EFC 4: Belfort vs Makanouchi PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Joe Lee (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Gosha Zeleev (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Joe Lee could well score a knockout today. He has the power to get to Gosha Zeleev's chin.

Lee
vs
Zeleev

177 cm
25
167 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

175 cm
24
154 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Big heart

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter striker
Determined

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 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Joe Lee!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Gosha Zeleev!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Franklin, George Francis and Cecil Peabody.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Lee fails to land with a series of punches.
Lee throws a body punch but Zeleev moves out of range.
Lee misses with a hook to the body
and Zeleev connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Zeleev misses with a takedown attempt - Lee sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Zeleev slips a jab and a cross from Lee.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Lee tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Zeleev was well out of range. Poor timing from Lee.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lee misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Zeleev.
Zeleev moves out of range as Lee strikes.
Lee leaves Zeleev with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Zeleev changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Lee tries to avoid it but Zeleev manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Lee to the ground. Lee escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Joe Lee has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Gosha Zeleev.
Lee fails to land with a series of punches.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Zeleev uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Lee.
Lee tries to bum rush Zeleev with a series of wild strikes but Zeleev uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Lee thows a body shot but no joy.
Lee throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.

Oooh a lovely combination from Lee sends Zeleev down but not out. Lee dives into side control looking to finish.

Zeleev is rocked!

It looks like Gosha Zeleev has been cut.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lee tries to stand but Zeleev is controlling his head.
Zeleev tries to bench press Lee off him but Lee keeps the position.
Lee wants to stand but Zeleev has his arm trapped.
Zeleev tries to buck Lee off but Lee is having none of it.
Zeleev is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Lee off and has taken his back!
Zeleev thows a huge left but connects with the canvas and not his opponent.

Zeleev working for a choke but Lee is defending well.
Zeleev looks gassed!

Zeleev is working really hard to secure the rear naked choke. Lee defends successfully for a significant amount of time. Both fighters are looking very determined.

Zeleev looking for the RNC.
Lee knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Zeleev on the ground.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Lee wants to get back to his feet.

Zeleev is working really hard to secure the rear naked choke. Lee defends successfully for a significant amount of time. Both fighters are looking very determined.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Lee looks to control his opponent's hands but he's not mananging it at the moment.
Lee is trying to get back to his feet but he's not managed it yet.
Lee tries to roll but Zeleev sticks to his back.
Lee is working hard here to advance position.
Lee has the hand control, trying to stop the rear naked choke.

Lee won't enjoy being in this position. Zeleev looking for the choke. Oh... he's slipped the arm under the neck - Lee is tapping - it's over boys! Zeleev picks up the submission victory!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:57 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Gosha Zeleev!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
42%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Vitor Donato (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Jacob Steene (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both these guys have solid standup skills and neither is particularly fantastic on the ground, so let's hope for a nice standup war!

Donato
vs
Steene

182 cm
25
195 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

188 cm
19
185 lbs
1 - 2 - 0

Decent wrestler
Solid boxing
Cuts easily

BJJ White Belt
Decent boxing
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 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Vitor Donato!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Jacob Steene!
The judges for this bout are Wesley Smith, Cecil Peabody and Frank Dennis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Donato looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into mount! Oh, that's bad for Steene!
Donato looking to finish Steene with some ground and pound. This is bad for Steene!
Donato lands a big shot there that rocks Steene but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.
Donato avoids the attempt from Steene to control.
Donato wants to control the pace but Steene is squirming around nicely.
Steene throwing punches from his back but nothing is landing.
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Donato cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!
A nice elbow there by Donato.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Steene is squirming around, avoiding Donato's attempts to control the action.
Donato scoring with some good ground and pound from mount here. Will he manage to finish Steene?

Steene is rocked!
Donato looking to finish here with some ground and pound. He lands one big shot that has Steene covering up... and two more big strikes land, forcing the referee to step in and put and end to proceedings! This fight is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:03 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Vitor Donato!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
100%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Jack Kresina (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Jack Garcilazo (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Jack Garcilazo has the eye of the tiger tonight.

Kresina
vs
Garcilazo

189 cm
25
215 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

187 cm
25
209 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Good knees
Good chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Dangerous knees
Solid chin

Fight Club Clothing™
Fight Club Clothing™

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Jack Kresina!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Jack Garcilazo!
The judges for this bout are Stewart Dunkirk, Alan Glass and George Francis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Garcilazo scores with a three punch combo!
Garcilazo looks to score with a jab to the body but Kresina is just out of range.

Kresina drives through and clinches with Garcilazo against the cage.
Garcilazo tries to circle away but Kresina has him pinned against the cage.
Garcilazo wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Kresina with a knee to the head.

It looks like Jack Garcilazo has been cut.
Kresina comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Garcilazo takes an elbow to the forehead.
Kresina connects with a knee to the head.

The cut above Jack Garcilazo's eye is starting to cause him problems now.
Garcilazo takes a knee right on the jaw!
Knees in the clinch landing for Kresina.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Kresina utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Garcilazo looks gassed!
Kresina landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Kresina has Garcilazo pressed against the cage.
Garcilazo takes an elbow to the forehead.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Kresina obliges.
Kresina lands a damaging elbow.

Jack Garcilazo's cut is absolute horrible now. This looks like something out of a horror film with blood covering both fighters.

The referee calls the doctor in to look at Jack Garcilazo's cut. Oh no, the doctor has called an end to the bout!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:53 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Cut). Jack Kresina!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
100%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Nick Foell (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Johnatan Bruks (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Johnatan Bruks 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!

Foell
vs
Bruks

177 cm
25
170 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

175 cm
25
175 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Big heart

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent boxing
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nick Foell!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Johnatan Bruks!
The judges for this bout are Alan Glass, Wesley Smith and Daniel Franklin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Foell misses with a lunging right hand
and Bruks counters with a straight right hand.
Bruks misses with an uppercut. Foell saw that one coming.
Bruks tries to clinch
and Foell counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Bruks closes the distance and clinches up with Foell, looking for a takedown. Bruks pushes Foell against the cage but Foell circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Bruks.
Foell takes a swing at Bruks's ribcage but misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bruks takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Bruks looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Nick Foell has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Johnatan Bruks.
Bruks ducks under a wild hook from Foell.
Foell tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Bruks was well out of range. Poor timing from Foell.
Foell swings widly with a right hand
and Bruks makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Foell feints a jab promting Bruks to slip. Foell then demonstrates his capabilities by jabbing again. Bruks slips again and ducks right into an uppercut.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bruks fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Foell avoids it really well and circles away.
Bruks fails with a takedown attempt.
Horrible takedown by Bruks or perhaps it was just good defense by Foell which made him look bad.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Foell takes a swing at Bruks's ribcage but misses.
Bruks tries to clinch but Foell is having none of it.
Bruks fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Foell swings and misses with a hook to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Bruks avoids the body shot from Foell.
Bruks shoots in but no luck this time.
Bruks uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Foell.
Bruks tries for a takedown but Foell sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Bruks shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Foell as he jumps to the side.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Nick Foell dominated that round.
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.

Bruks avoids the body shot from Foell.

Bruks shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Oh and he's advanced to full mount straight away.
Bruks lands a shot to the body, followed up by a shot to the exposed head of his trapped opponent.
Foell working to try and regain half guard.
Bruks has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Foell tries to buck Bruks off but he can't manage it.
Foell tries to hold on but Bruks pushes him away.
Foell is trying desperately to improve position.
Foell wriggling around on the bottom manages to avoid the strikes thrown by Bruks.
Bruks landing shots from mount.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Foell is looking to improve his position but Bruks isn't that keen on the idea.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Foell takes a big shot to the head but keeps on trying to improve his position.
Foell tries to hold on but Bruks pushes him away.
Bruks looking to control and managing it successfully.
Foell takes a big shot to the head but keeps on trying to improve his position.
Bruks can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Foell is looking to escape.
Foell is trying to escape but when you're mounted that's not too easy.
Bruks lands an elbow that was bordering on illegal but the referee lets it go with a warning.
Foell really wants to buck Bruks off and get back to his feet.

Bruks wants to finish this one by submission but Foell is holding onto his waist, trying to prevent any attacks from Bruks.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Foell working to try and regain half guard.
Foell tries to lock up and control but Bruks gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Bruks trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Bruks avoids the attempt from Foell to control.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.
Bruks takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
Foell knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Bruks on the ground.
Foell is trying to get back to his feet but can't.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Foell is working to get back to half guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Foell wants to hold on but Bruks pushes him away.
Foell is wriggling around trying to escape.
Bruks landing strikes from the mount and Foell is in trouble!
Bruks lands a heavy elbow.
Bruks working Foell over with strikes here.
Bruks with good strikes from the mount here!
Foell on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Foell tries to get out of the position.
Bruks trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Bruks controlling the pace for now.
Foell is working to get back to half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Bruks with shots to the head and body - Foell looks very uncomfortable down there.
Foell is bucking up trying to escape but Bruks cracks him with another couple of good strikes.
Bruks avoids the attempt from Foell to control.
Bruks lands a couple of nice shots there from mount.
Foell really wants to buck Bruks off and get back to his feet.

Bruks looking for a guillotine from mount but Foell is having none of it.
Bruks punishing his opponent with strikes.
Bruks working away from the top, dropping strikes.
Foell tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Foell is bucking up trying to escape but Bruks cracks him with another couple of good strikes.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Foell can't escape the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Johnatan Bruks 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!

Foell staying out of range there.
Foell will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.

Bruks shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Bruks drops an elbow to the side of Foell's head.
Bruks is keen to just control but Foell is a slippery customer.
Foell has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Bruks is working away from the top position though.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bruks throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Johnatan Bruks has got the better of the ground game so far.
Bruks working over Foell with some ground and pound. Foell looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.

Bruks is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Bruks trying to control from half guard but Foell is working away.
Foell tries to get to full guard but Bruks has control of the leg.
Bruks is pressing down on Foell's thigh, looking to free his foot. Foell is holding on for now.
Bruks is keen to just control but Foell is a slippery customer.
Bruks missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Bruks missing with the ground and pound from half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Foell wants to improve his position but Bruks is controlling well.
Bruks trying to control from half guard but Foell is working away.
Foell is looking to improve his position.
Bruks is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
Bruks is pressing down on Foell's thigh, looking to free his foot. Foell is holding on for now.
Foell wants to improve his position but Bruks is controlling well.
Bruks winds up and cracks Foell with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Foell trying to control but Bruks postures up.
Bruks slips a nice elbow through Foell's hands, connecting with Foell's forehead.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Bruks stands up from half guard.
Foell throws a right hand that misses

and Bruks counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in Foell's guard now.
Bruks wants to control from the top but Foell keeps moving.
Bruks loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Foell keeping moving, preventing Bruks from controlling successfully.
Bruks chips away with some ground and pound.
Foell looking for a sweep. Not yet Foell, not yet.
Bruks stands and throws Foell's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Foell tries to escape but Bruks is in control.
Foell defending against the ground and pound.
Foell is looking to reverse the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Bruks working away.
Foell is trying to buck Bruks off.
Bruks throwing shots but missing, from side control.
Foell is looking for a sweep.
Bruks has knee on belly and now moves to full mount! Trouble for Foell!
Foell is squirming around, avoiding Bruks's attempts to control the action.

Bruks working to secure an arm triangle but it's not happening for him just yet.
Bruks takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Foell tries to hold on but Bruks pushes him away.
Foell is in all sorts of trouble here.

And that's the end of the fight!
Johnatan Bruks comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Bruks 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 Alan Glass scores the fight 27:29
Judge Wesley Smith scores the fight 27:29
Judge Daniel Franklin scores the fight 27:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Johnatan Bruks!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
40%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Andrew Cramor (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Slap Stick (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Slap Stick 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!

Cramor
vs
Stick

185 cm
25
195 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

184 cm
18
195 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

Good wrestling
Counter striker
Good chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Dangerous knees
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 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Andrew Cramor!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Slap Stick!
The judges for this bout are George Francis, Robert Twigg and Cecil Peabody.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Cramor shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
Stick is looking to stand up but Cramor isn't so interested in that idea.
Cramor pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Stick is keeping the position for now.
Cramor is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.

Cramor is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.
Cramor controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Cramor slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cramor lands an elbow.
Cramor just content to control the position.

Cramor wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Stick, who protects the arm well.
Cramor advances to mount.
Cramor controlling from mount.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Cramor has control of Stick's right arm, working for a kimura. It's a bit of a token attempt though and Stick regains control of the situation pretty easily.
Cramor lands a big shot there that rocks Stick but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.

Cramor looking to secure an arm triangle but Stick defends it well.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Cramor is thinking about an arm triangle here, looking to tighten it up before moving to side control. Stick can see it coming though and defends well with a couple of strikes to the head and some good arm positioning.
Cramor looking to control and managing it successfully.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Cramor is working close to his opponent, looking to work a submission by the looks of things. Oh, he's managed to get a guillotine from mount as his opponent reached up! That looks tiiiiight! Will he tap? YES, he's tapped! Impressive submission by Cramor!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:31 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Guillotine). Andrew Cramor!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
48%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Junior Dos Santos (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Mercury Johnson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Dos Santos
vs
Johnson

190 cm
25
269 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

185 cm
23
270 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Good in bed

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent boxing
Heavy handed

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Junior Dos Santos!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Mercury Johnson!
The judges for this bout are Frank Dennis, Robert Twigg and George Francis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Dos Santos looks to clinch
and Johnson counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Dos Santos throws a combination that misses
and Johnson counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Johnson tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Dos Santos swivels and escapes.
Dos Santos looks to clinch

and Johnson counters with a single leg into guard. Dos Santos didn't expect that.
Johnson pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Dos Santos is keeping the position for now.
Johnson throwing strikes but missing.
Dos Santos can't keep his opponent in guard - Johnson advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Johnson throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Dos Santos keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Johnson thows a huge punch but Dos Santos dodges it nicely.
Johnson is trying to control the action in half guard but Dos Santos is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Johnson sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Dos Santos defending well though.
Johnson not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Johnson is trying to control. Dos Santos wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.

Dos Santos kicks off Johnson and gets to his feet.

Dos Santos tries to keep at a distance but Johnson has taken the fight into the clinch.
Johnson trying to control the position but instead, Dos Santos has worked for underhooks and has pushed Johnson into the cage.
Dos Santos wants to break the clinch but can't.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.

Johnson pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Johnson digs a good body shot into Dos Santos's ribs.
Dos Santos shoots and misses
and Johnson counters with a left and a right that stings Dos Santos.
Dos Santos is breathing heavily.
Dos Santos misses with a combination
and Johnson counters with a one-two to the body.
Dos Santos doesn't succeed with the takedown

and Johnson counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Johnson in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Johnson is looking to work some ground and pound but Dos Santos has wrist control.
Johnson loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Johnson postures up and lands a big shot to Dos Santos's brow.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Johnson with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Johnson trying to control but Dos Santos is working from the bottom.
Dos Santos can't keep his opponent in guard - Johnson advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Johnson wants to lay and pray for a moment but Dos Santos keeps working.
Johnson performing his best blanket impression for a moment.
Johnson not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Johnson controlling the action here.
Johnson thows a huge punch but Dos Santos dodges it nicely.
Dos Santos avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Johnson.
Johnson is keen to just control but Dos Santos is a slippery customer.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Johnson connects with a nice short shot to Dos Santos's temple.
Johnson is trying to control the action in half guard but Dos Santos is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mercury Johnson dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Dos Santos misses with a takedown attempt
and Johnson counters with a stiff right hand.
Dos Santos misses with a combination
and Johnson counters with a nice uppercut.
Dos Santos with a lazy takedown attempt
and Johnson counters with a nice body shot.
Dos Santos gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Dos Santos misses with a combination

and Johnson decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Dos Santos's guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Johnson wants to control from the top but Dos Santos keeps moving.
Dos Santos working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Johnson.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Johnson accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Johnson landing some decent shots from guard.
Johnson has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Johnson in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Johnson loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Johnson landing some decent shots from guard.
Johnson's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Dos Santos preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Johnson's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Johnson is pushing down on Dos Santos's leg trying to pass to half guard. Dos Santos is fighting to maintain full guard but Johnson has managed to sneak the leg through.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Johnson connects with a nice short shot to Dos Santos's temple.
Johnson missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Johnson thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Dos Santos avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Johnson.
Ground and pound from Johnson.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Johnson sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Dos Santos defending well though.
Dos Santos knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Johnson on the ground.
Johnson scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Johnson sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Dos Santos defending well though.
Dos Santos avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Johnson.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Johnson connects with a nice short shot to Dos Santos's temple.
Dos Santos blocking the ground and pound attempt from Johnson.
Johnson thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Dos Santos's head.
Johnson working Dos Santos over with strikes.
Johnson lands strikes from half guard.
Johnson thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Mercury Johnson has got the better of the ground game so far.
Johnson throwing shots but Dos Santos is blocking nicely.
Johnson thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Johnson thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Dos Santos is not content to let Johnson control the position.
Johnson prevents Dos Santos from standing back up.
Johnson is looking to take a break and control but Dos Santos is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Johnson throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Dos Santos avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Johnson.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Johnson is trying to control. Dos Santos wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Dos Santos could do with loosing a few pounds - he looks very soft around the mid section, to put it politely.
Dos Santos is trying to stand back up but Johnson is controlling him
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mercury Johnson showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!

A left and a right from Johnson both land. Nice combination.
Dos Santos throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Johnson counters with a series of strikes. Dos Santos will be more careful next time no doubt.
Dos Santos throws a left and a right that both miss
and Johnson counters with a right hand to the body.
Dos Santos misses with a body punch

and Johnson counters with a takedown into full mount! That could mean trouble for Dos Santos!
Johnson raining down shots from the mount!
Johnson tries to control but Dos Santos wriggling away.
Johnson has his opponent pinned against the cage, landing some nasty ground and pound that is really making a bit of a mess out of Dos Santos's face.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Johnson connects with a couple of good shots from mount.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Johnson scoring with strikes but Dos Santos is staying in there.
Johnson lands a shot to the body, followed up by a shot to the exposed head of his trapped opponent.
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Johnson cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!
Johnson trying to control but Dos Santos is having none of it.
Johnson with the ground and pound from mount.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Dos Santos taking shots to the head.
Johnson tries to control but Dos Santos wriggling away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
BOOM! Johnson connects with a massive shot to the dome!
Johnson thowing shots but they're missing.
Johnson looking to control but Dos Santos is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Dos Santos is really trying hard to get back to his feet.
Johnson scoring with some good ground and pound from mount here. Will he manage to finish Dos Santos?

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Johnson throwing sloppy strikes here. Perhaps if he tightened up his striking from such a dominant position, he'd be able to finish easier.
Johnson throwing sloppy strikes here. Perhaps if he tightened up his striking from such a dominant position, he'd be able to finish easier.
A nice elbow there by Johnson.
Johnson lands a big elbow.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Johnson with shots to the head and body - Dos Santos looks very uncomfortable down there.
Johnson looking to finish Dos Santos with some ground and pound. This is bad for Dos Santos!
Junior Dos Santos has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Johnson lands a big shot there that rocks Dos Santos but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Johnson with the ground and pound from mount.
Dos Santos wants to try and get back to his feet.
Mercury Johnson is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Johnson controlling the pace for now.
Johnson scores with a couple of good head shots there.
Johnson is in the full mount, landing strikes.
Johnson sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Johnson trying to control but Dos Santos is having none of it.

And that's the end of the fight!
Mercury Johnson comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Johnson has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Frank Dennis scores the fight 24:30
Judge Robert Twigg scores the fight 25:30
Judge George Francis scores the fight 25:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Mercury Johnson!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
88%

Main event

Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Preuss Belfort (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ippo Makanouchi (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Makanouchi has chosen Inner Light by Schocking Lemon as his entrance music. Both fighters look pumped up here. Let's hope this is a good fight!

Belfort
vs
Makanouchi

207 cm
24
290 lbs
7 - 9 - 0

220 cm
20
300 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Solid boxing
KO power

BJJ White Belt
Decent boxing
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the super heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 7 - 9 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Preuss Belfort!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Ippo Makanouchi!
The judges for this bout are Cecil Peabody, Chris Downing and Daniel Franklin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Belfort throws a right hand that misses
and Makanouchi counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Belfort throws a lazy uppercut
and Makanouchi counters with a stiff right hand.
Makanouchi is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Makanouchi cracks Belfort with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Belfort swings widly with a right hand
and Makanouchi counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Belfort throws a lazy uppercut
and Belfort takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Makanouchi scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Makanouchi fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Belfort takes one to the side of the head.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Belfort.
Belfort swings widly with a right hand
and Makanouchi counters with a left and a right that stings Belfort.
Belfort misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Belfort is breathing heavily.
Belfort has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.
Belfort throws an off balance right hand
enabling Makanouchi to counter with a crisp jab.

Makanouchi lands a big uppercut and Belfort crumbles to the floor! The ref thinks about stopping the fight but Belfort looks OK. Makanouchi waves Belfort back to his feet!

Belfort is rocked!
Belfort misses with a hook

and Makanouchi counters with a crisp right hand that drops Belfort! Makanouchi lets Belfort back up to his feet, looking for a finish!
Oh Belfort is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Makanouchi tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
OH! Makanouchi has been rocked by a huge right hand and is in deep trouble! Makanouchi smells blood and charges in for the finish! Makanouchi unloads a vicious overhand right and connects to the jaw of Makanouchi sending him face first to the canvas! Unbelievable!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:55 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punches). Ippo Makanouchi!