Round one had Ford getting a takedown on his second attempt then transitioning to full mount. Corona threw body and head punches off of his back, but when Corona tried to roll out Ford got him flattened and sank in a RNC. Corona defended well and turned in. From full mount Ford worked strikes and again Corona rolled to escape. The fighters scrambled for position several times with Ford working multiple submission attempts including a deep omoplata that Corona defended until Ford once more transitioned to full mount. From the top Ford was able to transition from a topside triangle to an armbar to get the submission victory at 4:58 of round one.