strikes from up top. Danner with a pair of hard right hands. Danner continues to press, putting his knee on Gilmore’s belly. Danner is trying to get into mount – and he gets it. Danner taunts – and Gilmore reverses the position! Danner gets out of it and looks to press again. Danner looks for a takedown – and a fence grab prevents it! Danner still scores the takedown. Gilmore has a kimura grip, but the time expires.

 

https://x.com/PFLMMA/status/1933323887875428373

 

 

Round 2

 

Low kick misses for Gilmore. Gilmore lands low now. Brief timeout before we resume. Front kick from Danner. Gilmore misses a low kick, and Danner lands one. Right hand from Gilmore. Low kick from Danner. A strong low kick from Danner makes Gilmore miss a hook. Gilmore with a combination that ends with him pressing Danner into the SmartCage barrier. Danner with knees to the body. Gilmore with a couple of right hands. A knee from Danner. The referee warns for inactivity. Gilmore lifts Danner up and he slams him down to the mat.

 

Gilmore gets to Danner’s back and gets a hook in – but it looks like he goes too high for the second. Danner now trades places; he’s on top. Danner unleashing the left hand. Danner with a right hand as he tries to work in the guard. A little bit more ground-and-pound from Danner. Gilmore gets back to his feet – only to get hit with a one-two. Gilmore throws a knee, even with his back to the fence. Gilmore tries to do work as Danner presses him in. Danner with a knee. A heavy knee up the middle lands for Gilmore – and he gets a front choke locked in on Danner! Danner gets out of it, but Gilmore locks up a Ninja choke from the bottom. Danner gives a thumbs up and tries to get out of it. The time expires.

 

https://x.com/PFLMMA/status/1933326014710484998

 

 

Round 3

 

Gilmore with a swing and a miss. Gilmore misses a high kick. Danner lands a knee and presses Gilmore into the fence. Gilmore with a knee but it doesn’t connect. Gilmore now presses Danner into the fence. Gilmore warned for grabbing the fence again. Spinning back elbow from Gilmore on the break. Superman punch from Gilmore. A series of low kicks from Danner. Gilmore misses a left overhand, and he tries to press Danner into the fence again. Danner transitions and gets to the back of Gilmore standing. Another takedown from the body lock position for Gilmore. Gilmore looks for a kimura again. Gilmore might take the back, but Danner adjusts and stays on top.

 

Danner with a combination and elbows from the top. Gilmore gets to his feet. Gilmore lands three right hands. Gilmore times a transition perfectly and ends up on top. Gilmore looks for an elbow. Danner scrambles, and Gilmore tries to drive him into the fence. Danner with wrist control. Gilmore tries to work to the back, but Danner prevents it. Strong knee from Danner on the break. Solid one-two from Danner. Danner misses a wheel kick. Gilmore goes for a takedown, but Danner stuffs it and ends up on top. Danner with some strong hammerfists and hooks with the right hand. Gilmore goes for a kimura grip. Danner finishes the fight on top, landing a couple of knees to the chest on the ground.

 

 

OFFICIAL RESULT

 

Jason Danner def. Nathan Gilmore via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)