DFC 5: Champions PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Jorik Vartanov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Adam Thompson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Thompson has chosen Tool - The Pot as his entrance music. Jorik Vartanov is staring across the cage at his opponent, tweaking his nipples... Tweaking his own nipples that is.

Vartanov
vs
Thompson

190 cm
22
265 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

190 cm
22
245 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
Cuts easily

Decent wrestler
Counter striker
Very confident

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 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Jorik Vartanov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Adam Thompson!
The judges for this bout are Ivan Kurochkin, Aleksandr Martynov and Vladimir Khabensky.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Vartanov looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.

Thompson shoots in for a takedown and gets it.

Vartanov actively working from the bottom here.

Thompson is looking to control the position but Vartanov frees his trapped leg and locks up an armbar from the bottom! It looks tight! Thompson grimaces and holds on for a second but is forced to tap or have his arm broken! Slick Jiu Jitsu from Vartanov there - Thompson really paying for some sloppy defensive work!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:32 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Jorik Vartanov!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
55%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Herbert West (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Elias Paniki (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Paniki has chosen Get Back as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. Herbert West has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

West
vs
Paniki

200 cm
21
215 lbs
3 - 2 - 0

183 cm
18
205 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
Self confident

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Powerful

Future Pharmaceuticals (144 for $10)

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 - 2 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Herbert West!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Elias Paniki!
The judges for this bout are Ivan Kurochkin, Konstantin Menshow and Sergei Dronov.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
No joy there for Paniki, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
West slips a jab and a cross from Paniki.
West uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Paniki.
Paniki scores with a jab to the head.

West bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.

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

West is trying to get an arm triangle but Paniki is defending well.

West is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Paniki knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Paniki avoids any damage from the ground and pound of West.
West throwing strikes but missing, from side control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
West wants to control but Paniki is keeping him busy.
Paniki tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but West wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
West will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.

West tries for a kimura but Paniki is defending well.
Paniki really doesn't want to stay on the ground with West. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.

West is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Paniki has escaped the position, nice work there.
Paniki tries to get back to half guard but can't.

West is trying to get an arm triangle but Paniki is defending well.
Paniki tries to improve position but can't.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Paniki wants to escape from the position here - easier said than done!

West wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Paniki, who protects the arm well.
West works to advance to full mount. Paniki defends for a few seconds but eventually he succumbs.
Paniki is desperately trying to get back to half guard.

West is standing up, even though he is in mount.
Paniki paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.

West fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Paniki sprawls well initially but West persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!

West is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Paniki sees it coming and defends easily.
West is breathing heavily.
West works his way into side control.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

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

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Paniki tries to buck West off but West is having none of it.
Paniki tries to escape but West is in control.

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

West is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Paniki has escaped the position, nice work there.
Paniki is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.

West is trying to work for a kimura but Paniki is defending well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.

West seems to be working for a kimura but Paniki defends the submission attempt.

West seems to be looking for submissions.
Paniki is looking to improve his position.
West wants to lay and pray for a moment but Paniki keeps working.
Paniki looks like he's trying to stand up.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.

West is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Herbert West dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Paniki's corner calls for a 1-2. Paniki obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Paniki throws a looping overhand right but West ducks down to avoid it.
Paniki looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Paniki throws a right hand that West ducks under and follows up with a left that West also avoids with ease.
Paniki jabs at West's body.
Paniki throws a series of punches but West avoids them all with ease.
Paniki fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches West on the side of the head.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
West misses with a head kick.
Paniki looks to land a right hand but West moved out of range.
Paniki looks to land a combination but West avoids it well.
Paniki circles and sees the opportunity to plant his feet and throw a really nice straight left hand that drops West to the canvas! West doesn't know where he is but he's trying to survive - Paniki keeps piling on the pressure and forces the referee to step in! This one is aaaaaall over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:57 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Elias Paniki!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
100%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Dave Power (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Randy Skiter (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Power comes to the cage accompanied by Gimme Shelter. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Power
vs
Skiter

185 cm
22
180 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

178 cm
22
168 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
Self confident

Powerful takedowns
Brawler
Good gas tank

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 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Dave Power!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Randy Skiter!
The judges for this bout are Aleksandr Martynov, Valeri Chadov and Ivan Kurochkin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Power throws a combination. Skiter tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Skiter will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Power stuffs the takedown.
Power tries to clinch up but Skiter circles away and keeps his distance.
Power lands a body shot.
Skiter shoots in and drives through. Power sprawls well.
Dave Power has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Randy Skiter.
Skiter shoots for a double leg takedown but Power sprawls well. He's pushed Skiter's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.

Skiter 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.
Power wants to sweep but no luck.
Power working a defensive guard here.
Power throws some sloppy strikes off his back.
Skiter keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Power's head.
Skiter pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Power is keeping the position for now.
Power has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.

Power is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Skiter defends well.
Skiter must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Skiter trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Power has his foot on Skiter's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Skiter works his way back into a safe position though.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Skiter's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Skiter's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Skiter is looking to work some ground and pound but Power has wrist control.
Skiter connects with a couple of short punches.
Skiter landing with the ground and pound.
Skiter is working Power over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.

Power is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Skiter defends well.
Power is breathing heavily.
Skiter trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Skiter throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Skiter lands a couple of elbows.
Skiter distracts Power with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Skiter in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Skiter lands a couple of elbows.

Power is rocked!
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Skiter is in close to Power's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Oh Power is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
Skiter keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Power's head.
Power wants to sweep but no luck.
Skiter lands a couple of elbows.
Skiter landing with the ground and pound.
Power trying to control the position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Skiter keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Power's head.
Skiter chips away with some ground and pound.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Skiter postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Skiter loads up on a big left hand. Power felt that one! He's just covering up now, not defending himself intelligently - Skiter looks towards the ref and unloads with 3 more big shots and the ref has no choice but to stop the fight! Power can't hide his disappointment, as Skiter celebrates the victory.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:24 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Randy Skiter!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
97%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Gabriel Luque (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Evgeny Goldobin (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Luque comes to the cage accompanied by Last Man Standing - People in Planes. Gabriel Luque has the edge in experience - let's see if he can make that count tonight.

Luque
vs
Goldobin

168 cm
19
141 lbs
4 - 2 - 0

180 cm
22
140 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Good chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Good kicks
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 4 - 2 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Gabriel Luque!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Evgeny Goldobin!
The judges for this bout are Fedor Mirinova, Aleksandr Martynov and Dmitry Maklakov.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Luque does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Luque turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Luque slips a jab and a cross from Goldobin.
Luque ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Luque misses with a leg kick.

A head kick lands from Goldobin that sends Luque to the canvas. Luque tries to scramble back to his feet but Goldobin brings him back down into side control.

Luque is rocked!

It looks like Gabriel Luque has been cut.
Goldobin wants to control but Luque is keeping him busy.
Luque tries to bench press Goldobin off him but Goldobin keeps the position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Luque sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.
Luque tries to get to full guard but Goldobin has control of the leg.
Luque has his hands clasped together around Goldobin's back. He's all about the action.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Goldobin prevents Luque from improving his position.
Goldobin seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.
Luque is looking to improve his position.
Goldobin is figuring out what he wants to do next.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Luque wants to get back to full guard.
Luque preventing any damage for now, controlling his opponent's head.
Luque tries to roll over but Goldobin keeps him under control.
Luque might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Luque is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Goldobin's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Goldobin's back!
Goldobin looking very determined here, making life difficult for Luque.
Goldobin is trying to get back to his feet but Luque has full control of the position and if anything, Goldobin has just worked his way into a worse spot.
Goldobin looks gassed!
I would not like to be Goldobin right now.
Luque somehow managing to miss with a strike from the back.

Luque is remaining active here, looking for the choke. The more discerning members of the crowd will appreciate his efforts.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.

Goldobin fending off the submission attempt from Luque.

Luque looking for the RNC.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Evgeny Goldobin dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Gabriel Luque's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Luque looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Gabriel Luque seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Luque tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Luque stuffs the takedown.
Luque is looking to clinch but Goldobin is avoiding it.
Goldobin moves out of range of the leg kick from Luque.
Luque fails with a takedown attempt.
Some bone on bone action there as Goldobin checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Goldobin blocks a leg kick.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Luque dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Goldobin. That did some damage!

Luque closes the distance and clinches.
Luque with a knee to the head.
Goldobin is working for takedown but Luque is calmly controlling the position for now.
Goldobin is trying to break the clinch but Luque is controlling him.
Luque tries a knee to the head but Goldobin blocks it.
Luque prevents the takedown attempt.
Gabriel Luque has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Evgeny Goldobin.
Goldobin is breathing heavily.
Luque slows down the pace here.
Goldobin is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Goldobin tries to circle away but Luque has him pinned against the cage.
Luque has Goldobin pressed against the cage, preventing Goldobin from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Goldobin wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Luque lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Goldobin jumps guard but Luque stands there with Goldobin around his waist. Goldobin gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Goldobin managing to block the knees to the body from Luque.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Luque.
Goldobin goes for a takedown in the clinch but Luque prevents it.
Luque utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Luque lands a good knee to the midsection. Goldobin won't want to take too many of those.
Luque goes for a takedown in the clinch but Goldobin prevents it.

Luque lands a takedown into guard.
Luque throws a big right hand that misses.
Luque trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Luque showing good wrestling skills to control the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Luque throws a big right hand that misses.
Luque is standing up over Goldobin. Goldobin looks to escape but Luque dives into side control.
Goldobin is not content to let Luque control the position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Goldobin defending against the ground and pound.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Luque in side control, trying to ground and pound but not landing this time.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Goldobin on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Luque. Luque obviously looking to wear him down.
Luque tries to close the distance and clinch up but Goldobin swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Goldobin takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Luque lands a nice leg kick that just misses Goldobin's sensitive parts.
A solid leg kick lands there for Luque.
Luque throws a nice outside leg kick.
An inside leg kick lands from Luque.
Luque with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Luque throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Luque.
Luque digs a good body shot into Goldobin's ribs.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Luque lands with a thumping leg kick.
Goldobin tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Gabriel Luque is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Luque throws a nice inside leg kick.
Luque chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Luque connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Goldobin checks a leg kick.
Luque throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
Luque moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Goldobin takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Luque connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
A nice leg kick lands there from Luque.
Luque feints and then cracks Goldobin's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Goldobin down.
Goldobin wants to clinch.
Luque delivers a nice body kick.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Gabriel Luque dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Gabriel Luque's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

Luque cracks Goldobin with a good jab.
Luque cracks the inside of Goldobin's front leg.

Goldobin decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
Luque is looking to control Goldobin's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Luque avoid being mounted?
Luque gets full guard.
Luque pulls Goldobin in close to prevent any damage.

Luque had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Goldobin defends it easily.
Goldobin takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Luque has control of Goldobin's left arm, preventing Goldobin from doing any damage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Goldobin postures up.
Luque has his hands on Goldobin's head, controlling the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Luque bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Goldobin's guard.
Goldobin preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Luque throwing strikes but missing.
Luque controlling from the top position.
Luque slips nicely into half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Luque wants to pass the guard but Goldobin is defending well.
Luque is trying to control. Goldobin wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Goldobin is looking to escape.
Luque wants to free his trapped foot but Goldobin is holding on for dear life with his legs.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Luque trying to control the action but Goldobin is working from the bottom.
Luque frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Luque wants to control the pace but Goldobin is squirming around nicely.

And that's the end of the fight!
Gabriel Luque showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Luque has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Fedor Mirinova scores the fight 29:28
Judge Aleksandr Martynov scores the fight 29:28
Judge Dmitry Maklakov scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Gabriel Luque!

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 Drago Volkhov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Efrain Wallid (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Volkhov
vs
Wallid

183 cm
22
186 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

191 cm
22
196 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter striker
Very strong

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Tends to cut

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the middleweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Drago Volkhov!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Efrain Wallid!
The judges for this bout are Ivan Kurochkin, Igor Prikhodko and Fedor Mirinova.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Good exchange - Volkhov coming out on top.

It looks like Efrain Wallid has been cut.
Volkhov is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Wallid.

Volkhov gets a powerful takedown and that's hurt Wallid.

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

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:26 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Drago Volkhov!
Drago Volkhov is the new middleweight champion!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
100%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Michael Kelly (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Johnny Goode (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Goode has chosen AC/DC - Hell's Bells as his entrance music. Michael Kelly looks tired to me. Hopefully he has got enough gas left in the tank to put in a good performance.

Kelly
vs
Goode

150 cm
23
130 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

160 cm
22
141 lbs
5 - 6 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Intelligent

Powerful takedowns
Basic striking
Powerful

Global MMA Gear

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the bantamweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Michael Kelly !
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 6 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Johnny Goode!
The judges for this bout are Konstantin Menshow, Sergei Dronov and Aleksandr Martynov.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Goode with a nice cross.
Kelly looks exhausted already! Oh dear, he should have come in in better shape than this!
Kelly takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Goode ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.

Goode clinches up with Kelly and pushes him back against the cage.
A right hand to the body from Goode.

Goode is trying to trip Kelly . He has hold of a leg but Kelly is hopping around, keeping his balance for the moment. Goode persists though and gets the takedown into guard.
Goode is pushing down on Kelly 's leg trying to pass to half guard. Kelly is fighting to maintain full guard but Goode has managed to sneak the leg through.

Goode is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Kelly defends it well.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Goode wants to work for an arm triangle but Kelly is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.

Goode is working for a submission of some sort.
Goode landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Kelly is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Goode scores with a couple of nice shots.
Goode is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Goode slips a nice elbow through Kelly 's hands, connecting with Kelly 's forehead.
Goode scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Goode working Kelly over with strikes.

Goode is working for a submission here. He's got hold of the far side arm and he's looking for a kimura. He's cranking on the arm and he's got it! Kelly is tapping out! Ouch, that looked like it hurt!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:36 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Johnny Goode!
Johnny Goode is the new bantamweight champion!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
100%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Kevin Ferguson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and August Spies (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Ferguson comes into the arena with Fabolous - My Time blaring out of the sound system. August Spies has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Ferguson
vs
Spies

183 cm
22
207 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

185 cm
20
219 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Big heart

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Granite chin

SPARTAN FIGHTWARE
SPARTAN FIGHTWARE

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the light heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Kevin Ferguson!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, August Spies!
The judges for this bout are Vladimir Khabensky, Dmitry Maklakov and Illya Tyunina.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Ferguson staying out of range there.
Spies stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Spies wants it to stay on the feet.
Spies misses with a wild combination.

Spies fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Ferguson, pushing him back against the cage.
Ferguson working hard to break the clinch.
Ferguson managing to block the knees to the body from Spies.

Spies manages to break the clinch.

Ferguson looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into mount! Oh, that's bad for Spies!
Spies wants to control but Ferguson is having none of it.
Ferguson can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Spies is looking to escape.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's one minute gone in the round.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Spies is desperately trying to improve his position but Ferguson has a good base and remains in mount.
Spies tries to hold on but Ferguson postures up.
Ferguson looking to ground and pound but Spies is blocking nicely.
Spies is looking to get to half guard.
Spies sneaks a leg under to get to half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Spies is looking to improve his position.
Ferguson sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Spies defending well though.
Ferguson wants to control but Spies is keeping him busy.

Spies manages to escape and get back to his feet!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Ferguson takes a kick to the side of the head.
Ferguson tries to clinch but Spies is having none of it.
Ferguson tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Spies swivels and escapes.
Ferguson tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
August Spies is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

Spies moves into range and clinches up with Ferguson.

Spies breaks from the clinch.
Spies listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.

Spies clinches.
Ferguson takes an elbow to the temple.

It looks like Kevin Ferguson has been cut.
Spies lands an elbow inside.
A frustrated look appears on Ferguson's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Ferguson tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Spies just stands there and leans against the cage.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Kevin Ferguson. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Ferguson is trying to break free.
Nice elbow from Spies.
Ferguson takes an elbow to the temple.
Spies with a knee to the head.

Spies drops Ferguson with a big knee straight up the middle! Ferguson is covering up against the cage but manages to escape and gets back to his feet!

Ferguson is rocked!
Ferguson is breathing heavily.
Jab, jab by Spies - just one landing.
Oh Ferguson is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Spies fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Spies looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Ferguson seems to have got his legs back now.
Spies throws a front kick that sends Ferguson stumbling back into the cage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

August Spies dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Kevin Ferguson's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Spies clinches with his opponent.
Ferguson tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Spies avoids it.
Spies lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Spies creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Ferguson's defenses.
Spies scores with a nice hook to the head.
Ferguson wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Spies lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Nice elbow from Spies.

Kevin Ferguson's cut is getting worse.
Ferguson working hard to break the clinch.

Spies has dropped down and is working for a takedown. Ferguson is trying to keep an underhook but Spies manages to get the takedown into half guard.
Spies lands with a punch from half guard.
Spies is controlling the pace.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

Spies is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Ferguson defends it well.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Spies moves nicely into side control.
Spies in side control lands a decent elbow.
Spies is looking to take a break and control but Ferguson is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Spies working the body and head with strikes.
Spies in side control, just content to control the action for now.

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

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Spies tries to bum rush Ferguson with a series of wild strikes but Ferguson uses good footwork to avoid the assault.

Spies closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Spies looking to throw knees to the head but Ferguson is blocking nicely.
Ferguson fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Spies throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Fergusons head.
Spies lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Ferguson tries to circle away but Spies has him pinned against the cage.

Spies's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
The fight stays on the outside here - Ferguson looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Spies scores with a three punch combo!
Spies thows a left - swing and a miss!

Spies clinches up with Ferguson and pushes him back against the cage.
Spies unloads a knee to the mid-section. Ferguson lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Spies lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Spies looking to throw knees to the head but Ferguson is blocking nicely.
Spies scores with a knee to the head.
Spies is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.

Spies pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Spies closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Knees in the clinch landing for Spies.

Spies manages to break the clinch.
Spies lands a nice shot that snaps Ferguson's head back.
Spies lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Danga de danga de dang - Spies scores with a four punch combination!
Spies scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Spies misses with a low kick.
Spies looks to score with a jab to the body but Ferguson is just out of range.
Ferguson chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Spies can pounce on him.
Spies fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Ferguson.
Spies lands a nice leg kick that just misses Ferguson's sensitive parts.
Spies turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
The crowd cheers as Spies lands an impressive looking overhand right. Ferguson doesn't seem phased though.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Spies with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Spies landing knees to the head.

Kevin Ferguson's cut is bleeding quite badly. He's got to try and protect it.
Spies lands an elbow inside that Ferguson shrugs off.
A knee to the head by Spies.
A knee to the head by Spies.
Ferguson is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Spies lands a knee to the head.

Spies breaks the clinch.
Thud! ouch! good body kick from Spies - that will leave a mark!
Ferguson tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Spies chopping away at his opponent's legs.
August Spies seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Spies displaying good standup as he scores with a three punch combination.
Spies lands a right hook to the body.
Ferguson takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!

Spies gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Spies lands an elbow just above Ferguson 's eye.
Spies unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Spies landing knees to the head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

August Spies showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Kevin Ferguson's cut.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.

Spies moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Spies lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Spies misses with a leg kick.
Spies throws a leg kick but Ferguson sees it coming and moves out of range.

Spies drives through and clinches with Ferguson against the cage.
A short uppercut from Spies.
Spies lands an elbow just above Ferguson 's eye.
Spies lands with a light punch inside.
Spies lands a right hand.
Spies lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Spies softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Nice elbow from Spies.
Spies scores with a shoulder strike.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Spies creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Spies misses with a knee to the head.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Spies lands an elbow inside that Ferguson shrugs off.
Spies gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
August Spies seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.

Spies manages to break the clinch.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Ferguson checks a leg kick.
Ferguson tries to score a power double leg takedown but Spies sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Ferguson somewhat.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ferguson slips under a jab.
Spies connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Ferguson takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Spies scoring well with a low kick there.
Spies has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Spies chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Ferguson takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Spies feints and then cracks Ferguson's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Ferguson down.
Spies works Ferguson's body with a nice hook.
A slapping leg kick lands for Spies.
Ferguson doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Ferguson on the wrong end of a nice hook.

Spies clinches.
Spies scores with an uppercut up the middle.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Spies landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Knees in the clinch landing for Spies.
Ferguson takes a knee right on the jaw!
Spies lands a nice knee to the body.
Ferguson's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
A short uppercut from Spies.
Spies connects with a knee to the head.
Ferguson takes an elbow to the forehead.

Spies pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Ferguson blocks the body kick.
Spies misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Spies throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Ferguson.
Spies swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Ferguson shoots for a double leg takedown but Spies sprawls well. He's pushed Ferguson's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.

Spies moves into range and clinches up with Ferguson.

Spies breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Ferguson chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Spies can pounce on him.
A head kick misses from Spies.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Spies dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Spies dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Ferguson. That did some damage!
Spies thows a body shot but no joy.
A nice inside leg kick there by Spies. That's going to slow Ferguson down.
Ferguson steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Spies. That one must have hurt.
Ferguson blocks a head kick by Spies.
Spies lands with a straight right. Ferguson didn't see that one coming.

Spies moves into the clinch successfully.

Spies breaks the clinch.
Spies connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
August Spies seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Spies slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Ferguson tries to move into range but Spies moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Spies cracks Ferguson with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Ferguson showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Spies.
Spies cracks Ferguson with a good jab.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A solid leg kick lands there for Spies.
Spies throws a right hand that Ferguson ducks under and follows up with a left that Ferguson also avoids with ease.
The crowd cheers as Spies lands an impressive looking overhand right. Ferguson doesn't seem phased though.
Good shot there by Spies.
Spies lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Spies misses with a wild combination.

Spies gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Ferguson has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Spies lands an elbow just above Ferguson 's eye.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Spies obliges.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Spies lands an uppercut.
Spies throws a knee to the head but misses.
Spies cracks Ferguson with a nice body shot.
Ferguson's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Ferguson is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Spies lands a damaging elbow.

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

August Spies really dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Kevin Ferguson's cut.
That's time! Back to the action!

Spies paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Spies lands a nice shot that snaps Ferguson's head back.
A bone on bone clash there as Ferguson blocks the leg kick.
Spies moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Ferguson looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.

Spies moves into the clinch.
Spies with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Spies pushes Ferguson back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Ferguson goes for a takedown in the clinch but Spies prevents it.

Spies breaks from the clinch.

Ferguson tries to keep at a distance but Spies has taken the fight into the clinch.
Nice elbow from Spies.
Spies throws a knee to the head but misses.
Ferguson takes an elbow to the temple.
Ferguson tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Spies gets through Ferguson's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Spies lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Spies lands an elbow inside that Ferguson shrugs off.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Spies connects with a nasty looking knee right to Ferguson's face.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Spies with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Spies lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Ferguson wants to get back to striking at distance but Spies won't allow it.
Spies lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Ferguson tries to break the clinch but Spies is controlling the position.
Spies lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Spies works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Spies lands an elbow inside that Ferguson shrugs off.
Nice elbow from Spies.

Spies breaks from the clinch.
A telegraphed right hand from Spies misses the target.
Ferguson on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Spies. Spies obviously looking to wear him down.
Kevin Ferguson is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Spies throws a nice head kick!
Spies comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Spies digs a good body shot into Ferguson's ribs.
Spies scores with a hook to the body. Ferguson takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.

Spies takes the fight into the clinch.
Spies tries a knee to the head but he's missed.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ferguson tries to break free but Spies pushes him back against the cage.

Spies breaks from the clinch.
Spies cracks the inside of Ferguson's front leg.
Ferguson uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Spies.
Spies looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Spies tries a head kick but it misses.
Spies feints and then cracks Ferguson's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Ferguson down.
A nice leg kick lands there from Spies.
A jab from Spies finds it's way through Ferguson's defenses.
Spies lands a high kick!
A shot to de liver by Spies. Beautiful body shot.

Spies moves into the clinch successfully.
Spies connects with a knee to the head.
Spies lands on the inside with an uppercut.

Spies breaks the clinch.

Spies rushes Ferguson and presses him up against the cage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ferguson is trying to break the clinch but Spies has him pressed against the cage.
Spies utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Spies working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.

Spies breaks from the clinch.
Spies fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Ferguson.
Spies throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
Spies misses with a few strikes there.

Spies darts in and clinches Ferguson up against the cage.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Spies.
Spies lands with a short shot to the head.
Spies lands an elbow inside that Ferguson shrugs off.
Ferguson tries to break free but Spies pushes him back against the cage.
Spies lands a knee to the head.
Spies lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Spies lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Spies cracks Ferguson with a nice body shot.
Ferguson takes a knee right on the jaw!
Knees to the body from Spies.
Spies throws a knee to the head but misses.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ferguson takes an elbow to the forehead.
Ferguson is looking to break free of the clinch but Spies has double underhooks.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Spies scores with a knee to the head.
Spies crunches a lovely knee into Ferguson's ribcage.
Spies using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Ferguson has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Spies lands a knee to the head.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Spies.
Spies keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Ferguson's efforts to push away.
Ferguson working hard to break the clinch.
Spies lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Spies lands with a left to the head.
Spies managing to block the knees to the body from Ferguson.

Spies breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Spies chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Spies throws a push kick but Ferguson slaps the foot to one side.
Spies scores with a punch to the head.
Spies looks to land a body kick but Ferguson moved away.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

August Spies dominated that fourth round.
The cut man is working on Kevin Ferguson'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. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Spies lands a high kick!
Spies looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Ferguson looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Ferguson uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Spies.
Spies scores with a jab to the jaw.
Ferguson takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.

Spies forces Ferguson back against the cage and clinches.
Spies lands a body punch.
Spies softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Spies with a knee to the head.
Ferguson takes an elbow to the forehead.
Spies lands an elbow just above Ferguson 's eye.
Spies connects with a knee to the head.

Spies breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Good exchange - Spies coming out on top.
A head kick from Spies lands but Ferguson takes it in his stride.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - an gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
Spies throws a quick inside leg kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Spies throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Ferguson showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Spies.
Spies throws a leg kick but Ferguson sees it coming and moves out of range.
Spies throws a leg kick which misses Ferguson's front leg but catches the back leg as Ferguson tries to avoid it.
Spies throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Ferguson on the side of the head.
Ferguson tries to clinch but Spies is having none of it.
Spies fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Ferguson manages to avoid it.

Ferguson tries to keep at a distance but Spies has taken the fight into the clinch.

Spies manages to break the clinch.
Ferguson walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Spies misses with a jab, cross combination.
Ferguson tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Spies defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Ferguson.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Spies clinches up with Ferguson and pushes him back against the cage.
Spies lands a knee to the head.
Spies connects with a knee to the head.
Spies lands with a right to the head.
Spies lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Ferguson backwards.
Spies lands an elbow inside.

Spies's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Ferguson shoots in for a takedown but Spies shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Kevin Ferguson. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Spies fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Ferguson on the side of the head.
Spies bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Ferguson's head.
Ferguson gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Spies.

Spies clinches up against the cage.
Spies scores with a shoulder strike.

Spies escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.

Spies forces Ferguson back against the cage and clinches.
Spies scores a nice knee to the body.
Ferguson can't break the clinch.

Spies manages to break the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Spies connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Ferguson stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Spies.
Spies scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Spies cracks Ferguson with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Nice straight punches there by Spies. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Spies.
Spies lands a jab to Ferguson's midsection.
Spies fails to land with a series of punches.
Spies scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Spies connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Spies throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Ferguson stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
An inside leg kick lands from Spies.
Spies misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Spies connects with a jab.
A combination from Spies does no damage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Spies throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Ferguson's head.
Spies connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Ferguson momentarily.

Spies darts in and clinches Ferguson up against the cage.
Spies lands an elbow that stopped Ferguson in his tracks for a moment.
Spies connects with a nasty looking knee right to Ferguson's face.
Spies connects with a knee to the head.
Spies lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Spies connects with a knee to the head.
Spies misses with a knee to the head.
Ferguson tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Spies lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Ferguson takes an elbow to the temple.

Spies breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Ferguson fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Ferguson tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Ferguson checks a leg kick.
Kevin Ferguson has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Spies punishes Ferguson's body with a nice straight punch.

And that's the end of the fight!
August Spies comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Spies 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Vladimir Khabensky scores the fight 41:50
Judge Dmitry Maklakov scores the fight 41:50
Judge Illya Tyunina scores the fight 41:50

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... August Spies!
August Spies is the new light heavyweight champion!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
100%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Lucius Vorenus (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ross Koscheck (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Koscheck has chosen amazing by kanye west as his entrance music. The atmosphere really building for this one as we go over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Vorenus
vs
Koscheck

185 cm
21
170 lbs
4 - 0 - 0

183 cm
22
182 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Very strong

Good wrestler
Brawler
Enjoys gardening

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the welterweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 4 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Lucius Vorenus!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Ross Koscheck!
The judges for this bout are Aleksei Zolotukhin, Viktor Lagutenko and Aleksandr Martynov.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Koscheck pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Koscheck shoots in but no luck this time.
Lucius Vorenus seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Vorenus lands a front kick.
Koscheck looks gassed!
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Koscheck lands where it shouldn't have, right in the... well, you know what he did? He kicked him in the penis. He's injured, injured bad. The referee sends both fighters to their corners and Vorenus has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Vorenus and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Vorenus throws a nasty head kick that just misses. He throws another kick to the head of his opponent and almost takes it off! Koscheck crumples to the floor and the fight is over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:16 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Head Kick). Lucius Vorenus!
Lucius Vorenus is the new welterweight champion!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
100%

Main event

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Chingiz Akayev (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Kublai Chutsai (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Akayev comes to the cage accompanied by The lamentations of women. Chutsai is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: Gracia. Chingiz Akayev has the edge in experience - let's see if he can make that count tonight.

Akayev
vs
Chutsai

192 cm
21
275 lbs
6 - 0 - 0

195 cm
22
270 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

Powerful takedowns
Solid boxing
Very quick

Good takedowns
Counter striker
Determined

Cobra Kai Nutrition (St. Pete's Best)

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Chingiz Akayev!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Kublai Chutsai!
The judges for this bout are Vladimir Khabensky, Fedor Mirinova and Ivan Kurochkin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Akayev misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.

Akayev shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Chutsai is trying to defend but Akayev finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
Chutsai is looking to control Akayev's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Chutsai avoid being mounted?
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Chutsai can do anything to dispel that myth.
Akayev with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
Akayev is pressing down on Chutsai's thigh, looking to free his foot. Chutsai is holding on for now.
Akayev is keen to just control but Chutsai is a slippery customer.

Akayev is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Chutsai trying to control but Akayev postures up.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Akayev wants to control but Chutsai is keeping him busy.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.

Chutsai gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Chutsai keeping moving, preventing Akayev from controlling successfully.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Akayev pushes down on Chutsai's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Chutsai is trying to get back to full guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Akayev is working for a kimura but Chutsai is defending it quite comfortably.

Akayev is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Chutsai is staying active underneath Akayev, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Akayev thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Chutsai's head.
Chutsai tries to get to full guard but Akayev has control of the leg.
Akayev missing with the ground and pound from half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Akayev thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.

Akayev wants to work for an arm triangle but Chutsai is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Akayev wants to lay and pray for a moment but Chutsai keeps working.
Chutsai is looking for a sweep. Akayev is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Akayev paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Akayev throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Akayev throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Chutsai sees it coming and avoids it easily.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Akayev.
Akayev throws a hard body shot but it just misses.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Chutsai changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Akayev looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Akayev manages to work his way to half guard, despite Chutsai's best efforts.
The fighters are battling for position here. Akayev manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Akayev avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Chutsai missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.

Akayev is working actively from the bottom, looking for submissions. He's escaped his hips to the side and he's going for an armbar! Chutsai has his hands clasped together but Akayev extends an breaks Chutsai's desperate grasp, forcing a tap out due to armbar! Nice BJJ displayed there by Akayev.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:50 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Chingiz Akayev!
Chingiz Akayev is the new heavyweight champion!