Highland Challenge 44 PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Johnson Goodluck (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Giovanni Marella (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Marella has chosen "La Vittoria è Mia (Victory Is Mine)" by Jim Johnston as his entrance music. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Goodluck
vs
Marella

170 cm
21
162 lbs
2 - 2 - 0

166 cm
22
165 lbs
2 - 5 - 1

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter fighter
Hates pizza

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter fighter
Knockout power

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 2 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Johnson Goodluck!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 5 - 1, fighting out of The Island, Giovanni Marella!
The judges for this bout are Peter Branson, Michael Johnstone and Dirk Anderson.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Goodluck tries to close the distance and clinch but Marella swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.

Goodluck gets tackled into the cage by Marella. Marella maintains the clinch.
Goodluck drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Goodluck is trying to maintain a safe position but Marella gets an underhook and turns Goodluck into the cage.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Goodluck.
Goodluck has been working on his balance at Storm Mtn Fighting Studios, so perhaps that has help him stuff some of the takedown attempts by Marella.
Marella should think about turning a few of those tyres round his middle into muscle if he wants people to take him seriously as an athlete.
Marella wants a takedown but no success here.
Goodluck pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the cage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Goodluck is trying to stall.
Goodluck is looking for a takedown.

Marella breaks the clinch.
Goodluck shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Marella defends it nicely.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Johnson Goodluck. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Goodluck tries to clinch up

and Marella counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Goodluck!
Goodluck wants to get back to his feet but Marella is dominant here and he's now got Goodluck's back!
Goodluck trying to control the position but Marella manages to sink in the hooks.
Marella connects with a big shot to the side of Goodluck's head.
Goodluck is defending well here and trying to improve his position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Marella controlling the position well here. Goodluck rolled but Marella kept the hooks locked in and stayed in the dominant position.
Goodluck is really stuck here.
Our spies down at at Cozad The Island inform us that Marella has really been working on his submissions in the buildup to this fight. Will it pay off?
Goodluck trying to control the hands but Marella breaks the grip.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Goodluck breaks Marella's hooks off and manages to turn into his guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Marella keeping moving, preventing Goodluck from controlling successfully.
Marella keeping full guard, as Goodluck tries to pass.
Goodluck wants to control from the top but Marella keeps moving.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Goodluck is really struggling to control Marella but he's trying to hold on to the position.
Marella is pulling down on Goodluck's head. It's preventing any offense from Goodluck, at least for the moment.
Goodluck tries to free his leg and advance position but Marella is retaining full guard.
Marella keeping moving, preventing Goodluck from controlling successfully.
Marella looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.

That's four 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.
Goodluck scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Goodluck missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Goodluck working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Goodluck trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Goodluck moves to clinch but Marella breaks away

and Marella counters with a nice double leg into side control. Goodluck won't be happy with that.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Goodluck is trying to get back to half guard.
Marella working the head with strikes.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Giovanni Marella will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Marella avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Goodluck tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Marella manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Johnson Goodluck seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Goodluck tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Marella swivels and escapes.
Marella stuffs the takedown.
Marella drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Goodluck defends it well.
Goodluck wants to clinch

and Marella counters with a shoot takedown. Goodluck fights it but they end up in guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Marella pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Goodluck is keeping the position for now.

Goodluck had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Marella defends it easily.
Goodluck is trying to control the position but Marella postures up.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Marella slips nicely into half guard, despite the strikes coming from Goodluck.
Giovanni Marella has got the better of the ground game so far.
Still in half guard, Marella seems content to control.
Marella frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Marella takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
Marella raining down hammerfists from mount.
Goodluck is looking to get to half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Goodluck gets back to half guard.
Marella has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Marella seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Marella prevents Goodluck from improving his position.

Goodluck kicks off Marella and gets to his feet.
Marella avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Goodluck works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Marella scores with a leg kick.

Marella shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in side control! That's better than Marella was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
Goodluck is trying to control Marella's posture but Marella avoids it.
A lull in the action here as Marella stalls from top position.
Let's hope that Marella has the urge to step up the pace any second now because for the last 15 or 20 seconds he's just been holding on tight.
Marella wants to take a breather but Goodluck manages to regain guard - a lesson learnt for Marella.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Marella trying to control but Goodluck is working from the bottom.
Goodluck controlling Marella's posture.
Goodluck is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Marella tries to stand but Goodluck is controlling from the bottom.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Giovanni Marella showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. This is the final round!

Marella blocks a head kick by Goodluck.

Marella looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Goodluck is looking to stand back up... there's a bit of a scramble and Marella dives into side control.

Marella in side control lands a decent elbow.
Goodluck is trying to get back to half guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Goodluck is working hard here to advance position.
You can see the frustration on Goodluck's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Goodluck is looking for a sweep.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Marella taking a breather here.
Goodluck is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Marella's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
Marella wants to lay and pray for a moment but Goodluck keeps working.
Goodluck wants to control but Marella is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Marella seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.

That's two 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.
Marella wants to stand up but Goodluck has a hold of him and won't allow it.
Goodluck tries to get to full guard but Marella has control of the leg.
Marella wants to advance to full mount but Goodluck doesn't think that's going to happen and regains full guard instead.

Goodluck looking for subs off his back but Marella has passed one foot through into half guard.
Goodluck moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Marella wants to control from the top but Goodluck keeps moving.
Goodluck wants to sweep here but Marella controlling him for the moment.
Marella must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Marella scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Goodluck wants to sweep here but Marella 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.
Marella on the wrong end of a nice hook.

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.

Goodluck shoots in and bounces Marella off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
Goodluck wants to control from the top but Marella keeps moving.
Marella is adopting a defensive guard.
Johnson Goodluck has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Marella keeping moving, preventing Goodluck from controlling successfully.
Giovanni Marella is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Marella seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Johnson Goodluck.
I think Marella has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Peter Branson scores the fight 28:29
Judge Michael Johnstone scores the fight 28:29
Judge Dirk Anderson scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Giovanni Marella!
Giovanni Marella thanked the fans post fight for their support.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
29%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Sam Dean (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Bman Olot (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Olot has chosen Bad Blood as his entrance music. Bman Olot has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Dean
vs
Olot

175 cm
26
183 lbs
3 - 2 - 0

178 cm
19
178 lbs
4 - 3 - 0

Decent wrestler
Solid boxing
KO power

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Powerful

Highland Clothing

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 2 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Sam Dean!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 3 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Bman Olot!
The judges for this bout are Santiago Holmes, Bart Greer and Dirk Anderson.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Dean avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
An attempted straight right counter from Dean misses the target.
Dean fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Olot tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Olot wants to clinch.

Olot has taken the fight to the clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Dean digs a right hand into Olot's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Olot's gas tank.
Dean avoiding damage as Olot throws knees to the body.
A head punch on the inside from Olot fails to land.

That's one minute gone in the round.
With the fighters up against the cage, Olot throws an elbow but misses.
Olot lands an elbow inside.

It looks like Sam Dean has been cut.
Olot scores a nice knee to the body.
Olot misses with an elbow strike.
Olot tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Olot lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Dean wants to get back to striking at distance but Olot won't allow it.
Dean lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Olot lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Olot.
Olot lands a nice elbow.
Dean tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Olot misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Dean.
Dean tries to circle away but Olot has him pinned against the cage.
Dean avoids a wild elbow strike from Olot.
Olot tries to stall but Dean uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Olot tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Dean's elbow.
Olot lands a knee to the head.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Nice elbow from Olot.
Dean is struggling to control the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Olot looking to stall.
Olot looking to stall.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Olot leaning against his opponent.
Olot will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Dean up against the cage.
Dean taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Olot connects with a nasty looking knee right to Dean's face.

Sam Dean's cut is getting worse.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Olot keeps control of Dean as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
A head punch on the inside from Dean fails to land.
Olot throws an elbow but it misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Dean scores with a shot to the side of Olot's head.
Dean has Olot pressed against the cage.
Nice elbow from Olot.
Dean doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Nice elbow from Olot.
The referee is keeping an eye on Olot - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
Olot's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.
Olot lands a nice elbow from the clinch.

Sam Dean's cut is bleeding quite badly. He's got to try and protect it.
Dean tries to break the clinch but Olot is controlling the position.
Dean lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Dean is trying to force a seperation but Olot has the dominant position.
Dean blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Dean working hard to break the clinch.
Dean blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Olot misses with a hook from the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Olot throws a punch but it's blocked by Dean.
Dean blocks an elbow strike from Olot.
Olot is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Dean is defending well for now.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Dean.

Dean breaks the clinch.
Dean keeps the fight on the outside.

Olot darts in and clinches Dean up against the cage.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Dean blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Olot prevents a body shot from Dean.
Olot tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Olot tries to throw a body punch but Dean avoids it by throwing Olot back against the cage.
A short body shot lands from Dean as the two fighters clinch.
Olot misses with a hook to the ribs.
Dean just leaning against Olot, taking a breather.
Dean blocks the elbow strike.
Olot pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the cage.
Dean blocks an elbow strike from Olot.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Bman Olot dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Sam Dean's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Dean fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.

Olot clinches up against the cage.
Olot has Dean pressed against the cage, preventing Dean from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Dean takes an elbow to the temple.
Olot pushes off an throws an elbow but Dean leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
Dean lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Olot has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Olot tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Olot missing with knees to the body.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Dean as Olot tries to tie him up.
Olot is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Olot landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Olot trying to stall but Dean improves his position.
Olot misses with an elbow over the top.
Olot tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Olot taking a breather.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Olot throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Bman Olot seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Olot lands a damaging elbow.
Olot tries to land knees in the clinch but Dean avoids the damage to the body.
Dean lands a shoulder strike.
Dean can't break the clinch.
Olot looking to slow down the pace here.
Dean misses with a punch to the body.
Dean lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Olot lands an elbow inside that Dean shrugs off.

Jeez, Sam Dean's cut is really nasty now. The referee must be thinking about getting that checked.
Dean struggles to land a body shot inside as Olot controls his hands.
Olot pushes off an throws an elbow but Dean leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
Dean stalls.
Olot lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Olot wants to stall.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Dean.
Nice body punch from Dean - that landed with a thud.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Dean lands a shoulder strike.
Dean looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Dean is trying to push Olot away but Olot has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Olot keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Dean's efforts to push away.
Olot pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the cage.
Dean scores with a nice hook to the head.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Olot tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Dean avoids it.
Olot trying to control the position but instead, Dean has worked for underhooks and has pushed Olot into the cage.
A short uppercut from Dean.
Dean misses with some punches.
A short right from Dean.
Olot gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Dean managing to block the knees to the body from Olot.
Olot doesn't land with the attempted body shot.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Olot misses with an elbow over the top.
Olot blocks a body shot from Dean.
Olot has been looking to improve his clinch game in recent weeks. Dean seems to have the measure of him in the clinch so far, so let's see if Olot can turn it around.
Olot lands a nice elbow.

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

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:18 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Cut). Bman Olot!
Our winner, Bman Olot, 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.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
36%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Bman Oloot (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Dj Shaw (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Oloot's entrance music is Bang Bang. A fine choice. These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Oloot
vs
Shaw

185 cm
19
193 lbs
4 - 3 - 0

180 cm
25
182 lbs
5 - 4 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent MT
Granite chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent boxing
Knockout power

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 4 - 3 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Bman Oloot!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 4 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Dj Shaw!
The judges for this bout are Winston Alpacca, Santiago Holmes and Michael Johnstone.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Oloot thuds a mid kick into his opponent's body. That will wear on Shaw if he has to take too many more of those.
Shaw looks really tired already! That doesn't bode well for a good, competitive fight!

Shaw tries to keep at a distance but Oloot has taken the fight into the clinch.
Shaw fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Oloot lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Shaw backwards.
A knee to the head by Oloot.
Shaw being controlled against the cage.
Oloot lands a nice elbow.
Oloot taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Our sources have told us that Oloot has been working on his knees in the buildup to the fight.
Oloot putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Shaw in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Shaw takes a knee right on the jaw!

It looks like Dj Shaw has been cut.
Oloot working Shaw over with knees to the body.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Oloot lands a hook to the side of the head.

Shaw is rocked!
Oloot creates some distance and fires off a vicious elbow that drops Shaw! He pounces and finishes the fight with more strikes! Nice KO for Oloot.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:55 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Bman Oloot!
After winning the bout, Bman Oloot thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.
Dj Shaw was interviewed post fight and said 'This is bullshit i had that fight he was the better fighter though so im just going to ask for a rematch'.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
84%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Brad Opie (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Vitor Belfort (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Brad Opie has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Opie
vs
Belfort

180 cm
26
192 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

185 cm
24
196 lbs
3 - 3 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
Hates pizza

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 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Brad Opie!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 3 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Vitor Belfort!
The judges for this bout are David Hoff, Michael Johnstone and Peter Branson.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Opie throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Belfort's waist but Belfort gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Opie off to one side.
Opie shoots in looking for a takedown but Belfort manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Opie's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.

Opie scores with a takedown into Belfort's guard.

Opie decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Belfort, up you get!

Excellent takedown into side control there by Belfort.
Belfort tries to get to his feet but he's trapped momentarily.
Belfort tries to cartwheel into mount but he doesn't manage it.
Opie is not content to let Belfort control the position.
Opie tries to get back to half guard but can't.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Opie wants to get back to his feet but Belfort drags him back down.

Opie explodes and escapes back to his feet! Nice escape there!
Belfort keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Brad Opie. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Belfort drives through with a takedown into guard.
Opie pulls Belfort in to control the position.
Opie'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.
Belfort throws a big elbow that misses.
Opie looking to hit a scissor sweep but Belfort is one step ahead there.

The fighters are working up against the cage. Opie manages to wriggle his way back to his feet, so the fighters are now clinched against the cage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Opie prevents Belfort from breaking the clinch.
Belfort wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Opie has him pressed against the cage.

Belfort manages to pull guard.
Opie postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Opie is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Belfort tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Opie pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Belfort is keeping the position for now.

Opie drops back looking for a leg! Belfort is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Belfort manages to kick Opie off! Opie jumps back into Belfort's guard.

Opie gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Opie manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Belfort on his heels. He'll look to pass Belfort's guard now, I'm sure.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Belfort controlling Opie's posture.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Opie's corner. There ya go! There ya go!

Opie decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Belfort, up you get!
Belfort tries to close the distance and clinch but Opie swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Opie changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.

Belfort fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Opie to the ground. Belfort is now in Opie's guard.
Opie keeping moving, preventing Belfort from controlling successfully.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Opie has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
Belfort must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Belfort stopping the sweep attempt from Opie.
Opie trying to control the position here.
Opie continues to stall.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.
Opie preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Brad Opie dominated that round.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.

Opie avoids the body shot from Belfort.
Opie closes the distance and clinches up with Belfort, looking for a takedown. Opie pushes Belfort against the cage but Belfort circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Opie.
Belfort stuffs the takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Brad Opie. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Belfort scores with a takedown into Opie's guard.
Opie tries to land a sweep but no joy.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Opie scrambles and gets back to his feet.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Opie looks to land a combination but Belfort avoids it well.

Belfort looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into side control! Oh, that's bad for Opie!
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Belfort prevents Opie from escaping the position.
Opie trying to control but Belfort flips him over like a cheap hooker and has his back!

That's one minute gone in the round.
The crowd hopeful of a finish here - Belfort's supporters are on their feet, screaming for him to go for the rear naked choke.
Belfort misses with a punch to the head.
Opie prevents Belfort from getting a body triangle.
Opie is trying to stand back up.
Opie staying busy and making it hard for Belfort to control.

Belfort looking to break Opie's wrist control so he can sink in the choke. Opie remaining controlled and patient though - he really has to keep calm otherwise Belfort will wrap this one up with the rear naked choke!

Opie is trying to get back to his feet. He's worked up on to his knees and now he's on his feet with his head on the canvas, trying to shake Belfort off. It looks like it's working - Belfort slides off, much to his dismay, and we're back to standing! Opie displaying calm under pressure there.
Some wild striking there from Opie.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Belfort stuffs the takedown.
Belfort stuffs the takedown.
Belfort lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.

Belfort shoots in for a takedown and gets it.

Opie makes some distance and scrambles quickly back to his feet. Nice work!
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Opie avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Opie half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Opie fails miserably with a takedown attempt.

A momentary lapse in concentration from Belfort enables Opie to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Belfort manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.

Belfort kicks Opie off and gets to his feet.
Opie throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Belfort tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Opie pushes forward with a 1-2 combination that forces Belfort back to the cage. Opie follows up with a solid lead hook to the liver.
Brad Opie is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Opie fails to land with a series of punches.

Belfort has Opie up against the cage in a clinch.
Come on Belfort - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
Belfort is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Opie is stalling here.
Opie blocks an elbow strike from Belfort.
Opie wants to take the fight to the mat but Belfort manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.

Belfort breaks from the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Belfort leaves Opie with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Belfort stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Belfort wants it to stay on the feet.

Belfort fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Opie, pushing him back against the cage.
Opie leaning against his opponent.

Belfort pulls guard effortlessly.
Opie 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.

Opie stands up from guard. Let's bang!
Belfort stuffs the takedown.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Opie takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards.
Opie fails with a takedown attempt.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Vitor Belfort will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

Opie tries to bum rush Belfort with a series of wild strikes but Belfort uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Opie darts in looking for a takedown but Belfort gets double underhooks and turns Opie into the cage.
Brad Opie seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Opie closes the distance and clinches up with Belfort, looking for a takedown. Opie pushes Belfort against the cage but Belfort circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Opie throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Belfort makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.

Belfort gets the takedown into side control.
Belfort grinds an elbow into Opie's temple.
Opie sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.
Brad Opie overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Belfort seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.

Belfort is looking for a kimura here.
Belfort trying to control from half guard but Opie is working away.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Opie pushes Belfort off looking to stand but Belfort dives back in and keeps control.

Belfort stands, ready to strike. The ref makes him back up and allows Opie to get to his feet.

Belfort drives through with a takedown into Opie's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
Belfort takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Opie looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Belfort trying to control but Opie is working from the bottom.
Opie pulls Belfort in close to prevent any damage.
Belfort pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Opie is keeping the position for now.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Opie managing to control the position.
Opie wants to get back to his feet but Belfort is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.

Opie pushes Belfort off and scrambles back to his feet.
Opie looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.

Opie moves into range and clinches up with Belfort.

Belfort pulls guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Opie distracts Belfort with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Belfort not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Belfort is pulling down on Opie's head. It's preventing any offense from Opie, at least for the moment.

Opie gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
Opie with a poor takedown
and Belfort counters with a stiff right hand.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Brad Opie. That's going to take a lot out of him.
No luck for Opie with that takedown attempt.
Opie throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Belfort's waist but Belfort gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Opie off to one side.

Opie shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Belfort napping and manages to drive through into side control!
Belfort is looking for a sweep.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Opie has had enough of the ground for now and decides to stand.
No luck for Opie with that takedown attempt.

Belfort drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Belfort is looking to take a break and control but Opie is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Both fighters take a look at the clock.
Opie is pushing Belfort's head away, looking to escape. Belfort manages to hold on to the position though.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Vitor Belfort.
I think Belfort has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 David Hoff scores the fight 28:29
Judge Michael Johnstone scores the fight 28:29
Judge Peter Branson scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Vitor Belfort!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
49%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Theon Packer (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Hank Aaron (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Hank Aaron will no doubt be looking to use his reach advantage to good effect.

Packer
vs
Aaron

189 cm
19
266 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

203 cm
19
265 lbs
4 - 2 - 0

Decent wrestler
Brawler
Cardio machine

BJJ White Belt
Good kicks
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Theon Packer!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 2 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Hank Aaron!
The judges for this bout are David Hoff, Michael Johnstone and Santiago Holmes.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Packer misses the shot to the body.
Packer lands a nice looking body shot.
Packer definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Aaron lands a high kick!
Packer swings widly with a right hand
and Aaron counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena.
Aaron's coach down at Highland Brawl Academy was telling us pre-fight that they have been working on Aaron's balance. Obviously they view that as a key factor in the outcome of this fight.
Aaron throws a leg kick which misses Packer's front leg but catches the back leg as Packer tries to avoid it.
Packer misses with an uppercut
and Aaron counters with a nice uppercut.
Packer throws a poor cross that misses
and Aaron counters with a nice low kick that buckles Packer's knee momentarily.
Packer misses with a hook
and Aaron counters with a good low kick that Packer was not able to check.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Aaron.
Aaron changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
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!
Packer misses the body punch
and Aaron counters with an outside leg kick.
Aaron throws a quick inside leg kick.
Aaron keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Aaron let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
Aaron lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
A punch combination from Packer misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nice shot lands for Aaron.
Packer throws a lazy uppercut
and Aaron counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Aaron listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Packer misses with a hook

and Aaron counters with a crisp right hand that drops Packer! Aaron lets Packer back up to his feet, looking for a finish!

Packer is rocked!
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Aaron scores with a shot to the body.
Oh Packer is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Packer is breathing heavily.
Packer rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Aaron counters with a nice body shot.
Packer seems to have got his legs back now.
Packer has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Aaron finds it's way round the side to connect with Packer's head.
A shot to the body from Packer misses
and Aaron counters with an inside leg kick.
Aaron turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Aaron scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Aaron throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.

Aaron cracks Packer with a big right hand that sends him to the floor! Packer looks wobbly but he's sprung back up to his feet straight away… can Aaron finish him?
A slapping body kick lands there for Aaron.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Crack! A monster head kick from Aaron and Packer falls like a tree - timbeeeeeeeeeeerrrr! A highlight reel knockout by Aaron!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:08 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Head Kick). Hank Aaron!
A very excited looking Hank Aaron 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
88%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Bert Drago (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Joey Mandana (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look pumped up here. Let's hope this is a good fight!

Drago
vs
Mandana

167 cm
19
160 lbs
7 - 2 - 0

172 cm
26
162 lbs
8 - 3 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter fighter
Granite chin

Good takedowns
Counter fighter
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 7 - 2 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Bert Drago!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 3 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Joey Mandana!
The judges for this bout are Dirk Anderson, Sandra Marshall and Bart Greer.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Drago looks to throw the jab but Mandana is out of range.
Mandana drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Drago defends it well.
Mandana displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Drago throws out the jab.
Mandana drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Drago defends it well.
Drago scores with a crisp jab that stopped Mandana in his tracks.
A combination from Mandana does no damage.
Drago is looking to counter punch.
Drago throws an overhand right that lands on Mandana's shoulder, as Mandana tries to avoid the shot.
Mandana is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Mandana walks into a left hand.
Drago seems to be moving with more speed, compared to his last bout. He must have been working on that in the gym.
Drago swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Mandana feints the counter takedown.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Mandana looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
As Mandana looks to move away, Drago throws a big counter combo bu Mandana just gets out of the way.
Drago listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mandana bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Bert Drago is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Mandana takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Mandana closes the distance and clinches up with Drago, looking for a takedown. Mandana pushes Drago against the cage but Drago circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Mandana looks to clinch
and Drago counters with a straight right hand.
Drago connects with a body shot that sends Mandana's belly button to the back.
A slow jab from Drago misses its intended target.
Drago is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Some wild striking there from Drago.
Mandana fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Drago avoids it really well and circles away.
It looked like Drago wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Bert Drago has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Joey Mandana.
Drago throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Drago throws a hook to the side of Mandana's head but Mandana sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.

Mandana closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Mandana lands in his opponent's guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Drago is controlling Mandana's posture.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Drago keeping moving, preventing Mandana from controlling successfully.
Mandana slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.

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

Mandana is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Drago has escaped the position, nice work there.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Drago is trying to control Mandana's posture but Mandana avoids it.
Mandana wants to lay and pray for a moment but Drago keeps working.
Drago tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Mandana wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Drago on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Drago tries to get out of the position.

Mandana tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Drago tries to escape but Mandana is in control.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Drago tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Mandana was well out of range. Poor timing from Drago.
Drago waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Mandana.
Mandana fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Drago avoids it really well and circles away.
Mandana uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Drago.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Drago throws a right and a left that Mandana avoids nicely.
Drago lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Mandana drops his hands momentarily and Drago takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mandana shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Drago pinned against the cage. Drago gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
As Mandana tries to get set, Drago tries to push him back and clinch up but Mandana manages to avoid the attempt.
Drago looks to land a right hand but Mandana moved out of range.
Drago throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Mandana tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Mandana uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Drago.
We've been informed that Mandana has been working hard on his conditioning in the buildup to the fight.
Mandana uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Drago.
Drago lands with an overhand left.
Both fighters are looking to counter, which isn't making for the most exciting fight in the world.
Mandana shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Drago defends it nicely.
Bert Drago has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Joey Mandana.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Drago lands with a nice body punch.
Mandana wants to clinch up but Drago keeps it at a distance.
Mandana shoots in but Drago avoids the takedown attempt easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Drago scores with a jab to the head.
Drago misses the jab.

Mandana shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Drago napping and manages to drive through into side control!

Mandana tries for a kimura but Drago is defending well.
Drago tries to improve position but can't.

Mandana is trying to get an arm triangle but Drago is defending well.
Drago tries to improve position but can't.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Joey Mandana has got the better of the ground game so far.
Drago pushes Mandana away and creates a bit of space to escape. He's almost out here... but no, Mandana gets a good hold of his legs and remains firmly in side control.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Drago tries to improve position but can't.
Mandana tries to advance to mount but can't.
Drago tries to buck Mandana off but Mandana is having none of it.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Mandana wants to control but Drago is keeping him busy.
Drago tries to buck Mandana off but Mandana is having none of it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Bert Drago dominated that second round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Drago misses with a series of wild punches.
Mandana drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Drago defends it well.
Drago keeps the fight on the outside.
It looked like Drago wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Mandana uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Drago.
Mandana moves away from the strike by Drago.
Mandana is looking to clinch but Drago is avoiding it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Drago scores with the left hand. Mandana knows he should have avoided that one.
Drago lands with a shot to the body.
Mandana fails with the takedown
and Drago counters with a straight right hand.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Drago lands with a right hand.
Mandana shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Drago scores with a hook.
Mandana closes the distance and clinches up with Drago, looking for a takedown. Mandana pushes Drago against the cage but Drago circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Bert Drago has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Joey Mandana.
Drago feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Mandanas jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Drago throws a hook but Mandana avoids it easily.
Drago throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Mandana sees it coming and avoids it easily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mandana moves out of range of the strikes.
Mandana drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Drago defends it well.

Drago gets tackled into the cage by Mandana. Mandana maintains the clinch.
Drago has Mandana pushed against the cage.
A head punch on the inside from Drago fails to land.
Drago misses with some punches.
Mandana can't get the takedown.
Drago lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Mandana drops down looking for an ankle pick but Drago pulls his leg out and moves away.
Mandana walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mandana shoots and misses

and Drago counters by moving into the clinch.
Mandana goes for a takedown attempt but Drago pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Drago misses with an uppercut.
And Mandana tries to counter it with a takedown but Drago pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Mandana fails with a takedown attempt.
Drago was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Mandana takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Drago misses with a straight left.
Mandana looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A swing and a miss from Drago.
Mandana feints the counter takedown.
Drago misses with an uppercut.
A telegraphed right hand from Drago misses the target.
And Mandana tries to counter it with a takedown but Drago pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Bert Drago is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
The fighters circling - Drago throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Mandana fails with the takedown
and Mandana takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Bert Drago is winning the standup battle so far.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
A slow jab from Drago misses its intended target.
Mandana changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.

And that's the end of the fight!
Bert Drago showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Drago, 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 Dirk Anderson scores the fight 30:26
Judge Sandra Marshall scores the fight 30:26
Judge Bart Greer scores the fight 30:26

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Bert Drago!
Bert Drago thanked the fans post fight for their support.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
33%

Main event

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Mel Gordon (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Erick Hull (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Gordon comes to the cage accompanied by S.O.B. - Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats. Erick Hull has the power to score a knockout today if he connects clean with Mel Gordon's chin.

Gordon
vs
Hull

190 cm
27
217 lbs
9 - 2 - 0

187 cm
27
215 lbs
6 - 3 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Great elbows
Cardio machine

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Heavy handed

Highland Clothing

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the light heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 9 - 2 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Mel Gordon!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 3 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Erick Hull!
The judges for this bout are Peter Branson, David Hoff and Winston Alpacca.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Gordon pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Gordon throws an overhand right that lands on Hull's shoulder, as Hull tries to avoid the shot.
Gordon misses the shot to the body.
Hull wants to counter the offense by Gordon and move into the clinch position.
Gordon jabs at Hull's body.
Hull uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Gordon.
Gordon lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.

It looks like Erick Hull has been cut.
Gordon scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Gordon throws a jab but it's blocked by Hull.
Gordon looks to land a right hand but Hull moved out of range.
Gordon throws an overhand right that lands on Hull's shoulder, as Hull tries to avoid the shot.
Gordon jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Gordon throws a nice looking combination but Hull bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
A big right from Gordon misses.
Gordon scores with the left hand. Hull knows he should have avoided that one.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Gordon misses with a hook.
Hull looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Hull has been spending a lot of time sparring his boxing in the run up to the fight, trying to sharpen up those hands and look for a knockout.
Gordon misses the jab.

Gordon clinches up against the cage.
A head punch on the inside from Hull fails to land.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gordon lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Gordon working aggressively here.
Hull doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Gordon creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Gordon misses with a punch to the body.
Gordon throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Gordon goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Hull avoids a wild elbow strike from Gordon.
Gordon throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Gordon has a couple of punches blocked by Hull.
Gordon misses with a punch to the body.
Gordon misses with the head strike.
A right hand to the body from Hull.
Hull working aggressively here.
With the fighters up against the cage, Gordon throws an elbow but misses.
Hull lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Hull has a couple of punches blocked by Gordon.
Gordon misses with a hook to the ribs.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Hull.
Hull lands a shot to the body.
Gordon misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Hull tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gordon pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the cage.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Hull creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
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!
Hull takes an elbow to the temple.
Hull tries to work over Gordon's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Gordon.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Hull.
Hull pressing his opponent against the cage.
Hull misses with a short punch on the inside.
Hull swings wildly with an uppercut but Gordon uses good head movement to avoid it.
Hull throws a punch but it's blocked by Gordon.
Hull lands an uppercut.
Gordon looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Gordon lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Hull prevents a body shot from Gordon.
Gordon works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Hull misses with a hook from the clinch.
Hull lands a left hand.
Gordon lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Hull backwards.
A short left from Gordon.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gordon lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Gordon misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Gordon lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Hull looks winded!
Hull doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Hull swings wildly with an uppercut but Gordon uses good head movement to avoid it.
Gordon comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Gordon misses with a punch to the body.
Gordon lands a nice elbow.
Gordon lands with a left to the head.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Gordon.
Gordon scores with a shot to the side of Hull's head.
Gordon lands a nice elbow from the clinch.

Hull is rocked!

That has opened up Erick Hull's cut even more.
Hull misses with the head strike.
Gordon blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Gordon lands a shot to the body.
Gordon scores with a shoulder strike.
Hull is still on wobbly legs! Can Gordon finish him?
This has been an exciting period of action!
Gordon misses with an elbow strike.
Gordon lands an uppercut in the clinch that drops Hull to his knees! Gordon keeps firing more shots against his stricken opponent and the referee jumps in to save him!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:57 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Mel Gordon!
Mel Gordon retains his light heavyweight title!
Mel Gordon thanked the fans post fight for their support.
The defeated Erick Hull had this to say: 'It's time to get back to the gym and work harder.'.