BFO 7 : Lesnar vs Sokolov PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Thiago Alves (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Mike Lie (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Lie is bouncing up and down as he enters the arena, backed by we right here. Mike Lie is the more experienced fighter, so let's see if that makes a difference tonight.

Alves
vs
Lie

176 cm
25
178 lbs
0 - 2 - 0

173 cm
22
170 lbs
1 - 21 - 1

Powerful takedowns
Excellent MT
Very strong

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Thiago Alves!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 21 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Mike Lie!
The judges for this bout are George Francis, Cecil Peabody and Robert Twigg.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Lie tries to clinch up.
Lie tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Alves paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Lie misses with a double jab

and Alves counters with a shoot takedown. Lie fights it but they end up in guard.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
Alves trying to control the position from guard on top but Lie is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Alves is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.

Alves drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Alves jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Lie is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Lie keeping full guard, as Alves tries to pass.
Alves prevents Lie from getting back to his feet.
Alves is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Alves trying to control the position from guard on top but Lie is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up, due to lack of activity on the part of Thiago Alves.
Lie misses with the combination.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Alves scores with a head kick. Lie tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Alves is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Lie's half guard.
Alves is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
Alves not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Lie pushes Alves off looking to stand but Alves dives back in and keeps control.
Alves wants to control but Lie is keeping him busy.

Alves is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Lie defends it well.
Alves wants to lay and pray for a moment but Lie keeps working.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Lie tries to kick Alves off but Alves keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Alves is pressing down on Lie's thigh, looking to free his foot. Lie is holding on for now.
Lie is trying to stand back up but Alves is controlling him

Alves seems to be working for a kimura but Lie defends the submission attempt.
Alves is trying to control. Lie wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Lie is looking to escape.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Alves seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Lie does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Lie really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Alves. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Alves looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.

The ref stands the fighters back up because Thiago Alves just wasn't active enough.

Alves shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
Lie wants to get back to his feet.
Lie looks winded!

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Alves decides to stand and escape the position.
A punch combination from Lie misses.
The fight stays on the outside here - Lie looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Alves avoids a punch combination nicely.
Lie slips a jab and a cross from Alves.
Lie tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in the close the distance. Alves manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Mike Lie is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

Alves tries to keep at a distance but Lie has taken the fight into the clinch.
Lie looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Lie tries to break the clinch but Alves is controlling the position.
Alves lands a hook to the side of the head.
Alves tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Lie looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Alves has hold of one of Lie's legs. Lie is fighting the takedown attempt but Alves gets the trip and lands the takedown into guard.
Alves throws a big elbow that misses.
Alves is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Alves prevents Lie from getting back to his feet.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Alves is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
Lie keeping full guard, as Alves tries to pass.
Lie wants to stand but Alves is controlling the position.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Alves postures up and lands a big shot to Lie's brow.
Alves wants to stand but Lie has a closed guard, so he can't escape.
Lie wants to stand and escape but Alves is having none of it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Thiago Alves dominated that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Lie misses with a double jab
and Alves counters with a low kick, right behind Lie 's knee.
Lie tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in the close the distance. Alves manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.

Alves scores with a takedown into Lie's guard.
Alves with a nice head shot there.
Lie has momentary wrist control but Alves slips an elbow through the middle.
Alves trying to control the position from guard on top but Lie is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Lie wants to stand and escape but Alves is having none of it.

Alves stands up from guard. Let's bang!
Lie throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Alves.
Lie misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Alves lands a head kick!
Lie tries to close the distance and clinch but Alves swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Lie moves to clinch but Alves breaks away
and Alves counters with a left and a right that stings Lie.
Lie is breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lie wants to clinch.
Lie tries to clinch
and Alves counters with a one-two to the body.
Lie falls off balance throwing a combination
and Alves counters with a head kick.

Alves shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Lie napping and manages to drive through into side control!

Alves wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Lie, who protects the arm well.
Lie wants to get back to his feet.
Lie bucks up and tries to throw Alves off but instead Alves has got his back!
Lie covers up after taking a massive shot to the side of the head.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Lie has the hand control, trying to stop the rear naked choke.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Alves controls the position.
Alves has his opponent trapped and is landing shots. Not a good position for Lie.
Lie holding both Alves 's hands and preventing any damage.
Alves landing with strikes.
Lie is trying to get back to his feet but Alves has full control of the position and if anything, Lie has just worked his way into a worse spot.

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

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:57 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Thiago Alves!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
54%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Alexander Gustafsson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Chael Sonnen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Gustafsson
vs
Sonnen

195 cm
25
215 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

185 cm
25
215 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Granite chin

Powerful takedowns
Basic striking
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Alexander Gustafsson!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Chael Sonnen!
The judges for this bout are Frank Dennis, Alan Glass and Daniel Franklin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Sonnen fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Gustafsson, pushing him back against the cage.
Sonnen tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Gustafsson avoids it.

Sonnen turns his hips and lands a very nice judo throw into side control!
Gustafsson can't do much from the bottom here.
Who's going to make the next move?

Sonnen stands up and beckons Gustafsson to his feet.
Sonnen misses with a two punch combination.
Sonnen throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
A shot to the body from Sonnen misses
and Gustafsson counters with a series of strikes. Sonnen will be more careful next time no doubt.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Sonnen lands a two punch combo.
Sonnen avoids the head kick by Gustafsson.

Sonnen shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Gustafsson's guard.

Gustafsson is working an open guard so Sonnen takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sonnen stuffs the takedown.

Sonnen forces Gustafsson back against the cage and clinches.
Gustafsson wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Gustafsson looking to slow down the pace here.
Gustafsson has Sonnen pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Sonnen manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Sonnen is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Gustafsson is defending well for now.
Sonnen wants to get back to striking at distance but Gustafsson won't allow it.
Gustafsson has Sonnen pressed against the cage, preventing Sonnen from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Sonnen misses with a knee to the head.
Sonnen is looking to break free of the clinch but Gustafsson has double underhooks.

Sonnen lands a nice trip takedown into half guard.
Sonnen wants to stand up but Gustafsson has a hold of him and won't allow it.
Sonnen is using up a lot of energy trying to get back to his feet. Perhaps he should improve his position first.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gustafsson has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Sonnen is working away from the top position though.
Sonnen wants to stand up but Gustafsson has a hold of him and won't allow it.
Gustafsson tries to kick Sonnen off but Sonnen keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Sonnen wants to stand up but Gustafsson has a hold of him and won't allow it.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Gustafsson is looking to get back to full guard here but Sonnen has managed to pass to side control instead.

Sonnen decides to stand back up. Sonnen steps back and let's Gustafsson get back to his feet.

Sonnen scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sonnen tries to stand but Gustafsson is controlling his head.

Sonnen has had enough of the ground for now and decides to stand.
Chael Sonnen seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Sonnen looks winded!
Sonnen pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Sonnen shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Gustafsson as he avoids it easily.
Gustafsson tries to clinch there but Sonnen circles away.
Sloppy strikes from Gustafsson. Those never looked like landing.
Gustafsson tries to clinch but Sonnen is having none of it.
Gustafsson misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Sonnen displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Gustafsson.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Alexander Gustafsson. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Gustafsson scores with the left hand. Sonnen knows he should have avoided that one.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sonnen misses with an uppercut.
No joy there for Sonnen, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Sonnen misses with a series of wild punches.
Gustafsson moves in looking to clinch but Sonnen pushes him off.

Sonnen shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Sonnen showed some decent athleticism there.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Gustafsson tries to regain full guard. Instead though, Sonnen has advanced to mount. Uh oh.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!

Sonnen stands up from the dominant position, so we're back on the feet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Chael Sonnen dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Gustafsson tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Sonnen paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Sonnen misses with the combination.
Gustafsson shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Sonnen sprawls well. Sonnen wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Gustafsson gets slowly back to his feet.
Sonnen scores with a one two! Gustafsson had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
Gustafsson displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Sonnen throws out the jab.
Nice sprawl there from Sonnen as Gustafsson shoots in.
Left hook, right uppercut from Sonnen.

It looks like Alexander Gustafsson has been cut.
Horrible takedown by Gustafsson or perhaps it was just good defense by Sonnen which made him look bad.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Alexander Gustafsson. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Sonnen looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into side control! Oh, that's bad for Gustafsson!
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Sonnen stands up and we're back to a striking position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A jab from Sonnen does it's job there.
Gustafsson throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Sonnen's corner calls for a 1-2. Sonnen obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Gustafsson tries to close the distance and clinch up but Sonnen swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Sonnen swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Gustafsson counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Sonnen throws an overhand right that lands on Gustafsson's shoulder, as Gustafsson tries to avoid the shot.

Sonnen closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Sonnen is trying to break the clinch but Gustafsson is controlling him.

Gustafsson is fighting off a takedown attempt but Sonnen is just too persistent for him and manages to trip Gustafsson to the mat. Gustafsson regains guard as soon as the fighters hit the mat.
Gustafsson on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Gustafsson tries to get out of the position.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

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

Gustafsson is working an open guard so Sonnen takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sonnen looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Sonnen throws a series of punches but Gustafsson moves out of range.
Gustafsson fails with an attempt to clinch.
A punch combination from Sonnen misses.
Gustafsson stalks Sonnen and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Sonnen's face. Sonnen staggers backwards, shaken.
Gustafsson throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Sonnen.

Sonnen looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
Gustafsson trying to control here.
Gustafsson knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Sonnen on the ground.
Gustafsson is trying to stand.

Sonnen decides to stand up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gustafsson tries to clinch but Sonnen moves out of range.
Sonnen throws a series of punches but Gustafsson avoids them all with ease.
Gustafsson tries to clinch up.
Sonnen swats away the attempt to clinch by Gustafsson.

Sonnen scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.

Sonnen decides to stand up, so the ref orders Gustafsson to his feet.

Sonnen fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Gustafsson to the ground. Sonnen is now in Gustafsson's guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Sonnen tries to stand but Gustafsson is controlling from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gustafsson is trying to control the position from the bottom.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.

Sonnen stands up from guard. Let's bang!
Sonnen misses with a combination
and Gustafsson counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Gustafsson tries to clinch up.

Sonnen gets in close and instigates a clinch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Chael Sonnen showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Alexander Gustafsson's cut.
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!

Gustafsson blocks a head kick by Sonnen.

Gustafsson gets caught napping as Sonnen dives in and scores a takedown. Gustafsson manages to retain guard.
Sonnen trying to stand up but can't free himself from Gustafsson's guard.
Sonnen postures up.
Gustafsson wants to get back to his feet but Sonnen is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Gustafsson looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
Sonnen preventing the sweep.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

Sonnen stands up from guard. Let's bang!
Sonnen throws a head kick that misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sonnen throws a wild body kick that Gustafsson sees coming a mile off.
Gustafsson looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Sonnen is fending him off so far but Gustafsson persists. Nope, Sonnen circles away and we're back to standing.

Sonnen shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Gustafsson's guard.

Sonnen gets to his feet - Gustafsson follows without any prompting.
Gustafsson wants to clinch but Sonnen slips to the side

and Sonnen holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.

Gustafsson manages to break the clinch.
Nice shot lands for Sonnen.
Sonnen has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Gustafsson.

Sonnen pushes Gustafsson up against the cage in a clinch.
Sonnen blocks an elbow strike.
Sonnen has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Sonnen working hard to break the clinch.
Gustafsson keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Sonnen's efforts to push away.
Sonnen is trying to force a seperation but Gustafsson has the dominant position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sonnen wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Gustafsson has him pressed against the cage.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Gustafsson stalling in the clinch but Sonnen improves position.
Sonnen drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Sonnen wants to break the clinch but can't.
Sonnen is pressed up against the cage. Gustafsson has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Sonnen down to the mat. Sonnen avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Gustafsson tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Gustafsson tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Sonnen paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Gustafsson shoots in and drives through. Sonnen sprawls well.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Alexander Gustafsson. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Sonnen lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Gustafsson circles away quickly and effectively.
Sonnen swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Gustafsson counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gustafsson thows a body kick. Sonnen tries to catch it but that hurt him.
Sonnen misses with a double jab
and Gustafsson counters with a nice leg kick.
Sonnen takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Chael Sonnen seems to be getting the better of the standup.

Sonnen closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Sonnen avoiding damage as Gustafsson throws knees to the body.
Gustafsson wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Sonnen has him pressed against the cage.
Sonnen looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Gustafsson fails to pull guard.

Sonnen gets control of Gustafsson's arms and successfully pulls guard. Sonnen will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.
Gustafsson trying to control but Sonnen is working from the bottom.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gustafsson is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Sonnen is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.
Sonnen wants to stand and escape but Gustafsson is having none of it.

Alexander Gustafsson has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.
Sonnen misses with a head kick.
Sonnen lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Gustafsson circles away quickly and effectively.
Sonnen works over Gustafsson's head and body with a nice combination.
Gustafsson lands with a kick to the temple. Sonnen shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
Gustafsson is trying hard to land a takedown here. Sonnen sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Sonnen throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Sonnen pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Some wild striking there from Sonnen.
Alexander Gustafsson has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Chael Sonnen is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Nice straight punches there by Gustafsson. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Gustafsson.

And that's the end of the fight!
Chael Sonnen comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Sonnen has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Frank Dennis scores the fight 27:30
Judge Alan Glass scores the fight 27:30
Judge Daniel Franklin scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Chael Sonnen!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
95%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Ricardo Alvarez (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Robert Drysdale (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Alvarez comes to the cage accompanied by Daddy Yankee - Gasolina. Ricardo Alvarez could well score a knockout today. He has the power to get to Robert Drysdale's chin.

Alvarez
vs
Drysdale

186 cm
27
215 lbs
3 - 4 - 0

190 cm
25
214 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

Good wrestling
Counter fighter
Very quick

BJJ Brown Belt
Counter fighter
Powerful

Sparta Fightware

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 3 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Ricardo Alvarez!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Robert Drysdale!
The judges for this bout are Robert Twigg, Tiny Johnson and Alan Glass.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
No luck for Drysdale with that takedown attempt.

Alvarez 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.
Alvarez throws a big right hand that misses.
Alvarez lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Alvarez throws an elbow that misses. Drysdale uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Alvarez's guard. Nice move by Drysdale!
Alvarez is pulling down on Drysdale's head to control his posture.
Drysdale postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Alvarez is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Drysdale is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up, due to lack of activity on the part of Ricardo Alvarez.
Drysdale looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Alvarez is fending him off so far but Drysdale persists. Nope, Alvarez circles away and we're back to standing.
Drysdale shoots for a double leg takedown but Alvarez sprawls well. He's pushed Drysdale's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Ricardo Alvarez has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Robert Drysdale.

Alvarez scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
Drysdale on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Alvarez not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Alvarez lands strikes from half guard.
Drysdale taking some punishment here, with Alvarez in his half guard.
Alvarez lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Alvarez missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Drysdale is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Alvarez scores with a couple of nice shots.
Alvarez slips a nice elbow through Drysdale's hands, connecting with Drysdale's forehead.
Alvarez looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Alvarez not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Alvarez drops an elbow to the side of Drysdale's head.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Alvarez working the head and body with strikes.
Alvarez is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
Drysdale trying to hold on to Alvarez's head to control him but Alvarez postures up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Alvarez connects with a nice short shot to Drysdale's temple.
Alvarez landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Alvarez lands strikes from half guard.
Alvarez landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Alvarez working Drysdale over with strikes.
Alvarez is nestled in close to Drysdale, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Alvarez looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Drysdale with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Drysdale keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Alvarez connects with a nice short shot to Drysdale's temple.
Drysdale looks winded!
Nice strikes from Alvarez there.
Alvarez lands strikes from half guard.
Drysdale is looking for a sweep. Alvarez is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Drysdale on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Alvarez lands strikes from half guard.
Alvarez working over Drysdale with some ground and pound. Drysdale looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Drysdale on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Alvarez is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
Alvarez working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
Alvarez landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Alvarez winds up and cracks Drysdale with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Alvarez slips a nice elbow through Drysdale's hands, connecting with Drysdale's forehead.
Alvarez slips a nice elbow through Drysdale's hands, connecting with Drysdale's forehead.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Alvarez is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
Alvarez landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ricardo Alvarez dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Nice sprawl there from Drysdale as Alvarez shoots in.

Alvarez closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Alvarez lands in his opponent's guard.
Alvarez stands up over Drysdale, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Alvarez connects with a couple of short punches.
Drysdale working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Alvarez.

Alvarez avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Alvarez postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Alvarez's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Alvarez scores with a decent looking elbow strike.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Alvarez postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Alvarez makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Alvarez connects with a couple of short punches.
Drysdale is breathing heavily.
Alvarez is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Alvarez content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Alvarez content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Alvarez postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Alvarez makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.

Drysdale is rocked!
Drysdale has momentary wrist control but Alvarez slips an elbow through the middle.
Drysdale is still in real trouble! Can Alvarez finish him?

Drysdale had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Alvarez defends it easily.
Drysdale seems to have recovered his senses.
Ricardo Alvarez overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Alvarez stands up over Drysdale, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Alvarez with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Alvarez working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Drysdale's head.
Alvarez scoring with punches to the head and body.
Alvarez working some strikes from top position.
Alvarez distracts Drysdale with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Alvarez lands a couple of digs.
Alvarez stands up over Drysdale, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Alvarez scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Alvarez scoring with some ground and pound.
Alvarez with a nice head shot there.

Drysdale has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Alvarez can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Alvarez postures up and lands a big shot to Drysdale's brow.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Alvarez landing with the ground and pound.
Alvarez is in close to Drysdale's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Alvarez is working Drysdale over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Alvarez lands a couple of elbows.
Alvarez working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.

Drysdale escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Alvarez gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Alvarez scoring with some ground and pound.
Alvarez cracks Drysdale with a solid left hand.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Alvarez distracts Drysdale with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Alvarez lands a couple of decent looking shots.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Alvarez landing with the ground and pound.
Alvarez with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Alvarez has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Alvarez lands a couple of elbows.
Alvarez postures up and lands a big shot to Drysdale's brow.
Alvarez landing some decent shots from guard.
Alvarez chips away with some ground and pound.
Alvarez postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Alvarez is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Alvarez postures up from his opponent's guard, before exploding into some vicious ground and pound! Drysdale covers up, he's hurt! Alvarez keeps throwing the strikes, glancing at the referee... Will he stop it?? One more big shot from Alvarez and the ref steps in to end the fight! Alvarez can't hide his delight as he celebrates with his corner.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:55 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Ricardo Alvarez!
An out of breath Ricardo Alvarez 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
53%

Main event

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Brock Lesnar (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Valdimir Sokolov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). I don't know about you partner, but I'm pumped for this one!

Lesnar
vs
Sokolov

190 cm
25
270 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

220 cm
25
265 lbs
2 - 3 - 0

Good wrestling
Brawler
Very strong

Good wrestler
Counter fighter
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, for the heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Brock Lesnar!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Valdimir Sokolov!
The judges for this bout are Frank Dennis, Robert Twigg and Daniel Franklin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Lesnar with a lazy takedown attempt

and Sokolov counters with a shoot takedown. Lesnar fights it but they end up in guard.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
Lesnar wants to stand up but Sokolov is controlling him.
Lesnar controls Sokolov momentarily but Sokolov frees himself.
Lesnar might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.

Lesnar has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Sokolov can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Sokolov lands a couple of elbows.
Lesnar on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Lesnar tries to get out of the position.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Sokolov postures up in Lesnar's guard and throws a big left but Lesnar blocks it.
Sokolov loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Sokolov throws an elbow that misses. Lesnar uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Sokolov's guard. Nice move by Lesnar!
Lesnar pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Sokolov is keeping the position for now.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lesnar wants to get up but he can't break Sokolov's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
Sokolov wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Sokolov keeping moving, preventing Lesnar from controlling successfully.
Lesnar postures up and lands a big shot to Sokolov's brow.
Lesnar trying to control the position from guard on top but Sokolov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up, due to lack of activity on the part of Brock Lesnar.
Sokolov shoots in but doesn't get the takedown

so Lesnar counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Sokolov really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Lesnar. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sokolov looking for a sweep. Not yet Sokolov, not yet.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Lesnar trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Sokolov looking to sweep using the butterfly guard but Lesnar puts pay to that idea as he passes nicely into half guard.
Lesnar trying to control the action but Sokolov is working from the bottom.
Lesnar is working hard to pass the guard. He's done it - he's now in full mount! Trouble for Sokolov!
Sokolov is looking to get to half guard.
Sokolov is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lesnar tries to control but Sokolov wriggling away.
Sokolov is looking to improve his position but Lesnar isn't that keen on the idea.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Lesnar controlling the pace for now.
Lesnar tries to control but Sokolov wriggling away.
Sokolov wants to control but Lesnar is having none of it.
Sokolov is squirming around, avoiding Lesnar's attempts to control the action.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Brock Lesnar 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.

Lesnar shoots and misses

and Sokolov counters with a single leg into guard. Lesnar didn't expect that.
Sokolov scoring with punches to the head and body.
Sokolov tries to free his leg and advance position but Lesnar is retaining full guard.
Lesnar pulls Sokolov in close to prevent any damage.
Lesnar not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Sokolov loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.

Sokolov throws a sloppy strike and Lesnar has hooked up an armbar on the loose arm! He's turned and extended fully! Sokolov is forced to tap! Great BJJ from Lesnar!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:52 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Brock Lesnar!
Brock Lesnar is the new heavyweight champion!