VFC 1: In the Beginning PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Ultimate Damage (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Gaff Terra (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Damage comes into the arena with http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ysdbj-WzvI blaring out of the sound system. Terra has chosen Imagine Dragons - Radioactive as his entrance music. The atmosphere really building for this one as we go over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Damage
vs
Terra

175 cm
32
185 lbs
16 - 20 - 0

189 cm
30
201 lbs
13 - 3 - 0

Good wrestling
Lethal high kicks
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Heavy handed

V-Mask Clothing (10%)

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 16 - 20 - 0, fighting out of London, Ultimate Damage!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 13 - 3 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Gaff Terra!
The judges for this bout are Josh West, Jeff Smith and Colin Fray.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Damage misses with a combination
and Damage takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Damage tries to clinch up but Terra circles away and keeps his distance.
Damage looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Terra is fending him off so far but Damage persists. Nope, Terra circles away and we're back to standing.
Damage gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Terra counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.

Damage closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
The referee calls for Terra to work.
Terra slows down the pace here.
Terra continues to stall. The referee tells him to work or he's going to break them up.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Damage manages to break the clinch.
Damage turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Damage darts in trying to clinch
and Terra counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Terra throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Damage scores with a crisp jab that stopped Terra in his tracks.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Damage.
A little jabbing left from Terra on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ultimate Damage. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Terra dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Damage. That did some damage!
Damage doesn't manage to clinch there - Terra circles away.
Gaff Terra is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Terra crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Damage - the referee stops the clock and Terra gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Damage. Terra manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
Damage looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Terra is fending him off so far but Damage persists. Nope, Terra circles away and we're back to standing.
Damage wants to clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Damage comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Damage tries to clinch there but Terra circles away.
Damage is looking to clinch but Terra is avoiding it.
Terra tries to clinch there but Damage circles away.
Damage throws a sloppy head kick and Terra moves out of range easily.
Damage scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Damage scores to the head and body with a nice combination!

It looks like Gaff Terra has been cut.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Damage throws a head kick that misses
letting Terra counter with a right hand.
Terra missing with a left hand there. Damage was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Terra closes the distance and clinches.
Damage blocks the elbow strike.
A right hand to the body from Terra.
Damage is trying to force a seperation but Terra has the dominant position.
Stalling in the clinch from Terra.
Terra struggles to land a body shot inside as Damage controls his hands.
Terra is struggling to control the position.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Terra.
Damage has been working on his balance at Soul Supremacy - UK, so perhaps that has help him stuff some of the takedown attempts by Terra.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Terra throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Damage fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Terra stalling in the clinch but Damage improves position.

Damage gets control of Terra's arms and successfully pulls guard. Damage will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Damage seems keen to control Terra's posture.
Terra wants to stand but Damage is controlling his posture from full guard.
Damage has his hands on Terra's head, controlling the position.
Damage is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Gaff Terra will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Gaff Terra's cut.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.

Damage pushes Terra up against the cage in a clinch.
Damage takes an elbow to the forehead.
Terra stalling in the clinch.
Terra is struggling to control the position.
Terra receives a warning from the referee for stalling.
Damage looking for a takedown.

Damage breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Terra stuffs the takedown attempt from Damage. Damage gets slowly back to his feet.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Damage goes for a double leg but Terra avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Terra continues to drive forward.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ultimate Damage. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Terra takes the fight into the clinch.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Terra.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Damage breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.

Terra clinches.
A bit of stalling here from Terra.
Damage's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Terra is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Damage is defending well for now.
Damage effectively controlling the action here.
Damage is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Terra to keep the fight standing.
A head punch on the inside from Terra fails to land.
Damage jumps guard but Terra stands there with Damage around his waist. Damage gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Terra misses with an elbow strike.
Terra slows down the pace here.
Damage is trying to pull guard but Terra turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Terra pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the cage.
Terra misses with some punches.
Damage tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Terra just stands there and leans against the cage.
Terra can't find room to land a body shot as Damage controls the action.

Damage ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Damage 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.
Damage managing to control the position.
Damage manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Terra manages to get himself to full guard.

Terra really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Damage. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Damage controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Terra wants to get back to his feet but Damage is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Damage lands a couple of elbows.
Damage pushes down on Terra's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Damage missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Damage lands strikes from half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Damage thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Terra's head.

Damage seems to be working for a kimura but Terra defends the submission attempt.
Damage looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.

Damage is working for a kimura but Terra is defending it quite comfortably.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Gaff Terra will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Gaff Terra's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. This is the final round!

Terra connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Damage momentarily.
Terra tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Damage manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Damage shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Terra counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.

Terra rushes Damage and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Terra pushes Damage back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Damage takes an elbow to the temple.
Terra has Damage pushed against the cage.
Terra has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Damage tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Terra just stands there and leans against the cage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Damage is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Damage wants a takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ultimate Damage. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Damage tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Terra has a couple of punches blocked by Damage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Terra working aggressively here.
Stalling in the clinch from Terra.
A right hand to the body from Terra.
Terra throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Terra has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Terra is looking to control Damage's arms but Damage gets an underhook and turns him. Now Terra has his back to the cage.
Terra fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Terra displaying some good clinch control by pressing Damage up against the cage.
Terra is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Damage is defending well for now.
Terra taking a breather.
Damage blocks an elbow strike from Terra.
Terra just leaning against Damage, taking a breather.

Damage manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.
Gaff Terra is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Terra postures up.
Damage looking for a sweep. Not yet Damage, not yet.

Terra got a little sloppy there for a moment and Damage has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Terra has managed to get both his arms back between Damage's legs - danger averted.
Damage throws some sloppy strikes off his back.
Terra must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.

Damage pushes Terra off for just long enough to get back to his feet. Very athletic spring there.
Damage fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Terra! But no joy.
Ultimate Damage seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Damage fails with a takedown attempt.
Gaff Terra seems to be getting the better of the standup.

Damage shoots in and bounces Terra off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Terra is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Damage is controlling him.
Ultimate Damage has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Damage working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Terra's head.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Damage accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Terra is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Damage is controlling him.
Damage slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Damage makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Damage is looking to work some ground and pound but Terra has wrist control.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.
Damage trying to control the position from guard on top but Terra is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Nice uppercut there from Terra.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Damage just misses with a punch to the body.
A slow jab from Terra misses its intended target.

And that's the end of the fight!
Gaff Terra comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Terra winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Josh West scores the fight 27:30
Judge Jeff Smith scores the fight 27:30
Judge Colin Fray scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Gaff Terra!
A relieved looking Gaff Terra thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
33%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Keiji Kawada (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Cappie Ragnard (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighter's entrance songs getting the crowd jumping here.

Kawada
vs
Ragnard

167 cm
36
145 lbs
15 - 24 - 1

170 cm
25
141 lbs
8 - 5 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Solid boxing
Granite chin

Good takedowns
Basic striking
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, for the featherweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 15 - 24 - 1, fighting out of Amsterdam, Keiji Kawada!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Cappie Ragnard!
The judges for this bout are Jeff Smith, Chris Saunders and Josh West.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kawada tries to clinch but Ragnard moves out of range.
Ragnard throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Kawada wants to clinch.
Kawada throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Ragnard's head.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Ragnard checks a leg kick.
Kawada fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Ragnard on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Kawada shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
Ragnard wants to sweep but no luck.
Ragnard working a defensive guard here.
Ragnard wants to sweep but no luck.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ragnard not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Kawada postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Kawada chips away with some ground and pound.

Ragnard working for a triangle but Kawada defends it easily.
Kawada tries to free his leg and advance position but Ragnard is retaining full guard.
Ragnard preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Ragnard is trying to control the position but Kawada postures up.
Kawada preventing the sweep.

Ragnard is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Ragnard looking to hit a scissor sweep but Kawada is one step ahead there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ragnard is still trying to improve position.
Kawada definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Ragnard can't keep his opponent in guard - Kawada advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.

Ragnard is defending against the submission attempts here by Kawada.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Kawada stalling.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Kawada seems to be working for a kimura but Ragnard defends the submission attempt.
Ragnard regains full guard. Nicely done.
Kawada postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.

Ragnard has an active guard here but Kawada has managed to pass into half guard.
Kawada tries to pass to full mount but Ragnard defends it.
Kawada drops an elbow to the side of Ragnard's head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kawada wants to control but Ragnard is keeping him busy.
Ragnard tries to roll over but Kawada keeps him under control.
Ragnard controlling the position well.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Ragnard wants to improve his position but Kawada is controlling well.
Kawada is thwarting Ragnard's attempts to control the position.
Ragnard is looking for a sweep. Kawada is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Ragnard avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Kawada.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Ragnard wants to break the clinch but can't.

Kawada jumps into guard, dragging Ragnard to the mat.
Kawada preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Ragnard trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Kawada looking to hit a scissor sweep but Ragnard is one step ahead there.
Kawada is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ragnard won't allow Kawada to get back to his feet.
Ragnard stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Kawada swivels though and keeps the full guard.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Kawada is on top in guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Ragnard working for a triangle but Kawada defends it easily.
Kawada with a nice head shot there.
Ragnard looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Ragnard is on top in guard.

Ragnard passes easily into side control. Nice work.
Kawada regains half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kawada trying to control but Ragnard postures up.
Kawada manages to get to full guard.

Ragnard avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Kawada working a defensive guard but Ragnard passes into half guard.
Kawada is looking for a sweep. Ragnard is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Kawada gets back to full guard.

Kawada throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ragnard tries to free his leg and advance position but Kawada is retaining full guard.
Ragnard trying to control the position from guard on top but Kawada is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Ragnard must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Kawada is trying to control the position but Ragnard postures up.
Kawada is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Ragnard is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.
Ragnard passes into half guard.
Ragnard is trying to advance to mount but he's lost his balance and Kawada reverses the position - he's now on top in Ragnard's guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Kawada missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Kawada wants to stand but Ragnard has a closed guard, so he can't escape.
Kawada wants to pass the guard but Ragnard is keeping the position.
Ragnard keeping moving, preventing Kawada from controlling successfully.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!

Ragnard throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Kawada trying to control but Ragnard is working from the bottom.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Keiji Kawada 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. Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Kawada darts in looking for a takedown but Ragnard gets double underhooks and turns Kawada into the cage.
Ragnard avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Ragnard throws a sloppy body shot
and Kawada counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Kawada shoots in looking for a takedown. Ragnard tries to sprawl out of it but Kawada keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Ragnard manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Ragnard looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Kawada tries to close the distance and clinch up but Ragnard swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Nice defenses there by Ragnard.
Kawada with a lazy takedown attempt
and Ragnard counters with a series of strikes. Kawada will be more careful next time no doubt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Keiji Kawada. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Kawada throws a right and a left that both miss.
Keiji Kawada is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kawada takes one on the button.
Kawada tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Ragnard manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Ragnard throws a leg kick but Kawada moved away.
It looked like Kawada was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.

Ragnard gets a double leg takedown into Kawada's guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Kawada keeping moving, preventing Ragnard from controlling successfully.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Kawada is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Ragnard is looking to work some ground and pound but Kawada has wrist control.
Ragnard pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Kawada is keeping the position for now.
Kawada keeping moving, preventing Ragnard from controlling successfully.
Cappie Ragnard has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

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.
Ragnard won't allow Kawada to sweep him here.

Kawada working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Ragnard doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Ragnard manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Kawada keeping moving, preventing Ragnard from controlling successfully.
Ragnard loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Kawada is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Kawada is really struggling to control Ragnard but he's trying to hold on to the position.
Kawada trying to punch from his back but it's not doing any damage.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kawada tries to clinch but Ragnard is having none of it.
Ragnard throws a nice looking combination but Kawada bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
A combination from Ragnard does no damage.
Ragnard ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Kawada moves away.
Keiji Kawada is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Kawada tries to close the distance and clinch up but Ragnard swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Kawada shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Ragnard but Ragnard pushes him off and we're back to square one.
A jab lands there for Kawada.
Kawada fails in his attempt to clinch.
Kawada looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Ragnard is fending him off so far but Kawada persists. Nope, Ragnard circles away and we're back to standing.
Kawada fails with a takedown attempt.
Ragnard with a body punch. A glancing blow.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ragnard fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Kawada is out of range.
Ragnard lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Kawada circles away quickly and effectively.
Kawada dodges the punch combination from Ragnard.
Ragnard misses with a looping left.
Kawada looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Ragnard is fending him off so far but Kawada persists. Nope, Ragnard circles away and we're back to standing.
Kawada has a takedown stuffed.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Ragnard will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Kawada fails with an attempt to clinch.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Ragnard.

And that's the end of the fight!
Cappie Ragnard comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Kawada 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 Jeff Smith scores the fight 29:28
Judge Chris Saunders scores the fight 29:28
Judge Josh West scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Keiji Kawada!
Keiji Kawada is the new featherweight champion!
During a confident post fight interview, Keiji Kawada thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
27%

Main event

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Phoenix Miyamoto (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Romano Redz (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Miyamoto
vs
Redz

180 cm
41
185 lbs
26 - 24 - 0

180 cm
28
187 lbs
12 - 9 - 0

Good wrestling
Great elbows
Cardio machine

Excellent grappler
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

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 26 - 24 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Phoenix Miyamoto!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 12 - 9 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Romano Redz!
The judges for this bout are Colin Fray, Paul Gruel and Ryoma Takatsuka.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Miyamoto gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Miyamoto slowing the pace effectively.
Redz blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
A left hand lands to the body for Redz.
Redz is trying to pull guard but Miyamoto has him pressed against the cage.
Miyamoto throws a punch but it's blocked by Redz.
Miyamoto throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
A short left from Miyamoto.

Redz jumps into guard, dragging Miyamoto to the mat.
Redz lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

Redz missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Miyamoto wants to stand up but Redz is controlling him.
Redz stays in close to Miyamoto's body and controls the position.
Redz scoring with some ground and pound.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Miyamoto utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Miyamoto avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Miyamoto on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Miyamoto tries to get out of the position.
Redz missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Redz throwing strikes from guard but Miyamoto blocks nicely.
Redz landing with the ground and pound.
Miyamoto wants to get back to his feet but he's too absorbed in his own little project and Redz manages to pass to side control.
Redz keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
Redz stops Miyamoto from getting back to his feet.
Redz has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.

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.
Redz is controlling the pace.
Redz not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Miyamoto is not content to let Redz control the position.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Miyamoto slips under a jab from Redz.
Redz scores with a nice one two combo and darts back out of range to avoid anything coming in the opposite direction.
Redz cracks Miyamoto with a right hand to the side of the head.
A big right from Miyamoto misses.
Redz swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.

Miyamoto closes the distance and pushes Redz back into the cage.
Miyamoto misses with a punch to the body.
Redz taking a breather.
Redz throws a head punch that misses.
Redz managing to block the knees to the body from Miyamoto.
With the fighters up against the cage, Miyamoto throws an elbow but misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Miyamoto pushes off an throws an elbow but Redz leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
Miyamoto lands a body punch.
Miyamoto throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Miyamoto throws a head punch that misses.
Miyamoto tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Miyamoto blocks an uppercut.
Miyamoto lands an elbow inside.
Miyamoto tries to land knees in the clinch but Redz avoids the damage to the body.
Miyamoto misses with an elbow over the top.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Miyamoto as Redz tries to tie him up.
Miyamoto just leaning against Redz, taking a breather.
Redz misses with a body punch.
Miyamoto throws a punch but it's blocked by Redz.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Redz.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Miyamoto creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Redz blocking some punches.
Miyamoto can't find room to land a body shot as Redz controls the action.
Miyamoto keeps control of Redz as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Miyamoto misses with some punches.
A short uppercut from Miyamoto.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Redz.
Miyamoto fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
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!
A short uppercut from Redz.
Redz is looking to break free of the clinch but Miyamoto has double underhooks.
Miyamoto tries a body shot but Redz blocks it.

Redz jumps into guard, dragging Miyamoto to the mat.
Redz controls Miyamoto momentarily but Miyamoto frees himself.
Miyamoto loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Phoenix Miyamoto will probably get the nod.
That's time! Back to the action!

Redz misses with a wild body shot.
Redz lands with a right hand.
Redz shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Miyamoto as he avoids it easily.
Miyamoto displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Redz.
Miyamoto fails in his attempt to clinch.
Miyamoto throws a right and a left that both miss.
Phoenix Miyamoto seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Redz ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Miyamoto moves away.
Redz lands a body shot.
A big right from Redz misses.
Redz misses with a series of wild punches.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Miyamoto is looking to clinch.
Miyamoto tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Redz swings for the body but Miyamoto moves out of range.
Redz swinging wildly here.
Redz looks to score with a jab to the body but Miyamoto is just out of range.
Miyamoto throws a big counter combination but Redz scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Miyamoto misses with a jab, cross combination.
Miyamoto tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Redz manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Miyamoto moves to clinch but Redz breaks away

and Redz counters with a shoot takedown. Miyamoto fights it but they end up in guard.
Redz throwing strikes but missing.
Redz trying to control but Miyamoto is working from the bottom.
Redz trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Redz scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Redz missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Miyamoto is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Miyamoto has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Redz working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Redz working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Miyamoto is looking to stand up but Redz isn't so interested in that idea.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Miyamoto throws a good cross that connects.
A jab lands there for Redz.
Jab by Redz.
Redz scores with a nice strike.
Romano Redz seems to be getting the better of the standup.
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!
Redz darts in looking for a takedown but Miyamoto gets double underhooks and turns Redz into the cage.
Miyamoto appears to be looking for a big counter.
Phoenix Miyamoto has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Romano Redz.

A momentary lapse in concentration from Miyamoto enables Redz to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Miyamoto manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.
Both fighters have adopted an aggressive gameplan on the ground!
Miyamoto utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Miyamoto wants to get back to his feet but Redz is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Miyamoto avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Redz content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Redz trying to control the position from guard on top but Miyamoto is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Miyamoto pushes Redz off and gets back to his feet.
Phoenix Miyamoto is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Miyamoto is looking to clinch.
Miyamoto tries to clinch up.
Redz throws a jab but it's blocked by Miyamoto.
Redz looks to land a combination but Miyamoto avoids it well.
Miyamoto was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
A slow jab from Redz misses its intended target.
Miyamoto swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.
Miyamoto wants to clinch

and Redz counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Miyamoto!
Miyamoto is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Redz off and has taken his back!
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Miyamoto misses with an elbow to the head.
Will Miyamoto go for the finish here or will he try and keep control of the position?

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Redz avoids the strikes from Miyamoto.
Miyamoto is striking from the back but Redz escapes and manages to recover to half guard.
Miyamoto prevents Redz from improving his position.
Miyamoto is trying to control the action in half guard but Redz is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Redz wants to control but Miyamoto is keeping busy.
Redz regains full guard. Nicely done.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Romano Redz showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Miyamoto misses with a combination
and Redz counters with a left to the body.
Miyamoto takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Redz misses the jab.
Redz throws a hook but Miyamoto blocks it.
Miyamoto blocks a jab.
Miyamoto tries to clinch up.
Miyamoto fails in his attempt to clinch.
Miyamoto fails in his attempt to clinch.
Redz now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
Redz looks to score with a jab to the body but Miyamoto is just out of range.
Miyamoto throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Redz lands with a good body shot.
Redz shoots in but no luck this time.
Miyamoto swinging wildly here.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Redz!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Redz shoots in for a takedown but Miyamoto shows good takedown defense.
A combination from Miyamoto does no damage.

Redz darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
Miyamoto gets back to full guard.
Redz is stalling in the full guard.
Redz is in close to Miyamoto's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Redz won't allow Miyamoto to get back to his feet.
Redz postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Miyamoto is looking to stand up but Redz isn't so interested in that idea.
Redz throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Redz prevents Miyamoto from getting back to his feet.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.
Redz slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Miyamoto trying to remain calm as Redz controls from the top position.
Miyamoto is trying to buck Redz off.
Redz lands an elbow.
Redz staying calm.
Miyamoto on the wrong end of some ground and pound.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Redz is looking to take a break and control but Miyamoto is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Check out the look on Redz's face as he threw that strike - that's one determined fighter!
Redz working away diligently from side control. Landing strikes effectively there - that will score him some points on the judges scorecards.
Miyamoto is looking for a sweep.
Romano Redz has got the better of the ground game so far.
Miyamoto is trying to escape the position but Redz is controlling the position.
Miyamoto is looking to work his way out of this bad position but Redz is controlling him well.
Redz tries to move to mount but Miyamoto blocks the move with his legs.
Redz in side control lands a nice looking series of punches and elbows.

Miyamoto is rocked!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Redz lands an elbow.
Oh Miyamoto is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
Miyamoto is not in a great position here, taking some shots.
Redz scores with a big shot from side control... and another... and another! Oh Miyamoto is done here - save him referee! More strikes land and eventually the ref does step in and Redz can finally stop beating on his defenseless opponent!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:23 of round 3, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Romano Redz!
Romano Redz is the new middleweight champion!
Our winner, Romano Redz, made sure he spent some time buttering up the crowd during his post fight interview, which will no doubt bring him a few more fans.