CCF #2 - Return to the Cage PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

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

Hynes
vs
Barones

190 cm
18
256 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

210 cm
22
230 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
Cuts easily

Decent wrestler
Counter striker
Very confident

ZONE

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 Sydney, Saxon Hynes!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Robert Barones!
The judges for this bout are Winston Howard, Donatello Bradman and Steve Erwin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Hynes fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Barones to the ground. Hynes is now in Barones's guard.
Barones pulls Hynes in close to his closed guard and prevents Hynes from doing any damage or advancing position.
Barones manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
Barones raining down hammerfists from mount.
Hynes really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Barones with shots to the head and body - Hynes looks very uncomfortable down there.

It looks like Saxon Hynes has been cut.
Barones raining down hammerfists from mount.

Hynes is rocked!

Saxon Hynes's cut is bleeding quite badly. He's got to try and protect it.
Hynes is working to get back to half guard.
Barones lands a big elbow - Hynes is in trouble! More strikes from the mount and Hynes is forced to tap out!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:58 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Strikes). Robert Barones!
Robert Barones decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.

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 featherweight MMA rules bout between Brett Dongalletta (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Juan Ramirez (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Juan Ramirez has the eye of the tiger tonight.

Dongalletta
vs
Ramirez

181 cm
19
149 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

175 cm
24
145 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
Cuts easily

Good wrestler
Counter striker
Powerful

ZONE

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 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Brett Dongalletta!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Juan Ramirez!
The judges for this bout are John Mangel, Damien Edna and Winston Howard.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
The fight stays on the outside here - Ramirez looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Ramirez tries to close the distance and clinch but Dongalletta swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.

Dongalletta fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Ramirez to the ground. Dongalletta is now in Ramirez's guard.
Dongalletta trying to control the position from guard on top but Ramirez is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Dongalletta really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Dongalletta stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Ramirez swivels though and keeps the full guard.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Dongalletta accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Ramirez really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Dongalletta. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Ramirez keeping moving, preventing Dongalletta from controlling successfully.
Dongalletta pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Ramirez is keeping the position for now.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Dongalletta is looking to stand up but Ramirez won't let him.
Dongalletta throws an elbow that misses. Ramirez uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Dongalletta's guard. Nice move by Ramirez!

Dongalletta pushes Ramirez off and scrambles back to his feet.

Ramirez drives through with a takedown into guard.
Ramirez stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Dongalletta swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Dongalletta looking for a sweep. Not yet Dongalletta, not yet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ramirez stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Dongalletta swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Dongalletta trying to keep a closed guard but Ramirez is proving a slippery customer.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.
Dongalletta keeping full guard, as Ramirez tries to pass.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Brett Dongalletta wasn't doing enough on the ground.

Dongalletta closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Ramirez did well to prevent Dongalletta getting side control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Dongalletta frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount.

Dongalletta is looking to secure an arm. He's managed it! He's pivoting for an armbar - that looks tight! But Ramirez has managed to get out of it and now he's in a dominant position. Nice work from Ramirez!
Ramirez scoring with some ground and pound.
Ramirez trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Dongalletta is trying to control the position but Ramirez postures up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ramirez wants to stand and escape but instead Dongalletta has hit a sweep and he's now on top in guard.
Dongalletta trying to control but Ramirez is working from the bottom.
Ramirez pulls Dongalletta in close to prevent any damage.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.
Dongalletta pushes down on Ramirez's leg and manages to get into half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Brett Dongalletta dominated that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Dongalletta gets the takedown into side control.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Dongalletta tries to stand but Ramirez is controlling his head.
Ramirez keeps Dongalletta under control for a moment.
Dongalletta tries to advance to mount but Ramirez instead regains half guard.
Ramirez controlling the position for now.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Dongalletta is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Ramirez sees it coming and defends easily.
Dongalletta is trying to control the action in half guard but Ramirez is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Dongalletta trying to control from Ramirez's half guard. Ramirez has other ideas though and has regained full guard.
Dongalletta looking to pass the guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Dongalletta wants to control from the top but Ramirez keeps moving.

Dongalletta has gone for a leg lock! Ramirez slips out almost immediately though and dives into Dongalletta's guard.
Ramirez preventing the sweep.
Brett Dongalletta overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Ramirez's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Ramirez wants to pass the guard but Dongalletta is keeping the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ramirez passes easily into side control. Nice work.
Dongalletta tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Dongalletta is not content to let Ramirez control the position.
Ramirez cracks Dongalletta with a big elbow.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Ramirez has had enough of the ground for now and decides to stand.

Dongalletta looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.

Dongalletta seems to be looking for submissions.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Dongalletta wants to lay and pray for a moment but Ramirez keeps working.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Brett Dongalletta will probably get the nod.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. This is the final round!

Ramirez gets caught napping as Dongalletta dives in and scores a takedown. Ramirez manages to retain guard.
Ramirez controlling the position.
Ramirez looking to hit a scissor sweep but Dongalletta is one step ahead there.
Dongalletta throwing strikes from guard but Ramirez blocks nicely.
Ramirez wants to sweep here but Dongalletta controlling him for the moment.

Dongalletta drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Ramirez manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Dongalletta has Ramirez in his guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ramirez cracks Dongalletta with a solid left hand.
Ramirez chips away with some ground and pound.
Dongalletta trying to control the position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ramirez tries to free his leg and advance position but Dongalletta is retaining full guard.
Dongalletta tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Dongalletta utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.

The ref stands the fighters back up because Brett Dongalletta just wasn't active enough.

Dongalletta closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Dongalletta lands in his opponent's guard.
Ramirez controlling Dongalletta's posture.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Dongalletta trying to control but Ramirez is working from the bottom.
Dongalletta tries to free his leg and advance position but Ramirez is retaining full guard.
Ramirez has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.

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

Ramirez gets caught flat footed, as Dongalletta shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Dongalletta trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Ramirez wants to sweep here but Dongalletta controlling him for the moment.
Juan Ramirez has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Dongalletta trying to control the position from guard on top but Ramirez is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Ramirez managing to control the position.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Brett Dongalletta.
Well Dongalletta 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 John Mangel scores the fight 30:27
Judge Damien Edna scores the fight 30:27
Judge Winston Howard scores the fight 30:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Brett Dongalletta!
Brett Dongalletta seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
41%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Luke Lazzarino (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Buddy Palermo (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Lazzarino
vs
Palermo

180 cm
20
180 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

180 cm
20
170 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid Muay Thai
KO power

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Tends to cut

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, for the welterweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Luke Lazzarino!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Buddy Palermo!
The judges for this bout are John Mangel, Winston Howard and Bruno Hogan.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Palermo throws a head kick but Lazzarino moves out of range.
Lazzarino tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Palermo paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Lazzarino tries to clinch but Palermo moves out of range.

Lazzarino clinches up against the cage.
Knees to the body from Lazzarino.
Palermo looks gassed!
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Lazzarino trying to land knees to the body.
Lazzarino lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.

It looks like Buddy Palermo has been cut.
Lazzarino lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Palermo avoiding damage as Lazzarino throws knees to the body.
Lazzarino misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Palermo.
Lazzarino utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Lazzarino crunches a lovely knee into Palermo's ribcage.
Palermo avoiding damage as Lazzarino throws knees to the body.
Lazzarino throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Palermo blocks it with crossed arms.
Palermo wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Lazzarino crunches a lovely knee into Palermo's ribcage.
Lazzarino lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Lazzarino unloads a knee to the mid-section.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lazzarino using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Lazzarino works on Palermo's body with a couple of short punches.
Lazzarino crunches a lovely knee into Palermo's ribcage.
Lazzarino tries a knee to the head but Palermo blocks it.
Lazzarino putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Palermo in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Lazzarino lands an elbow just above Palermo 's eye.
Lazzarino with a knee to the head.
Palermo avoiding damage as Lazzarino throws knees to the body.
Lazzarino unloads a knee to the mid-section. Palermo lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Lazzarino with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Lazzarino is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Palermo is defending well for now.
Lazzarino trying to stall but Palermo improves his position.
Lazzarino has Palermo pushed against the cage.
Lazzarino misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Palermo.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
With the fighters up against the cage, Lazzarino throws an elbow but misses.
Lazzarino throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Palermo is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Lazzarino misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Palermo.
Palermo blocks an elbow strike from Lazzarino.
Lazzarino lands a knee to the body.
Lazzarino blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Lazzarino using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Lazzarino misses with a knee to the head.
Palermo is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lazzarino creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Lazzarino jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Palermo walks away with a smile on his face. Lazzarino gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Lazzarino wants to clinch up but Palermo keeps it at a distance.
Lazzarino tries to clinch up.
Palermo circles away from the clinch attempt

and Palermo counters with a takedown into side control.
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.

Palermo tries for a kimura but Lazzarino is defending well.
Palermo trying to control the action but Lazzarino is working from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Lazzarino stops Palermo from passing to mount.
Lazzarino struggling a bit here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Luke Lazzarino dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Buddy Palermo's cut.
That's time! Back to the action!

Lazzarino tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Palermo fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
An inside leg kick lands from Lazzarino.
Luke Lazzarino is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Lazzarino tries to clinch but Palermo is having none of it.
Palermo circles away from the clinch attempt.

Lazzarino darts in and clinches Palermo up against the cage.
Lazzarino looks to throw an elbow but misses.

Palermo tightens his grip and picks Lazzarino up, before dumping him to the ground. Lazzarino manages to land in guard.
Lazzarino bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Palermo's guard.

Lazzarino decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Palermo, up you get!
Lazzarino fails with an attempt to clinch.
Palermo is breathing heavily.
Lazzarino tries to close the distance and clinch but Palermo swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Palermo avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Lazzarino fails with an attempt to clinch.

Palermo throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Lazzarino was covering up waiting for the punch and Palermo finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Lazzarino trying to control the position.
Lazzarino is really struggling to control Palermo but he's trying to hold on to the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Luke Lazzarino wasn't doing enough on the ground.
Lazzarino lands a high kick!
Lazzarino throws a quick inside leg kick.
Luke Lazzarino is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Palermo avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Lazzarino fails with an attempt to clinch.
Lazzarino swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Palermo circles away from the clinch attempt

and Palermo counters with a takedown into side control.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Lazzarino is not content to let Palermo control the position.
Palermo is in a good position here but he's just trying to control... And he's not even managing to do that successfully.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Palermo goes for an armbar here - this could be all over! But no, Lazzarino has escaped beautifully and is now on top in side control! Oh, that's unlucky for Palermo but great work by Lazzarino.
Lazzarino just content to control the position.
Palermo is putting a lot of effort into getting back to his feet here.

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.
Lazzarino trying to control the position but Palermo is working away.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Luke Lazzarino will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Buddy Palermo's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!

Palermo looking to score a takedown here. Lazzarino is defending well but Palermo drives through and ends up in Lazzarino's guard.
Palermo trying to control the position from guard on top but Lazzarino is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Lazzarino pushes Palermo off for just long enough to get back to his feet. Very athletic spring there.
The fight stays on the outside here - Lazzarino looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Lazzarino tries to clinch there but Palermo circles away.
A slapping leg kick lands for Lazzarino.
Palermo takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Palermo keeps the fight on the outside.

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

Lazzarino rushes Palermo and presses him up against the cage.
Lazzarino stops a takedown attempt from Palermo.
Lazzarino stalls.

Lazzarino pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Lazzarino wants to clinch up but Palermo keeps it at a distance.

Lazzarino gets a clinch.
Lazzarino unloads a knee to the mid-section. Palermo lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Nice elbow from Lazzarino.
Lazzarino lands an uppercut.
Lazzarino misses with an elbow over the top.
Palermo managing to block the knees to the body from Lazzarino.
Lazzarino lands a nice elbow.
Lazzarino tries to land a knee to the head but misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Lazzarino tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Lazzarino misses with a knee to the 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!
Lazzarino lands an elbow inside that Palermo shrugs off.
Palermo is trying to maintain a safe position but Lazzarino gets an underhook and turns Palermo into the cage.
Palermo jumps guard but Lazzarino turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.

Lazzarino manages to break the clinch.

Lazzarino has Palermo up against the cage in a clinch.
Lazzarino unloads a knee to the mid-section. Palermo lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Palermo is trying to drag Lazzarino to the mat but Lazzarino just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Luke Lazzarino has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Buddy Palermo.
Lazzarino using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Lazzarino throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Palermo blocks it with crossed arms.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lazzarino lands an elbow inside that Palermo shrugs off.

Lazzarino breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Lazzarino tries to clinch there but Palermo circles away.
Palermo tries for a takedown but Lazzarino sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Palermo avoids the head kick by Lazzarino.
Lazzarino tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Lazzarino fails with an attempt to clinch.
Palermo looks for a takedown but Lazzarino sprawls well.
Palermo keeps the fight on the outside.
Palermo fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Lazzarino is looking to take this fight into the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Palermo circles away from the clinch attempt.
The fight stays on the outside here - Lazzarino looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Lazzarino tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Palermo paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Lazzarino is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Palermo tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Luke Lazzarino is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Lazzarino tries to clinch there but Palermo circles away.

Lazzarino rushes Palermo and presses him up against the cage.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
With the fighters up against the cage, Lazzarino throws an elbow but misses.
Lazzarino tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Buddy Palermo has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Palermo misses with a knee strike.

And that's the end of the fight!
Luke Lazzarino showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Lazzarino, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 John Mangel scores the fight 30:27
Judge Winston Howard scores the fight 30:28
Judge Bruno Hogan scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Luke Lazzarino!
Luke Lazzarino is the new welterweight champion!
During a confident post fight interview, Luke Lazzarino thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
60%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Mike Tyrell (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Gil Gilbert (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Gil Gilbert has the power to score a knockout today if he connects clean with Mike Tyrell's chin.

Tyrell
vs
Gilbert

180 cm
18
208 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

187 cm
21
210 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Solid boxing
Intelligent

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
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 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Mike Tyrell!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Gil Gilbert!
The judges for this bout are Bruno Hogan, Damien Edna and Hugh Johnson.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Gilbert scores with a head kick.

Gilbert clinches with his opponent.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Gilbert obliges.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Gilbert obliges.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Gilbert successfully pulls guard.
Gilbert wants to sweep here but Tyrell controlling him for the moment.

Gilbert looking for a triangle here. Tyrell is fighting it but it looks tight! Gilbert pulls the arm across and this one won't last much longer! Nope, Tyrell is tapping out - this one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:44 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle Choke). Gil Gilbert!
Our winner, Gil Gilbert, 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
65%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between AJ March (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Brutus Maximus (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). March comes into the arena with The Firm - Star Trekkin' blaring out of the sound system. Maximus has chosen Bee Gees - Stayin' Alive as his entrance music. Buckle up people - heeeeeeeeeere we go!

March
vs
Maximus

185 cm
22
184 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

198 cm
20
182 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Cuts easily

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent boxing
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, AJ March!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Brutus Maximus!
The judges for this bout are Winston Howard, Skip Squint and John Mangel.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Maximus slaps away a takedown attempt from March, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Maximus misses with a head kick.
March tries a head kick but it misses.
Maximus shoots in but March avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Horrible takedown by March or perhaps it was just good defense by Maximus which made him look bad.
March defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Maximus.
March dives in and grabs Maximus's left leg, looking for a takedown. Maximus pushes down on March's head and hops out.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for AJ March. That's going to take a lot out of him.
March closes this distance looking for a takedown but Maximus circles away.
Maximus fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Maximus misses with a takedown attempt - March sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
March fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
March tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in the close the distance. Maximus manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Maximus shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. March defends it nicely.

Maximus rushes March and presses him up against the cage.
Maximus trying to stall but March improves his position.

Maximus manages to pull guard.
March postures up.
March in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
March loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
March postures up.
March stopping the sweep attempt from Maximus.
Maximus looks gassed!

March has gone for a leg lock! Maximus slips out almost immediately though and dives into March's guard.
Maximus is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

March is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Maximus is looking to work some ground and pound but March has wrist control.
Maximus trying to control but March is working from the bottom.
Maximus looking to sit in guard and control but March gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Maximus utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.

Maximus pushes March off and scrambles back to his feet.
Maximus throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
March doesn't manage to clinch there - Maximus circles away.
March is looking to clinch but Maximus is avoiding it.
March throws a head kick but Maximus moves out of range.
Maximus fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The fighters are starting to get sweaty, which will make takedowns a bit more tricky.
March fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
March shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
March tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Maximus swivels and escapes.
Maximus tries to close the distance and clinch but March swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Maximus throws a sloppy head kick and March moves out of range easily.
Maximus blocks a head kick by March.
Maximus misses with a wild combination.
March displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Maximus.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
March on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Brutus Maximus dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

March lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
Maximus shoots in looking for a takedown. March tries to sprawl out of it but Maximus keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. March manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
March pulls out of a head kick attempt.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as March checks a leg kick.
Maximus changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. March tries to avoid it but Maximus manages to keep hold of a leg and drag March to the ground. March escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Maximus wants to clinch up but March keeps it at a distance.
March lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
The fight stays on the outside here - Maximus looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Maximus avoids the head kick by March.
Maximus misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Maximus is breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Maximus gets a double leg takedown into March's guard.
Maximus trying to control but March is working from the bottom.
Maximus pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. March is keeping the position for now.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
March manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
Maximus holding onto his opponent's waist for dear life, as March tries to land some strikes to get him to release his grip.
Maximus avoids a series of strikes thrown by March.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
March misses with a head shot.

March jumps to side control looking for an arm triangle but Maximus manages to avoid the submission attempt.
Maximus takes a big shot right to the temple there but he's taken it well.
March working the ground and pound but Maximus is defending the strikes.
March blocks the strikes from Maximus.

March is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Maximus is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Maximus tries to bench press March off him but March keeps the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Maximus is working hard to escape and get back to his feet. After a battle for position, March asserts his dominance and retains side control.
March in side control, trying to ground and pound but not landing this time.
An elbow from March crashes against the mat.
March in side control, trying to ground and pound but not landing this time.
March 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.
Maximus is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on March's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
Maximus is trying to maintain the position but March is very close to passing his half guard.
Maximus looks like he's trying to stand up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
March missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
March throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
March is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
Brutus Maximus has got the better of the ground game so far.
March throws a strike but Maximus avoids it easily and moves to full guard.
March slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Maximus is looking to reverse the position.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
March lands a decent elbow from side control.
March misses with the ground and pound.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

AJ March dominated that second round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

March shoots in for a takedown but Maximus shows good takedown defense.
Maximus shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Maximus keeps the fight on the outside.
March throws a head kick that misses.
A head kick misses from March.
Maximus wants to clinch up but March keeps it at a distance.
Maximus changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. March tries to avoid it but Maximus manages to keep hold of a leg and drag March to the ground. March escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Maximus fails to land the takedown.
AJ March has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Brutus Maximus.
March keeps Maximus at a distance using the push kick.
AJ March is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Maximus is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
AJ March is winning the standup battle so far.
March throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Maximus's waist but Maximus gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing March off to one side.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
March keeps the fight on the outside.
March tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Maximus swivels and escapes.
March leaves Maximus with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Maximus tries to clinch up.
AJ March seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Maximus closes the distance looking to clinch
and March counters with a big head kick but Maximus shrugs it off.
March scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
March fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Maximus avoids it really well and circles away.
Maximus has a takedown stuffed.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Maximus avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Maximus tries to work over March's front leg with a kick but March checks it.
Maximus throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around March's waist but March gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Maximus off to one side.

March drives through and clinches with Maximus against the cage.

March decides to pull guard.
March tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Maximus trying to control the position from guard on top but March is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Maximus throws a big right hand that misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
March striking off his back but it's not causing Maximus any problems.
Maximus wants to control from the top but March keeps moving.

Brutus Maximus has forced the referee to step in and restart the fight on the feet.
Maximus throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
March throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Maximus's head.
Maximus fails with a takedown attempt.
Maximus blocks a head kick by March.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Maximus throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Maximus is trying hard to land a takedown here. March sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Maximus takes a head kick and keeps coming.
Maximus shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with March but March pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Maximus avoids the head kick by March.
March doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
A head kick misses from March.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Maximus will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
March tries to clinch but Maximus moves out of range.
Maximus circles away from the clinch attempt.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to AJ March.
I think March has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Winston Howard scores the fight 29:28
Judge Skip Squint scores the fight 29:28
Judge John Mangel scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... AJ March!
AJ March decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.