UCF:Champions are Born PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Liam Seaser (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ricardo Silva (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Ricardo Silva struggled to make weight for this fight. He only made it down to 186.5lbs at the first attempt and had to take the additional two hours to make the official bout weight. Let's see how much it's taken out of him. Both these guys have really solid chins. Will we see a standup war or will they both decide that a knockout is unlikely and try to win the fight elsewhere?

Seaser
vs
Silva

190 cm
22
190 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

182 cm
19
190 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

Dangerous GnP
Brawler
KO power

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Liam Seaser!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of New York, Ricardo Silva!
The judges for this bout are Reed Andrews, Anthony Taglia and John Roberts.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Silva wants to clinch.
Silva looks really tired already! That doesn't bode well for a good, competitive fight!
Seaser looks to land a combination. Silva sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
Seaser shoots in looking for a takedown. Silva tries to sprawl out of it but Seaser keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Silva manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Seaser avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Seaser doesn't manage to clinch there - Silva circles away.

Seaser closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Seaser lands in his opponent's guard.
Seaser wants to get up but he can't break Silva's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
Seaser passes into half guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Seaser thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Silva's head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Seaser wants to stand but Silva has hold of a leg and an arm, so he's trapped for now.
Seaser lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Seaser seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Silva does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Seaser looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.

Silva looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Seaser passes to side control.
Seaser wants to lay and pray for a moment but Silva keeps working.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Seaser is really struggling to control Silva but he's trying to hold on to the position.
Silva takes an elbow right on the bridge of the nose and winces in pain.

Seaser stands up.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Seaser shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Silva pinned against the cage. Silva gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.

Silva closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Liam Seaser dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Seaser fails with the takedown.
Seaser looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Silva is fending him off so far but Seaser persists. Nope, Silva circles away and we're back to standing.
Seaser shoots in looking for a takedown. Silva tries to sprawl out of it but Seaser keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Silva manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Liam Seaser. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Silva gets a takedown into half guard.
Silva prevents Seaser from improving his position.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Seaser wants to control but Silva is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Seaser is trying to get back to full guard.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Seaser wants to control but Silva is keeping busy and won't allow it.

Silva looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
Silva is looking to take a break and control but Seaser is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

Silva decides to stand up and try his luck on the feet.
Seaser misses with a takedown attempt

and Silva counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Seaser controls Silva momentarily but Silva frees himself.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Silva prevents Seaser from getting back to his feet.
Silva is pushing down on Seaser's leg trying to pass to half guard. Seaser is fighting to maintain full guard but Silva has managed to sneak the leg through.
Seaser manages to get to full guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Seaser throwing some rather feeble looking strikes off his back.
Seaser trying to keep a closed guard but Silva is proving a slippery customer.
Seaser wants to stand up but Silva is controlling him.
Seaser is trying to keep Silva in close.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ricardo Silva showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action. This is the final round!

Seaser stuffs the takedown attempt from Silva. Silva gets slowly back to his feet.
Seaser wants to clinch up but Silva keeps it at a distance.
Seaser with a lazy takedown attempt

and Silva counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
Seaser wants to control but Silva is keeping busy.
Silva stalling away here and it's allowed Seaser to slip out his trapped foot and regain full guard.

Seaser is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Seaser trying to keep a closed guard but Silva is proving a slippery customer.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

Seaser looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Seaser manages to escape and get back to his feet.
Silva swats away the attempt to clinch by Seaser.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Seaser!
Seaser shoots in for a takedown but Silva shows good takedown defense.
Seaser throws a head kick that misses.
Seaser throws a head kick that misses.
Seaser has his takedown stuffed

and Silva counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Liam Seaser. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Silva won't allow Seaser to get back to his feet.
Seaser looking to hit a scissor sweep but Silva is one step ahead there.
Ricardo Silva has got the better of the ground game so far.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Seaser looking to control.
Seaser looking for a sweep. Not yet Seaser, not yet.
Seaser is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Seaser trying to control the position.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fight is doing enough on the ground.
Silva shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Seaser as he jumps to the side.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Seaser gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily

and Silva counters with a shoot takedown. Seaser fights it but they end up in guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Silva trying to control but Seaser is working from the bottom.

And that's the end of the fight!
Ricardo Silva comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Silva has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.

Judge Reed Andrews scores the fight for Ricardo Silva!
Judge Anthony Taglia scores the fight for Ricardo Silva!
Judge John Roberts scores the fight for Ricardo Silva!

Ricardo Silva wins by unanimous decision!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
68%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Daddy Cool (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Alan Issacs (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Alan Issacs told me before the fight that he's been watching a lot of DVDs so let's see if that helps him in this one! I can't wait to find out!

Cool
vs
Issacs

205 cm
22
300 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

202 cm
22
280 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
KO power

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
Very confident

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the super heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Daddy Cool!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Alan Issacs!
The judges for this bout are Anthony Taglia, Reed Andrews and Dean Styles.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Horrible takedown by Issacs or perhaps it was just good defense by Cool which made him look bad.
Cool tries to close the distance and clinch up but Issacs swats him away and circles back towards the center.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Issacs.
Cool tries to escape but Issacs is in control.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Issacs swings around for an armbar but Cool sees it coming a mile off and turns beautifully into Issacs's guard.
Issacs is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Issacs is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.

Issacs looking for submissions from the bottom but instead Cool passes into half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Issacs has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Cool is working away from the top position though.
Issacs wants to improve his position but Cool is controlling well.
Issacs works his way to full guard. Good work.

Issacs has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Cool can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Issacs looks gassed!

Cool gets to his feet. Issacs looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!
Issacs throws a head kick that misses.
Cool wants to clinch.
Cool tries to clinch but Issacs is having none of it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Cool tries to clinch but Issacs moves out of range.
Issacs shoots in and drives through. Cool sprawls well.
Issacs closes the distance and clinches up with Cool, looking for a takedown. Issacs pushes Cool against the cage but Cool circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Daddy Cool has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Alan Issacs.

Cool moves into the clinch.
Cool tries a knee to the head but Issacs blocks it.
Cool comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Cool throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Cool with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Issacs managing to block the knees to the body from Cool.
Issacs drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Cool gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Cool lands a damaging elbow.

Cool manages to break the clinch.
Issacs looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Cool is fending him off so far but Issacs persists. Nope, Cool circles away and we're back to standing.
Issacs throws a head kick but Cool moves out of range.

Issacs shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in full mount! That's better than Issacs was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!

Issacs goes for an armbar but he's fallen flat on his backside there and now Cool is on top in guard.
Issacs is trying to control the position from the bottom.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Alan Issacs will probably get the nod.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Issacs avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!

Cool clinches up against the cage.
Issacs tries for a takedown but Cool manages to get underhooks.
Cool connects with a nasty looking knee right to Issacs's face.

Cool manages to break the clinch.
Issacs tries a head kick but it misses.
Cool tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.

Cool forces Issacs back against the cage and clinches.
Cool misses with a knee strike.
Cool throws a knee to the head but misses.
Cool lands an elbow that stopped Issacs in his tracks for a moment.
Issacs has Cool pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Cool manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Cool using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Issacs has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Issacs takes a knee right on the jaw!
Issacs tries to pull guard but Cool won't allow it.
Daddy Cool has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Alan Issacs.
Cool tries a knee to the head but he's missed.

Issacs ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Issacs no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.

Issacs looking for a guillotine here but Cool defends easily.
Issacs will have to put a bit more behind his punches if he's going to do any damage from this position.

Issacs throws his legs up looking for a submission but Cool uses it to pass to side control.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Issacs is looking to reverse the position.
Issacs manages to get back to half guard.
Issacs is pressing down on Cool's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Issacs bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Cool's guard.
Issacs tries to free his leg and advance position but Cool is retaining full guard.

Issacs stands and steps away. Cool gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.

Issacs has Cool up against the cage in a clinch.
Issacs tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Issacs fails to pull guard.
Cool lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Issacs tries for a takedown. No joy.
Cool lands an elbow inside that Issacs shrugs off.

Issacs is rocked!
Cool has the Thai clinch. He lands a big knee to the head that stumbles Issacs - he's in trouble! Another big knee to the head from Cool, and another! Issacs is out on his feet - the ref jumps in to save him and ends the fight!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:04 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Knees). Daddy Cool!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
50%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Rico Suarez (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Denis Leary (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Suarez
vs
Leary

170 cm
18
155 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

169 cm
21
158 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Basic striking
Good chin

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Rico Suarez!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Denis Leary!
The judges for this bout are Franklyn Lucas, Bruno Lombardi and Columbo Gatti.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Leary fails with a takedown attempt.
Suarez fails with an attempt to clinch.
Suarez throws a right and a left that Leary avoids nicely.

Suarez pushes Leary up against the cage in a clinch.
Suarez keeps control of Leary as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Suarez content to slow the pace in the clinch.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Suarez.

Suarez breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Leary wants to clinch but Suarez slips to the side

and Suarez counters by moving into the clinch.

Leary drags the fight down to the ground.
Suarez is looking to stand up but Leary won't let him.
Suarez has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Leary controlling Suarez's posture.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Leary is trying to control the position from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Leary wants to sweep here but Suarez controlling him for the moment.
Leary throws a couple of shots from the bottom but they don't land.
Suarez knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Leary on the ground.
Leary thows some rabbit punches from the bottom but they don't do any damage.
Leary wants to get back to his feet but Suarez is in a dominant position and won't allow it.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Suarez scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Suarez tries to clinch

and Leary counters with a nice double leg into side control. Suarez won't be happy with that.
Suarez pushes Leary away and creates a bit of space to escape. He's almost out here... but no, Leary gets a good hold of his legs and remains firmly in side control.
Leary slows the pace down.
Leary has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Leary trying to control the position but Suarez is working away.
Suarez is trying to stand back up. He's worked his way up against the cage but Leary has just dragged him back down to the mat.
Suarez is not content to let Leary control the position.
Leary is staying tight to Suarez's torso, preventing him from escaping.
Suarez is trying to get back to his feet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Denis Leary will probably get the nod.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Leary tries for a takedown but Suarez circles away easily

and Suarez counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
Suarez slows down the pace here.
Suarez lands a left hand that snaps the head of Leary backwards.
Suarez using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Leary has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Suarez connects with a knee to the head.
Suarez connects with a knee to the head.
Leary tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Suarez smiles and moves away.
Suarez darts in and out, connecting with a jab.

Leary is rocked!

Suarez moves into the clinch successfully.
Suarez works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
A right hook to the body lands for Suarez.
Suarez stalling.
A knee to the head by Suarez.
Leary is breathing heavily.
Suarez prevents Leary from breaking the clinch.
A knee to the head by Suarez.
Leary is still on wobbly legs! Can Suarez finish him?
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Suarez.
Suarez softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Suarez manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
Suarez lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Suarez connects with a knee right up the middle there - that's rocked Leary badly! Leary tumbles to the floor and Suarez stands over him, dominant and satisfied with his glorious KO victory!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:12 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Rico Suarez!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
54%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Nick Redding (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Hintu Ramoata (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Nick Redding has a significant reach advantage - let's see if he can make it count.

Redding
vs
Ramoata

178 cm
20
145 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

160 cm
22
145 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
Granite chin

BJJ Brown Belt
Counter striker
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of New York, Nick Redding!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Hintu Ramoata!
The judges for this bout are Anthony Taglia, Lou da Vinci and Columbo Gatti.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Redding chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Some wild striking there from Redding.
Redding throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Ramoata shoots in looking for a takedown. Redding tries to sprawl out of it but Ramoata keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Redding manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Ramoata looks for a takedown but Redding sprawls well.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ramoata tries for a takedown but Redding sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Nick Redding has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Hintu Ramoata.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Redding throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Ramoata's head.
Redding digs a good hook to Ramoata's body.
Ramoata shoots in for a takedown but Redding shows good takedown defense.
Redding stuffs the takedown.
Redding tries to clinch up but Ramoata circles away and keeps his distance.
Redding swinging wilding here.
Redding is breathing heavily.

Ramoata changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Redding looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Redding seems a little lost for a moment, as Ramoata dominates the positioning.
Redding is looking to get back to his feet here but Ramoata is keeping cool and he's managed to take Redding's back.
Ramoata controls the action.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Nick Redding will probably get the nod.
That's time! Redding's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Redding throws a leg kick but Ramoata checks it.
Redding tries to bum rush Ramoata with a series of wild strikes but Ramoata uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Redding closes the distance and lands a one-two.
No luck for Ramoata with that takedown attempt.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ramoata looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Redding is fending him off so far but Ramoata persists. Nope, Redding circles away and we're back to standing.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Redding moves in looking to clinch but Ramoata pushes him off.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Redding tries to clinch but Ramoata moves out of range.

Ramoata shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Oh and he's advanced to full mount straight away.
Redding knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Ramoata on the ground.
Ramoata looking to control but Redding is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Ramoata takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Ramoata has hold of Redding's left arm, perhaps looking for a submission. The two fighters tussle over control of the isolated limb and Redding manages to get his arm back to his side and away from danger.
Redding wriggling around on the bottom manages to avoid the strikes thrown by Ramoata.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Ramoata is working on an americana here. Ooh, that looks pretty nasty! Nope, Redding has managed to escape the submission attempt.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Hintu Ramoata showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Redding stuffs the takedown attempt from Ramoata. Ramoata gets slowly back to his feet.
Redding doesn't succeed with the takedown

and Ramoata counters with a takedown into side control.

Ramoata is in a dominant position here, looking for a kimura. Redding looks calm but he's in trouble here. Ramoata gets his leg over his opponent's head and yanks on the arm. Redding is tapping like a morse code operator on the titanic! SOS! SOS! Ramoata lets go of the hold and Redding can pop his arm back in it's socket.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:56 of round 3, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Hintu Ramoata!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
58%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Phillipe Vito (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Facundo Mendez (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Vito
vs
Mendez

185 cm
19
185 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

170 cm
22
184 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Cuts easily

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
Determined

Hulk Supplementz

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Phillipe Vito!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of New York, Facundo Mendez!
The judges for this bout are Dean Styles, Lou da Vinci and Franklyn Lucas.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Vito tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Mendez swivels and escapes.
Mendez throws a right and a left that both miss.

Vito scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
Mendez is looking to regain half guard here but Vito keeps moving and retains side control.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Mendez manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!
Mendez is looking to pass the guard... He's managed it - he's now in full mount!

Mendez looking for a guillotine from mount but Vito is having none of it.
Vito tries to lock up and control but Mendez gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Vito working to try and regain half guard.
Mendez lands with some strikes.

Vito is rocked!

It looks like Phillipe Vito has been cut.

Mendez has control of Vito's right arm, working for a kimura. It's a bit of a token attempt though and Vito regains control of the situation pretty easily.
Oh Vito is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
This has been an exciting period of action!
Vito is looking to improve his position but Mendez isn't that keen on the idea.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Vito has left one of his arms exposed and Mendez doesn't need a second invitation. He's isolated it and locked on a tight armbar. Vito screams and taps out, obviously in a lot of pain. Hopefully there isn't permanent damage to that arm.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:26 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Facundo Mendez!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
100%

Co-main event

Main event

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Diaz Van Troon (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Kane Lucas (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Van Troon
vs
Lucas

180 cm
18
185 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

180 cm
22
186 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Big heart

BJJ Purple Belt
Good kicks
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Diaz Van Troon!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Kane Lucas!
The judges for this bout are Alyssa Summers, John Roberts and Bruno Lombardi.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Van Troon bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.

Van Troon tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Van Troon tries to stand but Lucas is controlling his head.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Lucas is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Van Troon off and has taken his back!
Van Troon is breathing heavily.
Lucas thows a huge left but connects with the canvas and not his opponent.

Lucas has his opponent's back and is working for the choke.
I really don't envy Van Troon right now.
A bit of a pause in the action here. Lucas controlling the positon.

Lucas is working for the choke. It looks like he might have got it... has he...? Yes! Van Troon is tapping out! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:04 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Kane Lucas!