Darkness Ultimate Warrior PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Nathan Young (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Andrew Mo (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Young's entrance music is The Rapture - Echoes. A fine choice. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Young
vs
Mo

179 cm
18
148 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

167 cm
21
145 lbs
0 - 2 - 0

Good takedowns
Brawler
Intelligent

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Intelligent

Darkness

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Nathan Young!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Andrew Mo!
The judges for this bout are Ben Zyskovitsi, Anni Minnemäki and Roosa Järviläinen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Mo darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.
Young wants to control but Mo is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Mo throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Mo is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Mo is trying to control the action in half guard but Young is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Mo throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Young moves into full guard.

Young pushes a forearm under Mo's chin to create some space. He's escaped his hips and pivoted quickly for an armbar! Can he extend the arm? Yes, Mo is tapping out! Damn, that was fast!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:55 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Nathan Young!
Nathan Young was full of energy after the big win and talked about how he thinks he can do big things in this sport. The crowd were appreciative of his determination to succeed.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
84%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Joseph Graice (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Diego Sanchez (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Sanchez has chosen Not Afraid - Eminen as his entrance music. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Graice
vs
Sanchez

225 cm
18
130 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

167 cm
18
142 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Big heart

BJJ Brown Belt
Basic striking
Tends to cut

Darkness

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 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Joseph Graice!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Diego Sanchez!
The judges for this bout are Anni Minnemäki, Ben Zyskovitsi and Matti Vanhoillinen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Sanchez drives through with a takedown into Graice's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.

Graice isolates an arm and boxes in a triangle. Sanchez stacks Graice on his neck as he steps over and passes to the side. He's now in a much more dominant position where he can look to do some serious damage. Nice move by Sanchez!
Graice knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Sanchez on the ground.
Graice is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Sanchez remains in side control and seems content to stay there. It's a versatile position from which he can work both strikes and submissions, whilst maintaining that control, so maybe he'll sit here for a while.
Graice really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Graice tries to buck Sanchez off but Sanchez is having none of it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Sanchez is working for what looks like an arm triangle here. Graice is trying to escape and Sanchez transitions quickly into an armbar! He's slapped it on tight and Graice is forced to tap! Nice work there by Sanchez! Very nice indeed!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:58 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Diego Sanchez!
During a confident post fight interview, Diego Sanchez thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
57%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Brutus Fulgore (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Joe Im (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Fulgore comes into the arena with WINDS OF PLAGUE - Open The Gates Of Hell blaring out of the sound system. We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Fulgore
vs
Im

209 cm
25
280 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

199 cm
25
295 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
KO power

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Heavy handed

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the super heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Brutus Fulgore!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Joe Im!
The judges for this bout are Anni Minnemäki, Matti Vanhoillinen and Johanna Lukiainen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Fulgore lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Im circles away quickly and effectively.
Im should think about turning a few of those tyres round his middle into muscle if he wants people to take him seriously as an athlete.
Fulgore throws a leg kick but Im checks it.
Fulgore takes a nasty kick to the mid section... That should keep him thinking. Does he try and block and risk a head kick landing?
Fulgore throws out a loose jab but Im uses good head movement to avoid it.
Im lands with a kick to the ribs.
Im feints and then cracks Fulgore's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Fulgore down.
Im feints and then cracks Fulgore's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Fulgore down.
Im scores with a spinning back kick!
Fulgore goes for a double leg but Im avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Im continues to drive forward.

Im breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Fulgore misses with a series of wild punches.
Im moves out of range of the strikes.
Fulgore misses the jab.
A head kick misses from Im.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Im connects with an inside leg kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fulgore swings away with a body shot that misses
and Im counters with an inside leg kick.
Im uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Fulgore.
Im uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Fulgore.
A jab from Fulgore misses.
Fulgore misses with a hook to the body
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Fulgore throws a leg kick
and Im counters with a series of strikes. Fulgore will be more careful next time no doubt.
Joe Im is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Fulgore swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Im connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Fulgore momentarily.
The fighters circle momentarily. Fulgore darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.

It looks like Joe Im has been cut.
Fulgore throws the left hand but Im avoids the punch easily.
Fulgore throws a shot to the body.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Fulgore just misses with a punch to the body.
Nice defenses there by Im.
Brutus Fulgore seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Good standup being displayed there by Fulgore as he connects with a hook.
Fulgore tries to bum rush Im with a series of wild strikes but Im uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Fulgore misses with a hook.
Im scores with a spinning back kick!

Oooh a lovely combination from Fulgore sends Im down but not out. Fulgore dives into side control looking to finish.
Im looks winded!
Fulgore in side control, just content to control the action for now.

Fulgore is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Im is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.

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

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:59 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Brutus Fulgore!
After winning the bout, Brutus Fulgore thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
65%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Tamati Ngata (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Sher Singh Rana (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Singh Rana has chosen Bohemia - Kali Denali as his entrance music. We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Ngata
vs
Singh Rana

198 cm
25
285 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

190 cm
25
275 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

Good wrestling
Solid boxing
Very strong

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Granite chin

V-Mask Clothing + 70% laundry

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the super heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Tamati Ngata!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Sher Singh Rana!
The judges for this bout are Ben Zyskovitsi, Arvi Lind and Johanna Lukiainen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Ngata fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Singh Rana avoids it really well and circles away.
Tamati Ngata seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Singh Rana gets caught napping as Ngata dives in and scores a takedown. Singh Rana manages to retain guard.
Singh Rana is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Ngata postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Singh Rana wants to sweep here but Ngata controlling him for the moment.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Ngata accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Ngata trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ngata with a flurry of punches that miss.
Ngata throws a big elbow that misses.
Singh Rana working a defensive guard here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ngata tries to free his leg and advance position but Singh Rana is retaining full guard.
Ngata lands a couple of elbows.
Ngata connects with a couple of short punches.
Singh Rana avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Singh Rana working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Ngata.
Ngata stands up over Singh Rana, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Ngata trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Singh Rana avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Ngata keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Singh Rana's head.
Ngata throws a big elbow that misses.
Singh Rana controls Ngata momentarily but Ngata frees himself.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ngata is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Ngata landing with the ground and pound.
Ngata 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.
Singh Rana wants to stand and escape but Ngata is having none of it.
Ngata lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Ngata is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Ngata postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Ngata lands a couple of elbows.
Ngata missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Ngata working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Singh Rana's head.
Ngata postures up and lands a big shot to Singh Rana's brow.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ngata trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Ngata's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Ngata stands up over Singh Rana, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Ngata throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Singh Rana works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Ngata throwing strikes but missing.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Singh Rana can do anything to dispel that myth.
Singh Rana looking to control.
Ngata postures up in Singh Rana's guard and throws a big left but Singh Rana blocks it.
Singh Rana has momentary wrist control but Ngata slips an elbow through the middle.
Singh Rana avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Ngata's corner. There ya go! There ya go!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ngata throwing strikes from guard but Singh Rana blocks nicely.
Ngata lands a couple of digs.
Ngata working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Singh Rana's head.
Ngata is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Ngata stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Singh Rana swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Ngata connects with a couple of short punches.
Singh Rana avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Ngata lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Ngata throws a big elbow that misses.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Tamati Ngata dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Singh Rana tries to sprawl but Ngata drives through with a takedown into half guard.
Ngata drops an elbow to the side of Singh Rana's head.
Ngata not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Ngata is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
Singh Rana taking some punishment here, with Ngata in his half guard.
Ngata looks to land a strike but Singh Rana avoids it nicely and regains full guard.
Ngata with a nice head shot there.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ngata is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Ngata throwing strikes from guard but Singh Rana blocks nicely.
Ngata prevents Singh Rana from getting back to his feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ngata landing with the ground and pound.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Ngata accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Singh Rana is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Ngata with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Ngata wants to control from the top but Singh Rana keeps moving.
Singh Rana looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

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.
Ngata postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Ngata is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Singh Rana not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Ngata tries to free his leg and advance position but Singh Rana is retaining full guard.
Ngata works over Singh Rana with some ground and pound from guard.
Ngata cracks Singh Rana with a solid left hand.
Ngata working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Ngata loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Ngata throwing strikes from guard but Singh Rana blocks nicely.
Ngata is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Singh Rana can do to turn this around?
Ngata scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Tamati Ngata overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Singh Rana working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Ngata.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Singh Rana preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Singh Rana not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Ngata throwing strikes from guard but Singh Rana blocks nicely.
Singh Rana working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Ngata.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Singh Rana throws a low kick but it's checked well by Ngata.
Ngata slips a jab from Singh Rana.
Ngata shoots for a takedown but Singh Rana saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Singh Rana throws a right hand that Ngata ducks under and follows up with a left that Ngata also avoids with ease.
Ngata chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Singh Rana can pounce on him.
Ngata shoots in and drives through. Singh Rana sprawls well.
Ngata shoots in but Singh Rana avoids the takedown attempt easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Tamati Ngata. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Ngata scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Singh Rana.
Ngata chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Singh Rana can pounce on him.
Singh Rana jabs Ngata right on the nose. Ngata blinks but takes it well.
Ngata is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Singh Rana.
Ngata tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Singh Rana swivels and escapes.
Singh Rana misses with a double jab

and Ngata counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Ngata postures up.
Ngata throwing strikes but missing.
Ngata throwing strikes but missing.
Ngata throws a big elbow that misses.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Tamati Ngata dominated that second round.
That's time! Back to the action! 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.

Ngata scores with the left hand. Singh Rana knows he should have avoided that one.
Singh Rana throws the kick towards the body but Ngata avoids it.
Ngata lunges at Singh Rana with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Singh Rana's hand.

Ngata throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Singh Rana was covering up waiting for the punch and Ngata finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Singh Rana utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Ngata scoring with some ground and pound.
Ngata lands a couple of elbows.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ngata throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Singh Rana works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Ngata is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Ngata in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Ngata throwing strikes from guard but Singh Rana blocks nicely.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ngata scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Ngata accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Ngata is working Singh Rana over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Ngata stopping the sweep attempt from Singh Rana.
Ngata loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Singh Rana looking to control.
Singh Rana preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Ngata scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Ngata wants to pass the guard but Singh Rana is keeping the position.
Sher Singh Rana has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ngata throws a big elbow that misses.
Ngata is working Singh Rana over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Ngata postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Ngata trying to control the position from guard on top but Singh Rana is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Ngata stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Singh Rana swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Singh Rana working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Ngata.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Ngata connects with a single shot there.
Ngata has a takedown stuffed.
Ngata defending well as Singh Rana loads up on a big left hand.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ngata misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Ngata shoots in for a double leg but Singh Rana sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Tamati Ngata. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Ngata looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Singh Rana tried to score with a low kick but Ngata checks it.
Ngata cracks Singh Rana with a good jab.
Ngata tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Singh Rana swivels and escapes.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Ngata is defended easily by Singh Rana.

Ngata shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Singh Rana is trying to defend but Ngata finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Ngata blocks the strikes from Singh Rana.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ngata is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Singh Rana is pressing down on Ngata's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Ngata postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Ngata landing with the ground and pound.
Ngata throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Singh Rana throwing strikes off his back to little effect.
Ngata stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Singh Rana swivels though and keeps the full guard.

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

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Ben Zyskovitsi scores the fight 30:26
Judge Arvi Lind scores the fight 30:26
Judge Johanna Lukiainen scores the fight 30:26

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Tamati Ngata!
The defeated Sher Singh Rana had this to say: 'Revenge is like the sweetest joy next to getting pussy so mothafucka!! i fucking demand a rematch or else get me some pussy to fuck hard.'.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
36%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Liu Kang (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Mikhail Popkov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Popkov has chosen Somethin' Bad as his entrance music. Both fighters look pumped up here. Let's hope this is a good fight!

Kang
vs
Popkov

192 cm
25
270 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

199 cm
18
264 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Big heart

Decent wrestler
Basic striking
Solid chin

Museum of Monsters & Madmen

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the super heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Liu Kang!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Mikhail Popkov!
The judges for this bout are Anni Minnemäki, Tarja Halkonen and Marco Blurström.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Popkov throws a shot to the body.
The fighters circling - Popkov throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Kang wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Popkov rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Kang moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Kang could do with losing a few pounds - he looks very soft around the mid section, to put it politely.
Kang misses with a body shot
enabling Popkov to counter with a crisp jab.
Kang comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Popkov scores with a leg kick.
A punch combination from Kang misses.
Kang staying out of range there.
Popkov thumps Kang with a low kick.
Popkov tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Popkov fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Popkov tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Kang misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Popkov 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.
Popkov tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Kang waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Popkov.
Popkov misses the shot to the body.
Popkov 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.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Popkov scores with a head kick. Kang tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.
A head kick misses from Kang.
Popkov tries a low kick but Kang avoids it.
Popkov avoids a kick to the body.
Kang looks to throw the jab but Popkov is out of range.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Kang misses with a looping right.
Kang checks a low kick from Popkov.
Popkov swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Kang misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Kang lands a body shot.
Kang connects with a body shot.
Kang avoids the head kick by Popkov.
Popkov doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Kang darts in and out, connecting with a jab.

It looks like Mikhail Popkov has been cut.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
A decent looking cross lands there for Popkov.
Kang looks to be in better condition than last time we saw him fight. Obviously he's been working hard on his cardio.
Popkov takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Popkov fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Kang is out of range.
Kang goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kang just misses with a punch to the body.
Kang misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Popkov misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Popkov paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Kang checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Popkov takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Kang stalks Popkov and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Popkov's face. Popkov staggers backwards, shaken.
Popkov 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.
Popkov checks the leg kick nicely there.
Popkov throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Kang cracks a nice hook into Popkov's ribs.
Popkov looks winded!
Popkov takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Kang misses with a double jab.
Popkov keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
A big right from Kang misses.
The fighters circle momentarily. Kang darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kang throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Kang throws a body shot but no joy.
Kang bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Kang throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Kang throws a head kick that misses.
Popkov checks the leg kick nicely there.
Kang missing with a left hand there. Popkov was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Kang pulls out of a head kick attempt.
A looping hook to the body misses from Kang. Popkov does a little dance to reset his feet.
Popkov goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Popkov connects with a jab.
Kang is looking to wear down Popkov with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Popkov keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Kang slips a straight right by Popkov.
Popkov fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Kang checks it well.
Kang throws a leg kick but Popkov sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Popkov lands a slapping body shot.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Popkov throws a leg kick but Kang sees it coming and checks it nicely.
A clash of legs there as Kang blocks the low kick.
Kang fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Popkov manages to avoid it.
Kang works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kang misses with a wild combination.
Popkov looks to land a right hand but Kang moved out of range.
A thudding body kick lands there by Popkov!
Kang misses with a body shot.
The fighters circling - Popkov throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
The fighters circling - Popkov throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Nice body punch from Popkov.
Popkov throws a jab when Kang was well out of range.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Popkov misses with a leg kick.
Popkov lands a body shot.
Kang misses with a wild body shot.
Popkov takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Liu Kang will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Mikhail Popkov's cut.
That's time! Back to the action!

Popkov misses with a straight right.
Liu Kang is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Kang with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Kang lands a right hook to the body.
Popkov digs a good hook to Kang's body.
Popkov misses with a looping left.
Kang throws a sloppy head kick and Popkov moves out of range easily.
Popkov lands the left hand.
Kang jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Popkov's jab looks to have found its range, popping Kang under the eye.
Kang misses with a body shot.
Kang keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Popkov.
A slapping leg kick lands for Popkov.
Popkov uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Kang.
A looping hook to the body misses from Kang. Popkov does a little dance to reset his feet.
Kang misses with a wild body shot.
Popkov checks the leg kick nicely there.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Kang blocks the body kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kang blocks a low kick nicely.
Popkov fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Kang checks it well.
A big left from Popkov misses.
Kang throws a body shot but no joy.
Kang comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Kang pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Kang looks to land a combination but Popkov avoids it well.
Popkov throws a shot to the body.
Popkov digs a good hook to Kang's body.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Popkov throws a low kick, looking for Kang's leg but Kang calmly moves out of range.
Kang just misses with a punch to the body.
Decent striking displayed by Popkov there.
Popkov misses with a jab to the body
and Kang counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Popkov thows a left - swing and a miss!
Popkov misses with an uppercut. Kang saw that one coming.
Kang takes one to the chin there.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Popkov misses with a body kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Popkov misses with a jab, cross combination.
Kang throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Popkov lands with a straight right. Kang didn't see that one coming.
A punch lands to the side of Kang 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Popkov keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Popkov swinging wildly here.
A right-left combo lands from Kang.
Popkov tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Kang misses with a shot to the body
and Popkov counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Popkov moves out of range as Kang strikes.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Kang misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Popkov throws a looping overhand right but Kang ducks down to avoid it.
Kang tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Popkov was well out of range. Poor timing from Kang.
Popkov throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Some bone on bone action there as Kang checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Kang swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Popkov misses with a body kick.
Popkov misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Kang.
Popkov throws a chopping leg kick but Kang manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Kang lands with a right hand.
Mikhail Popkov seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Kang moves forwards but Popkov connects with a nice, crisp jab.
A solid body kick from Popkov.
Popkov motions for Kang to come forward. Popkov throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Popkov misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Kang.
Popkov throws the left hand but Kang avoids the punch easily.
Popkov looks to score with a jab to the body but Kang is just out of range.
Popkov connects with a body shot that sends Kang's belly button to the back.
Kang misses with a straight right.
Popkov blocks a head kick by Kang.
Popkov thows a leg kick but Kang checks it
and Kang counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Popkov thinking.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kang loads up on a big right hand but Popkov slips the punch.
Kang lands a nice shot to the body.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Popkov 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.
Kang gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Kang getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Some bone on bone action there as Kang checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Popkov tries a head kick but it misses.
Popkov thows a left - swing and a miss!
Popkov fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Kang.
Kang moves out of range of the body kick.
Popkov scores with a nice head shot.
Kang fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Popkov takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Kang lands a nice hook to Popkov's body. Popkov takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Kang misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mikhail Popkov showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Mikhail Popkov's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!

Popkov dodges the punch combination from Kang.
Popkov ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Kang misses with a double jab
and Popkov counters with a thumping low kick.
Popkov smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
A punch lands to the side of Popkov 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Popkov jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Popkov moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Kang avoids the body shot from Popkov.
Kang throws a shot from downtown. Popkov moves away and avoids it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kang checks a low kick from Popkov.
The fighters circling - Popkov throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Kang checks the leg kick nicely there.

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

Kang is rocked!
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Popkov missing with a left hand there. Kang was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Oh Kang is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Popkov throws a nice outside leg kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Popkov keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Kang tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Kang pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Popkov throws a leg kick that misses.
Kang seems to have got his legs back now.
Popkov misses with a hook. Kang ducked under it nicely.
Kang staying out of range there.
Popkov misses the shot to the body.
Kang throws a series of punches but Popkov moves out of range.
Popkov avoids a punch combination nicely.
Popkov lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Popkov throws a right hand that misses
and Kang counters with a nice body shot.
Kang moves out of range of the body kick.
A telegraphed right hand from Popkov misses the target.
Popkov connects with a crisp jab.
Popkov avoids the head kick by Kang.
Popkov tries to work over Kang's front leg with a kick but Kang checks it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kang throws a head kick that misses.
Popkov scores with a kick to the 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!
Popkov is really turning it up, unleashing another crisp combination which drops Kang like a ton of bricks! The referee dives in to stop the fight, saving Kang from another fist facial!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:16 of round 3, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Mikhail Popkov!
A very excited looking Mikhail Popkov made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction.