DPEF-1 Re-Vamped PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Court Meyers (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Jacory Kato (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Jacory Kato has the power to score a knockout today if he connects clean with Court Meyers's chin.

Meyers
vs
Kato

184 cm
25
145 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

180 cm
23
135 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

Good takedowns
Brawler
Very quick

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Court Meyers!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Jacory Kato!
The judges for this bout are David Schapiro, Lou da Vinci and Joseph Jones.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Nice sprawl there from Meyers as Kato shoots in.
Kato tries for a takedown but Meyers sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Kato tries for a takedown but Meyers circles away easily

and Meyers counters with a shoot takedown. Kato fights it but they end up in guard.
Court Meyers has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jacory Kato.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
Meyers working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Kato's head.
Meyers throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Kato works some decent striking defense from the bottom.

Kato uses the cage to get back to his feet.
Meyers lands a two punch combo.

It looks like Jacory Kato has been cut.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Meyers's corner calls for a 1-2. Meyers obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Kato changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Meyers tries to avoid it but Kato manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Meyers to the ground. Meyers escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.

Meyers bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
Meyers in side control lands a decent elbow.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Meyers working the ground and pound but he's contacting the mat, not the fighter.
Meyers creates a bit of distance and throws down some hard shots.
Kato can't do much from the bottom here.
Meyers is chipping away with strikes.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Meyers is chipping away with strikes.
Kato wants to control but Meyers postures up.
Meyers scoring with punches and elbows.
Meyers tries to land with some ground and pound but misses.
Meyers landing strikes.
Meyers has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.

Kato throws his opponent off and manages to get back to his feet! Nicely done!
Kato fails with the takedown
and Meyers cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Kato misses with a takedown attempt
and Meyers counters with a left and a right that stings Kato.
Kato looks gassed!

Meyers has managed to clinch.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Kato letting Meyers take a breather here.
Meyers prevents the takedown attempt.
Meyers lands an uppercut.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Meyers manages to break the clinch.
Meyers throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Meyers is looking to clinch.

Meyers shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Oh and he's advanced to full mount straight away.
Kato taking shots to the head.
Meyers landing strikes from the mount.
Meyers avoids the attempt from Kato to control.
Meyers lands a big elbow.
Meyers throws some wild stikes that Kato manages to avoid easily.
Kato wants to control but Meyers is having none of it.
Meyers lands a shot to the body, followed up by a shot to the exposed head of his trapped opponent.
Meyers landing shots from mount.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Meyers throwing sloppy strikes here. Perhaps if he tightened up his striking from such a dominant position, he'd be able to finish easier.
Kato wants to hold on but Meyers pushes him away.
BOOM! Meyers connects with a massive shot to the dome!
Meyers landing strikes from the mount and Kato is in trouble!
Kato is in all sorts of trouble here.
Meyers throws some wild stikes that Kato manages to avoid easily.
Meyers raining down shots from the mount!
Meyers postures up and cracks his opponent a couple of times before moving back into close ground control. Kato looks a forlorn figure.
Kato just holding on.
Meyers unloads with some shots from mount but Kato bucks and avoids them well.
Meyers lands a nice shot to the head.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Meyers prevents Kato from getting the reversal.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Meyers connects with a couple of good shots from mount.
Meyers lands with some vicious ground and pound - can Kato hang on?
Meyers scores with a couple of good head shots there.
Meyers dominating with strikes here.
Meyers with the ground and pound from mount.
Meyers looking to finish with strikes here!
Kato is desperately trying to improve his position but Meyers has a good base and remains in mount.
Meyers looking to ground and pound his opponent to a finish here.
Kato tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Meyers cracks Kato with a nasty head shot there - the crowd let out an audible gasp there, as the noise reverberated around the arena.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Meyers working Kato over with strikes here.
Meyers lands with some vicious ground and pound - can Kato hang on?
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Court Meyers dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Jacory Kato's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Meyers scores with a one two! Kato had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.

Kato is rocked!

Meyers moves into the clinch.
Kato is still on wobbly legs! Can Meyers finish him?
Kato can't get the takedown.
Meyers looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Kato seems to have recovered his senses.

Meyers pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Kato looks for a takedown but Meyers sprawls well.
Nice takedown defense from Meyers. No joy for Kato on that attempt.
Court Meyers has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jacory Kato.
Kato shoots in for a takedown but Meyers shows good takedown defense.
Kato misses with a takedown
and Meyers counters with a two punch combo.
Meyers misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Meyers connects with the punch.

That has opened up Jacory Kato's cut even more.
Kato is trying desperately to land a takedown but Meyers is having absolutely none of it. This is turning into a bit of a nightmare for Kato.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kato shoots and misses
and Meyers counters with a three punch combo that has Kato backing up. Kato nods at Meyers to acknowledge the strikes.
Kato is breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kato fails with a takedown attempt.
Kato will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Kato misses with a takedown
and Meyers counters with a one-two to the body.
Meyers tries a low kick but Kato avoids it.
Meyers tries to clinch but Kato is having none of it.
Kato fails with the takedown.
Kato keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
A right-left combo lands from Meyers.
Meyers really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.

Meyers shoots in and bounces Kato off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Meyers chips away with some ground and pound.
Kato utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
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!

Kato is looking for a triangle but Meyers pushes his legs off easily.
Kato wants to stand up but Meyers is controlling him.
Court Meyers overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Meyers keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Kato's head.
Meyers throws a big right hand that misses.
Meyers throwing strikes from guard but Kato blocks nicely.
Meyers won't allow Kato to get back to his feet.
Meyers working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Meyers cracks Kato with a solid left hand.
Meyers throws a big right hand that misses.
Meyers scoring with some ground and pound.
Meyers working some strikes from top position.
Meyers loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Kato working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Meyers.
Kato avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Kato avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Meyers with a flurry of punches that miss.
Kato striking off his back but it's not causing Meyers any problems.
Meyers cracks Kato with a solid left hand.
Meyers working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Kato's head.

Kato looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Meyers throwing strikes from guard but Kato blocks nicely.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Meyers landing with the ground and pound.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Kato is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Meyers distracts Kato with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Kato is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Kato preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Meyers postures up in Kato's guard and throws a big left but Kato blocks it.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Meyers missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Kato avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Meyers is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Kato can do to turn this around?

Kato had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Meyers defends it easily.
Kato avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Court Meyers dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Jacory Kato's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!

Meyers closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
Kato dodges the ground and pound from Meyers.
Meyers landing with strikes to the head and body from side control.
Kato on the wrong end of some ground and pound.
Kato wants to get back to his feet but Meyers drags him back down.
Meyers throwing strikes but Kato manages to buck up and roll into a nice reversal - now he's on top in side control!

Kato tries for a kimura but Meyers is defending well.

Kato working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Kato in side control lands a nice looking series of punches and elbows.
Kato takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Meyers throws his opponent off and manages to get back to his feet! Nicely done!
Kato shoots in but no luck this time.
Meyers shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Meyers moves in looking to clinch but Kato pushes him off.
Kato throws a lazy body kick
and Meyers counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Meyers stuffs the takedown attempt from Kato. Kato gets slowly back to his feet.
Meyers lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
Kato shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Meyers sprawls well. Meyers wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Kato gets slowly back to his feet.
Court Meyers has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jacory Kato.
Meyers scores with a nice one two combo and darts back out of range to avoid anything coming in the opposite direction.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Meyers is defended easily by Kato.
Kato dives in and grabs Meyers's left leg, looking for a takedown. Meyers pushes down on Kato's head and hops out.
Meyers tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in the close the distance. Kato manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.

Kato looking to score a takedown here. Meyers is defending well but Kato drives through and ends up in Meyers's guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Kato prevents Meyers from getting back to his feet.

Kato drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Meyers manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Kato has Meyers in his guard.
Meyers postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Meyers postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Meyers throws a big elbow that misses.
Meyers with a flurry of punches that miss.
Meyers working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.

Kato is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Meyers defends well.
Meyers missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Meyers trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Meyers's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Meyers throwing strikes but missing.
Meyers throws a strike but Kato rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kato throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Meyers works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Jacory Kato has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Meyers wants to stand up but Kato is controlling him.
Kato works a leg free and moves into half guard.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Meyers is looking to escape.
Kato looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Meyers with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Court Meyers is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Kato missing with the ground and pound from half guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
Court Meyers showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Meyers 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 David Schapiro scores the fight 30:27
Judge Lou da Vinci scores the fight 30:27
Judge Joseph Jones scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Court Meyers!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
98%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Tiberio Celentano (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Zoey Malone (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Celentano comes to the cage accompanied by The Godfather Theme Song. Malone is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: Boy Named Sue - Johnny Cash. Fingers crossed for an exciting fight - I'm sure both fighters are looking for a nice under the table bonus!

Celentano
vs
Malone

194 cm
20
219 lbs
4 - 5 - 0

189 cm
24
218 lbs
2 - 2 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Solid boxing
Very quick

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Granite chin

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 - 5 - 0, fighting out of New York, Tiberio Celentano!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Zoey Malone!
The judges for this bout are Joseph Jones, Lou da Vinci and Alyssa Summers.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Malone throws a lazy right hand but Celentano sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.

Malone closes the distance and clinches.
Celentano drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Malone gets the underhooks and prevents it.
With the fighters up against the cage, Malone throws an elbow but misses.
Celentano has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Celentano tries to pull guard but Malone forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Malone just leaning against Celentano, taking a breather.
Malone misses with an elbow over the top.
Celentano can't break the clinch.
Celentano blocks the elbow strike.
Malone misses with a punch on the inside.
Celentano is trying to break the clinch but Malone is controlling him.
Celentano managing to block the knees to the body from Malone.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Malone using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Malone stalling the fight.
Malone lands a nice knee to the body.
A left hand lands to the body for Malone.
Malone is stalling here.
Malone lands an elbow inside that Celentano shrugs off.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
Malone is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Malone just misses with a elbow thrown towards Celentano's brow.
Celentano managing to block the knees to the body from Malone.
Malone with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Malone comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Malone is leaning against Celentano and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Malone throws an elbow that misses.
Celentano wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Malone has him pressed against the cage.
Malone stops a takedown attempt from Celentano.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Tiberio Celentano. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Celentano blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
The referee is keeping an eye on Malone - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
Malone lands an elbow inside that Celentano shrugs off.
Malone displaying some good clinch control by pressing Celentano up against the cage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Celentano takes an elbow to the forehead.
Celentano takes an elbow to the temple.

It looks like Tiberio Celentano has been cut.
Celentano avoids the elbow strike from Malone, against the cage.
Celentano is looking for a takedown.
Malone comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Malone.
Malone lands an elbow inside.
Malone throws an elbow but it's blocked.

Malone breaks the clinch.
Celentano misses with the combination.
Malone thumps Celentano with a low kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Celentano misses with a double jab

and Malone counters with a nice double leg into side control. Celentano won't be happy with that.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
Celentano tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Malone in side control, just content to control the action for now.
Malone looking to control but instead Celentano has slipped a leg in, to regain half guard.
Malone really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Celentano. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Celentano wants to get back to his feet.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Zoey Malone dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Tiberio Celentano's cut.
That's time! Back to the action!

Malone slips a jab and a cross from Celentano.

Malone moves into the clinch.
Malone misses with an elbow strike.
Malone misses with an elbow strike.
Malone pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the cage.
Malone keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Celentano's efforts to push away.
Malone tries to land knees in the clinch but Celentano avoids the damage to the body.
Celentano avoids the elbow strike from Malone, against the cage.
Celentano wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Malone lands a nice elbow.
Malone throws an elbow but it misses.
Celentano wants to take the fight to the mat but Malone manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Malone lands an elbow inside.
Malone with an attempt at a knee that misses.

Malone's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
No joy there for Celentano, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Celentano throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped

and Malone counters by moving into the clinch.
Malone dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.
Malone lands an elbow inside.
Celentano is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Malone pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Malone misses with a punch on the inside.
Malone creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Celentano's defenses.
Malone looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Celentano is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Malone pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the cage.
Malone throws an elbow that misses.
Malone lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Malone throws an elbow that misses.
Malone tries to work over Celentano's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Malone throws an elbow that misses.
Malone misses with an elbow strike.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Celentano is looking to take this one to the mat.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Tiberio Celentano. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Celentano avoids a wild elbow strike from Malone.
Celentano blocks an elbow strike.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Malone misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Celentano.
Celentano dodges an elbow strike from Malone.
Malone has Celentano pressed against the cage, preventing Celentano from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Celentano takes an elbow to the forehead.
Malone pushes off an throws an elbow but Celentano leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
Celentano is trying to break free.
Zoey Malone seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Malone doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Malone throws an elbow but it's blocked.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Malone just misses with a elbow thrown towards Celentano's brow.
Celentano blocks the elbow strike.
Malone stalling in the clinch.
Celentano avoids the elbow strike from Malone, against the cage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Celentano blocking some punches.
Stalling in the clinch from Malone.
Malone pushes off an throws an elbow but Celentano leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
Malone misses with a knee strike.
Malone tries to throw a body punch but Celentano avoids it by throwing Malone back against the cage.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Malone avoiding damage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Zoey Malone showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Tiberio Celentano's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Celentano blocks a jab.
Malone has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Celentano throws a nice outside leg kick.
Malone throws a body kick that misses.

Malone dives in and scores a takedown into Celentano's guard.

Malone got a little sloppy there for a moment and Celentano has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Malone has managed to get both his arms back between Celentano's legs - danger averted.
Malone wants to control from the top but Celentano keeps moving.
Celentano working a defensive guard here.
Celentano wants to stand and escape but Malone is having none of it.

Celentano is edging up against the cage. He's using the cage to get back to his feet. Nice work there - the fighters are clinched.
Malone unloads a knee to the mid-section.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Malone will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Celentano up against the cage.
Celentano avoids the elbow strike from Malone, against the cage.
Malone has Celentano pressed against the cage.
Celentano avoids a wild elbow strike from Malone.
Celentano drops down looking for an ankle pick but Malone pulls his leg out and moves away.
Celentano misses with a combination
and Malone counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Celentano thinking.

Malone darts in and clinches Celentano up against the cage.
Malone lands a nice elbow.
Celentano being controlled against the cage.
Tiberio Celentano has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Malone missing with knees to the body.

Celentano escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Celentano checks a low kick from Malone.
Celentano connects with a right hand. Malone shakes it off.
Malone is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Celentano.
Celentano is looking to score with low kicks.
Malone moves out of range of the strikes.

Malone has taken the fight to the clinch.
Malone avoiding damage.
Malone lands an elbow inside that Celentano shrugs off.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Malone stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
Malone is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Malone stalling in the clinch.
Malone lands an elbow just above Celentano 's eye.
Malone swings wildly with an uppercut but Celentano uses good head movement to avoid it.
Celentano wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Malone is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Celentano is trying to push Malone away but Malone has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Malone misses with an elbow over the top.
Malone is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Celentano is defending well for now.
Zoey Malone is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Malone is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Celentano is defending well for now.
Malone just leaning against Celentano, taking a breather.

Celentano breaks from the clinch.
Celentano just misses with a punch to the body.
Malone on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Malone uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Celentano.
Celentano throws a jab when Malone was well out of range.
Malone scores with a jab to the jaw.
Celentano misses with a two punch combination.
Celentano feints a jab promting Malone to slip. Celentano then demonstrates his capabilities by jabbing again. Malone slips again and ducks right into an uppercut.

It looks like Zoey Malone 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!

Malone clinches up against the cage.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Malone's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.
The crowd are getting on Malone's back here. They're not happy about his lack of aggression in the clinch.

And that's the end of the fight!
Zoey Malone comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Malone winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Joseph Jones scores the fight 27:30
Judge Lou da Vinci scores the fight 27:30
Judge Alyssa Summers scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Zoey Malone!
A relieved looking Zoey Malone thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
66%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between David Amod (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Raleigh Theodore Sakers (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Amod comes to the cage accompanied by Eye Of The Tiger- Rocky IIII. David Amod could well score a knockout today. He has the power to get to Raleigh Theodore Sakers's chin.

Amod
vs
Theodore Sakers

218 cm
24
284 lbs
3 - 3 - 0

222 cm
20
300 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
Big heart

Good wrestler
Decent boxing
Determined

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 3 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, David Amod!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Raleigh Theodore Sakers!
The judges for this bout are Jonathan Paton, Russell Pearce and Dean Styles.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Amod misses with a few strikes there.

Sakers gets the takedown into side control.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.
Sakers works a knee to the body and follows up with a nice elbow to the head.
Sakers lands a decent elbow from side control.
Sakers lands an elbow.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Sakers working the head and body with strikes.
Sakers scoring with punches and elbows.
Amod takes an elbow right on the bridge of the nose and winces in pain.
Amod is looking to regain half guard here but Sakers keeps moving and retains side control.
Amod is breathing heavily.
Sakers landing with strikes to the head and body from side control.

Amod is rocked!
Sakers cracks Amod with a big elbow. Oh, he's hurt! Sakers immediately mounts and start dropping bombs! Amod is done! The referee jumps in and saves him from any more punishment - a quick and decisive finish by Sakers!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:58 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Raleigh Theodore Sakers!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
90%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Takeshita Otsuma (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Fubar Pogue (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Pogue has chosen Deadmau5 - Ghosts n Stuff as his entrance music. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Otsuma
vs
Pogue

198 cm
20
155 lbs
3 - 3 - 1

167 cm
21
155 lbs
3 - 2 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
Experienced

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Granite chin

Broken Halo Pride Nutrition

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 3 - 3 - 1, fighting out of Tokyo, Takeshita Otsuma!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 2 - 0, fighting out of London, Fubar Pogue!
The judges for this bout are Jonathan Paton, Steve Montenegro and Reed Andrews.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Pogue fails in his attempt to clinch.
Otsuma throws a right and a left that Pogue avoids nicely.

Otsuma has taken the fight to the clinch.
Pogue is leaning against Otsuma and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Pogue lands a knee to the body.
Otsuma really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Otsuma has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Pogue avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Pogue stalling the fight.
Pogue landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Otsuma is breathing heavily.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Knees to the body from Pogue.
Knees to the body from Pogue.

Pogue pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Otsuma circles away from the clinch attempt.
Pogue moves in looking to clinch but Otsuma pushes him off.
Otsuma circles away from the clinch attempt.
Pogue shoots in and drives through. Otsuma sprawls well.
Pogue tries to clinch there but Otsuma circles away.
Otsuma avoids the clinch attempt nicely.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Pogue gets a clinch.
Otsuma wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Pogue tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Otsuma takes a knee right on the jaw!
Pogue lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Pogue throws a knee to the head but misses.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Pogue.

Pogue gets a nice trip takedown into half guard.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.

Pogue gets to his feet - back to striking we go!

Pogue moves into range and clinches up with Otsuma.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Pogue changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Otsuma fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Horrible takedown by Otsuma or perhaps it was just good defense by Pogue which made him look bad.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Pogue throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Otsuma was covering up waiting for the punch and Pogue finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Pogue advances position into side control!
Pogue working away.

Pogue is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Otsuma has escaped the position, nice work there.
Pogue gets to mount! Otsuma was on the offensive and wasn't defending properly.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Pogue with some aggressive grappling here. He's looking for submissions here, rather than waiting for the opportunity to counter.
Otsuma wants to control but Pogue is having none of it.
Otsuma really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
Otsuma is working hard here to advance position.

Pogue with some aggressive grappling here. He's looking for submissions here, rather than waiting for the opportunity to counter.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Otsuma tries to get back to half guard but can't.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Pogue controlling the position easily from mount.

Pogue is standing up, even though he is in mount.

Pogue shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Otsuma is trying to maintain the position but Pogue is very close to passing his half guard.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Otsuma is trying to stand.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Pogue prevents Otsuma from improving his position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Fubar Pogue dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Pogue is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Pogue is looking to clinch but Otsuma is avoiding it.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Otsuma is defended easily by Pogue.
Otsuma lands a jab to the head.

Pogue darts in and clinches Otsuma up against the cage.
Pogue works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Otsuma looking to throw knees to the head but Pogue is blocking nicely.
Pogue lands a knee to the head.
Otsuma tries to break the clinch but Pogue is controlling the position.
Otsuma changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Pogue fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Pogue looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into mount! Oh, that's bad for Otsuma!

Pogue stands up from mount. Strange move.
Otsuma misses with an attempted mid kick.
Pogue uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Otsuma.
Pogue closes the distance but Otsuma moves to the side
and Otsuma counters with a stiff right hand.
Pogue fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Otsuma avoids it really well and circles away.
Otsuma throws a looping overhand right but Pogue ducks down to avoid it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Pogue closes the distance and pushes Otsuma back into the cage.
Pogue lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Pogue is looking for a takedown.
Pogue is working Otsuma over against the cage.

Pogue breaks from the clinch.
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!
Pogue wants to clinch up but Otsuma keeps it at a distance.
Otsuma tries to score a power double leg takedown but Pogue sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Otsuma somewhat.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Takeshita Otsuma. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Otsuma takes the fight into the clinch.
Pogue landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
A right hand to the body from Pogue.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A shot in the inside from Pogue.
Pogue wants a takedown.
Pogue working Otsuma over with knees to the body.
Pogue stalling in the clinch but Otsuma improves position.
A left hand lands to the body for Pogue.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Pogue.
Pogue utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Pogue has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Pogue stalling.
Pogue has Otsuma pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Otsuma manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.

Pogue gets the body lock takedown. After a quick scramble, Otsuma regains guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Pogue tries to free his leg and advance position but Otsuma is retaining full guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Otsuma looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Pogue would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.
Otsuma will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Pogue decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Otsuma, up you get!
Pogue doesn't manage to clinch there - Otsuma circles away.
Nice sprawl there from Pogue as Otsuma shoots in.

Pogue gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Pogue throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Pogue lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Otsuma backwards.
Pogue stops a takedown attempt from Otsuma.
Pogue lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Pogue lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!

Otsuma is rocked!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Pogue has picked Otsuma up - he's going for a ride! Pogue dumps his opponent to the mat with a thud and settles into half guard.
Oh Otsuma is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!

Pogue stands up and beckons Otsuma to join him on the feet.
Otsuma with a poor takedown

and Pogue counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Pogue.

Pogue's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Fubar Pogue showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! This is the final round!

Pogue shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Otsuma defends it nicely.
Otsuma seems to have got his legs back now.
Otsuma avoids the clinch attempt nicely.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Pogue landing knees to the head.
Pogue working Otsuma over with knees to the body.
Pogue can't get the takedown.
Pogue lands a hook to the side of the head.
Otsuma is looking to break free of the clinch but Pogue has double underhooks.
Otsuma has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Pogue avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Come on Pogue - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Otsuma taking a breather.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Otsuma is trying to force a seperation but Pogue has the dominant position.
Otsuma is trying to break free.
Pogue lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Pogue landing knees to the body.
Pogue unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Knees to the body from Pogue.
Pogue with a knee to the head.
Pogue lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Pogue lands a knee to the body.
Pogue lands a body shot in the clinch.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Pogue landing knees to the body.
Pogue landing knees to the body.

Pogue has double underhooks and is working for a body lock takedown. He's got it. The fighters land in half guard but Otsuma regains guard immediately.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Pogue has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Otsuma is proving hard to escape from.
Otsuma 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.
Pogue must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.

Pogue gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
Pogue wants to clinch up but Otsuma keeps it at a distance.
Pogue looks to clinch

and Otsuma counters by clinching up.
Pogue with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Pogue slowing the pace effectively.
Pogue working Otsuma over with knees to the body.
Pogue with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Otsuma is trying to maintain a safe position but Pogue gets an underhook and turns Otsuma into the cage.
Otsuma wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Pogue throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Pogue crunches a lovely knee into Otsuma's ribcage.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Pogue.
Pogue scores with a shoulder strike.
Pogue scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Pogue makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.

Pogue is trying to trip Otsuma. He has hold of a leg but Otsuma is hopping around, keeping his balance for the moment. Pogue persists though and gets the takedown into guard.
Pogue would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.
Fubar Pogue is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

Otsuma had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Pogue defends it easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Pogue decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.
Otsuma leaves Pogue with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Takeshita Otsuma has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Fubar Pogue.
Otsuma fails to land the takedown.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Pogue is looking to clinch.
Takeshita Otsuma has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Pogue is looking to take this fight into the clinch.

And that's the end of the fight!
Fubar Pogue comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Pogue 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 Jonathan Paton scores the fight 27:30
Judge Steve Montenegro scores the fight 27:30
Judge Reed Andrews scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Fubar Pogue!
Fubar Pogue bigged himself up after the win. The crowd seemed to love it.

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 middleweight MMA rules bout between Franklin Diggins (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Rory Lyons (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Diggins comes into the arena with Bonfire blaring out of the sound system. Buckle up people - heeeeeeeeeere we go!

Diggins
vs
Lyons

198 cm
20
193 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

192 cm
20
198 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

Decent wrestler
Excellent MT
Very strong

Powerful takedowns
Decent boxing
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 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of New York, Franklin Diggins!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Rory Lyons!
The judges for this bout are Reed Andrews, Steve Montenegro and Columbo Gatti.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A telegraphed right hand from Lyons misses the target.

Diggins gets caught flat footed, as Lyons shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Lyons's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Lyons wants to control from the top but Diggins keeps moving.
Lyons throwing strikes from guard but Diggins blocks nicely.
Lyons's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Diggins 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.
Lyons being controlled here momentarily.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!

The ref stands the fighters back up. Rory Lyons was stalling too much, according to the referee.

Diggins drives through and clinches with Lyons against the cage.
Lyons swings away with an uppercut that misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Lyons turns his back and goes for a hip toss. It's a bit messy but it gets the job done and Lyons manages to end up in side control.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Diggins is looking to reverse the position.
Diggins is trying to get back to his feet.

Lyons is trying to get an arm triangle but Diggins is defending well.

Lyons thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.

Lyons is trying to get an arm triangle but Diggins is defending well.
Diggins knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Lyons on the ground.
Diggins is trying to stand back up. He's worked his way up against the cage but Lyons has just dragged him back down to the mat.
What's Diggins going to do here then? He's in a bit of a pickle.
Diggins can't do much from the bottom here.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Lyons tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Lyons has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Diggins is not content to let Lyons control the position.
Diggins is looking to regain half guard here but Lyons keeps moving and retains side control.
Lyons working the head and body with strikes.
Lyons is looking to take a break and control but Diggins is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Diggins avoids any damage from the ground and pound of Lyons.
Diggins can't do much from the bottom here.

Lyons is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Diggins has escaped the position, nice work there.
Lyons content to control the pace. The referee will try and keep them active though.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Lyons working the ground and pound but Diggins is defending the strikes.
Diggins is not in a great position here, taking some shots.
Diggins is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Lyons scoring with punches and elbows.
Diggins pushes Lyons away and creates a bit of space to escape. He's almost out here... but no, Lyons gets a good hold of his legs and remains firmly in side control.
Diggins is looking to reverse the position.
Lyons wants to lay and pray for a moment but Diggins keeps working.

Lyons wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Diggins, who protects the arm well.

Lyons has an Americana. Diggins didn't react quickly enough there and he's in big trouble now! He tries to squirm out but is forced to tap! Lyons is delighted and gyrates in front of the ring girls. They seem to like the attention - it'll be interesting to see if Lyons hooks up with any of them at the after show party.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:57 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Americana). Rory Lyons!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
45%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Ray Dixon (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Nikolay Massilievich Ii (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). I don't know about you partner, but I'm pumped for this one!

Dixon
vs
Massilievich Ii

190 cm
25
230 lbs
4 - 0 - 0

201 cm
20
285 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

Good takedowns
Counter striker
Cuts easily

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent boxer
Powerful

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 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Ray Dixon!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Nikolay Massilievich Ii!
The judges for this bout are John Kavanagh, Russell Pearce and John Roberts.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Massilievich Ii waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Dixon.
Massilievich Ii tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.

Massilievich Ii gets a clinch.

Massilievich Ii breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Dixon takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.

It looks like Ray Dixon has been cut.
Massilievich Ii's corner calls for a 1-2. Massilievich Ii obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Massilievich Ii tests Dixon's chin there with a solid looking shot.

Dixon is rocked!
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Massilievich Ii lands a nice shot to the body.
Massilievich Ii drops Dixon with a huge uppercut! Dixon drops to the floor like a sack of potatoes. Massilievich Ii is raining down punches and the ref stops the fight! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:54 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Nikolay Massilievich Ii!
Our winner, Nikolay Massilievich Ii, made sure he spent some time buttering up the crowd during his post fight interview, which will no doubt bring him a few more fans.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
61%

Main event

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Rafael Santa Cruz (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Demien Maia (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Santa Cruz's entrance music is 50 cent P.I.M.P. A fine choice. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Santa Cruz
vs
Maia

180 cm
20
175 lbs
3 - 2 - 0

183 cm
27
178 lbs
6 - 4 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Good knees
Granite chin

Good takedowns
Counter striker
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the welterweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 2 - 0, fighting out of New York, Rafael Santa Cruz!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Demien Maia!
The judges for this bout are Columbo Gatti, Alyssa Summers and John Kavanagh.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Santa Cruz misses with a series of wild punches.
Maia shoots in for a double leg but Santa Cruz sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Maia gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
enabling Santa Cruz to counter with a crisp jab.
Santa Cruz misses with a jab, cross combination.
Maia with a poor takedown
and Santa Cruz counters with a good, hard body kick but Maia shrugs it off.
Rafael Santa Cruz has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Demien Maia.
Maia shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Santa Cruz defends it nicely.
Maia looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Santa Cruz is fending him off so far but Maia persists. Nope, Santa Cruz circles away and we're back to standing.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Maia with a lazy takedown attempt
and Santa Cruz counters with a good low kick that Maia was not able to check.
Santa Cruz throws a series of punches but Maia avoids them all with ease.
Santa Cruz lands a body shot.
Maia has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Santa Cruz.
Santa Cruz looks to land a combination but Maia avoids it well.
Santa Cruz lands with a slapping head kick.
Santa Cruz swinging wildly here.
Santa Cruz throws a quick inside leg kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Santa Cruz dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Maia. That did some damage!
Good leg kick by Santa Cruz there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Maia tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Santa Cruz swivels and escapes.
Santa Cruz throws a right hand that Maia ducks under and follows up with a left that Maia also avoids with ease.
Santa Cruz misses with the combination.
Santa Cruz lands a two punch combo.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Santa Cruz scores with a one two! Maia had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
Maia misses with a takedown attempt
and Santa Cruz counters with a nice low kick that buckles Maia's knee momentarily.
Santa Cruz goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Maia shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Santa Cruz counters with a three punch combo that has Maia backing up. Maia nods at Santa Cruz to acknowledge the strikes.
Maia looks gassed!
Santa Cruz scores with a hook.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Santa Cruz looks to land a combination. Maia sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
Santa Cruz connects with a good straight punch right through the guard and follows up with a right hook and a left hook! That last one sent Maia tumbling to the canvas! Santa Cruz pours on the pressure with more strikes and the referee has no hesitation diving in to stop the fight! Maia was done - good stoppage!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:57 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Punches). Rafael Santa Cruz!
Rafael Santa Cruz is the new welterweight champion!
Rafael Santa Cruz decided to call for a title shot in his post fight interview, which was very strange given the fact this fight was for a title and he's already the champion. I guess that's what getting punched in the head does for you.