TGC 45 PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Kendall Mole (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Michal Silva (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look pumped up here. Let's hope this is a good fight!

Mole
vs
Silva

220 cm
21
250 lbs
0 - 6 - 0

190 cm
21
250 lbs
3 - 4 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Basic striking
Good chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Kendall Mole!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Michal Silva!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Blasius, Paul Aken and Aafke Stam.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Silva rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Mole moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Silva misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Silva throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Silva throws a nice outside leg kick.
No joy there for Silva, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Silva misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Silva falls off balance throwing a combination
and Mole counters with a head kick.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Silva looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Mole shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Silva sprawls well. Silva wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Mole gets slowly back to his feet.
Mole fails to land the takedown.
Mole ducks under a wild hook from Silva.
Mole dodges the punch combination from Silva.
Mole lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Silva circles away quickly and effectively.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A low kick from Mole is predictable there
and Silva counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Mole shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Silva as he avoids it easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Kendall Mole. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Mole tries to clinch there but Silva circles away.
Mole lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Mole.
Mole fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Silva avoids it really well and circles away.
Silva misses with a straight right.
Mole avoids a punch combination nicely.
Mole on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Mole throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Mole tries to clinch but Silva is having none of it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Silva misses with a two punch combination.
Mole throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
A head kick misses from Mole.
Mole tries to move into range but Silva moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Mole goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Silva with a jab.
Mole moves to clinch but Silva breaks away
and Silva counters with a nice body kick.
Mole is breathing heavily.

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

Mole is rocked!
Silva steps into range and unloads a brutal right left combo! Mole is out on his feet! Silva sets himself and nearly takes Mole's head off with a straight right, sending him crashing to the mat! Wow, that was nasty... but awesome! Wooo!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:46 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Strikes). Michal Silva!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
80%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Neil Santos (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Hush Hanson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Hanson has chosen Slipknot- Wait And Bleed as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. Neil Santos had a look across the cage there at his opponent. He definitely means business

Santos
vs
Hanson

190 cm
29
265 lbs
5 - 7 - 0

198 cm
28
244 lbs
3 - 5 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Basic striking
Very quick

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter fighter
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Neil Santos!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Hush Hanson!
The judges for this bout are Wagner Zegers, Saam Ante and Nard Betker.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Santos bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
Hanson sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.

Hanson looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.

Hanson looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Santos is trying to control. Hanson wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.

Hanson is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Santos pulls his head out easily.
Santos wants to pass the guard but Hanson is defending well.
Santos tries to stand but his hand is stuck under Hanson.
Santos throwing shots but Hanson is blocking nicely.
Santos trying to pass the guard but Hanson defending well.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!

Santos 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.
Santos is looking to pass the guard... He's managed it - he's now in full mount!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hanson is trying to escape the mount.
Santos is landing with some decent strikes but Hanson is trying to advance his position so the referee is letting the fight continue.
Hanson holding onto his opponent's waist for dear life, as Santos tries to land some strikes to get him to release his grip.
We've been hearing good reports from Santos'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.
Santos tries to control but Hanson wriggling away.
Hanson is working to get back to half guard.
The referee warns Hanson that he has to improve his position here as he takes two more clean shots to the head.

Santos working for a guillotine from mount but Hanson is in no mood to give up.
Santos pausing momentarily but resumes with a couple of decent strikes that do a bit of damage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Santos unloading with bombs!
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Hanson is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
Santos wants to control the pace but Hanson is squirming around nicely.
Hanson is looking to get to half guard.
Hanson manages to regain half guard. Good work.

Hanson looking for submissions off his back.

Hanson looking for submissions off his back.
Santos is nestled in close to Hanson, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Hanson has been taking part in the yoga sessions down at Sanitarium. Presumably he's going to look for a slick submission... Or maybe he's looking to avoid one.
Santos winds up and cracks Hanson with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Hanson tries to get to full guard but Santos has control of the leg.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hanson avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Santos.
Santos seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Hanson does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.

Hanson actively working from the bottom here.
Santos tries to pass to full mount but Hanson defends it.
Hanson moves into full guard.
Santos wants to pass the guard but Hanson is keeping the position.

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

Hanson is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Santos accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Santos got a little sloppy there for a moment and Hanson has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Santos has managed to get both his arms back between Hanson's legs - danger averted.
Santos working some strikes from top position.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Hanson is on top in guard.

Hanson has gone for a leg lock! Santos slips out almost immediately though and dives into Hanson's guard.

Hanson is looking for a triangle but Santos pushes his legs off easily.
Hanson looks winded!
Hanson wants to sweep here but Santos controlling him for the moment.

Hanson is looking for a triangle but Santos pushes his legs off easily.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!

Hanson working for a triangle but Santos defends it easily.
Hanson avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Neil Santos dominated that round.
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.

A head kick from Santos lands but Hanson takes it in his stride.

It looks like Hush Hanson has been cut.

Santos decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
Hanson wants to get back to full guard.
Hanson on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Santos lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Hanson looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Neil Santos overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Santos is trying to control. Hanson wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.

Hanson looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Santos lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Santos throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Santos thows a huge punch but Hanson dodges it nicely.

Santos is trying to work for a kimura but Hanson is defending well.

Hanson actively working from the bottom here.
Santos perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.
Santos passes to full mount!
Hanson keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
Hanson sneaks a leg under to get to half guard.
Santos wants to take a breather but Hanson is having none of it.

Hanson actively working from the bottom here.
Santos is looking to advance position but Hanson won't allow it.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Santos not landing any meaningful shots this time.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Hanson looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Hanson tries to get to full guard but Santos has control of the leg.
Hanson is breathing heavily.
Santos throwing shots but Hanson is blocking nicely.

Hanson is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Santos pulls his head out easily.

Santos seems to be looking for submissions.
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!
Hanson is trying to get back to full guard.
Santos thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Hanson's head.

Hanson actively working from the bottom here.
Santos wants to free his trapped foot but Hanson is holding on for dear life with his legs.

Hanson actively working from the bottom here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Santos keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
Hanson is pressing down on Santos's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Santos has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Hanson being controlled here, momentarily.
Santos wants to control from the top but Hanson keeps moving.
Santos lands a couple of digs.
Santos scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Santos accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Hanson keeping full guard, as Santos tries to pass.

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

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

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Hanson is looking to cinch up a triangle. Santos throws the leg off to one side though and gets in tight to Hanson's body to avoid the submission. Hanson has instead reached around Santos's neck and now has a guillotine! Oh, this is biiiig trouble! Hanson arches his back and squeezes and forces the tap from his hapless opponent.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:20 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Guillotine). Hush Hanson!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
61%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Kim Jong Un (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Bartosz Solomon (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Jong Un comes to the cage accompanied by DPRKorean National Anthem. Kim Jong Un had real problems making weight for this fight. After initially coming in at 206.4lbs, he had two hours to make the official fight weight. He made it but it will have taken a lot out of him to cut those extra few pounds. Kim Jong Un has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Jong Un
vs
Solomon

178 cm
29
226 lbs
6 - 11 - 0

210 cm
21
212 lbs
0 - 6 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Basic striking
Experienced

BJJ White Belt
Counter fighter
Knockout power

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 6 - 11 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Kim Jong Un!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Bartosz Solomon!
The judges for this bout are Paul Aken, Daniel Blasius and Aafke Stam.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Solomon throws a lazy head kick
and Jong Un counters with a right hand to the body.

Jong Un tries to keep at a distance but Solomon has taken the fight into the clinch.

Solomon's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Solomon is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.

Jong Un closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Solomon to the mat! Solomon manages to get full guard.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.

Jong Un stands and steps away. Solomon gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.
Jong Un uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Solomon has time to react.
Jong Un tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Solomon lands with a kick to the temple. Jong Un shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Jong Un closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Solomon quickly recovers to half guard.
Solomon looks like he's trying to stand up.

Jong Un is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Jong Un works his foot free and advances to mount.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Jong Un lands a big shot there that rocks Solomon but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.

Solomon is rocked!

It looks like Bartosz Solomon has been cut.

Jong Un is controlling this nicely and is looking to make no mistakes. Solomon is trying to wiggle out of this horrible position. Solomon flips to his side and attempts to get a leg in for half guard. Jong Un anticipates the leg and manages to get behind Solomon and secures both hooks! This could be bad! Jong Un slips an arm under Solomon chin and tries to position for a rear naked choke. Jong Un has worked the choke in now and it looks tight. Jong Un is squeezing on Solomon like an anaconda would it's prey. Solomon fails to tap and has fallen unconscious! We've got ourselves a winner by way of a rear naked choke!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:47 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Kim Jong Un!
Kim Jong Un bigged himself up after the win. The crowd seemed to love it.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
66%

Main event

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Eddie Armstrong (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Jimmie Akesson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Jimmie Akesson has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Armstrong
vs
Akesson

185 cm
28
240 lbs
9 - 0 - 1

192 cm
22
240 lbs
4 - 2 - 0

Good wrestling
Basic striking
Cardio machine

BJJ Brown Belt
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

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 9 - 0 - 1, fighting out of London, Eddie Armstrong!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Jimmie Akesson!
The judges for this bout are Nard Betker, Saam Ante and Radbod Blank.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Akesson changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Armstrong tries to avoid it but Akesson manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Armstrong to the ground. Armstrong escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Armstrong shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.

Akesson pushes Armstrong up against the cage in a clinch.
Armstrong lands a body shot.
Armstrong tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Akesson drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Armstrong misses with the head strike.
Armstrong tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Akesson's elbow.
Akesson is looking for a takedown.
Eddie Armstrong has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jimmie Akesson.
A short right from Armstrong.
Armstrong lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Armstrong misses with a short punch on the inside.
Armstrong is pressed up against the cage. Akesson has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Armstrong down to the mat. Armstrong avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.

Armstrong moves into the clinch successfully.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Armstrong misses with a hook to the ribs.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Armstrong misses with a punch on the inside.
Akesson is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Akesson.
Armstrong tries to work over Akesson's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Armstrong struggles to land a body shot inside as Akesson controls his hands.
Akesson has been looking to improve his clinch game in recent weeks. Armstrong seems to have the measure of him in the clinch so far, so let's see if Akesson can turn it around.
Armstrong keeps control of Akesson as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Armstrong lands a right hand.
Armstrong misses with some punches.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Akesson just misses with a elbow thrown towards Armstrong's brow.
I was talking to Armstrong's coach per-fight and he was telling me that they'd been working on the clinch in the runup to this fight.
Armstrong tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Akesson's elbow.
Armstrong misses with a hook from the clinch.
Armstrong misses with a hook to the ribs.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Akesson.
Armstrong misses with a short punch on the inside.
Armstrong tries to work over Akesson's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Akesson has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Armstrong avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Akesson fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Akesson goes for a takedown attempt but Armstrong pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Eddie Armstrong seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Akesson looking for a takedown.
Armstrong tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Armstrong misses with a hook from the clinch.
Armstrong digs a right hand into Akesson's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Akesson's gas tank.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Akesson blocks a body shot from Armstrong.
Akesson wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Akesson jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Armstrong walks away with a smile on his face. Akesson gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Akesson tries to bum rush Armstrong with a series of wild strikes but Armstrong uses good footwork to avoid the assault.

Akesson gets a clinch.
Armstrong throws a punch but it's blocked by Akesson.
Armstrong goes for a body shot but it's blocked.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A head punch on the inside from Armstrong fails to land.
Akesson wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Armstrong lands a nice shot to the body.
Armstrong misses with some punches.
Armstrong lands a shot to the body.
Akesson looks winded!
Armstrong misses with a punch to the body.
Armstrong misses with a punch on the inside.
Armstrong lands with a right to the head.
Armstrong struggles to land a body shot inside as Akesson controls his hands.
A right hook to the body lands for Armstrong.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Armstrong works on Akesson's body with a couple of short punches.
Armstrong tries a body shot but Akesson blocks it.
Armstrong misses with a punch to the body.

Armstrong has picked Akesson up - he's going for a ride! Armstrong dumps his opponent to the mat with a thud and settles into half guard.
Armstrong trying to control from Akesson's half guard. Akesson has other ideas though and has regained full guard.
Armstrong throwing strikes but missing.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Akesson 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.
Armstrong wants to control from the top but Akesson keeps moving.
Akesson wants to get back to his feet but Armstrong passes into half guard.
Armstrong winds up and cracks Akesson with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Armstrong landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Akesson is trying to maintain the position but Armstrong is very close to passing his half guard.
Akesson blocking the ground and pound attempt from Armstrong.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Akesson closes this distance looking for a takedown but Armstrong circles away.
Armstrong wants to clinch up but Akesson keeps it at a distance.
Armstrong shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Akesson defends it nicely.
A looping hook to the body misses from Armstrong. Akesson does a little dance to reset his feet.
Akesson defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Armstrong.
Armstrong misses the jab.
Horrible takedown by Akesson or perhaps it was just good defense by Armstrong which made him look bad.
Armstrong shoots for a takedown but Akesson saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Eddie Armstrong. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Akesson plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
Armstrong shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Akesson lands a jab to Armstrong's midsection.
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!

Armstrong looking to score a takedown here. Akesson is defending well but Armstrong drives through and ends up in Akesson's guard.
Armstrong knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Akesson on the ground.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Akesson is scooting his butt against the cage and has managed to get back to his feet. Armstrong presses him back against the cage, presumably looking to take the fight back to the mat.
Armstrong throws a head punch that misses.
Akesson is working for takedown but Armstrong is calmly controlling the position for now.
Armstrong lands with a left to the head.
Akesson is stalling here.
Armstrong doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Armstrong misses with a punch to the body.
Armstrong lands a body shot in the clinch.
Armstrong misses with a body punch.
Akesson drops down looking for an ankle pick but Armstrong pulls his leg out and moves away.
Akesson throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Armstrong sees it coming and avoids it easily.

Akesson closes the distance and clinches.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Armstrong tries to work over Akesson's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Akesson blocks an uppercut.
Armstrong misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Armstrong tries a body shot but Akesson blocks it.
Akesson tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Armstrong prevents the takedown attempt.
Akesson blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Akesson has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Armstrong is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Akesson is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Armstrong pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Armstrong lands a hook to the side of the head.
Eddie Armstrong has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Akesson is breathing heavily.
Akesson blocking some punches.
Armstrong swings wildly with an uppercut but Akesson uses good head movement to avoid it.
Armstrong has Akesson pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Akesson manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Armstrong lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Armstrong tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Akesson trying to stall but Armstrong improves his position.
Akesson looking for a takedown.
Akesson is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Armstrong can't find room to land a body shot as Akesson controls the action.

Armstrong gets a nice trip takedown into half guard.
Armstrong trying to pass the guard but Akesson defending well.
Akesson wants to get back to his feet.
Akesson wants to get back to full guard.
Armstrong tries to pass to full mount but Akesson defends it.
Armstrong lands with a punch from half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Akesson pushes Armstrong off looking to stand but Armstrong dives back in and keeps control.
Akesson is staying active underneath Armstrong, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Armstrong winds up and cracks Akesson with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Akesson is refusing to be controlled, as Armstrong sits in half guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Armstrong throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Armstrong controlling the action here.
Armstrong landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Armstrong is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
Akesson won't allow Armstrong to pass to mount.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Eddie Armstrong dominated that second round.
That's time! Armstrong's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

No joy there for Akesson, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Armstrong misses with a jab to the body
and Akesson connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
A telegraphed right hand from Armstrong misses the target.
Akesson ducks under a wild hook from Armstrong.

Armstrong gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Armstrong tries to work over Akesson's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Armstrong misses with a hook to the ribs.
Armstrong is working Akesson over against the cage.
Akesson wants a takedown but no success here.
Armstrong misses with a shot to the kidneys.

Akesson has double underhooks and is working for a body lock takedown. He's got it. The fighters land in half guard but Armstrong regains guard immediately.
Akesson postures up in Armstrong's guard and throws a big left but Armstrong blocks it.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Armstrong is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Armstrong's ground tactics aren't going to win him many fans. Let's hope he's got fireworks for us if he gets back to his feet because he's not doing much on the ground.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Armstrong looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Akesson postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Armstrong on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Armstrong tries to get out of the position.
Akesson loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Armstrong wants to sweep but no luck.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
Akesson postures up in Armstrong's guard and throws a big left but Armstrong blocks it.
Armstrong looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Armstrong managing to control the position.

The ref stands the fighters back up because Eddie Armstrong just wasn't active enough.

Armstrong gets a takedown into half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Armstrong thows a huge punch but Akesson dodges it nicely.
Armstrong not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Akesson trying to control but Armstrong postures up.
Akesson looks like he's trying to stand up.
Armstrong throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Akesson has hold of Armstrong's hands but Armstrong slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Akesson misses with some strikes from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Akesson looks like he's trying to stand up.
Armstrong is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Akesson can do to turn this around?
Akesson is looking to improve his position.
Armstrong wants to advance to full mount but Akesson doesn't think that's going to happen and regains full guard instead.
Akesson wants to sweep here but Armstrong controlling him for the moment.
Armstrong content to stall in guard here.
Armstrong with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Armstrong lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Armstrong wants to control from the top but Akesson keeps moving.

Akesson looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Akesson is trying to control the position but Armstrong postures up.
Armstrong has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Armstrong content to stall in guard here.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Akesson working a defensive guard here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Eddie Armstrong clearly takes 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.

Akesson misses with a takedown attempt

and Armstrong counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Armstrong.
Akesson bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Armstrong's guard.
Armstrong wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Armstrong wants to sweep but no luck.
Armstrong is working hard here to advance position.
Akesson throwing strikes but missing.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
Akesson landing some decent shots from guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Akesson stands and steps away. Armstrong gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Armstrong shoots in but Akesson avoids the takedown attempt easily.

Akesson manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Armstrong on his heels. He'll look to pass Armstrong's guard now, I'm sure.
Armstrong is adopting a defensive guard.
Akesson's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Armstrong avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Akesson won't allow Armstrong to sweep him here.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Armstrong is on top in guard.
Akesson wants to get back to his feet but Armstrong is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Armstrong postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Akesson is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Armstrong throwing strikes from guard but Akesson blocks nicely.
Armstrong controls from within his opponent's guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Akesson is looking to stand up but Armstrong isn't so interested in that idea.
Akesson is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Armstrong is pushing down on Akesson's leg trying to pass to half guard. Akesson is fighting to maintain full guard but Armstrong has managed to sneak the leg through.
Akesson pushes Armstrong off looking to stand but Armstrong dives back in and keeps control.
Akesson moves into full guard.
Armstrong postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Akesson wants to get back to his feet but Armstrong is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Armstrong throws a big elbow that misses.
Armstrong trying to control but Akesson is working from the bottom.
Akesson working a defensive guard here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Akesson wants to stand but Armstrong is controlling the position.
Armstrong trying to control but Akesson is working from the bottom.
Armstrong throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Akesson works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Akesson not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Akesson might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Armstrong haven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

The ref calls for a clean break and stands the fighters back up. Jimmie Akesson wasn't active enough on the ground.

Armstrong looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Armstrong's corner is telling him to maintain position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close fourth round but I would say that Eddie Armstrong will probably get the nod.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! And we move into the final round!

Akesson tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Armstrong defends well and Akesson ends up having to push Armstrong into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
A nice left hand lands by Armstrong.
Armstrong working aggressively here.
Armstrong can't find room to land a body shot as Akesson controls the action.
Armstrong can't find room to land a body shot as Akesson controls the action.
Akesson wants a takedown.
Armstrong stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Armstrong misses with some punches.
Armstrong tries to work over Akesson's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Akesson is trying to push Armstrong away but Armstrong has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Armstrong works on Akesson's body with a couple of short punches.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Armstrong misses with a body punch.
Akesson wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
A shot in the inside from Armstrong.
Akesson is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
A head punch blocked on the inside by Akesson.
Armstrong lands on the inside with an uppercut.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Armstrong misses with a punch to the body.
Armstrong misses with the head strike.
Akesson is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Armstrong tries to throw a body punch but Akesson avoids it by throwing Armstrong back against the cage.
Armstrong misses with a punch on the inside.
Armstrong throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Akesson is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Armstrong tries to work over Akesson's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Armstrong swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Akesson has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Armstrong is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Eddie Armstrong has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jimmie Akesson.
Armstrong tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Armstrong tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Akesson tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Armstrong smiles and moves away.

Armstrong forces Akesson back against the cage and clinches.
Eddie Armstrong is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Armstrong lands a right hand.
Armstrong lands a hook to the side of the head.
Akesson tries for a takedown. No joy.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Akesson is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Armstrong misses with a shot to the kidneys.

Armstrong gets a nice trip takedown into half guard.
Armstrong looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
The fighters are battling for position here. Akesson manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Armstrong stops Akesson from standing up.
Armstrong trying to control the position from guard on top but Akesson is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Eddie Armstrong overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Akesson is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Akesson is looking for a kimura but Armstrong is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Akesson to get the leverage.
Armstrong avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Akesson.
Akesson with the ground and pound but Armstrong uses the opportunity to regain guard.

Akesson stands up and waves to Armstrong to follow him.
Akesson tries to score a power double leg takedown but Armstrong sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Akesson somewhat.

Armstrong rushes Akesson and presses him up against the cage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Akesson is trying to break the clinch but Armstrong is controlling him.
Akesson prevents a body shot from Armstrong.
Armstrong misses with a hook to the ribs.
Armstrong misses with a hook to the ribs.
Armstrong makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Akesson blocks an uppercut.
Armstrong doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Akesson jumps guard but Armstrong turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Armstrong is working Akesson over against the cage.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Armstrong turns his hips and lands a very nice judo throw into side control!
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Akesson wants to get back to his feet.
Armstrong working the body and head with strikes.

And that's the end of the fight!
Eddie Armstrong showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Armstrong, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Nard Betker scores the fight 50:45
Judge Saam Ante scores the fight 50:45
Judge Radbod Blank scores the fight 50:45

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Eddie Armstrong!
Eddie Armstrong retains his heavyweight title!
An out of breath Eddie Armstrong thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.