RCS 38 - Sesquipedalianist PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Tyson Zelman (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Jonah Takalua (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Zelman comes to the cage accompanied by My Own Summer - Deftones. Both fighters will be looking to make this an exciting fight for the fans, I'm sure!

Zelman
vs
Takalua

170 cm
24
155 lbs
4 - 1 - 0

173 cm
22
152 lbs
5 - 3 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Dangerous knees
Very quick

Good takedowns
Excellent boxer
Knockout power

Asphyxiation Ltd.
Asphyxiation Ltd.

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 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Tyson Zelman!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Jonah Takalua!
The judges for this bout are Bruno Hogan, Winston Howard and Eliza Hachem.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Zelman is looking to slow Takalua down with leg kicks.
Zelman doesn't manage to clinch there - Takalua circles away.
Zelman lands with an uppercut that bounces Takalua off the cage and back into range.
Takalua is trying hard to land a takedown here. Zelman sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Zelman stuns Takalua with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Zelman scores with a leg kick.
Takalua shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Zelman pinned against the cage. Zelman gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Takalua swats away the attempt to clinch by Zelman.
Zelman feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Takalua's calf.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zelman lands with a thumping leg kick.
A low kick from Zelman misses

and Takalua counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Takalua loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Takalua tries to free his leg and advance position but Zelman is retaining full guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Takalua is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Takalua trying to stand up but can't free himself from Zelman's guard.
Zelman manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Takalua manages to get himself to full guard.
Zelman wants to get up but he can't break Takalua's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Zelman preventing the sweep.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Takalua seems keen to control Zelman's posture.
Takalua wants to stand and escape but Zelman is having none of it.
Zelman showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Nice body punch from Zelman.
Takalua ducks under a wild hook from Zelman.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Takalua checks a leg kick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zelman swings for the body but Takalua moves out of range.
Zelman slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Takalua takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Zelman stuffs the takedown.
Tyson Zelman has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jonah Takalua.
Takalua moves forwards but Zelman connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Zelman throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Takalua shoots in and drives through. Zelman sprawls well.
Zelman throws a lazy right hand but Takalua sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Takalua's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Zelman connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Takalua scrambles back to his feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Takalua takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Zelman getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Zelman throws a solid leg kick but Takalua takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Zelman.
Zelman lands a body shot.
Takalua takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Zelman ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Takalua looks gassed!
A decent looking cross lands there for Zelman.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Zelman changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Zelman uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Takalua has time to react.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Tyson Zelman dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Zelman scores with a hook to the body. Takalua takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Zelman scores with a jab to the body.
Takalua fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Zelman tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Takalua paws at him with a jab and circles away.

Takalua shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Takalua showed some decent athleticism there.
Takalua missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Takalua thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Zelman is trying to maintain the position but Takalua is very close to passing his half guard.
Takalua tries to pass the half guard into mount. Zelman knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zelman tries to roll over but Takalua keeps him under control.
Takalua wants to lay and pray for a moment but Zelman keeps working.
Zelman is controlling Takalua's trapped leg to prevent Takalua from advancing to side control.
Takalua looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Zelman with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Zelman blocking the ground and pound attempt from Takalua.

Takalua is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Takalua works his way into full mount!

Takalua jumps to the side looking to secure the arm triangle…. Ooooh, that looks tight… Zelman is gargling but he's managed to escape! Nice work there by Zelman and Takalua has given up the dominant position trying to land that submission.
Zelman on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Zelman tries to get out of the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Takalua misses with an attempted head punch from side control.

Takalua tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Takalua has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
Zelman struggling a bit here.
Zelman tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Zelman is working hard to escape and get back to his feet. After a battle for position, Takalua asserts his dominance and retains side control.

Takalua tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Takalua tries to move into full mount but can't pass Zelman's legs.
Zelman is trying to get back to half guard.
Takalua scoring with punches and elbows.

Takalua working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Takalua lands a few punches from side control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Takalua working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Takalua trying to control the action but Zelman is working from the bottom.
You can see the frustration on Zelman's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Takalua is chipping away with strikes.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Zelman is trying to control Takalua's posture but Takalua avoids it.

Takalua goes for an armbar! This could be all over! Wait, no, Zelman rolls with the submission and now he's on top in Takalua's guard! Nice work there by Zelman!
Zelman looking to sit in guard and control but Takalua gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jonah Takalua showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Zelman's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!

Horrible takedown by Takalua or perhaps it was just good defense by Zelman which made him look bad.
Takalua shoots for a takedown but Zelman saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Takalua has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Zelman.
Zelman tries to clinch there but Takalua circles away.
Zelman misses with a body shot.
Zelman fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Zelman is looking to wear down Takalua with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.

That's one minute gone in the round.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Takalua.
Tyson Zelman has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jonah Takalua.
Zelman ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Takalua moves away.
Zelman throws a sloppy head kick and Takalua moves out of range easily.
Takalua shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Tyson Zelman seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Zelman bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Takalua's head.
Tyson Zelman is winning the standup battle so far.
A looping hook to the body misses from Zelman. Takalua does a little dance to reset his feet.
A shot to the liver by Zelman. Beautiful body shot.
Zelman ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Takalua moves away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Takalua moves forwards but Zelman connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Takalua shoots in for a takedown but Zelman shows good takedown defense.
Takalua shoots for a double leg takedown but Zelman sprawls well. He's pushed Takalua's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Takalua takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Zelman tries to close the distance and clinch but Takalua swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Takalua chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Zelman can pounce on him.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Zelman scores with a nice head shot.
Zelman throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Zelman lands a nice hook to Takalua's body. Takalua takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Takalua chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Zelman can pounce on him.
Zelman throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
A jab from Zelman does it's job there.
Takalua takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Takalua takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Zelman thuds a left hand into Takalua's body.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Zelman is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Decent striking displayed by Zelman there.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zelman pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Zelman bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Takalua's head backwards.
Zelman scores with a body shot.
Takalua takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Zelman ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Takalua takes a head kick and shrugs it off.

Takalua is rocked!
Zelman jabs Takalua to the body, keeping him at a distance.

And that's the end of the fight!
Tyson Zelman showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Zelman has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Bruno Hogan scores the fight 29:27
Judge Winston Howard scores the fight 29:27
Judge Eliza Hachem scores the fight 29:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Tyson Zelman!
A very excited looking Tyson Zelman made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction.

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 heavyweight MMA rules bout between Hamid Anubis (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Fernando Rosario (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Rosario comes into a darkened arena with his song building. Eye Of The Tiger kicks in, the lights come on and the crowd goes wild! What a showman! Hamid Anubis has a significant reach advantage - let's see if he can make it count.

Anubis
vs
Rosario

210 cm
27
280 lbs
4 - 3 - 0

185 cm
21
265 lbs
5 - 3 - 0

Powerful takedowns
Counter striker
Very quick

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

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 4 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Hamid Anubis!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Fernando Rosario!
The judges for this bout are Skip Squint, Winston Howard and Steve Erwin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Rosario rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Anubis moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Rosario throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Nice takedown defense from Rosario. No joy for Anubis on that attempt.
Anubis tries to score a power double leg takedown but Rosario sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Anubis somewhat.
Rosario throws a body punch but Anubis moves out of range.
Anubis has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.

It looks like Hamid Anubis has been cut.
Anubis moves away from the strike by Rosario.
Anubis dives in and grabs Rosario's left leg, looking for a takedown. Rosario pushes down on Anubis's head and hops out.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Hamid Anubis. That's going to take a lot out of him.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Anubis slips a jab and a cross from Rosario.
Anubis fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Rosario checks it well.
Rosario throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
No luck for Anubis with that takedown attempt.
Rosario fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rosario misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Anubis.
Rosario swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Anubis.
Jab from Rosario.
Anubis throws a sloppy head kick and Rosario moves out of range easily.
Nice jab there from Rosario.
Rosario throws a series of punches but Anubis avoids them all with ease.
A punch combination from Rosario misses.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Rosario feints a kick and comes over the top with a right hand, followed by a left hook - both land, sending Anubis crashing to the mat! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:42 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punches). Fernando Rosario!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
59%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Dale Fernhart (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Tom Bensen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Tom Bensen 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!

Fernhart
vs
Bensen

190 cm
19
220 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

190 cm
23
200 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Basic striking
Cardio machine

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Determined

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 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Dale Fernhart!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Tom Bensen!
The judges for this bout are John Mangel, Skip Squint and Bruno Hogan.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Fernhart misses with a takedown attempt - Bensen sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Bensen rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Fernhart moves out of range and avoids them all easily.

Bensen looking to score a takedown here. Fernhart is defending well but Bensen drives through and ends up in Fernhart's guard.
Bensen throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.

Fernhart working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Bensen doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Bensen manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.

Fernhart escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Bensen gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.

Bensen is sitting in close to Fernhart's body. Fernhart has gone for a guillotine from the bottom. Oh damn, that looks pretty tight! Bensen is panicking - it looks like this one could be all over! Yes, Bensen is tapping! That was a very nice submission by Fernhart.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:58 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Guillotine). Dale Fernhart!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
95%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Duke Gibbons (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Drasek Riven (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Rumors backstage are that the fighters have been paid to keep it standing but we know that would never happen in MMA!

Gibbons
vs
Riven

192 cm
21
212 lbs
4 - 2 - 1

190 cm
23
217 lbs
5 - 4 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent boxer
Very strong

Powerful takedowns
Basic striking
Powerful

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 4 - 2 - 1, fighting out of Sydney, Duke Gibbons!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Drasek Riven!
The judges for this bout are Steve Erwin, Eliza Hachem and Hugh Johnson.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Riven throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.

Riven rushes Gibbons and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.

Gibbons manages to break the clinch.

Riven rushes Gibbons and presses him up against the cage.

Gibbons breaks from the clinch.
Riven shoots in looking for a takedown. Gibbons tries to sprawl out of it but Riven keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Gibbons manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Gibbons circles away from the clinch attempt
and Gibbons counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Sloppy strikes from Gibbons. Those never looked like landing.
Riven is looking to clinch but Gibbons is avoiding it.
Riven does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Gibbons keeps the fight on the outside.
Riven looks to land a left hand but Gibbons moved out of range nicely.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Riven throws a lazy uppercut
and Gibbons counters with a nice body shot.
Gibbons misses with a wild combination.
Gibbons defending well as Riven loads up on a big left hand.
Riven dives in and grabs Gibbons's left leg, looking for a takedown. Gibbons pushes down on Riven's head and hops out.
Gibbons scores with a three punch combo!

It looks like Drasek Riven has been cut.
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!

Riven feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.
Riven looking to pass the guard.

Gibbons manages to escape and get back to his feet.
Gibbons is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Riven.
Riven throws a series of punches but Gibbons avoids them all with ease.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gibbons avoids a punch combination nicely.
Gibbons fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Riven looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Riven looks gassed!
Riven throws a left and a right that both miss
enabling Gibbons to counter with a crisp jab.
Riven takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Riven misses with the combination.
Gibbons throws a right and a left that both miss.
Gibbons shuffles to his left behind two crisp jabs. Riven eats them both and turns towards Gibbons to reposition himself and eats a stinging right hand-left hook combo.
Riven avoids the body shot from Gibbons.
Riven has a takedown stuffed.
Duke Gibbons has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Drasek Riven.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Some wild striking there from Riven.
Gibbons lands with a hook. Riven tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Gibbons tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in the close the distance. Riven manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Gibbons lands a lovely overhand right.
Gibbons misses with a wild combination.
Riven looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Riven throws a right hand that Gibbons ducks under and follows up with a left that Gibbons also avoids with ease.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A combination from Gibbons does no damage.
Riven blocks a head kick by Gibbons.
Riven keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Gibbons.
Riven throws the left hand but Gibbons avoids the punch easily.
Riven loads up on a big right hand but Gibbons slips the punch.
Riven uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Gibbons.
Riven walks into a left hand.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Gibbons misses with a jab, cross combination.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Riven shoots in looking for a takedown but Gibbons manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Riven's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Gibbons looks to land a combination but Riven avoids it well.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Duke Gibbons dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Drasek Riven's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

A punch combination from Riven misses.
Riven throws a right and a left that both miss.
Riven misses the jab.
Duke Gibbons is winning the standup battle so far.
Riven misses the shot to the body.
Riven digs a good hook to Gibbons's body.
Riven pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Riven throws a right and a left that Gibbons avoids nicely.
Riven takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
A lazy body kick from Riven

and Gibbons decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Riven's guard.
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!
Gibbons is looking to stand up but Riven won't let him.
Gibbons won't allow Riven to sweep him here.

Riven is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Gibbons defends well.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gibbons would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.
Riven trying to control the position.
Riven looking to hit a scissor sweep but Gibbons is one step ahead there.
Gibbons wanted to stand there but Riven had control of the position.
Gibbons has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gibbons stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Riven swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Gibbons wants to stand but Riven is controlling his posture from full guard.
Riven wants to sweep but no luck.
Gibbons would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.
Riven has a butterfly guard looking to sweep but Gibbons has passed into side control.
Gibbons wants to stand but Riven has his arm trapped.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Riven dodges the ground and pound from Gibbons.
Gibbons tries to stand but Riven controls the position and pulls Gibbons into his guard.
Riven looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Gibbons has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Riven is proving hard to escape from.
Riven is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Riven wants to sweep but no luck.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Gibbons got a little sloppy there for a moment and Riven has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Gibbons has managed to get both his arms back between Riven's legs - danger averted.
Gibbons won't allow Riven to sweep him here.
Gibbons working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Gibbons wants to control from the top but Riven keeps moving.
Gibbons trying to stand up but can't free himself from Riven's guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Duke Gibbons dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Drasek Riven's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Riven fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Riven fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Gibbons avoids it really well and circles away.
Riven throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Gibbons is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Riven misses with a body shot.
Drasek Riven seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Gibbons rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Riven moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Sloppy strikes from Riven. Those never looked like landing.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Gibbons drives through and clinches with Riven against the cage.
Gibbons working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Riven can't get the takedown.
Duke Gibbons has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Drasek Riven.
Riven is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Gibbons gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Riven takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

Gibbons escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Gibbons lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
Gibbons on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Riven wants to land a leg kick but Gibbons is out of range.
A combination from Riven does no damage.
Riven misses with a two punch combination.
Riven fails to land the takedown.
Sloppy strikes from Gibbons. Those never looked like landing.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gibbons takes a swing at Riven's ribcage but misses.
Gibbons lands a really nice looking cross but Riven seems unphased.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Riven misses with a straight right.
Duke Gibbons is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Riven on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Riven takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Riven throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Gibbons counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.

Riven is rocked!
Riven misses with a double jab.
Gibbons misses with the combination.

Riven closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Gibbons's guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gibbons controlling the position.
Riven won't allow Gibbons to get back to his feet.
Gibbons trying desperately to get back to his feet here but he's not having any joy at all. He's going to tire himself out if he's not careful.
Gibbons 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.
Gibbons being controlled here, momentarily.
Gibbons is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Duke Gibbons overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Gibbons stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Gibbons wants it to stay on the feet.
Duke Gibbons is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A big right from Riven misses.
Drasek Riven has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Gibbons looks for the body kick but Riven saw that one coming.
Riven tries to close the distance and clinch but Gibbons swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Riven fails with a takedown attempt.
Gibbons lands a right hook to the body.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Gibbons stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Gibbons wants it to stay on the feet.
Gibbons scores with a nice one two combo and darts back out of range to avoid anything coming in the opposite direction.
Gibbons connects with a leg kick. Riven looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.

And that's the end of the fight!
Duke Gibbons showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Gibbons has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 Steve Erwin scores the fight 30:27
Judge Eliza Hachem scores the fight 30:27
Judge Hugh Johnson scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Duke Gibbons!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
70%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Caleb Jackson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Niko Winter (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Niko Winter has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Jackson
vs
Winter

181 cm
20
260 lbs
6 - 1 - 0

194 cm
27
248 lbs
6 - 1 - 0

Good wrestling
Counter striker
Cardio machine

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
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 6 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Caleb Jackson!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Niko Winter!
The judges for this bout are Skip Squint, Hugh Johnson and Eliza Hachem.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Winter bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Jackson's head backwards.
Jackson takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Winter fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Jackson manages to avoid it.
Nice uppercut there from Winter.
Winter lands with a nice body punch.
Jackson shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Winter misses with a wild body shot.
Winter stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Jackson has a takedown stuffed.
Winter lands with an uppercut that bounces Jackson off the cage and back into range.

It looks like Caleb Jackson has been cut.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
A punch combination from Winter misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Winter lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Jackson takes one to the side of the head.
Winter swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Winter scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Jackson doesn't seem bothered though.
Jackson shoots in but Winter avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Jackson gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Winter.
Niko Winter is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
A left lands for Jackson.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Winter dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Winter scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Jackson blocks a jab.
Niko Winter seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Jackson ducks under a wild hook from Winter.
Winter lands with a hook. Jackson tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Jackson steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Winter.
Winter is using his reach advantage to land shots from outside his opponent's range.
Winter misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Winter misses the jab.
Winter scores with a nice right hand.
Winter throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Jackson sees it coming and avoids it easily.
A swing and a miss from Winter.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Winter cracks Jackson with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Winter lands a slapping body shot.
Nice jab there from Winter.
Winter is landing a lot of head punches in this opening round! Jackson had better start moving his head a bit unless he wants his face to turn into pâté.
Jackson shoots for a takedown but Winter saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Caleb Jackson. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Winter throws a lazy right hand but Jackson sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Jackson ducks right into an uppercut from Winter.
Jackson gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Winter throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Winter stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Winter cracks Jackson with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Winter swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Jackson displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Winter throws out the jab.
Winter misses with a combination

and Jackson counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Jackson.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.
Jackson working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Jackson trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!

Jackson drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Winter dives on top into guard.

Jackson is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Winter defends well.

Jackson has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Winter can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Niko Winter dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Caleb Jackson's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Jackson closes this distance looking for a takedown but Winter circles away.
Winter swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Winter comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Winter dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Jackson is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Decent striking displayed by Winter there.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Winter.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Winter keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Winter cracks Jackson with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Winter misses with a straight right.

Jackson closes the distance and pushes Winter back into the cage.
Jackson is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Jackson can't get the takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Caleb Jackson. That's going to take a lot out of him.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Winter.
Jackson is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Winter has a couple of punches blocked by Jackson.
Winter is defending well against a takedown attempt.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Winter gets underhooks to prevent Jackson's takedown attempt.
Jackson tries to score a body lock takedown but Winter shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Winter tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Jackson blocks a body shot from Winter.
Winter lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Jackson or not.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Jackson can't get the takedown.
Jackson wants a takedown but no success here.
A frustrated look appears on Winter's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Winter wants to get back to striking at distance but Jackson won't allow it.
A left hand lands to the body for Winter.
Jackson prevents a body shot from Winter.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Winter tries a body shot but Jackson blocks it.
Winter swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Winter working aggressively here.
Winter throws a punch but it's blocked by Jackson.
Jackson blocking some punches.
Winter tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Jackson's elbow.
Winter is trying to break free.
Jackson prevents a body shot from Winter.
Winter misses with a punch on the inside.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Jackson.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Winter fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
A frustrated look appears on Winter's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Jackson tries for a takedown but Winter manages to get underhooks.
Jackson prevents a body shot from Winter.
Jackson has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Winter avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Winter lands a left hand that snaps the head of Jackson backwards.
A right hand to the body from Winter.
Winter has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Winter fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Jackson looking for a takedown.
Winter wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Jackson has him pressed against the cage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Niko Winter showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Caleb Jackson's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Jackson moves to clinch but Winter breaks away
letting Winter counter with a right hand.
Winter misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Jackson.
Jackson looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Jackson slips under a jab from Winter.
Winter tests Jackson's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Jackson tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Winter swivels and escapes.
Jackson shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Winter as he jumps to the side.
Jackson takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Jackson takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Jackson walks into a jab.
Winter scores with the left hand. Jackson knows he should have avoided that one.
Jackson misses with a takedown attempt - Winter sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Caleb Jackson. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Winter lands with a nice body punch.
Winter connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Winter lunges at Jackson with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Jackson's hand.
Winter lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Jackson at a distance.
A jab from Winter does it's job there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Winter scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Winter has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Winter scores with a jab to the body.

Winter drops Jackson with a beautiful combination! Jackson stares up at his opponent, who ushers him back to his feet - Winter is looking for the KO!

Jackson is rocked!
Winter circles and sees the opportunity to plant his feet and throw a really nice straight left hand that drops Jackson to the canvas! Jackson doesn't know where he is but he's trying to survive - Winter keeps piling on the pressure and forces the referee to step in! This one is aaaaaall over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:30 of round 3, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Niko Winter!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
100%

Main event

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Marcelo Alves (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Cj Penn (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Alves
vs
Penn

186 cm
22
190 lbs
5 - 1 - 0

187 cm
27
200 lbs
4 - 4 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

BJJ White Belt
Good low kicks
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the middleweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Marcelo Alves!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Cj Penn!
The judges for this bout are Bruno Hogan, Hugh Johnson and Donatello Bradman.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Penn throws a series of punches but Alves avoids them all with ease.
Penn fails to land with a series of punches.
Alves tries to land a front kick but Penn steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Penn misses with a combination
and Alves connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Alves throws a shot to the body.
Alves throws a right and a left that Penn avoids nicely.
No luck for Alves with that takedown attempt.
Penn waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Alves.
Alves fails with a takedown attempt.
Penn throws a shot from downtown. Alves moves away and avoids it.
Alves throws the left hand but Penn avoids the punch easily.
Penn throws a jab but it's blocked by Alves.
Sloppy strikes from Penn. Those never looked like landing.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Penn throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Penn feints and then cracks Alves's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Alves down.
Penn swinging wildly here.

Alves gets a takedown into half guard.
Penn blocking the ground and pound attempt from Alves.
Alves tries to pass the half guard into mount. Penn knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Alves working the head and body with strikes.
Alves prevents Penn from improving his position.
Alves tries to pass to full mount but Penn defends it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Alves slips a nice elbow through Penn's hands, connecting with Penn's forehead.
Alves passes the guard and advances to mount!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Penn working to try and regain half guard.
Penn wants to hold on but Alves pushes him away.
Alves trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Alves scoring with strikes but Penn is staying in there.
Alves with the ground and pound from mount.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Alves trying to control but Penn is having none of it.
Penn is bucking up trying to escape but Alves cracks him with another couple of good strikes.

Alves working to secure an arm triangle but it's not happening for him just yet.

Alves goes for an armbar but Penn turns quickly into his guard - lovely anticipation from Penn.

The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Alves escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Penn gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Alves has his foot on Penn's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Penn works his way back into a safe position though.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Alves is trying to control the position but Penn postures up.

Alves wriggles free and stands up.
Alves fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Penn has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Alves throws a nice inside leg kick.
Alves fails to land the takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Marcelo Alves. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Alves throws a low kick but Penn avoids it.
Penn misses with an uppercut
and Alves counters with an outside leg kick.
Penn swings widly with a right hand
and Alves counters with a leg kick.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Penn digs a good body shot into Alves's ribs.
The crowd cheers as Penn lands an impressive looking overhand right. Alves doesn't seem phased though.
Penn tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Alves is able to avoid easily.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Marcelo Alves 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.

Alves scores with a sloppy right hand. Penn should have avoided that one.
Penn misses with a leg kick.
Penn slips a jab from Alves.
Penn misses with a looping left.
Penn throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Alves.
Penn steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Alves.
Alves avoids a punch combination nicely.
Alves looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Penn slaps away a takedown attempt from Alves, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Alves throws a hook but Penn blocks it.
Penn just misses with a punch to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Penn swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Cj Penn is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Alves throws a shot to the body.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Alves checks a leg kick.
Alves cracks Penn with a good jab.
Some bone on bone action there as Alves checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Penn misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Alves.
Penn goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.

It looks like Marcelo Alves has been cut.
Penn throws a body punch but Alves moves out of range.
Alves throws a right hand that Penn ducks under and follows up with a left that Penn also avoids with ease.
Alves thows a left - swing and a miss!
Penn misses with a telegraphed body shot
and Alves connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Alves swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Penn on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Penn throws a hard body shot but it just misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Alves scores with a jab. Penn acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Penn throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Alves scores with a hook to the body. Penn takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Penn swings away with a body shot that misses
and Alves counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Penn misses with a jab, cross combination.
Penn is breathing heavily.
Alves is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Penn.
Penn misses with a low kick.
A big right from Alves misses.
Alves with a jab.
Alves lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Cj Penn seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
No joy there for Penn, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Penn scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Alves is looking to land body kicks.
Alves connects with a solid leg kick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Penn lands with a nice combination. Alves backs away looking to recover.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Alves.
Penn taking punishment in the form of punches.
Alves grinds an elbow into Penn's temple.
Penn takes an elbow right on the bridge of the nose and winces in pain.
Alves in side control here. He's dropped a big elbow there and Penn looks hurt! Oh, he is hurt! Alves turns on the heat and pounds him out for a TKO victory! Good killer instinct there!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:53 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Marcelo Alves!
Marcelo Alves is the new middleweight champion!
During a confident post fight interview, Marcelo Alves thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.