Bellum 54: Simpson Vs Houle 2 PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Demetrious Johnson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Tshering Wangchuck (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Wangchuck comes into a darkened arena with his song building. Rapa - Rang Sem Kar Ga Mikar kicks in, the lights come on and the crowd goes wild! What a showman! We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Johnson
vs
Wangchuck

209 cm
20
300 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

197 cm
20
290 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid boxing
Cuts easily

BJJ White Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Granite chin

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 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Demetrious Johnson!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Tshering Wangchuck!
The judges for this bout are Frank Antenori, Jack Bonds and Timothy Bukovac.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Wangchuck throws a head kick but Johnson moves out of range.

Wangchuck clinches.
Wangchuck lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.

It looks like Demetrious Johnson has been cut.
Wangchuck is struggling to control the position.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Wangchuck.
Johnson fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Wangchuck effectively controlling the action here.
Wangchuck tries to throw a body punch but Johnson avoids it by throwing Wangchuck back against the cage.
Wangchuck scores with an uppercut up the middle.

Demetrious Johnson's cut is bleeding quite badly. He's got to try and protect it.
Wangchuck lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.

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

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:47 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Cut). Tshering Wangchuck!
An out of breath Tshering Wangchuck thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
57%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Adrian Blackwell (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Chael Sonnen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Adrian Blackwell has the edge in experience - let's see if he can make that count tonight.

Blackwell
vs
Sonnen

210 cm
26
196 lbs
2 - 2 - 0

186 cm
25
193 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

Good takedowns
Brawler
Good in bed

Decent wrestler
Basic striking
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Adrian Blackwell!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Chael Sonnen!
The judges for this bout are Jack Bonds, and Don Winkell.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Blackwell misses with a kick to the body.
Blackwell misses with a jab, cross combination.
Sonnen dodges the punch combination from Blackwell.

Blackwell gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
Sonnen wants to pass the guard but Blackwell is keeping the position.
Sonnen lands a couple of digs.

Blackwell escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Sonnen gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.

Blackwell looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Sonnen throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.

Blackwell throws his legs up looking for a submission but Sonnen uses it to pass to side control.
Blackwell tries to improve position but can't.
Sonnen working the ground and pound.
Blackwell is trying to get back to half guard.
Blackwell manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sonnen keeping control of the leg, stopping his opponent passing to mount.
Sonnen wants to improve his position but Blackwell is controlling well.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Blackwell is working for a submission of some sort.

Blackwell is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Sonnen controlling the leg, holding on to half guard.
Sonnen is looking for a sweep. Blackwell is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Blackwell wants to work for an arm triangle but Sonnen is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Sonnen really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Blackwell. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Sonnen wants to improve his position but Blackwell is controlling well.

Blackwell is trying to work for a kimura but Sonnen is defending well.

Blackwell is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.

Blackwell seems to be working for a kimura but Sonnen defends the submission attempt.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Blackwell is breathing heavily.
Blackwell looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Sonnen keeps control of the position for the meantime.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Blackwell is working for a submission of some sort.
Sonnen is concentrating on defense, preventing Blackwell from advancing position.
Sonnen has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Blackwell is working away from the top position though.

Blackwell looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
Sonnen holds on for dear life, maintaining half guard for now.

Blackwell is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sonnen controlling the position well.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Chael Sonnen was stalling too much, according to the referee.
Blackwell throws a head kick that misses.
Blackwell fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Blackwell misses with a low kick.

Sonnen manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Blackwell on his heels. He'll look to pass Blackwell's guard now, I'm sure.
Sonnen working some strikes from top position.

Blackwell has his foot on Sonnen's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Sonnen works his way back into a safe position though.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Blackwell is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.

Blackwell has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Sonnen can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Sonnen not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Adrian Blackwell will probably get the nod.
That's time! Back to the action!

Sonnen manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Blackwell on his heels. He'll look to pass Blackwell's guard now, I'm sure.

Sonnen got a little sloppy there for a moment and Blackwell has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Sonnen has managed to get both his arms back between Blackwell's legs - danger averted.

Sonnen avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Blackwell really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Sonnen's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Sonnen with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Sonnen pushing down on Blackwell's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Blackwell taking some punishment here, with Sonnen in his half guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Sonnen with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.

Blackwell is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Sonnen pulls his head out easily.
Blackwell has hold of Sonnen's hands but Sonnen slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
Sonnen moves nicely into side control.
Blackwell is trying to improve his position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sonnen lands a knee to the body and a forearm to the face.
Sonnen scores with a couple of nice shots to the head there. The referee takes a look at Blackwell to see if he's OK.
Blackwell takes a nasty elbow to the side of the head.
Sonnen is working Blackwell over with some ground and pound from side control.
Sonnen scores with a couple of nice shots to the head there. The referee takes a look at Blackwell to see if he's OK.
Blackwell sneaks back into half guard.
Well, if Sonnen is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait.

Blackwell actively working from the bottom here.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Blackwell looking for submissions off his back.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Sonnen in particular looking to stall.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sonnen working Blackwell over with strikes.
Sonnen lands strikes from half guard.

Blackwell looking to force a kimura from the bottom here. He's concentrating on that move too much though and Sonnen pushes past his half guard into mount!
Sonnen postures up and cracks his opponent a couple of times before moving back into close ground control. Blackwell looks a forlorn figure.
Sonnen landing strikes, looking to finish!
Sonnen takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
Sonnen raining down shots from the mount!
Sonnen landing shots from mount.
Sonnen dominating with strikes here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sonnen is landing with some decent strikes but Blackwell is trying to advance his position so the referee is letting the fight continue.

Blackwell is rocked!
Sonnen landing strikes, looking to finish!
Oh Blackwell is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
Sonnen controlling from mount.
BOOM! Sonnen connects with a massive shot to the dome!
Sonnen postures up and lands a whopping elbow - oh that's hurt Blackwell bigstyle! Two more strikes land for Sonnen and the fight is over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:37 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Chael Sonnen!
Chael Sonnen 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
68%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Tommy Fausu (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Rybuc Youllter (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Fausu comes to the cage accompanied by Manu Samoa. Youllter has chosen Never gonna stop- Rob Zombie as his entrance music. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Fausu
vs
Youllter

196 cm
21
267 lbs
3 - 5 - 0

199 cm
25
255 lbs
3 - 2 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent boxer
Experienced

Good takedowns
Brawler
Determined

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 3 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Tommy Fausu!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Rybuc Youllter!
The judges for this bout are Jack Bonds, and Frank Antenori.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Fausu scores with a three punch combo!
Fausu throws a leg kick which misses Youllter's front leg but catches the back leg as Youllter tries to avoid it.
A punch combination from Fausu misses.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Youllter is defended easily by Fausu.
Fausu scores with a leg kick.

Fausu lands a left and a right that send Youllter crashing to the mat, dazed. Fausu thinks about following him to the mat but decides to wave him back up to his feet!

Youllter is rocked!

It looks like Rybuc Youllter 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!
Youllter takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Youllter is still on wobbly legs! Can Fausu finish him?
Youllter misses with a takedown attempt - Fausu sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Youllter seems to have recovered his senses.
Youllter looks gassed!
Fausu scores with a jab to the body.
Fausu throws a nice outside leg kick.
Fausu lands with a right hand.
Fausu closes the distance and lands a vicious right hand that drops Youllter! Fausu dives in looking to finish! Youllter is still trying to defend himself but he's taking too many shots and the referee has no choice but to stop the fight!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:50 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Tommy Fausu!
A victorious Tommy Fausu thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
100%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Kano Shinomori (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Randy Godick (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Godick has chosen Momma said knock you out as his entrance music. Kano Shinomori has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Shinomori
vs
Godick

182 cm
25
212 lbs
4 - 2 - 0

188 cm
22
209 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid boxing
Granite chin

Decent wrestler
Counter striker
Very confident

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 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Kano Shinomori!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Randy Godick!
The judges for this bout are Frank Antenori, Jack Bonds and Timothy Bukovac.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Shinomori feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Godicks jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Shinomori keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Shinomori throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Kano Shinomori seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Shinomori connects with a combination that backs up Godick into the cage. Shinomori lands a flurry of punches that gets past Godick's guard. Godick is down and the referee has seen enough. It is all over! Shinomori bursts into tears - this win obviously means a huge amount to him.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:17 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Kano Shinomori!
A less than humble Kano Shinomori misjudged his post fight interview somewhat and came across a little too arrogant whilst trying to hype up his own abilities.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
56%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Aaron Stone (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Gunnar Jensen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Gunnar Jensen is the more experienced fighter, so let's see if that makes a difference tonight.

Stone
vs
Jensen

198 cm
20
279 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

196 cm
25
245 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter striker
Granite chin

BJJ Purple Belt
Decent boxing
Granite chin

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 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Aaron Stone!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Gunnar Jensen!
The judges for this bout are Timothy Bukovac, and Frank Antenori.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Stone takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Stone takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Jensen dips down and scores with a jab to the body.

Jensen has managed to clinch.
Jensen tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Jensen working aggressively here.
Jensen prevents Stone from breaking the clinch.
Jensen lands on the inside with an uppercut.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Jensen stalling in the clinch but Stone improves position.
The referee is keeping an eye on Jensen - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
A short left from Jensen.
Stone looking to stall.
Stone wants a takedown.
Stone misses with the head strike.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Jensen lands a hook that snaps the head of Stone backwards.
Jensen lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Stone tries to land a knee to the head but Jensen blocks with his arms.
Jensen lands a right hand that snaps the head of Stone backwards.

Jensen has hold of one of Stone's legs. Stone is fighting the takedown attempt but Jensen gets the trip and lands the takedown into guard.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
Jensen is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Jensen wants to control from the top but Stone keeps moving.
Jensen stopping the sweep attempt from Stone.
Jensen wants to control from the top but Stone keeps moving.

The ref stands the fighters back up, due to lack of action by Gunnar Jensen.
Jensen feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Stone's calf.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Jensen lands a glancing blow to the side of Stone's head.
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!
Jensen pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Stone wants to land a leg kick but Jensen is out of range.
Jensen moves into range and connects with a jab.
Jensen works Stone's body with a nice hook.
Nice defenses there by Jensen.
Jensen is really turning it up, unleashing another crisp combination which drops Stone like a ton of bricks! The referee dives in to stop the fight, saving Stone from another fist facial!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:42 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Gunnar Jensen!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
58%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Aira Panganiban (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Rashad Jones (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Jones has chosen Hopsin - Ill Mind Of Hopsin 4 as his entrance music. Both fighters look pumped up here. Let's hope this is a good fight!

Panganiban
vs
Jones

180 cm
26
198 lbs
4 - 1 - 0

185 cm
26
198 lbs
4 - 1 - 0

Good wrestling
Counter striker
Granite chin

Decent wrestler
Counter striker
Experienced

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 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Aira Panganiban!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Rashad Jones!
The judges for this bout are , Frank Antenori and Jack Bonds.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Panganiban attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.

Panganiban shoots in and gets a takedown into Jones's guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
Jones 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.
Panganiban stops Jones from standing up.
Panganiban throwing strikes but missing.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Jones can do anything to dispel that myth.
Panganiban won't allow Jones to get back to his feet.
Jones wants to sweep here but Panganiban controlling him for the moment.
Jones is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Panganiban is controlling him.
Panganiban wants to get up but he can't break Jones's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
Panganiban in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Jones keeping moving, preventing Panganiban from controlling successfully.
Jones utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Panganiban working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Panganiban looking to sit in guard and control but Jones gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Jones lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Jones pushing down on Panganiban's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Panganiban is looking to escape.
Panganiban 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.
Panganiban is trying to escape back to his feet but Jones uses the scramble to pass into side control.
Panganiban is trying to get back to his feet.
Jones just content to control the position.
Panganiban bucks up and tries to throw Jones off but instead Jones has got his back!
A bit of a pause in the action here. Jones controlling the positon.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Panganiban is trying to stand back up.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Jones scores with punches from the back.
Panganiban knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Jones on the ground.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Panganiban controlling the position well but he knows he's in a bad position.
Will Jones go for the finish here or will he try and keep control of the position?
Jones cracks Panganiban with a big shot to body and one to the head - really punishing Panganiban from the back mount here, looking to soften him up.
Jones connects with a series of strikes and the referee is calling for Panganiban to escape the position.
Panganiban is trying to get back to his feet but Jones has full control of the position and if anything, Panganiban has just worked his way into a worse spot.
Jones lands with a hammerfist to the side of Panganiban's head.
Jones is punishing Panganiban with strikes - can he finish him?!
Jones is punishing Panganiban with strikes - can he finish him?!
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Jones trying desperately to keep hold of the dominant position.
Panganiban has the hand control, trying to stop the rear naked choke.
Watch the back of the head! Comes the shout from the referee towards Jones.

Panganiban manages to escape to his feet.
Jones shoots in looking for a takedown. Panganiban tries to sprawl out of it but Jones keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Panganiban manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Jones displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Panganiban.
Both fighters are looking to counter, which isn't making for the most exciting fight in the world.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Panganiban 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.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Jones shoots for a takedown but Panganiban saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Panganiban shoots in for a double leg but Jones sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Jones shoots in but doesn't get the takedown

so Panganiban counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Jones looking to control.
Panganiban wants to control from the top but Jones keeps moving.

Jones pushes Panganiban off for just long enough to get back to his feet. Very athletic spring there.
Jones shoots for a double leg takedown but Panganiban sprawls well. He's pushed Jones's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Aira Panganiban has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Rashad Jones.

Panganiban closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Jones quickly recovers to half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Jones pushes Panganiban off and gets back to his feet.

Panganiban 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.
Panganiban with a flurry of punches that miss.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Panganiban stops Jones from standing up.
Jones working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Panganiban.
Panganiban trying to control but Jones is working from the bottom.
Panganiban with a flurry of punches that miss.
Panganiban working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Jones wants to stand up but Panganiban is controlling him.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Panganiban throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Jones works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Panganiban throws a strike but Jones rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
Jones prevents Panganiban from getting back to his feet.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Jones accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Jones prevents Panganiban from getting back to his feet.
Jones is looking to work some ground and pound but Panganiban has wrist control.
Panganiban keeping moving, preventing Jones from controlling successfully.
Jones passes into half guard.
Jones is looking to take a break and control but Panganiban is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Jones prevents Panganiban from standing back up.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Jones lands a nice short elbow.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Jones stops Panganiban from getting back to his feet.
Panganiban scrambles, trying to get to his feet, but Jones manages to mount him!
Jones postures up and cracks his opponent a couple of times before moving back into close ground control. Panganiban looks a forlorn figure.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Panganiban is trying to stand up.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Jones trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Jones lands a shot to the body, followed up by a shot to the exposed head of his trapped opponent.
Jones lands a couple of nice shots there from mount.
Panganiban is squirming around, avoiding Jones's attempts to control the action.
Panganiban is looking to get back to his feet - it's going to be hard from this position.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Jones pausing momentarily but resumes with a couple of decent strikes that do a bit of damage.
Jones trying to control but Panganiban is having none of it.
Panganiban is trying to escape but when you're mounted that's not too easy.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Rashad Jones will probably get the nod - 10:9.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

Jones dives in and grabs Panganiban's left leg, looking for a takedown. Panganiban pushes down on Jones's head and hops out.
Jones shoots in but Panganiban avoids the takedown attempt easily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Panganiban dives in and grabs Jones's left leg, looking for a takedown. Jones pushes down on Panganiban's head and hops out.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Panganiban shoots in for a takedown but Jones shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Jones changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Panganiban tries to avoid it but Jones manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Panganiban to the ground. Panganiban escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Aira Panganiban has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Rashad Jones.
Jones looks for a takedown but Panganiban sprawls well.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Panganiban with a lazy takedown attempt

and Jones counters with a takedown into full mount! That could mean trouble for Panganiban!
Panganiban tries to buck Jones off but he can't manage it.
Jones dominating with strikes here.
Jones with a couple of short strikes.
Panganiban is really trying hard to get back to his feet.
Jones in mount throwing good strikes here, bouncing his opponent's head off the canvas.
Panganiban tries to buck Jones off but he can't manage it.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Jones scoring with some good ground and pound from mount here. Will he manage to finish Panganiban?
Jones working Panganiban over with strikes here.
Panganiban is really trying hard to get back to his feet.
Jones can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Panganiban is looking to escape.
Panganiban wants to try and get back to his feet.
Jones lands a shot to the body, followed up by a shot to the exposed head of his trapped opponent.
Jones lands with some strikes.
Jones has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Jones controlling his opponent.
Panganiban wants to use the cage to get back to his feet here.
Jones looking to control but Panganiban is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Rashad Jones has got the better of the ground game so far.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Jones fakes a shot to the body and cracks his opponent in the head. Nice ground and pound there!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Jones tries to control but Panganiban wriggling away.
Jones takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
Panganiban wants to get back to his feet.
Jones content just to control the position here.
Jones punishing his opponent with strikes.
Panganiban is trying to stand.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Jones dominating with strikes here.
Jones looking to control but Panganiban is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Panganiban in a bad spot here, taking shots to the head.
Aira Panganiban has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Jones fakes a shot to the body and cracks his opponent in the head. Nice ground and pound there!

And that's the end of the fight!
Rashad Jones comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Jones 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 Percy O'Donnell scores the fight 27:30
Judge Frank Antenori scores the fight 27:30
Judge Jack Bonds scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Rashad Jones!
Our winner, Rashad Jones, 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
68%

Main event

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Devin Houle (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Steven Simpson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Simpson is bouncing up and down as he enters the arena, backed by The Fire by The Roots. Both fighters look pumped up here. Let's hope this is a good fight!

Houle
vs
Simpson

186 cm
22
190 lbs
7 - 2 - 0

186 cm
21
193 lbs
8 - 3 - 0

Powerful takedowns
Basic striking
Very quick

BJJ Brown Belt
Basic striking
Solid chin

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 7 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Devin Houle!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Steven Simpson!
The judges for this bout are Don Winkell, Jack Bonds and Frank Antenori.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Houle shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Oh and he's advanced to full mount straight away.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.
Houle content just to control the position here.
Simpson working to try and regain half guard.
Houle takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
Houle has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.
Simpson is working to get back to half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Houle content just to control the position here.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Devin Houle wasn't doing enough on the ground.
Simpson slaps away a takedown attempt from Houle, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Houle fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Simpson avoids it really well and circles away.
Simpson slaps away a takedown attempt from Houle, before circling back to the center of the mat.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Devin Houle. That's going to take a lot out of him.
The fighters circle momentarily. Simpson darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Simpson closes the distance and clinches up with Houle, looking for a takedown. Simpson pushes Houle against the cage but Houle circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Houle shoots in for a double leg but Simpson sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Houle shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.

Simpson shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
Houle is trying to stand.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Houle won't allow Simpson to pass to mount.
Simpson passes the half guard and he's now in mount! Big trouble for Houle!
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Simpson misses with a series of strikes from mount. He'll no doubt be working on his ground and pound when he gets back to the gym.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Simpson trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Simpson controlling the pace for now.
Simpson throwing shots from mount but they're not landing.
Simpson wants to take his opponent's back but he's not managed it.
Houle is squirming around, avoiding Simpson's attempts to control the action.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Simpson throws an elbow from mount that misses. Lucky escape for Houle because Simpson loaded up on that one.
Simpson trying to control but he's not successful this time.

Simpson has control of Houle's right arm, working for a kimura. It's a bit of a token attempt though and Houle regains control of the situation pretty easily.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Simpson moves to back control.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Steven Simpson dominated that round.
That's time! Houle's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Nice takedown defense from Simpson. No joy for Houle on that attempt.
Simpson stuffs the takedown.
Houle looks for a takedown but Simpson sprawls well.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Devin Houle. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Simpson closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
Simpson tries to score with some ground and pound. Houle controls his posture well this time though and the shots don't do any damage.
Houle wants to escape from the position here - easier said than done!
Simpson throws an elbow but Houle slips to the side and avoids it well.
Houle is not content to let Simpson control the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Houle is trying to buck Simpson off.
Simpson is trying to ground and pound but Houle uses the momentary lack of control by Simpson to regain half guard.
Simpson thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Houle's head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Simpson trying to mount his opponent but Houle defends it.
Houle is trying to stand.
Simpson trying to control from Houle's half guard. Houle has other ideas though and has regained full guard.
Simpson trying to control but Houle is working from the bottom.
Simpson pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Houle is keeping the position for now.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Houle is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Simpson is controlling him.
Simpson throws an elbow that misses. Houle uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Simpson's guard. Nice move by Houle!
Simpson keeping moving, preventing Houle from controlling successfully.
Houle not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Houle wants to control from the top but Simpson keeps moving.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Houle content to stall in guard here.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.
Steven Simpson has got the better of the ground game so far.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up, due to lack of activity on the part of Devin Houle.
Houle shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Simpson counters with a nice low kick that buckles Houle's knee momentarily.

Simpson drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Simpson tries to advance to mount but Houle denies him.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Simpson passes to full mount! That's big trouble for Houle!
Simpson wants to control the pace but Houle is squirming around nicely.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Steven Simpson showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

No luck for Simpson with that takedown attempt.
Simpson fails with a takedown attempt.

Houle drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Simpson controls Houle momentarily but Houle frees himself.
Houle stopping the sweep attempt from Simpson.
Houle seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
Houle wants to control from the top but Simpson keeps moving.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Simpson had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Houle defends it easily.
Simpson 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.
Houle trying to control but Simpson is working from the bottom.
Houle is really struggling to control Simpson but he's trying to hold on to the position.

The ref stands the fighters back up because Devin Houle just wasn't active enough.
Houle blocks a head kick by Simpson.
Houle shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Simpson sprawls well. Simpson wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Houle gets slowly back to his feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Houle moves out of range of the leg kick from Simpson.
Simpson shoots in looking for a takedown. Houle tries to sprawl out of it but Simpson keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Houle manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Devin Houle has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Steven Simpson.

Simpson gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Simpson looking for a sweep. Not yet Simpson, not yet.
Houle showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Simpson is on top in guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Simpson prevents Houle from getting back to his feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Simpson trying to control the position from guard on top but Houle is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Simpson won't allow Houle to get back to his feet.
Simpson passes easily into side control. Nice work.
Simpson tries to advance to mount but Houle denies him.
Simpson sitting in side control, looking to soften his opponent up with elbows and hammerfists but Houle is avoiding damage well and looking to escape the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Houle wants to get back to his feet but Simpson drags him back down.
Simpson staying calm.
Simpson is looking to take a break and control but Houle is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Simpson creates some space and throws a big elbow, but Houle sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close third round but Steven Simpson just about did enough to take it.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Simpson closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Simpson trying to control the action but Houle is working from the bottom.
Simpson thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Houle blocking the ground and pound attempt from Simpson.
Simpson moves into full mount! Houle won't be happy about that!
Simpson working away from the top, dropping strikes.
Houle is in a horrible position here. Simpson smacks him with another shot as he tries to escape the position.
Simpson controlling his opponent.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Houle tries to buck Simpson off but he can't manage it.
Simpson looking to finish with strikes here!
Simpson trying to control but Houle is having none of it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Simpson misses with a series of strikes from mount. He'll no doubt be working on his ground and pound when he gets back to the gym.
Simpson forces the positional change into back control.
Simpson scores with punches from the back.

Simpson looking to break Houle's wrist control so he can sink in the choke. Houle remaining controlled and patient though - he really has to keep calm otherwise Simpson will wrap this one up with the rear naked choke!

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Simpson working for the choke.
Simpson throwing damaging strikes from the back! Houle could be in trouble here!
Houle looking to stop the rear naked choke attempt by controlling the hands.
Simpson lands a punch to the side of the head from the back.

Houle fending off the submission attempt from Simpson.
Simpson trying to control momentarily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
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!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Simpson misses with a punch to the head.
Simpson is striking well from the back but Houle escapes and manages to control the positon and works his way to half guard. A much better position - the crisis is over for the time being.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Steven Simpson dominated that fourth round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!

Simpson connects with a leg kick. Houle looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Devin Houle seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Simpson scores with a leg kick.
Houle fails with the takedown.

Simpson shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Oh and he's advanced to full mount straight away.
Simpson sends his fist crashing into the mat - the crowd let out a collective ooooooh. Let's hope he's not broken it!
Simpson unloads with some shots from mount but Houle bucks and avoids them well.
Simpson looking to control but Houle is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Houle is trying to escape but when you're mounted that's not too easy.
Simpson postures up and cracks his opponent a couple of times before moving back into close ground control. Houle looks a forlorn figure.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - an gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Simpson trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Houle avoids a series of strikes thrown by Simpson.
Simpson throwing sloppy strikes here. Perhaps if he tightened up his striking from such a dominant position, he'd be able to finish easier.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Simpson looking to ground and pound but Houle is blocking nicely.
Houle blocking the ground and pound.

Simpson throws some shoulder strikes here and then postures up. Oh, he's gone for an armbar! Houle has his hands clasped together but Simpson breaks the hold and Houle is forced to tap! This one is aaaaaaaaaaall over! That was lightning fast by Simpson!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:37 of round 5, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Steven Simpson! Steven Simpson retains his middleweight title!
A very excited looking Steven Simpson 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.