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On a card built around a fighter whose persona oozes polarizing patriotism, it’s no surprise that the early-arriving fans in Tampa were ready for a red, white and blue celebration.

So when Florida native Ramon Taveras took to the cage against English challenger Davey Grant, chants of “USA, USA” rang out from one side of the arena to the other in anticipation of a sensational performance from a bantamweight who hadn’t been beaten in a UFC environment.

But it didn’t take long before Grant, who celebrates birthday no. 39 next week and turned pro when Taveras was just 14, quieted the noise.

The veteran celebrated his 13th Octagon appearance with one of his more complete efforts, keeping his younger, faster foe at bay with hard punches and peppering his body with kicks en route to a clear if unpopular unanimous decision.

Two judges gave Grant all three rounds, while a third saw it 2-1 in his favor, giving Taveras some scorecard leeway after he dropped Grant with a long left hand in the second.

The W/L card was correct, seeing it 2-1 – or 29-28 in points – for the visitors.

It was an especially sweet victory for Grant, who had several family members in attendance.