Dennis Hallman took a unanimous decision over Ben Saunders to kick off Saturday’s UFC 117 prelims at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif.

Hallman, who upped his record to 45-13-2 (1 NC), controlled the first two rounds with takedowns from the clinch and control in the top position. Saunders (8-3-2) took a mild beating from Hallman’s punches and elbows from the top, but rallied to claim the third round on Sherdog.com’s unofficial scorecard.

The official judges saw the contest 29-28 (twice) and 30-27.