Coyotile 47:Gomez vs Namba PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Cristian Agustin (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Dollar Bill (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Cristian Agustin has a significant reach advantage - let's see if he can make it count.

Agustin
vs
Bill

200 cm
25
155 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

165 cm
22
155 lbs
5 - 6 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Great elbows
Granite chin

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter fighter
Determined

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 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Cristian Agustin!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Dollar Bill!
The judges for this bout are Paulo Santos, Alexandre Firmino and Emerson Jorge.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Agustin tries to clinch there but Bill circles away.
Bill wants to counter with a clinch but Agustin pushes him away.
The fight stays on the outside here - Agustin looks like he's thinking about clinching though.

Bill fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Agustin to the ground. Bill is now in Agustin's guard.
Bill is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.

Bill stands up from Agustin's guard - Bill perhaps looking for a knockout.
Agustin throws a nice head kick!
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Bill throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Agustin.
Agustin wants to clinch

and Bill counters with a takedown into side control.
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!

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

That's one minute gone in the round.

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

Bill stands up and we're back to a striking position.
Cristian Agustin seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Agustin tries to grapple but his opponent circles

and Bill counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Bill trying to mount his opponent but Agustin defends it.
Bill passes the guard and advances to mount!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Agustin is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Bill moves into side control, trying to work for a kimura. That looks painful! Will he finish!!?? No, Agustin has worked his arm free - good work by Agustin!
Agustin tries to buck Bill off but Bill is having none of it.

Bill decides to take the fight back to the feet.
Agustin closes the distance but Bill moves to the side

and Bill counters with a single leg into guard. Agustin didn't expect that.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bill advances to half guard.
Bill content to control rather than advance.
Agustin wants to control but Bill is keeping busy.

Agustin is defending against the submission attempts here by Bill.
Still in half guard, Bill seems content to control.

That's four 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.
Agustin is looking to escape.
Bill seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Agustin does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Bill not doing much here.

Bill is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Agustin is just riding it out for now. Bill eventually gives up the hold.
Bill moves nicely into side control.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Dollar Bill dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Bill closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Agustin to the mat! Agustin manages to get full guard.
Agustin working a defensive guard here.
Bill trying to control the position from guard on top but Agustin is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Bill advances position into side control!
Bill has knee on belly and now moves to full mount! Trouble for Agustin!
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Bill tries to control but Agustin wriggling away.
Bill content just to control the position here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Agustin tries to hold on but Bill pushes him away.
Bill has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Agustin is trying desperately to improve position.
Bill seems to be looking to move to his opponent's back but Agustin is holding on tight.
Agustin really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
Bill tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
Agustin is wriggling around trying to escape.
Bill trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Dollar Bill has got the better of the ground game so far.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Agustin has given up his back.

Agustin fending off the submission attempt from Bill.
Bill trying to secure his dominant position for a moment - making sure Agustin doesn't escape.
Bill controlling well, preventing Agustin from escaping the position.

Agustin is trying to defend against the choke here but Bill has an arm under his chin. This one might not last much longer. Bill Tightens the hold and Agustin taps out furiously! Bill displays superior BJJ to win the fight.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:58 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Dollar Bill!
Dollar Bill 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
34%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Darren Cortes (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ricky Krahe (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Krahe has chosen Abigail - Motionless in White as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. Ricky Krahe has the eye of the tiger tonight.

Cortes
vs
Krahe

150 cm
19
130 lbs
4 - 2 - 0

180 cm
18
142 lbs
4 - 1 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Brawler
Experienced

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter fighter
Tends to cut

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 Rio de Janeiro, Darren Cortes!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Ricky Krahe!
The judges for this bout are Seu Braga, Alexandre Firmino and Paulo Santos.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Krahe dives in and scores a takedown into Cortes's guard.

Cortes escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Krahe gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Krahe working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Krahe passes into half guard.

Krahe is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Cortes sees it coming and defends easily.

Krahe is looking for a kimura here.
Cortes wants to control but Krahe is keeping busy and won't allow it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Krahe lands a nice short elbow.

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

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

That's one minute gone in the round.

Krahe is looking for a kimura but Cortes is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Krahe to get the leverage.
Cortes throws a strike from the bottom that misses.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Cortes is trying to stand back up but Krahe is controlling him
Cortes trying to hold on to Krahe's head to control him but Krahe postures up.

Cortes looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Krahe really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Cortes. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.

Krahe is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Cortes moves into full guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Cortes has his hands on Krahe's head, controlling the position.

Krahe drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Cortes manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Krahe has Cortes in his guard.

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

Krahe is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Krahe looks winded!
Cortes pushes down on Krahe's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Cortes moves into full mount! Krahe won't be happy about that!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cortes trying to control but Krahe is having none of it.
Krahe is looking to get to half guard.
Cortes thowing shots but they're missing.

Cortes has hold of Krahe's left arm, perhaps looking for a submission. The two fighters tussle over control of the isolated limb and Krahe manages to get his arm back to his side and away from danger.
Krahe is working to get back to half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Poor strikes thrown by Cortes there. More accuracy and less frantic strikes would help!
Cortes fails to take his opponent's back.
Cortes tries to control but Krahe wriggling away.
Krahe is looking to improve his position but Cortes isn't that keen on the idea.
Krahe avoids a series of strikes thrown by Cortes.
Cortes is in the full mount, landing strikes.
Cortes throwing strikes here but Krahe is writhing around nicely and avoiding any serious damage.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Cortes thowing strikes but they're hitting the gloves, not doing any damage.
Cortes tries to control but Krahe wriggling away.
Krahe avoids a series of strikes thrown by Cortes.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

No luck for Cortes with that takedown attempt.
Darren Cortes seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Cortes will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Nice sprawl there from Krahe as Cortes shoots in.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Darren Cortes. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Cortes has his takedown stuffed
and Cortes takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.

Krahe shoots in and gets a takedown into Cortes's guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cortes avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Cortes looking for a sweep. Not yet Cortes, not yet.
Krahe throwing strikes from guard but Cortes blocks nicely.
Krahe looking to pass the guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Krahe throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Krahe in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Cortes might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.

Krahe drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Cortes manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Krahe has Cortes in his guard.

Krahe avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Cortes 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.

Krahe escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Cortes gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Krahe is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.

Krahe looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Krahe is breathing heavily.
Cortes wants to control from the top but Krahe keeps moving.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Krahe had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Cortes defends it easily.
Cortes forces his way into half guard.
Cortes throwing shots but Krahe is blocking nicely.
Cortes working the head and body with strikes.
Cortes not landing any meaningful shots this time.

Krahe looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Krahe gets full guard.
Cortes throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Krahe working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Cortes.

Krahe is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Cortes throws a big elbow that misses.

Krahe isolates an arm and boxes in a triangle. Cortes stacks Krahe 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 Cortes!
The strikes coming from Cortes are missing the target in this wave of attacks.
Cortes is looking to take a break and control but Krahe is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

Cortes wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Krahe, who protects the arm well.
Cortes fails to land a wild elbow strike.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Krahe defending against the ground and pound.

Cortes has worked his way into a potential kimura here. Krahe is trying to get out of the position but his squirming has just got him deeper into trouble. Cortes yanks on the arm and Krahe is forced to tap due to a very painful looking submission! Nice work by Cortes.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:27 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Darren Cortes!
In defeat, Ricky Krahe stepped up to the mic, saying 'I'm promisses training more, for win all fights now.'.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
34%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Mau Cherry (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Michael Thigpen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Cherry's ring entrance music is that housewives' favourite, Upper West - Proof. Both fighters will be looking to make this an exciting fight for the fans, I'm sure!

Cherry
vs
Thigpen

168 cm
18
135 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

165 cm
19
135 lbs
4 - 3 - 1

BJJ Purple Belt
Solid boxing
Big heart

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter fighter
Solid 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 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Mau Cherry!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 3 - 1, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Michael Thigpen!
The judges for this bout are Luis Engracia, Daniel Cesar and Paulo Santos.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Cherry lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Thigpen circles away quickly and effectively.
Thigpen avoids a punch combination nicely.
Thigpen has been working on his striking defense in training and it's paying off as Cherry is landing a low percentage of strikes.
Cherry throws a right hand that Thigpen ducks under and follows up with a left that Thigpen also avoids with ease.
Cherry has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
Cherry misses with a two punch combination.
Cherry shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Thigpen defends it nicely.
And Thigpen tries to counter it with a takedown but Cherry pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Cherry defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Thigpen.
Cherry will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Thigpen throws a right and a left that both miss.
Cherry is looking to counter the offense by Thigpen and move into the clinch.
Cherry throws a right hand that Thigpen ducks under and follows up with a left that Thigpen also avoids with ease.
Thigpen moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Cherry misses with a two punch combination.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cherry swats away the attempt to clinch by Thigpen.
Cherry swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Cherry fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Cherry lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
The fighters circle momentarily. Cherry darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Cherry throws a right and a left that Thigpen avoids nicely.
A jab lands there for Cherry.
Thigpen lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
Cherry works over Thigpen's head and body with a nice combination.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Cherry swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Thigpen lands with a kick to the ribs.
Mau Cherry seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Cherry lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Thigpen backs up against the cage.
Cherry is breathing heavily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Thigpen tries to clinch there but Cherry circles away.
Thigpen fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Cherry throws a series of punches but Thigpen moves out of range.
Cherry throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Thigpen tries to clinch but Cherry moves out of range.
Cherry is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Thigpen.
Thigpen lands a right hook to the body.
Thigpen lands a jab to the head.
Thigpen looks to land a combination but Cherry avoids it well.
As Thigpen tries to get set, Cherry tries to push him back and clinch up but Thigpen manages to avoid the attempt.
Cherry is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Cherry will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Thigpen looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
No joy there for Cherry, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Thigpen moves in looking to clinch but Cherry pushes him off.
Thigpen is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Horrible takedown attempt by Thigpen or perhaps it was just good defense by Cherry, which made it look bad.
Thigpen shoots in for a double leg but Cherry sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Mau Cherry has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Michael Thigpen.
Cherry fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Thigpen steps in looking to clinch after the strikes miss from Cherry.
Cherry swinging wildly here.
Thigpen tries to counter by closing the distance.
Cherry fails to land with a series of punches.
Cherry looks to land a body kick but Thigpen moved away.
Thigpen wants to counter with a clinch but Cherry pushes him away.
Cherry throws a series of punches but Thigpen avoids them all with ease.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Left hook, right uppercut from Thigpen.
Thigpen shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Cherry sprawls well. Cherry wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Thigpen gets slowly back to his feet.
Cherry fails to land with a series of punches.
Cherry throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
A nice side step and Thigpen releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Cherry feints a jab promting Thigpen to slip. Cherry then demonstrates his capabilities by jabbing again. Thigpen slips again and ducks right into an uppercut.
Cherry swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Thigpen lands a head kick!
Cherry swinging wildly here.
Thigpen scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mau Cherry dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Cherry lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
Thigpen darts in looking for a takedown but Cherry gets double underhooks and turns Thigpen into the cage.
Thigpen lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Cherry swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Cherry misses with a wild combination.

Cherry shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Thigpen is trying to defend but Cherry finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
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.
Cherry controlling the action here.
Thigpen is looking to escape.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cherry content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.
Thigpen is trying to stand up here but Cherry is controlling him well.
Thigpen has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Cherry is working away from the top position though.

The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Cherry postures up and decides to stand up, from the half guard. The ref calls for Thigpen to stand up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Thigpen misses with a body kick.
Cherry lands with a nice body punch.
Mau Cherry is winning the standup battle so far.
Cherry misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Thigpen tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Cherry is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Thigpen can do to turn this around?
Thigpen avoids a punch combination nicely.
Cherry throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Thigpen.
Nice shot by Thigpen.
Cherry lands a nice shot that snaps Thigpen's head back.
Some wild striking there from Cherry.
Mau Cherry is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Cherry tries to bum rush Thigpen with a series of wild strikes but Thigpen uses good footwork to avoid the assault.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cherry will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Thigpen tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Cherry manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Cherry throws a left and a right that both miss
and Thigpen counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Cherry swinging wildly here.
Cherry throws a series of punches but Thigpen moves out of range.
Thigpen is looking for the big counter here.
Thigpen is looking to slow Cherry down with leg kicks.
Thigpen keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Cherry.
Cherry shoots for a takedown but Thigpen saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Cherry tries for a takedown but Thigpen sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Thigpen fails with a takedown attempt.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Thigpen throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Thigpen throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Thigpen fails to land the takedown.
Mau Cherry has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Michael Thigpen.
Thigpen wants to clinch.
Cherry lands a really nice looking cross but Thigpen seems unphased.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
A looping hook to the body misses from Cherry. Thigpen does a little dance to reset his feet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mau Cherry dominated that second 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. This is the final round!

Nice sprawl there from Cherry as Thigpen shoots in.
Thigpen showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Cherry.
Despite the aggression on Thigpen's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.
Thigpen slips a jab and a cross from Cherry.
Cherry throws a series of punches but Thigpen moves out of range.
Danga de danga de dang - Cherry scores with a four punch combination!
Jab by Cherry.
Thigpen avoids a punch combination nicely.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Thigpen has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Cherry finds it's way round the side to connect with Thigpen's head.
Cherry thows a left - swing and a miss!
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Cherry fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cherry shoots in for a takedown but Thigpen shows good takedown defense.
Thigpen looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Cherry is fending him off so far but Thigpen persists. Nope, Cherry circles away and we're back to standing.
Thigpen shoots in for a double leg but Cherry sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Mau Cherry has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Michael Thigpen.
Thigpen slips a jab and a cross from Cherry.
Thigpen lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Thigpen.
Thigpen moves into range and lands a nice body kick.
Thigpen throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Thigpen fails with a takedown attempt.
Thigpen leaves Cherry with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cherry throws a right and a left that both miss.
Thigpen tries to clinch but Cherry moves out of range.
No joy there for Cherry, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Thigpen misses with the combination.
Cherry wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Cherry keeps the fight on the outside.
Thigpen shoots in but no luck this time.
Good work by Thigpen as he checks the leg kick.
Thigpen tries to counter by closing the distance.
Cherry lands a two punch combo.
Thigpen's corner calls for a 1, 2 combination and Thigpen duly obliges.
Cherry throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Cherry fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Cherry sets himself, and Thigpen steps forward looking for the clinch! Cherry avoids it this time.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Thigpen throws a head kick that looked like it stung.
Cherry fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Cherry takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Thigpen checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Thigpen connects with a high kick.
Thigpen tries to clinch there but Cherry circles away.
Cherry is looking to counter the offense by Thigpen and move into the clinch.
Cherry looks to land a combination but Thigpen avoids it well.
Thigpen misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Cherry seemed to be looking to counter by closing the distance.
Cherry has a takedown stuffed.
Thigpen wants to clinch up but Cherry keeps it at a distance.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Thigpen dives in for a single leg takedown but Cherry sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Thigpen showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Cherry.
Cherry lands a two punch combo.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Thigpen fails with an attempt to clinch.
Thigpen tries to clinch there but Cherry circles away.
Cherry scores with a one two! Thigpen had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
Cherry throws a series of punches but Thigpen moves out of range.
Thigpen looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Cherry is fending him off so far but Thigpen persists. Nope, Cherry circles away and we're back to standing.
Crunch! Thigpen slams his shin into Cherry's torso.
Michael Thigpen has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Mau Cherry is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Thigpen plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!

And that's the end of the fight!
Mau Cherry showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Cherry 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 Luis Engracia scores the fight 30:27
Judge Daniel Cesar scores the fight 30:27
Judge Paulo Santos scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Mau Cherry!
Mau Cherry took some time post fight to say the following; 'Let's be honest. . . I'm getting there with these two beautiful victories won since I arrived in this Organization, I knew that if I was standing sooner or later he would kiss my glove. . . '.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
60%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Juliao Feijao (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Iker Dedal (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Juliao Feijao has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Feijao
vs
Dedal

156 cm
25
141 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

170 cm
25
147 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Granite chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent boxer
Heavy handed

Big Bear Nutrition 160Q
Zipp Zapp

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 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Juliao Feijao!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Iker Dedal!
The judges for this bout are Luis Engracia, Thiago Cunha and Felipe Paraventi.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Dedal stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Feijao misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Dedal swats away the attempt to clinch by Feijao.
Feijao tries to close the distance and clinch but Dedal swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.

Feijao gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Feijao lands a nice knee to the body.
Feijao prevents the takedown attempt.
Feijao with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Dedal on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Dedal is trying to drag Feijao to the mat but Feijao just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Feijao misses with a knee to the head.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Feijao looking to throw knees to the head but Dedal is blocking nicely.
Feijao tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Dedal avoids it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Feijao tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Feijao tries to land knees in the clinch but Dedal avoids the damage to the body.
Feijao misses with a knee to the head.
Feijao is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Dedal is defending well for now.
Feijao tries to land knees in the clinch but Dedal avoids the damage to the body.
Feijao prevents the takedown attempt.
Juliao Feijao has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Iker Dedal.
Feijao tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Dedal avoids it.
Feijao looking to throw knees to the head but Dedal is blocking nicely.
Feijao is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Dedal is defending well for now.
Feijao missing with knees to the body.
Feijao with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Feijao tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Dedal tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Feijao smiles and moves away.
Dedal fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
A punch combination from Dedal misses.
Dedal throws a series of punches but Feijao avoids them all with ease.
Feijao slips under a jab from Dedal.

Feijao closes the distance and clinches.
Feijao tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Feijao connects with a knee to the head.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Dedal on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Feijao tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Dedal has Feijao pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Feijao manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Feijao trying to land knees to the body.
Feijao trying to land knees to the body.
Dedal avoiding damage as Feijao throws knees to the body.
Dedal blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Dedal tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Feijao just stands there and leans against the cage.
Feijao misses with a knee strike.
Feijao tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Feijao is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Feijao with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Feijao using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Dedal has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Feijao tries to land a knee to the head but Dedal blocks with his arms.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Feijao unloads a knee to the mid-section. Dedal lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Our sources have told us that Feijao has been working on his knees in the buildup to the fight.
Dedal has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Feijao after a bit of a struggle.
Feijao throws a knee to the head but misses.
Feijao tries to land a knee to the head but Dedal blocks with his arms.
Feijao connects with a knee to the head.
Feijao is breathing heavily.
Feijao misses with a knee to the head.
Feijao misses with a knee strike.
Feijao tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Feijao utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Feijao prevents a takedown attempt there.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Juliao Feijao dominated that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Dedal scores with a one two! Feijao had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.

It looks like Juliao Feijao has been cut.
Dedal throws a right and a left that both miss.
Feijao seemed to be looking to counter by closing the distance.

Feijao clinches up against the cage.
Feijao tries to land a knee to the head but Dedal blocks with his arms.
Feijao tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Dedal avoids it.
Feijao tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Dedal avoids it.

Dedal pulls guard successfully.

Feijao gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Feijao lands a head kick!
Dedal misses with a two punch combination.
Dedal scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
This has been an exciting period of action!
Feijao tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Dedal counters with a nice uppercut.
Feijao is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Dedal can do to turn this around?

That's one minute gone in the round.
Feijao tries to close the distance and clinch up but Dedal swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Dedal throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Iker Dedal is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Feijao tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Dedal paws at him with a jab and circles away.

Feijao closes the distance and clinches.
Feijao looking to throw knees to the head but Dedal is blocking nicely.
Feijao throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Dedal blocks it with crossed arms.
Feijao using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Dedal has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Feijao tries to land knees in the clinch but Dedal avoids the damage to the body.
Dedal tries for a takedown. No joy.
Dedal managing to block the knees to the body from Feijao.
Dedal tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Feijao just stands there and leans against the cage.
Feijao tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Feijao tries to land knees in the clinch but Dedal avoids the damage to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Feijao unloads a knee to the mid-section. Dedal lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Feijao with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Feijao landing knees to the head.
Dedal is looking to take this one to the mat.
Juliao Feijao has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Iker Dedal.
Dedal on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Feijao throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Dedal blocks it with crossed arms.
Feijao trying to land knees to the body.
Feijao tries a knee to the head but Dedal blocks it.
Feijao tries to land knees in the clinch but Dedal avoids the damage 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!
Feijao looking to throw knees to the head but Dedal is blocking nicely.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Feijao is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Dedal is defending well for now.
Feijao with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Dedal avoiding damage as Feijao throws knees to the body.
Dedal blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Feijao tries a knee to the head but Dedal blocks it.
Dedal has Feijao pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Feijao manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Dedal has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Feijao is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Dedal blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Feijao with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Feijao is pressed up against the cage. Dedal has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Feijao down to the mat. Feijao avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Dedal moves into range and connects with a jab.
Iker Dedal seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Feijao walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Feijao tries a head kick but it misses.
Dedal paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Feijao tries to clinch but Dedal is having none of it.
Feijao tries to close the distance and clinch up but Dedal swats him away and circles back towards the center.
As Feijao backs off Dedal throws a huge counter combo but Feijao manages to avoid it all.
Dedal has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Feijao tries to clinch but Dedal moves out of range.
Feijao throws a head kick but Dedal moves out of range.
Dedal comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Dedal scores with a nice one two combo and darts back out of range to avoid anything coming in the opposite direction.
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!
Dedal pushes forward with a 1-2 combination that forces Feijao back to the cage. Dedal follows up with a solid lead hook to the liver.
Feijao tries to close the distance and clinch but Dedal swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Feijao fails with an attempt to clinch.
Dedal looks to land a combination but Feijao avoids it well.
Dedal lands with a straight right. Feijao didn't see that one coming.
Feijao tries to clinch up but Dedal circles away and keeps his distance.

Feijao has Dedal up against the cage in a clinch.
Feijao tries to land knees in the clinch but Dedal avoids the damage to the body.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Iker Dedal will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Juliao Feijao's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! This is the final round!

A nice combination there by Dedal.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Feijao throws a nice head kick!
A jab from Dedal misses.
Dedal throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
A swing and a miss from Dedal.
Dedal misses with a series of wild punches.
Dedal misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Dedal fails to land with a series of punches.

Feijao closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Feijao utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Feijao looking to throw knees to the head but Dedal is blocking nicely.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Feijao using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Dedal has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Dedal takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Feijao connects with a knee to the head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Dedal on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Dedal has Feijao pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Feijao manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Feijao throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Dedal blocks it with crossed arms.
A knee to the head by Feijao.
Feijao tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Feijao tries to land a knee to the head but Dedal blocks with his arms.
Feijao with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Feijao with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Dedal is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Juliao Feijao has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Dedal managing to block the knees to the body from Feijao.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Feijao prevents the takedown attempt.
Juliao Feijao has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Iker Dedal.
Feijao stops a takedown attempt from Dedal.
Feijao lands a nice knee to the body.
Dedal managing to block the knees to the body from Feijao.
Feijao putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Dedal in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Dedal on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Feijao throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Dedal blocks it with crossed arms.
Feijao unloads a knee to the mid-section. Dedal lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Feijao tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Feijao missing with knees to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Dedal manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.

Dedal is working an open guard so Feijao takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.
Dedal scores with a jab.
Dedal looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Iker Dedal seems to be getting the better of the standup.

Feijao moves into the clinch successfully.
Feijao looking to throw knees to the head but Dedal is blocking nicely.
Feijao misses with a knee to the head.
Dedal on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Feijao tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Dedal jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Feijao walks away with a smile on his face. Dedal gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Dedal lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Dedal.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Dedal avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Dedal connects with a looping right hand.
Feijao throws a nice head kick!
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Feijao tries to clinch up but Dedal circles away and keeps his distance.
Dedal looks to land a combination but Feijao avoids it well.
Feijao wants to clinch.
Dedal might want to mix his strikes up a bit more. He's just going for head shots at the moment and that can become a bit predictable.
Dedal misses with a body shot.

Feijao clinches up with Dedal and pushes him back against the cage.
Feijao trying to land knees to the body.
Feijao trying to land knees to the body.
Feijao throws a knee to the head but misses.
Feijao throws a knee to the head but misses.

And that's the end of the fight!
Juliao Feijao showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Feijao has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Luis Engracia scores the fight 30:27
Judge Thiago Cunha scores the fight 29:28
Judge Felipe Paraventi scores the fight 30:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Juliao Feijao!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
53%

Main event

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Franco Gomez (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Namba Babakla (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Gomez comes to the cage accompanied by Bad Motherfucker. Babakla has chosen Dhifo Shaacir ku dhufo Hit as his entrance music. Namba Babakla has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Gomez
vs
Babakla

172 cm
30
200 lbs
19 - 24 - 0

170 cm
34
170 lbs
15 - 9 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Decent elbows
KO power

BJJ Brown Belt
Counter fighter
Powerful

GREEN!160

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 19 - 24 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Franco Gomez!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 15 - 9 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Namba Babakla!
The judges for this bout are Thiago Cunha, Alexandre Firmino and Paulo Santos.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Gomez drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Babakla is looking to reverse the position.

Gomez decides to stand back up.
Gomez thuds a mid kick into his opponent's body. That will wear on Babakla if he has to take too many more of those.
Gomez bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Babakla's head backwards.

Gomez gets a takedown into half guard.
Babakla misses with some strikes from the bottom.

Babakla looking for submissions off his back.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Gomez takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Gomez blocks the strikes from Babakla.
Babakla looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Babakla trying to control here.

Babakla is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Gomez pulls his head out easily.
Babakla trying to control from the bottom.
Gomez tries to stand and escape but Babakla is controlling the position.

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

That's one minute gone in the round.
Babakla looks like he's trying to stand up.
Babakla is in trouble now - Gomez has advanced to mount!

Gomez is going oldschool here, as he tries to force Babakla to tap using a forearm choke. This isn't 1993 though, so Babakla shrugs it off.
Babakla is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
Gomez raining down shots from the mount!
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Gomez cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!
Babakla keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.

Gomez is standing up out of mount! Strange tactic there - he must really want this one on the feet!
Babakla goes for a double leg but Gomez avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Gomez continues to drive forward.

Babakla gets tackled into the cage by Gomez. Gomez maintains the clinch.

Gomez ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Gomez no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.
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.
Babakla postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Gomez controls Babakla momentarily but Babakla frees himself.
Gomez looking to control but Babakla passes into half guard.
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!

Babakla is working for a kimura but Gomez is defending it quite comfortably.
Gomez has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Babakla is working away from the top position though.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Babakla is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Gomez is looking for a sweep. Babakla is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Gomez wants to get back to his feet.
Babakla throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Babakla is looking to take a break and control but Gomez is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Gomez wants to get back to full guard.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.

That's four 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.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Gomez pushes forward with a 1-2 combination that forces Babakla back to the cage. Gomez follows up with a solid lead hook to the liver.
Gomez is looking to clinch but Babakla is avoiding it.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Babakla.
Gomez is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Babakla shoots for a takedown but Gomez saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Franco Gomez has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Namba Babakla.
Gomez cracks Babakla with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Gomez throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped

and Babakla counters with a single leg into guard. Gomez didn't expect that.
Gomez wants to sweep but no luck.
Gomez wants to stand up but Babakla is controlling him.
Babakla working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Franco Gomez dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Gomez jabs Babakla to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Babakla blocks a head kick by Gomez.
Babakla with the counter takedown but Gomez avoids it easily.
Gomez doesn't manage to clinch there - Babakla circles away.
Gomez throws a right hand that Babakla ducks under and follows up with a left that Babakla also avoids with ease.
Babakla shoots in looking for a takedown but Gomez manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Babakla's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Gomez tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Babakla paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Babakla drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Gomez defends it well.
Babakla darts in looking for a takedown but Gomez gets double underhooks and turns Babakla into the cage.
Babakla tries to close the distance and clinch but Gomez swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Babakla tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Gomez defends well and Babakla ends up having to push Gomez into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Franco Gomez has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Namba Babakla.
Babakla shoots for a double leg takedown but Gomez sprawls well. He's pushed Babakla's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Gomez dips to his left and cracks Babakla with an uppercut!
Gomez misses with a few strikes there.
Babakla tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Gomez misses with a head kick.
Sloppy strikes from Gomez. Those never looked like landing.
Gomez throws a shot to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Babakla shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Gomez sprawls well. Gomez wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Babakla gets slowly back to his feet.
Franco Gomez is winning the standup battle so far.
Gomez throws a head kick that misses.
Nice takedown defense from Gomez. No joy for Babakla on that attempt.
Gomez looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Gomez misses with the combination.
Babakla drops his hands momentarily and Gomez takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
The fight stays on the outside here - Babakla looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
A punch lands to the side of Babakla 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Gomez seems to be moving with more speed, compared to his last bout. He must have been working on that in the gym.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gomez lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Babakla circles away quickly and effectively.
Gomez lands a nice leg kick that just misses Babakla's sensitive parts.
Babakla fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Gomez avoids it really well and circles away.
Gomez stuffs the takedown.
Gomez lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
Gomez leaves Babakla with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Gomez lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Gomez.
Gomez fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Gomez lands an overhand right.
Franco Gomez is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Gomez takes a swing at Babakla's ribcage but misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Gomez has closed the distance and engaged Babakla in a clinch.

Gomez breaks the clinch.
Babakla shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Gomez sprawls well. Gomez wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Babakla gets slowly back to his feet.

Gomez gets the takedown into side control.

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

Gomez stands up and beckons Babakla to his feet.
Gomez lands a nice hook to Babakla's body. Babakla takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Gomez gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.

Gomez breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Babakla is defended easily by Gomez.
Gomez is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Babakla can do to turn this around?
Gomez lands a jab-cross combination.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Gomez throws a body punch but Babakla moves out of range.
Babakla steps in looking to clinch after the strikes miss from Gomez.
Gomez scores with a three punch combo!
Gomez jabs Babakla to the body, keeping him at a distance.
A head kick misses from Gomez.
Gomez ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Babakla moves away.
Gomez with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Gomez throws a wild combination but nothing lands.

Gomez shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in side control! That's better than Gomez was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
Babakla is not content to let Gomez control the position.
Gomez tries to stand but Babakla is controlling his head.

Gomez decides to take the fight back to the feet.

Gomez closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Babakla's guard.

Gomez avoids a guillotine attempt easily.

Babakla working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Gomez doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Gomez manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.

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

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gomez passes easily into side control. Nice work.
Babakla is trying to improve his position.

Gomez decides to stand back up.
A combination from Gomez does no damage.
Babakla throws a counter combo.
Gomez slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Babakla closes the distance and clinches up with Gomez, looking for a takedown. Babakla pushes Gomez against the cage but Gomez circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Gomez throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Babakla fails with a takedown attempt.
Babakla takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Gomez swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Babakla feints the counter takedown.
Babakla throws a half hearted mid kick.
Gomez misses with a double jab.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Babakla shoots for a double leg takedown but Gomez sprawls well. He's pushed Babakla's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Franco Gomez has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Namba Babakla.
Babakla tries to close the distance and clinch up but Gomez swats him away and circles back towards the center.
It looked like Gomez was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.
Gomez throws a series of punches but Babakla moves out of range.
Babakla looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Gomez looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Gomez scores with a nice strike.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Babakla shoots in looking for a takedown but Gomez manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Babakla's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Gomez scores with a jab to the body.
Gomez misses with a two punch combination.
Gomez throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Babakla on the side of the head.
A punch combination from Gomez misses.
A right-left combo lands from Gomez.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gomez shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Babakla defends it nicely.
Gomez cracks Babakla with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
A head kick misses from Gomez.
Gomez defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Babakla.
Gomez throws a head kick that half lands.
Gomez stuffs the takedown.
Gomez swinging wildly here.
Gomez throws a nice looking combination but Babakla bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gomez throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Babakla shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Gomez counters with a head kick.
Babakla fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Gomez tries a low kick but Babakla avoids it.
A head kick misses from Gomez.
Gomez fails to land with a series of punches.
Gomez scores with a push kick.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Babakla shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Gomez as he avoids it easily.
Babakla moves out of range of the body kick.
Gomez scores with a nice looking left hook and follows it up with an uppercut!
Gomez scores with a nice one two combo and darts back out of range to avoid anything coming in the opposite direction.
Babakla dives in for a single leg takedown but Gomez sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Gomez is looking for a counter combo.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Franco Gomez 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.

Gomez lands a head kick. Babakla smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
Babakla will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Gomez tries to close the distance and clinch up but Babakla swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Gomez sets himself, and Babakla steps forward looking for the clinch! Gomez avoids it this time.
Gomez lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Babakla backs up against the cage.
Gomez fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Gomez leaves Babakla with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Babakla shoots in and drives through. Gomez sprawls well.
Franco Gomez has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Namba Babakla.
Babakla tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Gomez swivels and escapes.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Gomez lands a jab-cross combination.
Babakla checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Babakla is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Gomez swinging wildly here.

Babakla moves into the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Gomez breaks from the clinch.
Nice takedown defense from Gomez. No joy for Babakla on that attempt.
Nice takedown defense from Gomez. No joy for Babakla on that attempt.
Gomez cracks the inside of Babakla's front leg.
Left hook, right uppercut from Gomez.
Gomez lands a head shot.
Babakla takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
Babakla goes for a double leg but Gomez avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Gomez continues to drive forward.
Gomez misses with a few strikes there.
Babakla fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Gomez avoids it really well and circles away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Babakla showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Gomez.
Babakla has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.

Babakla gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.

Babakla has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Gomez can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.

Gomez decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.
Gomez scores with a shot to the body.
Gomez goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Gomez jabs Babakla to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Franco Gomez seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Babakla throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Gomez's waist but Gomez gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Babakla off to one side.
Gomez appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
Gomez displaying good standup as he scores with a three punch combination.
Gomez keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Babakla drops his hands momentarily and Gomez takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Babakla misses with a takedown attempt
and Gomez counters with an outside leg kick.
Gomez throws a right hand that Babakla ducks under and follows up with a left that Babakla also avoids with ease.
Babakla darts in looking for a takedown but Gomez gets double underhooks and turns Babakla into the cage.
Babakla tries to clinch there but Gomez circles away.
Gomez lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
Gomez stuffs the takedown attempt from Babakla. Babakla gets slowly back to his feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gomez lands with a nice combination. Babakla backs away looking to recover.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Gomez looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Babakla closes the distance and clinches up with Gomez, looking for a takedown. Babakla pushes Gomez against the cage but Gomez circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Sloppy strikes from Babakla. Those never looked like landing.
Gomez pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Babakla goes for a double leg but Gomez avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Gomez continues to drive forward.
A quick step to the side and Gomez tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
Gomez displaying good standup as he scores with a three punch combination.
Gomez throws a right hand that Babakla ducks under and follows up with a left that Babakla also avoids with ease.
Gomez throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
No joy there for Gomez, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Babakla feints the counter takedown.

Gomez throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Babakla tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Gomez is in Babakla's guard.

Babakla looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Franco Gomez had his way with Namba Babakla in 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. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Gomez scores with a head kick.
Gomez defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Babakla.
Gomez throws a combination that misses

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

Gomez pulls Babakla into guard.
Babakla trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Franco Gomez overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Gomez wants to get back to his feet but Babakla passes into half guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Gomez is trying to stand.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gomez scrambles, trying to get to his feet, but Babakla manages to mount him!
Gomez tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Gomez is working hard here to advance position.
Poor strikes thrown by Babakla there. More accuracy and less frantic strikes would help!

Babakla goes for an armbar but he's fallen flat on his backside there and now Gomez is on top in guard.
Gomez is stalling in the full guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Babakla has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Gomez can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Gomez trying to stand up but can't free himself from Babakla's guard.

Babakla working for a triangle but Gomez defends it easily.
Babakla is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Gomez trying to control the position from guard on top but Babakla is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Gomez landing some decent shots from guard.

Babakla has his foot on Gomez's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Gomez works his way back into a safe position though.
Babakla working a defensive guard here.
Gomez wants to control from the top but Babakla keeps moving.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gomez wanted to stand there but Babakla had control of the position.

Gomez stands up from guard. Let's bang!
Namba Babakla has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Franco Gomez is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Gomez misses with the combination.
Gomez misses with a body shot.
Babakla fails with a takedown attempt.
Babakla fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Franco Gomez has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Namba Babakla.
Gomez misses with a double jab.
Babakla tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Babakla on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.

Gomez gets caught napping as Babakla dives in and scores a takedown. Gomez manages to retain guard.
Babakla landing some decent shots from guard.
Babakla won't allow Gomez to get back to his feet.
Gomez trying to control the position.
Gomez wants to stand but Babakla is controlling the position.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Gomez is looking to stand back up... there's a bit of a scramble and Babakla dives into side control.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Namba Babakla.
Well Gomez 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Thiago Cunha scores the fight 50:42
Judge Alexandre Firmino scores the fight 49:43
Judge Paulo Santos scores the fight 49:43

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Franco Gomez!
Franco Gomez retains his middleweight title!
After the fight, Franco Gomez was humble in paying tribute to his opponent but made it clear he wants to go on to bigger and better things. It seemed to go down well with the crowd who cheered him loudly.