WFB: First Blood PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Theros Ironfist (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Wilmer Theodore Lynn (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Lynn has chosen We will rock you as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. Both fighters will be looking to make this an exciting fight for the fans, I'm sure!

Ironfist
vs
Theodore Lynn

184 cm
24
200 lbs
3 - 3 - 0

176 cm
18
185 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Solid boxing
Very quick

Dangerous GnP
Brawler
Fast

DC Nutrition

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 - 3 - 0, fighting out of New York, Theros Ironfist!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Wilmer Theodore Lynn!
The judges for this bout are Alexandre Firmino, Paulo Santos and Seu Braga.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Ironfist scores with a three punch combo!
Ironfist throws a series of strikes that have Lynn backpedaling.
Ironfist stalks Lynn and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Lynn's face. Lynn staggers backwards, shaken.
Ohhhhh! A huge head kick from Ironfist! Lynn is out on his feet! Ironfist rushes in and throws more strikes. The ref is looking closely - Lynn is covering up but the punishment is just too much and the ref steps in to stop the fight! Lynn is staring into space, just thankful that the beatdown has ended. Brutal finish.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:13 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Theros Ironfist!
Theros Ironfist really struggled to get his t-shirt on before his hand was raised. Making sure that Victory Fight Wear logo gets some air time is pretty tricky when you're all sweaty.
In defeat, Wilmer Theodore Lynn stepped up to the mic, saying 'G'day Mate! I don't know what to tell you. I wasn't at my best today. I barely have any energy left before the fight. I will be back better and fresher.'.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
100%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Toby Sorkin (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and TJ Mcgregor (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). TJ Mcgregor will no doubt be looking to use his reach advantage to good effect.

Sorkin
vs
Mcgregor

170 cm
20
135 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

185 cm
25
135 lbs
2 - 2 - 1

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Cuts easily

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
Likes musicals

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Toby Sorkin!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 2 - 1, fighting out of New York, TJ Mcgregor!
The judges for this bout are Alexandre Firmino, Mauricio Rocha and Matheus Silva.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Sorkin pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Sorkin throws a leg kick

and Mcgregor counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Sorkin!
Sorkin tries to get back to his feet but has found himself mounted instead. Damn, that's gotta suck.
Mcgregor controlling from the full mount.
Sorkin really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
Mcgregor looking to control and managing it successfully.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Mcgregor fakes a shot to the body and cracks his opponent in the head. Nice ground and pound there!

That's one minute gone in the round.

Mcgregor looks like he's working for a submission but he's not found anything just yet.
Mcgregor with the ground and pound from mount.
Mcgregor raining down shots from the mount!
Mcgregor tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sorkin is trying desperately to improve position.
Sorkin looks to be in better condition than last time we saw him fight. Obviously he's been working hard on his cardio.
Mcgregor lands with some vicious ground and pound - can Sorkin hang on?

Mcgregor is working on an americana here. Ooh, that looks pretty nasty! Nope, Sorkin has managed to escape the submission attempt.
Mcgregor landing strikes from the mount and Sorkin is in trouble!
Mcgregor sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.
Sorkin wants to control but Mcgregor is having none of it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mcgregor won't let Sorkin get back to his feet... He wants to keep the fight where it is for now.
Mcgregor takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
Sorkin might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Sorkin tries to hold on but Mcgregor postures up.
Sorkin is looking to get to half guard.
Mcgregor takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
A nice elbow there by Mcgregor.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Sorkin tries to buck Mcgregor off but Mcgregor takes his back!
Mcgregor keeps control of the position easily here as Sorkin tries to buck him off.

Mcgregor has the rear naked choke here! This is very bad for Sorkin! Can he survive? No! He's out! Mcgregor gets to his feet and celebrates with his cornermen. He looks absolutely delighted. In the post fight interviews he takes time to thank his parents and everyone who has believed in him from the start. How sweet.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:56 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). TJ Mcgregor!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
32%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Gray Cuida (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Winnie Pooh (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Cuida
vs
Pooh

170 cm
22
153 lbs
4 - 4 - 0

175 cm
27
165 lbs
5 - 5 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Great elbows
Very quick

Good takedowns
Basic striking
Solid 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 4 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Gray Cuida!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Winnie Pooh!
The judges for this bout are Luis Engracia, Alexandre Firmino and Paulo Santos.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Cuida looks to land a left hand but Pooh moved out of range nicely.

Pooh drives through and clinches with Cuida against the cage.
The referee is keeping an eye on Cuida - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
Cuida gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Pooh.
Cuida connects with a nasty looking knee right to Pooh's face.
Cuida connects with a knee to the head.
Pooh takes a knee right on the jaw!
Pooh looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Cuida lands an elbow inside that Pooh shrugs off.
Pooh'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.
Pooh takes a knee right on the jaw!
Cuida stalling against the cage.

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

That's one minute gone in the round.

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

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:20 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Winnie Pooh!
In defeat, Gray Cuida stepped up to the mic, saying 'This is why I run...'.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
69%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Kalazzar Scar (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Will Monk (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Monk has chosen Oh When The Saints as his entrance music. Both fighters really staring each other down here, as Will Monk enters the cage!

Scar
vs
Monk

185 cm
24
220 lbs
4 - 5 - 0

190 cm
23
205 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Solid boxing
Cardio machine

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter fighter
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 4 - 5 - 0, fighting out of New York, Kalazzar Scar!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of London, Will Monk!
The judges for this bout are Leandro Rodrigues, Mauricio Rocha and Paulo Santos.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Monk shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Scar lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Monk takes a head kick and keeps coming.
A nice combination there by Scar.

It looks like Will Monk has been cut.
Scar throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Monk.
Monk is trying to avoid his opponent's strikes and get into the clinch.
Scar cracks a nice hook into Monk's ribs.
Monk looks winded!
Scar stuffs the takedown.

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

Monk is rocked!
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Scar lands with a jab that stuns his opponent. Monk is looking to close the distance but Scar sees it coming and throws a beautiful knee! Monk crumbles to the mat and that's all she wrote! Let's hope Monk is OK because that was naaaaaasty!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:40 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Knee). Kalazzar Scar!
A victorious Kalazzar Scar thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
100%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Szandor Storm (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Rascal Donkashane (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Storm comes into the arena with Pantera - 5 Minutes Alone blaring out of the sound system. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Storm
vs
Donkashane

175 cm
24
181 lbs
1 - 3 - 0

183 cm
23
180 lbs
8 - 2 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Solid boxing
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Counter fighter
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 3 - 0, fighting out of New York, Szandor Storm!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 2 - 0, fighting out of New York, Rascal Donkashane!
The judges for this bout are Paulo Santos, Alexandre Firmino and Mauricio Rocha.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Donkashane shoots in for a takedown but Storm shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Storm half committed to a counter leg kick.
Donkashane blocks a head kick by Storm.

Donkashane closes the distance and clinches.

Storm breaks from the clinch.
Storm throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Storm changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Donkashane tries to avoid it but Storm manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Donkashane to the ground. Donkashane escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Donkashane tries to counter with a clinch but Storm shakes him off and moves away.
Donkashane tries to clinch up.
Storm lands with a nice combination. Donkashane backs away looking to recover.
Donkashane shoots in for a takedown but Storm shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.

Donkashane tries to keep at a distance but Storm has taken the fight into the clinch.

Storm pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Storm clobbers Donkashane with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Donkashane drives through with a takedown into Storm's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
Storm is looking to stand back up... there's a bit of a scramble and Donkashane dives into side control.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Storm tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Donkashane wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Donkashane throws a strike aimed at the side of Storm's head but Storm avoids it well.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Donkashane trying to control the action but Storm is working from the bottom.
Storm is looking to reverse the position.
Donkashane has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
In the pre-fight buildup videos we saw Donkashane working his ground and pound in the gym. He isn't landing a great percentage of his ground strikes so far though.

Donkashane tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Donkashane has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
Storm has improved his flexibility recently so we will have to see if he can use that to his advantage.
Storm is trying to improve his position.

Donkashane wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Storm, who protects the arm well.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Donkashane tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Donkashane has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!

Donkashane working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Donkashane working away.
Donkashane misses with a strike but at least he's keeping busy, looking to cause some damage - that will still help him when it comes to the judges scorecards.
Donkashane working away.
Storm is putting a lot of effort into getting back to his feet here.
Storm wants to control but Donkashane postures up.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.

Donkashane swings around for an armbar but Storm sees it coming a mile off and turns beautifully into Donkashane's guard.

Donkashane isolates an arm and boxes in a triangle. Storm stacks Donkashane on his neck as he steps over and passes to the side. He's now in a much more dominant position where he can look to do some serious damage. Nice move by Storm!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Storm wants to control but Donkashane is keeping him busy.
Donkashane tries to improve position but can't.
Donkashane is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.
Storm looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Storm is thwarting Donkashane's attempts to control the position.
Storm tries to stand but his hand is stuck under Donkashane.

Donkashane looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Storm lands a nice short elbow.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Storm is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Donkashane tries to roll over but Storm keeps him under control.

Donkashane looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Donkashane is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Storm is nestled in close to Donkashane, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.

Donkashane actively working from the bottom here.

Donkashane looking for submissions off his back.

Storm is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Szandor Storm dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Storm will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Donkashane let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
The fight stays on the outside here - Donkashane looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Storm fails with the takedown.

Storm gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Donkashane is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Storm is defending well.
Donkashane lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Donkashane has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Storm after a bit of a struggle.

Storm pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Szandor Storm is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

Storm shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Donkashane is trying to defend but Storm finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.

Donkashane has one foot on Storm's thigh - he pushes off and manages to get back to his feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Storm darts in looking for a takedown but Donkashane gets double underhooks and turns Storm into the cage.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Szandor Storm. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Donkashane rushes Storm and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Donkashane changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Storm fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Szandor Storm seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Donkashane walks forward, straight into a front kick from Storm.
Storm throws a sloppy head kick and Donkashane moves out of range easily.
Nice body kick there by Storm.
Storm lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Donkashane takes one to the side of the head.
Storm stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Storm wants it to stay on the feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Storm has a takedown stuffed.
Donkashane shoots in looking for a takedown but Storm manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Donkashane's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Szandor Storm is winning the standup battle so far.
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!

Donkashane closes the distance and clinches.
Donkashane changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Storm fights it off and pushes away nicely.

Donkashane closes the distance and pushes Storm back into the cage.

Storm ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Storm no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.
Donkashane throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Storm works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Rascal Donkashane has got the better of the ground game so far.
Storm wants to stand up but Donkashane is controlling him.
Storm trying to keep a closed guard but Donkashane is proving a slippery customer.

Storm working away from the bottom but not quite defensive enough there because Donkashane has passed into half guard!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Storm is trying to get back to full guard.
Donkashane is looking to take a break and control but Storm is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Storm works his way to full guard. Good work.
Donkashane lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Donkashane trying to control but Storm is working from the bottom.

Donkashane thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Donkashane stopping the sweep attempt from Storm.

Donkashane drops back looking for a leg! Storm is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Storm manages to kick Donkashane off! Donkashane jumps back into Storm's guard.
Donkashane trying to control but Storm is working from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Donkashane is in a good position here but he's just trying to control... And he's not even managing to do that successfully.
Donkashane pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Storm is keeping the position for now.
Donkashane is looking to stand up but Storm won't let him.
Donkashane wants to control from the top but Storm keeps moving.

Storm looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.

Donkashane thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Donkashane trying to control the position from guard on top but Storm is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Rascal Donkashane 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!

Storm shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Donkashane as he avoids it easily.
Storm connects with a body shot.

Donkashane moves into the clinch.
Storm lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Storm gets underhooks to prevent Donkashane's takedown attempt.

Storm breaks from the clinch.
Storm lands a head kick!

Storm closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Donkashane to the mat! Donkashane manages to get full guard.
Storm is looking to stand up but Donkashane won't let him.

Donkashane is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Storm defends well.
Donkashane looking for a sweep. Not yet Donkashane, not yet.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Storm avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Storm content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Storm trying to control the position from guard on top but Donkashane is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Donkashane is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Donkashane looking for a sweep. Not yet Donkashane, not yet.

Donkashane working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Storm doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Storm manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Donkashane takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Storm lands a couple of digs.
Storm has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Donkashane is proving hard to escape from.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Storm stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Donkashane swivels though and keeps the full guard.

Donkashane escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Storm gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Storm trying to stand up but can't free himself from Donkashane's guard.

Donkashane is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Storm looking to pass the guard.

Donkashane is working an open guard so Storm takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Donkashane gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Storm counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Donkashane thinking.

Storm gets a takedown into half guard.
Storm seems to have lost interest with the ground game and is thinking about standing back up.
Storm working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
Storm tries to stand and escape but Donkashane is controlling the position.
Storm trying to pass the guard but Donkashane defending well.
Storm tries to stand but his hand is stuck under Donkashane.

Storm is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Donkashane tries to roll over but Storm keeps him under control.

Donkashane is working on a guillotine. He's managed to get to full guard and he's really squeezing tight! Storm is tapping! Great win for Donkashane!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:25 of round 3, we have a winner by way of Submission (Guillotine). Rascal Donkashane!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
53%

Main event

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Neculai Costel (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Swamp Gas (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Chooooooooon! I think Costel might be my favorite fighter, now he's come out to Ain't No Sunshine. 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.

Costel
vs
Gas

165 cm
24
140 lbs
12 - 6 - 0

165 cm
24
145 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Lethal high kicks
Insanely flexible

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 12 - 6 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Neculai Costel!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Swamp Gas!
The judges for this bout are Seu Braga, Alexandre Firmino and Felipe Paraventi.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Costel shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Costel showed some decent athleticism there.

Costel seems like he's working for an arm triangle here. He's freed his trapped foot and he's rotating nicely. Gas is in big trouble! He's tapping out! This one is aaaaaaaaaaaall over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:18 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Arm Triangle). Neculai Costel!
An out of breath Neculai Costel thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.