I thought Howard was losing the fight standing. Howard's best asset is his beast ground and pound, I don't think it was a bad idea to try to get the fight down he just tried too hard on failed attempts.
2-1 Brown but there is definitely a case for 3-0 Brown Leg kicks are like body shots i dont understand why fighters dont invest in them more early on. I mean it relatively low risk with a leg kick and can win you a fight
Even at that though in the guard Matt was very dangerous almost got the tri and the plata but as you said he spent too much energy on the slams. The leg kicks I thought were working well had Matt running from him and if he spent a bit more on them maybe Brown would of been willing to go to ground.
its weird how they are pretending nate doesnt exist edit: well ive embarassed myself ill be quiet now