HBGG 23: Champions PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Anderson Cruz (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Sambo Sudoku (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Cruz comes to the ring accompanied by Rohff feat big ali - Dirty Houss. I'm sure you'll be fascinated to know that I was talking to some pointless Z list celebrity before the fight and he thought that Sambo Sudoku was going to win. Let's see if he was right.

Cruz
vs
Sudoku

174 cm
18
145 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

166 cm
18
166 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Counter fighter
Good chin

Excellent grappler
Brawler
Experienced

FinnFighter Nutrition (Five 160Q supps!)

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 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Anderson Cruz!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Sambo Sudoku!
The judges for this bout are Steven Brown, James Glass and Sam Margolis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Cruz gets caught flat footed, as Sudoku shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Cruz is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Sudoku is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Cruz is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Sudoku pushing down on Cruz's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Sudoku is looking to advance position but Cruz won't allow it.

Sudoku 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.

Sudoku is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sudoku trying to mount his opponent but Cruz defends it.

Sudoku seems to be working for a kimura but Cruz defends the submission attempt.

Sudoku is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Cruz has managed to free his arm - good work.

Cruz is defending against the submission attempts here by Sudoku.
Cruz is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cruz moves into full guard.
Sudoku sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Sudoku trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Sudoku slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Let's hope that Sudoku has the urge to step up the pace any second now because for the last 15 or 20 seconds he's just been holding on tight.
Sudoku advances position into side control!
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.
Sudoku controls the position.
Cruz is looking for a sweep.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
You can see the frustration on Cruz's face as Sudoku controls the position.
Cruz tries to buck Sudoku off but Sudoku is having none of it.
A bit of a lull in the action. I'm sure it will pick up again soon... even if the ref has to physically pick them up and put them back on their feet.
Sudoku tries to cartwheel into mount but he doesn't manage it.
Cruz is looking to regain half guard here but Sudoku keeps moving and retains side control.
Cruz struggling a bit here.
Cruz tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Sudoku wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Cruz can't do much from the bottom here.
Cruz tries to improve position but can't.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sudoku content to control the pace. The referee will try and keep them active though.

Sudoku is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Cruz has escaped the position, nice work there.
Sudoku controlling from side mount.
Sudoku tries to cartwheel into mount but he doesn't manage it.

Sudoku wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Cruz, who protects the arm well.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Sudoku staying calm.

That's five minutes gone in the round.

Sudoku wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Cruz, who protects the arm well.
Cruz tries to get back to half guard but can't.

Sudoku is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Cruz is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
Cruz is trying to get back to half guard.
You can see the frustration on Cruz's face as Sudoku controls the position.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Sudoku works to advance to full mount. Cruz defends for a few seconds but eventually he succumbs.
Sudoku controlling from mount.
Cruz wants to hold on but Sudoku pushes him away.
Sudoku seems to be looking to move to his opponent's back but Cruz is holding on tight.
Sudoku content just to control the position here.
Sudoku moves to back control.

Sudoku working for the rear naked choke here. He's got one arm under but Cruz is defending well. A couple of punches soften him up though and Sudoku has tightened the hold! This one could be all over! It is! Cruz taps out!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 7:56 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Sambo Sudoku!
A victorious Sambo Sudoku thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.
In defeat, Anderson Cruz stepped up to the mic, saying 'He was better than me. Will be back and I will get that W in my record.'.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
37%

Undercard bout

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

Moraes
vs
Murray

180 cm
19
183 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

175 cm
19
183 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
Self confident

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter fighter
Good gas tank

Hell's Balls Recovery (160)
FinnFighter Nutrition (Five 160Q supps!)

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Sergio Moraes!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Rob Murray!
The judges for this bout are Richard Clark, Chris Edwards and Phil Schofield.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Moraes closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the ropes.
Moraes drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Moraes has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Murray is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Moraes tries to score a body lock takedown but Murray shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Sergio Moraes. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Murray prevents the takedown attempt.
Moraes has been working on his balance at Soul Supremacy - UK, so perhaps that has help him stuff some of the takedown attempts by Murray.
Moraes goes for a takedown attempt but Murray pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Moraes wants to clinch up but Murray keeps it at a distance.
Moraes looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Murray is fending him off so far but Moraes persists. Nope, Murray circles away and we're back to standing.

Murray shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.
Murray is taking a breather. Moraes says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Murray is working for a kimura but Moraes is defending it quite comfortably.
Murray perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.
Let's hope that Murray has the urge to step up the pace any second now because for the last 15 or 20 seconds he's just been holding on tight.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Moraes wants to get back to full guard.
Moraes is trying to maintain the position but Murray is very close to passing his half guard.

Murray wants to work for an arm triangle but Moraes is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Murray wants to control but Moraes is keeping him busy.
Moraes wants to improve his position but Murray is controlling well.
Murray with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Murray is looking to pass the guard... He's managed it - he's now in full mount!

Murray moves into side control, trying to work for a kimura. That looks painful! Will he finish!!?? No, Moraes has worked his arm free - good work by Moraes!
Murray wants to lay and pray for a moment but Moraes keeps working.

Murray tries for a kimura but Moraes is defending well.
Murray controls the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Murray is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Moraes knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Murray trying to control the action but Moraes is working from the bottom.
Murray advances to mount.
Murray content just to control the position here.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Moraes can't escape the position.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.
Murray can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Moraes is looking to escape.
Murray controlling from mount.
Moraes is squirming around, avoiding Murray's attempts to control the action.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Moraes wants to control but Murray is having none of it.
Murray controlling his opponent.
Moraes is squirming around, avoiding Murray's attempts to control the action.
Murray sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Rob Murray was stalling too much, according to the referee.
Moraes is looking to take this fight into the clinch.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Moraes doesn't manage to clinch there - Murray circles away.
Moraes tries to close the distance and clinch up against the ropes but Murray paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Moraes tries to clinch up

and Murray counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Murray.
Moraes controls Murray momentarily but Murray frees himself.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.
Murray is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Murray looking to pass the guard.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Murray is still trying to improve position.
Moraes can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Murray controls the pace.
Murray wants to control from the top but Moraes keeps moving.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.

The ref stands the fighters back up, due to lack of action by Rob Murray.
Moraes tries to clinch there but Murray circles away.
The fight stays on the outside here - Moraes looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Moraes fails in his attempt to clinch.
Moraes tries to clinch but fails miserably

and Murray counters with a single leg into guard. Moraes didn't expect that.

Moraes throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.

Moraes working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Murray doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Murray manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Murray forces his way into half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Rob Murray 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.

Murray circles away from the clinch attempt.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Moraes.
Moraes wants to clinch up but Murray keeps it at a distance.
Moraes fails in his attempt to clinch.
Murray circles away from the clinch attempt

and Murray counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Murray passes Moraes's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Murray is looking for the mount but instead finds himself back in full guard.
Murray looking to sit in guard and control but Moraes gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Moraes wants to control from the top but Murray keeps moving.

Murray escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Moraes gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Moraes trying to control the position from guard on top but Murray is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Murray 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.
Moraes trying to control the position from guard on top but Murray is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Murray 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.
Moraes stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Murray swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Murray is trying to control the position but Moraes postures up.

Murray is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Moraes trying to control but Murray is working from the bottom.
Murray can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Moraes controls the pace.

Murray had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Moraes defends it easily.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Murray is trying to control the position from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Murray 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.
Murray manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Moraes manages to get himself to full guard.
Murray is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.

Moraes is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Murray is aware though and is defending well.
Moraes keeping moving, preventing Murray from controlling successfully.

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

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Murray trying to control but Moraes is working from the bottom.
Murray advances to half guard.
Moraes moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Murray is stalling in the full guard.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Murray wants to control from the top but Moraes keeps moving.
Moraes is trying to keep Murray in close.

Murray postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Moraes is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Murray, into his guard.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Moraes wants to pass the guard but Murray is keeping the position.

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

Ladies and gentlemen, after 6:39 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Guillotine). Rob Murray!

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 heavyweight MMA rules bout between Fincent LeBlond (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Jarppi Virne (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). LeBlond comes to the ring accompanied by Kari Tapio - Olen Suomalainen. Virne is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: Jeff van Dyck - Soldier's Chant. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

LeBlond
vs
Virne

196 cm
29
240 lbs
16 - 15 - 0

187 cm
36
262 lbs
18 - 23 - 1

Abu Dhabi Champ
World class MT
Insanely flexible

Excellent grappler
World class MT
Heavy handed

ODIUM

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 16 - 15 - 0, fighting out of London, Fincent LeBlond!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 18 - 23 - 1, fighting out of Helsinki, Jarppi Virne!
The judges for this bout are Andrew Berry, James Ackerman and William Gold.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
LeBlond throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Virne's waist but Virne gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing LeBlond off to one side.
Virne fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Jarppi Virne seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
LeBlond tries for a takedown but Virne circles away easily

and Virne counters with a takedown into side control.

Virne tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
LeBlond is trying to improve his position.
Virne is looking to take a break and control but LeBlond is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
LeBlond is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Virne's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.

That's one minute gone in the round.
LeBlond is staying active underneath Virne, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
LeBlond moves into full guard.
Virne stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. LeBlond swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Virne wants to control from the top but LeBlond keeps moving.

LeBlond is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Virne is aware though and is defending well.
LeBlond is trying to control the position from the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Virne slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
Virne works a leg free and moves into half guard.

Virne is sneakily working for an arm triangle but LeBlond sees it coming and defends easily.
LeBlond trying to control but Virne postures up.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Virne in particular looking to stall.
LeBlond wants to get back to full guard.
LeBlond trying to control here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Virne is controlling the pace.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
LeBlond slaps away a takedown attempt from Virne, before circling back to the center of the mat.

Virne shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
LeBlond tries to roll over but Virne keeps him under control.
LeBlond is looking to control Virne's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can LeBlond avoid being mounted?

LeBlond is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Virne pulls his head out easily.
LeBlond is staying active underneath Virne, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
LeBlond moves into full guard.
LeBlond keeping moving, preventing Virne from controlling successfully.

That's five minutes gone in the round.

LeBlond looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
We've been hearing good reports from LeBlond's training camp. Apparently he has been rolling around with some good quality BJJ practitioners and has been sharpening his skills. Let's see if that has an impact on the fight today.
Virne wants to control from the top but LeBlond keeps moving.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Virne forces his way into half guard.

Virne is working for a kimura but LeBlond is defending it quite comfortably.
LeBlond is not content to let Virne control the position.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
LeBlond trying to control but Virne postures up.
Virne wants to pass to mount but LeBlond is defending the position.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.

Virne is sneakily working for an arm triangle but LeBlond sees it coming and defends easily.
Virne is keen to just control but LeBlond is a slippery customer.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
The fighters are battling for position here. LeBlond manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Virne postures up.

LeBlond has an active guard here but Virne has managed to pass into half guard.

LeBlond looking for submissions off his back.

LeBlond looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Virne wants to take a breather but LeBlond is having none of it.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Virne is in a good position here but he's just trying to control... And he's not even managing to do that successfully.

Virne is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so LeBlond is just riding it out for now. Virne eventually gives up the hold.

LeBlond looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.

Virne is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, LeBlond has managed to free his arm - good work.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
LeBlond is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
LeBlond gets back to full guard.

LeBlond is looking for a triangle but Virne pushes his legs off easily.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Virne trying to control the position from guard on top but LeBlond is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Jarppi Virne will probably get the nod.
That's time! LeBlond's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

LeBlond doesn't succeed with the takedown

so Virne counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
LeBlond keeping moving, preventing Virne from controlling successfully.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now LeBlond is on top in guard.
Virne is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
LeBlond slips nicely into half guard.
Virne moves into full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Virne wants to sweep but no luck.
LeBlond postures up.
Virne can't keep his opponent in guard - LeBlond advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
LeBlond trying to control the action but Virne is working from the bottom.
Virne wants to get back to full guard.
LeBlond wants to lay and pray for a moment but Virne keeps working.
Jarppi Virne has got the better of the ground game so far.
LeBlond is pressing down on Virne's thigh, looking to free his foot. Virne is holding on for now.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Virne manages to get to full guard.
LeBlond trying to control but Virne is working from the bottom.
LeBlond stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Virne swivels though and keeps the full guard.
LeBlond wants to control from the top but Virne keeps moving.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.
Our spies down at at LOD Gym Now with StandUP inform us that Virne has really been working on his submissions in the buildup to this fight. Will it pay off?

That's three minutes gone in the round.
LeBlond wants to pass the guard but Virne is keeping the position.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Fincent LeBlond wasn't doing enough on the ground.
LeBlond misses with a takedown

and Virne counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for LeBlond!

Virne goes for an armbar here - this could be all over! But no, LeBlond has escaped beautifully and is now on top in side control! Oh, that's unlucky for Virne but great work by LeBlond.

LeBlond is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Virne is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
Virne manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.
Virne is trying to control but can't.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Virne tries to regain full guard. Instead though, LeBlond has advanced to mount. Uh oh.
Virne tries to lock up and control but LeBlond gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Virne regains half guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Virne is holding on to half guard well.
Virne has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. LeBlond is working away from the top position though.
Virne manages to get to full guard.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Virne keeping moving, preventing LeBlond from controlling successfully.
Virne keeping full guard, as LeBlond tries to pass.
Virne looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
LeBlond wants to pass the guard but Virne is keeping the position.
LeBlond passes Virne's right leg, so he's now in half guard.

That's six minutes gone in the round.

LeBlond is trying to work for a kimura but Virne is defending well.
LeBlond wants to control but Virne is keeping him busy.
Virne is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Virne is trying to maintain the position but LeBlond is very close to passing his half guard.
Virne gets full guard.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
LeBlond pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Virne is keeping the position for now.
Virne is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Virne 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.
LeBlond passes Virne's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Virne tries to roll over but LeBlond keeps him under control.
Virne is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
LeBlond wants to advance to full mount but Virne doesn't think that's going to happen and regains full guard instead.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
LeBlond wants to control from the top but Virne keeps moving.
LeBlond stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Virne swivels though and keeps the full guard.
LeBlond controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Virne trying to control the position.
LeBlond stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Virne swivels though and keeps the full guard.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Virne trying to control the position.

Jarppi Virne has forced the referee to step in and restart the fight on the feet.
LeBlond tries for a takedown but Virne circles away easily

and Virne counters with a single leg into guard. LeBlond didn't expect that.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Fincent LeBlond. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Virne is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
Virne trying to control but LeBlond is working from the bottom.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
LeBlond trying to keep a closed guard but Virne is proving a slippery customer.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jarppi Virne showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! LeBlond's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

LeBlond dives in for a single leg takedown but Virne sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the ropes.

Virne gets the body lock takedown. After a quick scramble, LeBlond regains guard.
Virne trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

Virne is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! LeBlond is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! LeBlond has escaped and now he's on top!
Virne can't keep his opponent in guard - LeBlond advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.

LeBlond is looking for a kimura here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
LeBlond is trying to control. Virne wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.

LeBlond is working for a kimura but Virne is defending it quite comfortably.
LeBlond is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
Virne is looking to improve his position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Virne regains full guard. Nicely done.
LeBlond wants to control from the top but Virne keeps moving.
LeBlond won't allow Virne to sweep him here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

LeBlond drops back for a leg here. A bit of a high risk move... He's looking for a kneebar by the looks of things. Now both of them are looking for submissions. LeBlond seems to have locked his on tight now - Virne screams in pain and taps out furiously! It certainly was a high risk move but it's paid off for LeBlond, as he picks up the win!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:21 of round 3, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kneebar). Fincent LeBlond!
Fincent LeBlond thanked the fans post fight for their support.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
89%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Andre Riberio (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Fedor Milyukov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Milyukov comes into a darkened arena with his song building. 94 Hours by As I Lay Dying kicks in, the lights come on and the crowd goes wild! What a showman! Andre Riberio has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Riberio
vs
Milyukov

185 cm
18
203 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

188 cm
19
185 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Brawler
KO power

BJJ Brown Belt
Counter fighter
Powerful

The Dark Side

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 Hilo, Andre Riberio!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of New York, Fedor Milyukov!
The judges for this bout are Andrew Berry, William Gold and Steven Brown.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Riberio misses with a takedown

so Milyukov counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.
Riberio wants to control but Milyukov passes easily into half guard.
Milyukov is working hard to pass the guard. He's done it - he's now in full mount! Trouble for Riberio!
Milyukov controlling the position easily from mount.
Milyukov's corner are shouting for him to control the position and he seems happy to oblige.
Riberio is squirming around, avoiding Milyukov's attempts to control the action.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Milyukov controlling from the full mount.
Milyukov looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.
Milyukov trying to control but Riberio is having none of it.
Riberio is trying desperately to improve position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

The ref calls for a clean break and stands the fighters back up. Fedor Milyukov wasn't active enough on the ground.
Riberio with a poor takedown

so Milyukov counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Milyukov passes Riberio's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Riberio has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Milyukov is working away from the top position though.
Milyukov prevents Riberio from improving his position.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Well, if Milyukov 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.

Milyukov is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Riberio sees it coming and defends easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Milyukov is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Riberio doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Milyukov.
Milyukov looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.

Milyukov is trying for a kimura here. Riberio looks like he's in a lot of pain... and he's tapping out! Milyukov wins by kimura!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:55 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Fedor Milyukov!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
37%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Ai Za (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Morris McDonald (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Za
vs
McDonald

181 cm
28
159 lbs
16 - 7 - 0

173 cm
36
169 lbs
25 - 17 - 1

BJJ Red Belt
Excellent boxer
Insanely flexible

Olympic wrestler
Decent boxing
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 16 - 7 - 0, fighting out of London, Ai Za!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 25 - 17 - 1, fighting out of Tokyo, Morris McDonald!
The judges for this bout are Paul Tew, William Gold and Andrew Berry.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

McDonald closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Za quickly recovers to half guard.
McDonald is looking to take a break and control but Za is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
McDonald tries to pass the half guard into mount. Za knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.

McDonald 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.
McDonald is looking to advance position but Za won't allow it.
Za tries to roll over but McDonald keeps him under control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Za trying to control from the bottom.
Za is looking for a sweep. McDonald is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Za manages to get to full guard.
McDonald slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.

McDonald tries for a kimura but Za is defending well.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Za gets back to half guard.
We've been hearing good reports from Za's training camp. Apparently he has been rolling around with some good quality BJJ practitioners and has been sharpening his skills. Let's see if that has an impact on the fight today.
McDonald trying to control the action but Za is working from the bottom.

Za looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Za is looking for a sweep. McDonald is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

McDonald is working for a submission of some sort.

Za looking for submissions off his back.

McDonald wants to work for an arm triangle but Za is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
McDonald is just content to waste time from the top position. Za takes advantage of the situation and regains full guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Za is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
McDonald has been taking part in the yoga sessions down at Wonton Gym. Presumably he's going to look for a slick submission... Or maybe he's looking to avoid one.
Za keeping moving, preventing McDonald from controlling successfully.
Za trying to control the position.
McDonald pushing down on Za's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.

McDonald is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.

That's five minutes gone in the round.

McDonald is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Za defends it well.
McDonald passes the half guard and he's now in mount! Big trouble for Za!

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

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5:54 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Morris McDonald!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
31%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Rener Gracie (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and George Steele (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Steele comes into a darkened arena with his song building. Cinderella Man kicks in, the lights come on and the crowd goes wild! What a showman! George Steele is the more experienced fighter, so let's see if that makes a difference tonight.

Gracie
vs
Steele

190 cm
22
184 lbs
5 - 3 - 1

191 cm
32
219 lbs
15 - 15 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Brawler
Cardio machine

Olympic wrestler
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

Just Fight (Everything 7$)

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 5 - 3 - 1, fighting out of London, Rener Gracie!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 15 - 15 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, George Steele!
The judges for this bout are Phil Schofield, James Atkins and Donald Grub.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Steele dives in and scores a takedown into Gracie's guard.

Steele drops back, looking for a kneebar! Gracie looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Gracie looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Gracie!
Gracie wants to lay and pray for a moment but Steele keeps working.
Steele is trying to get back to half guard.
We've been hearing good reports from Gracie's training camp. Apparently he has been rolling around with some good quality BJJ practitioners and has been sharpening his skills. Let's see if that has an impact on the fight today.
Steele is not content to let Gracie control the position.
Steele is trying to work for a sweep but Gracie has mounted him!
Steele is looking to improve his position but Gracie isn't that keen on the idea.
Gracie wants to control the pace but Steele is squirming around nicely.
Steele really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
Steele is controlling an arm, preventing Gracie from taking his back. Although keeping him in mount is no better to be honest.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gracie manages to capitalize on a mistake by Steele to take his back!
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.
Gracie trying desperately to keep hold of the dominant position.
Steele tries to escape the position.
A lull in the action here.
Steele tries to break free.
Steele breaks Gracie's hooks off and manages to turn into his guard.
Gracie looking for a sweep. Not yet Gracie, not yet.
Steele advances position into side control!

Steele is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Gracie knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.

Steele tries for a kimura but Gracie is defending well.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Gracie is looking to reverse the position.

Steele goes for an armbar! This could be all over! Wait, no, Gracie rolls with the submission and now he's on top in Steele's guard! Nice work there by Gracie!
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Steele looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.

Steele is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!

Steele throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.

Steele is active off his back here, looking for submissions.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Gracie got a little sloppy there for a moment and Steele has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Gracie has managed to get both his arms back between Steele's legs - danger averted.
Gracie controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Steele keeping moving, preventing Gracie from controlling successfully.
Gracie stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Steele swivels though and keeps the full guard.

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

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:57 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Guillotine). George Steele!
During a confident post fight interview, George Steele thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.
Rener Gracie spoke after the fight, saying 'Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaamm! '.

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 Adam Dixon (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Yoshiro Gomi (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Dixon
vs
Gomi

183 cm
28
180 lbs
9 - 2 - 0

190 cm
31
205 lbs
18 - 18 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent boxer
Insanely flexible

Olympic wrestler
World class boxer
Granite chin

Hellbent

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 9 - 2 - 0, fighting out of London, Adam Dixon!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 18 - 18 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Yoshiro Gomi!
The judges for this bout are Chris Edwards, Andrew Berry and James Atkins.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Nice takedown defense from Dixon. No joy for Gomi on that attempt.
Gomi tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Dixon swivels and escapes.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Gomi.
Adam Dixon has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Yoshiro Gomi.

Gomi gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Dixon to score an easy takedown into full guard.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.
Gomi looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
Dixon trying to control but Gomi is working from the bottom.
Gomi is trying to keep Dixon in close.
Gomi looking to control but Dixon passes into half guard.
Gomi is looking to improve his position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Dixon is trying to control the action in half guard but Gomi is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.

Dixon wants to work for an arm triangle but Gomi is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Gomi trying to hold on to Dixon's head to control him but Dixon postures up.
Gomi is staying active underneath Dixon, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Gomi is looking for a sweep. Dixon is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Gomi trying to hold on to Dixon's head to control him but Dixon postures up.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.
Gomi wants to improve his position but Dixon is controlling well.
Dixon trying to control the action but Gomi is working from the bottom.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Gomi throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Dixon's waist but Dixon gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Gomi off to one side.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gomi misses with a takedown attempt - Dixon sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.

Dixon closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Gomi is not content to let Dixon control the position.

Gomi looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Dixon tries to pass to full mount but Gomi defends it.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Gomi moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Dixon wants to pass the guard but Gomi is keeping the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Dixon trying to control the position from guard on top but Gomi is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Gomi looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
Gomi looking to control.
Gomi wants to hit a switch here but Dixon passes into full mount! Oh no, disaster for Gomi there!
Dixon trying to control but Gomi is having none of it.
Gomi manages to regain half guard. Good work.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gomi is trying to control but can't.
Dixon seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.
Dixon is looking to pass the guard... He's managed it - he's now in full mount!
Gomi manages to regain half guard. Good work.

Dixon is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.

Dixon is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Gomi sees it coming and defends easily.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Gomi is trying is best to control the position here.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Gomi moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Dixon stopping the sweep attempt from Gomi.
Gomi is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Gomi manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Dixon manages to get himself to full guard.
Gomi stands and throws Dixon's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Gomi controlling the position.

Gomi goes for an armbar here - this could be all over! But no, Dixon has escaped beautifully and is now on top in side control! Oh, that's unlucky for Gomi but great work by Dixon.

That's six minutes gone in the round.

Dixon thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
Gomi tries to bench press Dixon off him but Dixon keeps the position.
Gomi manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!
Gomi wants to pass to mount but Dixon is defending the position.

Gomi is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Gomi trying to mount his opponent but Dixon defends it.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.

Gomi wants to work for an arm triangle but Dixon is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Gomi trying to mount his opponent but Dixon defends it.
Gomi is looking to take a break and control but Dixon is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Still in half guard, Gomi seems content to control.

Gomi is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Dixon sees it coming and defends easily.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.

Gomi 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.
Gomi passes the half guard and he's now in mount! Big trouble for Dixon!
We've been hearing good reports from Dixon's training camp. Apparently he has been rolling around with some good quality BJJ practitioners and has been sharpening his skills. Let's see if that has an impact on the fight today.
Gomi tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.

Gomi jumps to side control looking for an arm triangle but Dixon manages to avoid the submission attempt.

Gomi tries for a kimura but Dixon is defending well.

Gomi tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Gomi has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Gomi wants to control but Dixon is keeping him busy.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Yoshiro Gomi dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Dixon leaves Gomi with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.

Dixon scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
Dixon trying to control from half guard but Gomi is working away.
Gomi regains full guard. Nicely done.
Gomi is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Dixon trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Yoshiro Gomi has got the better of the ground game so far.
Dixon wants to control from the top but Gomi keeps moving.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
Gomi pulls Dixon in close to prevent any damage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gomi is trying to keep Dixon in close.

OK we're going to have a standup here. Yoshiro Gomi hasn't been effective enough on the ground and the referee wants a restart.
Gomi goes for a double leg but Dixon avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the ropes as Dixon continues to drive forward.

Dixon tightens his grip and picks Gomi up, before dumping him to the ground. Gomi manages to land in guard.

Gomi is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Dixon defends well.
Gomi is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Dixon looking to pass the guard.
Gomi wants to sweep here but Dixon controlling him for the moment.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gomi manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
Gomi wants to take his opponent's back but he's not managed it.

Gomi with some aggressive grappling here. He's looking for submissions here, rather than waiting for the opportunity to counter.

Gomi swings around for an armbar and he's got it! Wow, that came out of nowhere! What a finish!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:59 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Yoshiro Gomi!
A very excited looking Yoshiro Gomi made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
66%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Mega Funkyama (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Hans Lankari (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Funkyama comes to the ring accompanied by Bon Jovi: Bad Medicine. Lankari has chosen AC/DC - Thunderstruck as his entrance music. Both fighters will be looking to make this an exciting fight for the fans, I'm sure!

Funkyama
vs
Lankari

168 cm
31
157 lbs
18 - 6 - 0

177 cm
33
142 lbs
16 - 19 - 0

BJJ Red Belt
Excellent boxer
Insanely flexible

Excellent grappler
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the featherweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 18 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Mega Funkyama!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 16 - 19 - 0, fighting out of London, Hans Lankari!
The judges for this bout are James Glass, Sam Margolis and Steven Brown.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Funkyama closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
We've been hearing good reports from Funkyama's training camp. Apparently he has been rolling around with some good quality BJJ practitioners and has been sharpening his skills. Let's see if that has an impact on the fight today.

Funkyama wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Lankari, who protects the arm well.
Lankari tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Funkyama wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.

Funkyama is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Lankari knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Funkyama tries to cartwheel into mount but he doesn't manage it.
Lankari sneaks back into half guard.
Funkyama wants to take a breather but Lankari is having none of it.
Lankari told us pre-fight that he has been working on his escapes in training. Let's see if he can call on some of his new skills to get back to his feet.

Funkyama is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Lankari looking for submissions off his back.
Lankari is trying to control but can't.
Lankari moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Funkyama postures up.
Funkyama won't allow Lankari to get back to his feet.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.
Funkyama forces his way into half guard.
Lankari wants to improve his position but Funkyama is controlling well.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Funkyama seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Lankari does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.

Lankari looking for submissions off his back.

The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Funkyama is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Funkyama wants to control but Lankari is keeping him busy.

Lankari looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Funkyama is pressing down on Lankari's thigh, looking to free his foot. Lankari is holding on for now.

Lankari looking for submissions off his back.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Funkyama is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.

Funkyama is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Lankari is just riding it out for now. Funkyama eventually gives up the hold.

Funkyama is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Lankari is just riding it out for now. Funkyama eventually gives up the hold.
Lankari has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Funkyama is working away from the top position though.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Lankari looking for submissions off his back.
The fighters are battling for position here. Lankari manages to regain full guard. Nice work.

Lankari looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Funkyama sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Lankari's guard.
Funkyama prevents Lankari from improving his position.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Lankari wants to get back to full guard but Funkyama has passed into side control.
You can see the frustration on Lankari's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Funkyama has knee on belly and moves into mount.
Lankari stops Funkyama from taking his back. Still, being mounted isn't any better.
Funkyama avoids the attempt from Lankari to control.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Funkyama moves to the back position.
Funkyama controlling well, preventing Lankari from escaping the position.
Lankari looking to stop the rear naked choke attempt by controlling the hands.
I really don't envy Lankari right now.
Lankari turns into Funkyama and is now in his guard.
Funkyama looking to control.
Lankari wants to control from the top but Funkyama keeps moving.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Funkyama manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Lankari manages to get himself to full guard.

Funkyama avoids a guillotine attempt easily.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Funkyama wants to control from the top but Lankari keeps moving.
Lankari can't keep his opponent in guard - Funkyama advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Still in half guard, Funkyama seems content to control.
Lankari is looking to improve his position.
Lankari works his way to full guard. Good work.

Lankari looking for a guillotine here but Funkyama defends easily.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Funkyama pushes down on Lankari's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Funkyama seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Lankari does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Lankari is looking to control Funkyama's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Lankari avoid being mounted?
Lankari trying to get back to full guard but Funkyama takes advantage of the position and moves to full mount!
Funkyama trying to control but Lankari is having none of it.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Lankari slips a leg in and gets back to half guard.
Lankari is trying to maintain the position but Funkyama is very close to passing his half guard.

Funkyama seems to be working for a kimura but Lankari defends the submission attempt.
Funkyama frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Lankari is trying to escape the mount.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Funkyama wants to control the pace but Lankari is squirming around nicely.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mega Funkyama dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Funkyama shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Funkyama showed some decent athleticism there.

Lankari looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Funkyama prevents Lankari from improving his position.

Lankari is defending against the submission attempts here by Funkyama.
Funkyama moves nicely into side control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lankari wants to control but Funkyama postures up.

Funkyama is trying to get an arm triangle but Lankari is defending well.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.
Lankari regains half guard.
Mega Funkyama overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Lankari is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Funkyama looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Funkyama passes to side control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Funkyama wants to lay and pray for a moment but Lankari keeps working.
Lankari tries to buck Funkyama off but Funkyama is having none of it.
You can see the frustration on Lankari's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
The referee asks Funkyama politely if he wouldn't mind getting on with it and actually doing something. Funkyama prefers to stall for the moment though.
Lankari is not content to let Funkyama control the position.
Lankari tries to bench press Funkyama off him but Funkyama keeps the position.

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

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lankari wants to control but Funkyama postures up.
Funkyama tries to move into full mount but can't pass Lankari's legs.
Funkyama working away.

Funkyama has hold of Lankari's arm. He's looking for a kimura. Lankari seems comfortable defending it but Funkyama has shifted his position slighty and is cranking on the arm! Lankari is real pain and he's forced to tap out! Lankari is disgusted with himself for not defending it better but Funkyama couldn't care less - he's delighted!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:45 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Mega Funkyama!
Mega Funkyama retains his featherweight title!
After winning the bout, Mega Funkyama thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
56%

Main event

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Sub Position (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Hachiro Matsui (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Matsui is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: Solvent by Skinny Puppy. This should be a great matchup!

Position
vs
Matsui

176 cm
29
167 lbs
16 - 9 - 0

173 cm
31
163 lbs
13 - 7 - 0

BJJ Red Belt
Counter fighter
Insanely flexible

Excellent grappler
World class boxer
Good gas tank

Fighters First Nutrition Amsterdam 160

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 16 - 9 - 0, fighting out of London, Sub Position!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 13 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Hachiro Matsui!
The judges for this bout are Paul Tew, Donald Grub and Chris Edwards.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Position.
Position shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Matsui sprawls well. Matsui wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Position gets slowly back to his feet.
Matsui defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Position.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Sub Position. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Matsui shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Matsui showed some decent athleticism there.
We've been hearing good reports from Position's training camp. Apparently he has been rolling around with some good quality BJJ practitioners and has been sharpening his skills. Let's see if that has an impact on the fight today.
Position is not content to let Matsui control the position.
Position is trying to control but Matsui passes into side control!
Matsui trying to control the action but Position is working from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Matsui content to control the pace. The referee will try and keep them active though.
Position tries to bench press Matsui off him but Matsui keeps the position.
Position is not content to let Matsui control the position.
Matsui controls the position.

The ref calls for a clean break and stands the fighters back up. Hachiro Matsui wasn't active enough on the ground.
Matsui tries to score a power double leg takedown but Position sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Matsui somewhat.
Position shoots in but no luck this time.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Position looks for a takedown but Matsui sprawls well.
Matsui stuffs the takedown.
Nice takedown defense from Matsui. No joy for Position on that attempt.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Matsui.
Position is trying to get back to half guard.
Position is not content to let Matsui control the position.
Matsui moving around in side mount but really he's just happy to control for now.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Matsui working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Position holding on.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.
Matsui is maintaining the dominant position - no doubt Position will start to get frustrated soon if he's not already.
Position wants to control but Matsui postures up.

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

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Matsui trying to control the position but Position is working away.
Position is looking to regain half guard here but Matsui keeps moving and retains side control.
Matsui trying to control the action but Position is working from the bottom.
Position is trying to get back to half guard.
Matsui is looking to take a break and control but Position is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Matsui is in a good position here but he's just trying to control... And he's not even managing to do that successfully.

That's five minutes gone in the round.

Matsui is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Position is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
Position is not content to let Matsui control the position.
You can see the frustration on Position's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.

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

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Position is looking for a sweep.

Matsui wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Position, who protects the arm well.
Matsui trying to control the position but Position is working away.
Position is trying to control Matsui's posture but Matsui avoids it.
Position tries to escape but Matsui is in control.
Position sneaks back into half guard.
Position wants to control but Matsui is keeping busy and won't allow it.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Matsui tries to pass to full mount but Position defends it.

Matsui is working for a kimura but Position is defending it quite comfortably.
Matsui is trying to control. Position wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.

Matsui 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.
Position is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Matsui wants to pass the guard but Position is defending well.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Matsui keeps trying to improve his position.
Position makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Position.
Position not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Matsui wants to pass the guard but Position is keeping the position.
Matsui postures up.
Matsui wants to pass the guard but Position is keeping the position.
Matsui trying to control the position from guard on top but Position is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Sub Position has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.
Matsui gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily

and Position counters by moving into the clinch.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Matsui is trying to drag Position to the mat but Position just about manages to keep his footing. He used the ropes to his advantage there.
Matsui is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Position is defending well.
Position changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Matsui fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Matsui fails with a takedown attempt.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Hachiro Matsui dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the ring so we can get back down to business.

Position closes this distance looking for a takedown but Matsui circles away.
Position has a takedown stuffed.

A momentary lapse in concentration from Matsui enables Position to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Matsui manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.

Position avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Matsui keeping moving, preventing Position from controlling successfully.
Matsui looking for a sweep. Not yet Matsui, not yet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Position trying to control but Matsui is working from the bottom.
Matsui tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Position trying to pass the guard. He's being very persistent here but Matsui manages to land a sweep and now he's on top!

Position looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Matsui wants to control from the top but Position keeps moving.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Position keeping full guard, as Matsui tries to pass.
Matsui wants to control from the top but Position keeps moving.

Position throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.

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

Matsui has a momentary lapse of concentration, allowing Position to throw up a leg and lock on what appears to be a pretty tight triangle! Matsui is fighting it off but it's all too little too late - Position pulls down on the head and he's put Matsui to sleep! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:57 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle). Sub Position!
Sub Position retains his lightweight title!
During a confident post fight interview, Sub Position thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.
Hachiro Matsui spoke after the fight, saying 'That was a great fight, I gotta give props to my opponent. He did what he had to do. But I'm not done and I'll be back stronger next time! Thank you to my fans and sponsors. '.