QFC Tournament 528 Round 1 PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Matias Sabio (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and James Baal (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Sabio
vs
Baal

178 cm
18
184 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

170 cm
18
140 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
Big heart

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Matias Sabio!
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, James Baal!
The judges for this bout are Stewart Dunkirk, Cecil Peabody and Wesley Smith.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Sabio shoots in and gets a takedown into Baal's guard.
Baal is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Baal really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Sabio. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Sabio being controlled here momentarily.
Sabio passes into half guard.
Baal wants to improve his position but Sabio is controlling well.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sabio is controlling the pace.
Baal is holding on to half guard well.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Baal is looking to control Sabio's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Baal avoid being mounted?
Sabio works his way into side control.
Baal is trying to improve his position.
Baal is not content to let Sabio control the position.

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

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.
Sabio lands a decent elbow from side control.
Baal parries the strikes from Sabio easily there. Sabio is wary of posturing up too much because it might enable Baal to escape.
Baal wants to control but Sabio postures up.
Sabio wants to lay and pray for a moment but Baal keeps working.
Sabio wants to stand but Baal is controlling his arm.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Baal is looking for a sweep.

Sabio tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Baal is working hard to escape and get back to his feet. After a battle for position, Sabio asserts his dominance and retains side control.
Sabio tries to get to his feet but he's trapped momentarily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Baal pushes Sabio away and creates a bit of space to escape. He's almost out here... but no, Sabio gets a good hold of his legs and remains firmly in side control.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Baal misses with a head kick.
Sabio thinks about countering with a body kick.

Sabio shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Baal's guard.
Sabio tries to stand but Baal is controlling from the bottom.
Sabio trying to control but Baal is working from the bottom.

Baal throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Baal looks winded!
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Baal working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Sabio.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Matias Sabio dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Sabio shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Sabio tries to clinch but Baal is having none of it.
Baal throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Sabio moves in looking to clinch but Baal pushes him off.
Baal shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Sabio defends it nicely.

Sabio throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Baal tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Sabio is in Baal's guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sabio stopping the sweep attempt from Baal.

Baal is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Baal keeping moving, preventing Sabio from controlling successfully.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sabio passes Baal's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Sabio is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
Sabio is pressing down on Baal's thigh, looking to free his foot. Baal is holding on for now.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Baal blocking the ground and pound attempt from Sabio.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Sabio throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Sabio tries to stand but his arm is trapped.
Sabio is looking to take a break and control but Baal is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Sabio keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Sabio shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Baal but Baal pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Baal tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Sabio defends well and Baal ends up having to push Sabio into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Baal shuffles to his left behind two crisp jabs. Sabio eats them both and turns towards Baal to reposition himself and eats a stinging right hand-left hook combo.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The fight stays on the outside here - Sabio looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Sabio misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Matias Sabio. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Sabio tries to move into range but Baal moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Sabio stuffs the takedown.
Baal is breathing heavily.
Good work by Sabio as he checks the leg kick.
Sabio is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Baal can do to turn this around?
Sabio looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Baal misses with a takedown attempt - Sabio sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Sabio wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch.
Sabio leaves Baal with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Sabio throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Baal was covering up waiting for the punch and Sabio finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Baal has a closed guard, preventing Sabio from standing up.
Baal is wriggling around but Sabio manages to pass to half guard.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Sabio frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Matias Sabio dominated that second round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! This is the final round!

Sabio shoots in and drives through. Baal sprawls well.
Matias Sabio is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Baal fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Sabio tries for a takedown but Baal circles away easily

and Baal holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Baal stalling in the clinch but Sabio improves position.
Sabio tries to pull guard but Baal forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Matias Sabio. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Sabio jumps guard but Baal stands there with Sabio around his waist. Sabio gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Baal has Sabio pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Sabio manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Sabio successfully pulls guard.
Baal tries to free his leg and advance position but Sabio is retaining full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Sabio looking for a guillotine here but Baal defends easily.

Sabio has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Baal can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Sabio looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Baal looking to sit in guard and control but Sabio gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

Baal controlling the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Baal has momentary wrist control but Sabio slips an elbow through the middle.
Sabio has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Baal is proving hard to escape from.
Baal is looking to stand up but Sabio isn't so interested in that idea.
Sabio wanted to stand there but Baal had control of the position.
Baal wants to get back to his feet but Sabio is in a dominant position and won't allow it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sabio is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
Baal can't keep his opponent in guard - Sabio advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.

Sabio seems to be working for a kimura but Baal defends the submission attempt.
Sabio working over Baal with some ground and pound. Baal looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Baal wants to control but Sabio passes into side.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sabio throws an elbow but Baal slips to the side and avoids it well.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
The referee asks Sabio politely if he wouldn't mind getting on with it and actually doing something. Sabio prefers to stall for the moment though.
Baal is positioning himself to get back to half guard.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!

Sabio is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Baal's half guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
Matias Sabio showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Sabio, 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 Stewart Dunkirk scores the fight for Matias Sabio!
Judge Cecil Peabody scores the fight for Matias Sabio!
Judge Wesley Smith scores the fight for Matias Sabio!

Matias Sabio wins by unanimous decision!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
24%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Nathan Nolan (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Aleksander Smirnov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Nolan
vs
Smirnov

187 cm
25
195 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

185 cm
25
195 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

Decent wrestler
Brawler
Inexperienced

BJJ White Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nathan Nolan!
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, Aleksander Smirnov!
The judges for this bout are Frank Dennis, Daniel Franklin and George Francis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Nolan bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
Nolan creates some space and throws a big elbow, but Smirnov sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.
Smirnov is working to avoid the ground and pound but Nolan connects with a decent elbow.
Smirnov is looking to reverse the position.
Smirnov really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Nolan. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Nolan scoring with punches from side control.
Smirnov is looking to reverse the position.
Smirnov is trying to control Nolan's posture but Nolan avoids it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nolan lands a nice forearm strike.
Nolan looking to punish the body of his opponent here but Smirnov is avoiding damage well.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nolan lands a knee to the body and follows it up with some ground and pound to the head. That will wear Smirnov down.
Nolan creates a bit of distance and throws down some hard shots.
Nolan lands a knee to the body and a forearm to the face.
Nolan scoring with punches from side control.
Smirnov parries the strikes from Nolan easily there. Nolan is wary of posturing up too much because it might enable Smirnov to escape.
Nolan looks up at the clock and then as Smirnov takes his cue and looks up at the clock too, Nolan smacks him right in the chops with a big elbow! How rude!
Nolan grinds an elbow into Smirnov's temple.
Nolan in side control lands a nice looking series of punches and elbows.
Nolan working away diligently from side control. Landing strikes effectively there - that will score him some points on the judges scorecards.
Nolan landing a few strikes.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Smirnov tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Sloppy strikes there by Nolan.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Nolan controls the position.
Nolan landing a few strikes.
Nolan working the ground and pound but Smirnov is defending the strikes.
Nolan lands an elbow.
Smirnov parries the strikes from Nolan easily there. Nolan is wary of posturing up too much because it might enable Smirnov to escape.
Nolan wants to lay and pray for a moment but Smirnov keeps working.
Smirnov on the wrong end of some ground and pound.
Nolan 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.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nolan has knee on belly and now moves to full mount! Trouble for Smirnov!
Nolan connects with a couple of good shots from mount.
Nolan is in the full mount, landing strikes.
Nolan connects with a couple of good shots from mount.
Nolan pausing momentarily but resumes with a couple of decent strikes that do a bit of damage.
Nolan lands a big shot there that rocks Smirnov but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.
Smirnov taking shots to the head.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Nolan landing punches.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nolan is still in mount, landing shots to his trapped opponent. Smirnov can't stay in a position like this for much longer.
Nolan lands a big elbow.
Nolan landing strikes from the mount and Smirnov is in trouble!
Nolan putting on the heat here with some good ground and pound!
Smirnov in a bad spot here, taking shots to the head.
Nolan scoring with strikes but Smirnov is staying in there.
Nolan landing shots from mount.

Smirnov is rocked!
Nolan with shots to the head and body - Smirnov looks very uncomfortable down there.
Smirnov is still in real trouble! Can Nolan finish him?
Oooh a big shot lands for Nolan! Smirnov is out! The ref dives in to save him from more punishment!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:59 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Strikes). Nathan Nolan!

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 middleweight MMA rules bout between Humberto Simoni (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Kon Mily (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Simoni
vs
Mily

188 cm
25
185 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

180 cm
25
185 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

Dangerous GnP
Brawler
Self confident

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Very confident

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Humberto Simoni!
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, Kon Mily!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Franklin, Wesley Smith and Chris Downing.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Nice sprawl there from Simoni as Mily shoots in.

Simoni drives through with a takedown into Mily's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
Mily wants to improve his position but instead Simoni has moved into half guard.
Simoni slows the pace down in half guard.
Simoni seems to have a rather negative gameplan on the ground. He seems keen to just score the takedown and hold down Mily for as long as he can get away with.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Simoni is working for a kimura but Mily is defending it quite comfortably.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mily tries to get to full guard but Simoni has control of the leg.
Simoni landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Mily is trying to control but Simoni manages to pass to mount!
Simoni lands with some vicious ground and pound - can Mily hang on?
Simoni manages to capitalize on a mistake by Mily to take his back!
Simoni is controlling his opponent, waiting for an opportunity to finish.
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.
Simoni has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.

Mily has hold of Simoni's leg, trying to break free but it's let Simoni lock up a rear naked choke! This could be big trouble! Mily is turning an unusual color here… he's out! Simoni throws him to one side and jumps onto the cage to celebrate with his fans.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:50 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Humberto Simoni!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
35%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Sal Thompson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Viva Revolution (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Thompson
vs
Revolution

183 cm
20
185 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

180 cm
25
189 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Counter fighter
Inexperienced

Decent wrestler
Dangerous knees
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Sal Thompson!
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, Viva Revolution!
The judges for this bout are Robert Twigg, Gwen Towbar and George Francis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Thompson gets a clinch.
A shot in the inside from Revolution.
Thompson takes an elbow to the forehead.

It looks like Sal Thompson has been cut.
Revolution lands a damaging elbow.
Thompson misses with a knee to the head.
Revolution keeps control of Thompson as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Revolution blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Revolution comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Revolution lands a damaging elbow.
Revolution lands a nice elbow.
Thompson is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Revolution is defending well for now.
Revolution gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
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!
Revolution with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Thompson trying to land knees to the body.
Revolution lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Thompson looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Revolution throws a head punch that misses.
Revolution lands an elbow inside that Thompson shrugs off.
Revolution lands a nice elbow.

Thompson is rocked!
Thompson is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Revolution is defending well for now.
Revolution comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Oh Thompson is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Revolution lands a damaging elbow.

Sal Thompson's cut is getting worse.
Thompson is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Revolution is defending well for now.
Revolution throws a big uppercut that drops Thompson! More strikes from Revolution and the referee jumps in to stop the fight! Thompson lies dazed against the cage as Revolution celebrates with his cornermen!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:57 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Viva Revolution!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
96%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Jar Jar Binks (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Felix Ramirez (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Jar Binks
vs
Ramirez

188 cm
25
190 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

165 cm
25
191 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

Decent wrestler
Decent elbows
Cuts easily

Decent wrestler
Decent boxing
Tends to cut

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Jar Jar Binks!
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, Felix Ramirez!
The judges for this bout are Wesley Smith, George Francis and Alan Glass.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Binks closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Binks lands on the inside with an uppercut.

It looks like Felix Ramirez has been cut.
Ramirez blocking some punches.
Binks comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Nice elbow from Binks.
Binks lands a knee to the head.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Binks as Ramirez tries to tie him up.
Ramirez is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Binks pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Binks throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Ramirezs head.
Ramirez takes an elbow to the forehead.
Binks scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Binks lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.

That has opened up Felix Ramirez's cut even more.
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!
Binks lands a knee to the head.
Ramirez has Binks pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Binks manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Binks lands a damaging elbow.
Ramirez tries for a takedown. No joy.
Jar Jar Binks has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Felix Ramirez.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Binks.

The cut above Felix Ramirez's eye is starting to cause him problems now.
Binks lands a nice elbow.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Binks lands an elbow inside that Ramirez shrugs off.

Felix Ramirez's cut is absolute horrible now. This looks like something out of a horror film with blood covering both fighters.
Binks gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.

The referee calls the doctor in to look at Felix Ramirez's cut. Oh no, the doctor has called an end to the bout!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:16 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Cut). Jar Jar Binks!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
47%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Michael Roberts (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Torin Fann (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Roberts
vs
Fann

185 cm
25
195 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

178 cm
18
155 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Intelligent

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Michael Roberts!
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, Torin Fann!
The judges for this bout are Chris Downing, Gwen Towbar and Stewart Dunkirk.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Roberts closes the distance and clinches up with Fann, looking for a takedown. Roberts pushes Fann against the cage but Fann circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Roberts circles away from the clinch attempt.

Roberts shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Fann napping and manages to drive through into side control!
Fann tries to bench press Roberts off him but Roberts keeps the position.
Roberts moving around in side mount but really he's just happy to control for now.
Roberts seems to have a rather negative gameplan on the ground. He seems keen to just score the takedown and hold down Fann for as long as he can get away with.
Fann tries to improve position but can't.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
The referee asks Roberts politely if he wouldn't mind getting on with it and actually doing something. Roberts prefers to stall for the moment though.
Roberts continues to stall.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fann is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Fann manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.
Fann tries to get to full guard but Roberts has control of the leg.
Roberts content to control rather than advance.
Fann wants to improve his position but Roberts is controlling well.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Fann has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Roberts is working away from the top position though.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Roberts slows the pace down in half guard.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Fann wants to clinch up but Roberts keeps it at a distance.

Roberts shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Roberts sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Roberts stops Fann from standing up.
Roberts is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Roberts got a little sloppy there for a moment and Fann has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Roberts has managed to get both his arms back between Fann's legs - danger averted.
Roberts looking to control the position here, rather than advance.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.

Fann gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Fann looks winded!
Roberts won't allow Fann to sweep him here.
Roberts is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Roberts makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Roberts forces his way into half guard.
Roberts looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

A head kick misses from Fann.
Roberts wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch.

Roberts looking to score a takedown here. Fann is defending well but Roberts drives through and ends up in Fann's guard.
Roberts seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Fann wants to get back to his feet but Roberts is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Fann striking off his back but it's not causing Roberts any problems.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Roberts won't allow Fann to get back to his feet.
Fann is using up a lot of energy trying to get back to his feet. Perhaps he should improve his position first.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Roberts is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Fann.

Roberts closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
Fann is breathing heavily.
Fann wants to control but Roberts postures up.
Fann is looking to work his way out of this bad position but Roberts is controlling him well.
Roberts controlling the position.
Roberts is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Fann can do to turn this around?

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Roberts working the ground and pound.
Roberts controls the position.
Fann can't do much from the bottom here.
Roberts lands a nice forearm strike.
A bit of a lull in the action. I'm sure it will pick up again soon... even if the ref has to physically pick them up and put them back on their feet.
Roberts's ground tactics aren't going to win him many fans. Let's hope he's got fireworks for us if he gets back to his feet because he's not doing much on the ground.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Fann doesn't manage to clinch there - Roberts circles away.
Roberts drops down looking for a counter takedown but Fann sprawls and moves away.

Fann tries to sprawl but Roberts drives through with a takedown into half guard.
Roberts is taking a breather. Fann says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.
Michael Roberts overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Roberts decides to stand and escape the position.

Roberts looking to score a takedown here. Fann is defending well but Roberts drives through and ends up in Fann's guard.
Roberts is stalling in the full guard.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Roberts has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Michael Roberts dominated that second round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Fann throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Roberts's waist but Roberts gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Fann off to one side.
Fann tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Roberts slaps away a takedown attempt from Fann, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Horrible takedown attempt by Fann or perhaps it was just good defense by Roberts, which made it look bad.
Michael Roberts has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Torin Fann.

Roberts shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Fann napping and manages to drive through into side control!
The referee asks Roberts politely if he wouldn't mind getting on with it and actually doing something. Roberts prefers to stall for the moment though.
Fann tries to bench press Roberts off him but Roberts keeps the position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Fann is still trying to improve position.
Fann is trying to escape the position but Roberts is controlling the position.
Fann takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Roberts creates a bit of distance and throws down some hard shots.
Roberts is moving around in side control but his primary objective seems to be to maintain the position.
Roberts works a knee to the body and follows up with a nice elbow to the head.
Roberts is maintaining the dominant position - no doubt Fann will start to get frustrated soon if he's not already.
Fann tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Roberts staying calm.
Fann can't do much from the bottom here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Roberts is maintaining the dominant position - no doubt Fann will start to get frustrated soon if he's not already.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Roberts.
Roberts staying calm.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Roberts decides to stand back up.

Roberts throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Fann was covering up waiting for the punch and Roberts finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Roberts is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Michael Roberts is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Torin Fann has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

Fann throws his legs up looking to secure a triangle. Oh, that looks pretty tight, I gotta say! Roberts escapes and throws Fann's legs to the side, diving into side control!

And that's the end of the fight!
Michael Roberts showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Roberts, 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 Chris Downing scores the fight for Michael Roberts!
Judge Gwen Towbar scores the fight for Michael Roberts!
Judge Stewart Dunkirk scores the fight for Michael Roberts!

Michael Roberts wins by unanimous decision!
A very excited looking Michael Roberts made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
23%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Johnny Bernelli (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Janek Dzwignia (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Bernelli
vs
Dzwignia

185 cm
25
185 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

150 cm
25
190 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Big heart

Good takedowns
Basic striking
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Johnny Bernelli!
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, Janek Dzwignia!
The judges for this bout are Frank Dennis, Stewart Dunkirk and Chris Downing.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Dzwignia closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Dzwignia lands in his opponent's guard.
Dzwignia is looking to work some ground and pound but Bernelli has wrist control.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Dzwignia accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Dzwignia sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Bernelli will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Dzwignia trying to control but Bernelli is working from the bottom.
Dzwignia throwing strikes from guard but Bernelli blocks nicely.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Dzwignia not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.

Dzwignia thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bernelli preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Bernelli is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Dzwignia is controlling him.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
Bernelli wants to sweep here but Dzwignia controlling him for the moment.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Dzwignia tries to land a front kick but Bernelli steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Dzwignia walks into a left hand.
Bernelli looks for the body kick but Dzwignia saw that one coming.

Dzwignia manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Bernelli on his heels. He'll look to pass Bernelli's guard now, I'm sure.

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

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Dzwignia is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.
Dzwignia trying to control the position from guard on top but Bernelli is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Dzwignia missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Bernelli working a defensive guard here.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.

Dzwignia thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bernelli avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Dzwignia working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Dzwignia trying to control but Bernelli is working from the bottom.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Bernelli tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Dzwignia swivels and escapes.
Janek Dzwignia seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Bernelli.

Dzwignia looking for a takedown here - he's got it.

Bernelli has his foot on Dzwignia's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Dzwignia works his way back into a safe position though.

Dzwignia got a little sloppy there for a moment and Bernelli has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Dzwignia has managed to get both his arms back between Bernelli's legs - danger averted.
Bernelli is breathing heavily.
Bernelli controls Dzwignia momentarily but Dzwignia frees himself.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Dzwignia postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Bernelli looking for a sweep. Not yet Bernelli, not yet.
Dzwignia controls from within his opponent's guard.
Dzwignia throws a big right hand that misses.
Dzwignia postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Bernelli wants to sweep but no luck.
Dzwignia wants to control from the top but Bernelli keeps moving.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Bernelli shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Dzwignia misses with a leg kick.
Bernelli buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.

Dzwignia shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
Bernelli trying to control here.
Dzwignia passes to full mount!

Dzwignia looks like he's working for a submission but he's not found anything just yet.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Dzwignia tries to control but Bernelli wriggling away.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bernelli is looking to improve his position but Dzwignia isn't that keen on the idea.
Dzwignia has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.

Dzwignia is working to isolate an arm here. It's a telegraphed submission attempt but he's gone for it anyway - and he's got it! Dzwignia extends the arm and Bernelli is forced to tap!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:30 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Janek Dzwignia!