(Photos courtesy of Sandy Hackenmueller of Fight to Finish Photography.)

SHAKOPEE — This was exactly what Dan Moret needed.

Through 20 amateur and pro fights, Moret, considered one of the state's best prospects for the last few years, never has been truly tested. Only once has he seen the third round — in a victory over Mikey Zimmer at Target Center — and he's never truly been threatened.

That all changed Saturday night at Canterbury Park during Caged Chaos 2, which was presented by Driller/SEG.

Moret, who trains at the Minnesota Martial Arts Academy and at the Mankato MMA Club, finally got a test from a Minnesota fighter — Stephen Watt.

The Valhalla Cagefighting product presented myriad issues for Moret.

Watt held a reach advantage, and for once, Moret was in the cage against a fighter who could match his brute strength.

And in Round 1, Watt picked up plenty of momentum.

Moret landed a solid early jab, but Watt kept moving. The action moved against the cage, with Moret controlling Watt early, but Watt showing his strength and putting Moret up against the cage after a scramble.

Then, Watt showed even more athleticism by putting Moret on his back. Moret didn't stay down