Florian shows Gomi no mercy in UFC debut of Japanese star

Kenny Florian spoiled the Ultimate Fighting Championship debut of Takanori Gomi by submitting the Japanese star with a rear-naked choke at 2:52 of the third round in the main event of a Fight Night card Wednesday in Charlotte, N.C.

Florian controlled the first two rounds mostly with right jabs that kept Gomi at a distance. With Gomi noticeably discouraged and winded, Florian scored the first takedown of the bout in the third and quickly worked to the mount.

He locked in the submission moments later.

In earlier action, Las Vegan Roy Nelson sent Stefan Struve sprawling to the mat with a looping overhand right, then followed it up with nine unanswered punches to finish the fight 39 seconds into the first round.

A power outage in the arena delayed the bout before the opening bell. The fighters were set to begin when the lights went out and had to return to their locker rooms for several minutes.

Ross Pearson and Jorge Rivera each claimed victories on the card.