QFC Tournament 848 Round 1 PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Test Steve Jr (ranked 6055 p4p, 0 weight class) and Connar Scanlan (ranked 6025 p4p, 0 weight class). We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Steve Jr
vs
Scanlan

178 cm
24
160 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

170 cm
18
150 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Prefers standup

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
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 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Test Steve Jr!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Connar Scanlan!
The judges for this bout are Columbo Gatti, John Kavanagh and Joseph Jones.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Scanlan has his takedown stuffed
and Steve Jr cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Steve Jr connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Scanlan shoots in looking for a takedown. Steve Jr tries to sprawl out of it but Scanlan keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Steve Jr manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Scanlan doesn't manage to clinch there - Steve Jr circles away.
Steve Jr throwing a counter right hand but Scanlan manages to avoid it.
Scanlan closes the distance looking to clinch
and Steve Jr makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Scanlan gets off balance looking for a body kick
and Steve Jr cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.

It looks like Connar Scanlan has been cut.
Steve Jr keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Test Steve Jr has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Connar Scanlan.
Scanlan is trying hard to land a takedown here. Steve Jr sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Steve Jr throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Scanlan stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Scanlan gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Steve Jr scores with a body shot.
Scanlan looks winded!
Steve Jr jabs Scanlan to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Steve Jr lands a nice looking body shot.
Scanlan walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Steve Jr lands an overhand right.
Steve Jr scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Scanlan doesn't seem bothered though.
Scanlan has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Steve Jr finds it's way round the side to connect with Scanlan's head.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Steve Jr scores with a nice strike.

Scanlan is rocked!
Scanlan takes a shot to the body in his stride.

Steve Jr lands a big uppercut and Scanlan crumbles to the floor! The ref thinks about stopping the fight but Scanlan looks OK. Steve Jr waves Scanlan back to his feet!
Scanlan is still on wobbly legs! Can Steve Jr finish him?

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Steve Jr connects with a superb combination that knocks Scanlan out cold! The referee charges across the mat and tackles Steve Jr before he can land any more shots to the unconscious Scanlan!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:07 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punches). Test Steve Jr!
During a confident post fight interview, Test Steve Jr 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
66%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Ramsey Clark (ranked 5847 p4p, 0 weight class) and Walt Glass (ranked 5965 p4p, 0 weight class). We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Clark
vs
Glass

183 cm
24
166 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

170 cm
24
161 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

Good wrestling
Good kicks
KO power

Good takedowns
Brawler
Determined

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 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Ramsey Clark!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Walt Glass!
The judges for this bout are Steve Montenegro, David Schapiro and Bruno Lombardi.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Clark showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Glass.
Clark throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Glass throws a head kick that misses.
Glass is looking to clinch.
Clark looks to land a right hand but Glass moved out of range.
Glass stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Clark.
Glass shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Clark sprawls well. Clark wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Glass gets slowly back to his feet.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Glass takes a body kick right on the floating rib. Ouchie.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A nice inside leg kick there by Clark. That's going to slow Glass down.
Ramsey Clark is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Clark swats away the attempt to clinch by Glass.
Clark lifts his leg as if looking to counter with a high kick.
Glass has his takedown stuffed
and Clark makes the exchange count by landing a cracking kick to the body. Glass really felt that one!
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Clark. Glass shrugs it off though.
Glass fails with a takedown attempt.
Clark thinks about countering with a head kick.
Ramsey Clark has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Walt Glass.
Clark looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nice body kick from Clark.
Clark lands a head kick!
Glass 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.
Glass has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Clark.
Glass moves in looking to clinch but Clark pushes him off.

Clark gets tackled into the cage by Glass. Glass maintains the clinch.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Glass wants a takedown but no success here.
Glass blocks a punch to the side of the head.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Clark landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Glass tries to pull guard but Clark forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Glass wants to take the fight to the mat but Clark manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Glass looks winded!
Clark with a knee to the head.
Glass blocks an uppercut.
Clark connects with a knee to the head.
Clark throws a punch but it's blocked by Glass.
A knee to the head by Clark.

Glass is rocked!
Glass blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Glass blocks an uppercut.
Glass is working for takedown but Clark is calmly controlling the position for now.
Clark tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Glass jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Clark walks away with a smile on his face. Glass gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Glass tries to bum rush Clark with a series of wild strikes but Clark uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Clark throws a nice inside leg kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Clark looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Clark throws a quick inside leg kick.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Glass fails with a takedown attempt.
Clark scores with a nice body kick.
Glass stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Clark.
Clark looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Glass 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.
Clark with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ramsey Clark dominated that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Glass shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Clark defends it nicely.

Clark lands a big head kick that sends Glass tumbling to the mat! Clark takes a step backwards and waves Glass back to his feet - he wants the finish!
Glass is still on wobbly legs! Can Clark finish him?
Clark lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.

Glass gets tackled into the cage by Clark. Clark maintains the clinch.
Glass seems to have recovered his senses.
Knees in the clinch landing for Clark.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Clark.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Clark swings wildly with an uppercut but Glass uses good head movement to avoid it.
Clark scores with a knee to the head.
Clark lands a hook to the side of the head.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Clark drops Glass with a big knee straight up the middle! Glass is covering up against the cage but manages to escape and gets back to his feet!
Clark is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Glass can do to turn this around?
Glass is breathing heavily.
Clark lands with a nice body kick.
Glass throws a sloppy head kick
and Clark counters with a nice body kick.
Clark dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Glass. That did some damage!
Clark lands a leg kick that knocks Glass off balance momentarily.
A thudding body kick lands there by Clark!
Walt Glass is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Clark moves into range and lands a nice body kick.
Clark fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Glass has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.

Clark takes the fight into the clinch.
Glass looking to stall.
A knee to the head by Clark.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Clark throws a punch but it's blocked by Glass.
Clark taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Clark scores a nice knee to the body.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Clark obliges.
Glass's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Glass blocking some punches.
Clark landing knees to the body.
Clark lands with a right to the head.
Clark swings wildly with an uppercut but Glass uses good head movement to avoid it.
Clark misses with a punch on the inside.
Clark crunches a lovely knee into Glass's ribcage.
Clark lands a good knee to the midsection. Glass won't want to take too many of those.

Clark pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Ramsey Clark is winning the standup battle so far.
Clark lands a front kick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Glass takes a kick to the side of the head.
Clark lands a head kick!
Clark scores with a leg kick.
A solid leg kick lands there for Clark.
Glass has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from Clark.
Clark scores with a push kick.
Clark throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Glass.
Ohhhhh! A huge head kick from Clark! Glass is out on his feet! Clark rushes in and throws more strikes. The ref is looking closely - Glass is covering up but the punishment is just too much and the ref steps in to stop the fight! Glass is staring into space, just thankful that the beatdown has ended. Brutal finish.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:50 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Ramsey Clark!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
61%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Konstantin Balaev (ranked 5843 p4p, 0 weight class) and Nick Garcia (ranked 5848 p4p, 0 weight class). We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Balaev
vs
Garcia

172 cm
24
163 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

177 cm
24
165 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

Decent wrestler
Solid boxing
Big right hand

Good wrestler
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 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Konstantin Balaev!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Nick Garcia!
The judges for this bout are Jorge Garcia, John Kavanagh and Anthony Taglia.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Garcia jabs at Balaev's body.
Balaev swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Balaev throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Balaev lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Garcia circles away quickly and effectively.
Balaev throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Balaev waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Garcia.
Balaev misses with a series of wild punches.
A countering left hand to the body from Garcia misses.
Balaev throws a poor cross that misses
and Garcia counters with a straight right hand.
Garcia moves out of range as Balaev strikes.
Garcia takes a swing at Balaev's ribcage but misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Balaev lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Garcia circles away quickly and effectively.
Garcia now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
Balaev throws a poor cross that misses
and Garcia connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Balaev misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Garcia.
A jab lands there for Balaev.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Balaev pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Danga de danga de dang - Balaev scores with a four punch combination!
Balaev steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Garcia.
Balaev cracks Garcia with a good jab.
Balaev misses the jab.
Balaev lands a jab to the head.
Balaev tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Garcia counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Nice cross by Garcia.
Garcia dodges the punch combination from Balaev.
Garcia lands a jab to the nose.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Balaev loads up on a big right hand but Garcia slips the punch.
It seemed like Garcia was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Balaev misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Garcia swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Donk. Balaev catches Garcia right on the button with a cross.
Garcia just misses with a punch to the body.
Garcia throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Balaev on the side of the head.
Balaev jabbing away but nothing is landing.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Garcia! But no joy.
Balaev scores with a nice right hand.
Garcia throws a body punch but Balaev moves out of range.
Balaev appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
Garcia swings away with a body shot that misses
letting Balaev counter with a right hand.
Balaev takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Garcia blocks a jab.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Garcia! But no joy.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Balaev takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Balaev misses with a wild body shot.
Garcia bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
A shot to the liver by Balaev. Beautiful body shot.
Garcia throws a looping overhand right but Balaev ducks down to avoid it.
Nice uppercut lands for Balaev. That snapped Garcia's head back.
Balaev misses with an uppercut
and Garcia counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Balaev misses with a hook.
Balaev misses with a wild body shot.
Garcia avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Garcia let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
Balaev on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Garcia moves away from the strike by Balaev.
Balaev throws a looping overhand right but Garcia ducks down to avoid it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Garcia throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Balaev lands a jab.
Balaev throws a looping overhand right but Garcia ducks down to avoid it.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Garcia swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Balaev moves in looking to clinch but Garcia pushes him off.
Garcia avoids the body shot from Balaev.

Garcia closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Garcia lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Balaev trying to stall but Garcia improves his position.
Garcia slows down the pace here.
Garcia displaying some good clinch control by pressing Balaev up against the cage.
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 Konstantin Balaev will probably get the nod.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Balaev keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Garcia.
Balaev swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Garcia misses with the combination.
Garcia loads up on a big right hand but Balaev slips the punch.
Garcia slips under a jab.
Garcia ducks under a wild hook from Balaev.
Balaev throws a predictable looking body shot
and Garcia counters with a left to the body.
Balaev lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Garcia circles away quickly and effectively.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Balaev lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
Balaev lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Balaev lands with an uppercut that bounces Garcia off the cage and back into range.
Balaev throws a right and a left that both miss.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Balaev throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Garcia sees it coming and avoids it easily.
A little jabbing left from Garcia on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Balaev connects with a good right hand that stumbles Garcia. Garcia circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Garcia scores with a jab.
Konstantin Balaev is winning the standup battle so far.
Garcia connects with a right hand. Balaev shakes it off.
Balaev misses with a straight left.
Garcia throws a shot to the body.
Garcia changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Garcia looks to score with a jab to the body but Balaev is just out of range.
Garcia takes one to the chin there.
Balaev thows a left - swing and a miss!
A little jabbing left from Garcia on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Balaev is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.
Garcia displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Balaev throws out the jab.
Balaev works Garcia's body with a nice hook.
Balaev misses with a right hand
and Garcia counters with a straight punch to the midsection.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Garcia walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Balaev has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Garcia finds it's way round the side to connect with Balaev's head.
Konstantin Balaev seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Garcia instigates a clinch.
Garcia swings wildly with an uppercut but Balaev uses good head movement to avoid it.
Balaev stalls.
Balaev is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Garcia is keeping busy.
Balaev taking a breather.
Maybe Balaev would be better served going for some more strikes rather than trying to control so much.
A short right from Garcia on the inside.
Garcia misses with the head strike.
Balaev blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Garcia lands an uppercut.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Balaev throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Garcia lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Garcia stalling the fight.
Garcia has a couple of punches blocked by Balaev.
Balaev misses with a body punch.
Balaev throws an elbow but it misses.
Garcia lands a right hand.
Garcia dodges an elbow strike from Balaev.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Garcia.

Balaev pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Balaev misses with a straight right.
Garcia misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Balaev.
A quick step to the side and Balaev tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
Jab by Garcia.
Balaev falls off balance throwing a combination
and Garcia counters with a nice body shot.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Garcia slips a jab and a cross from Balaev.
Balaev tries to close the distance and clinch but Garcia swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Balaev looks to score with a jab to the body but Garcia is just out of range.
Garcia misses with a hook. Balaev ducked under it nicely.
Garcia uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Balaev.
Balaev throws a sloppy body shot
and Garcia counters with a lovely shot 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!
Nice shot by Garcia.
Sloppy strikes from Balaev. Those never looked like landing.
Balaev misses with an uppercut.
Balaev throws an off balance right hand
and Garcia counters with a nice uppercut.
Balaev throws a hook but Garcia avoids it easily.
Garcia looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Garcia ducks under a wild hook from Balaev.
Garcia looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Nick Garcia will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Garcia misses with a hook.
Garcia slips under a jab.
A big right from Balaev misses.
Balaev misses with a two punch combination.
Balaev throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Garcia counters with a stiff right hand.
Balaev moves away from the strike by Garcia.
Balaev throws a body shot but no joy.
Garcia doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
Balaev lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
Garcia tests Balaev's chin there with a solid looking shot.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Balaev connects with a jab.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Balaev.
Garcia misses with a wild body shot.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Garcia ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Garcia avoids a punch combination nicely.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Garcia! But no joy.
Balaev lands a jab to the nose.
Balaev misses with a looping right.
Garcia tries to clinch
and Balaev counters with a left to the body.
Balaev cracks Garcia with a right hand to the side of the head.
Balaev fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Garcia on the side of the head.
Garcia looks to score with a jab to the body but Balaev is just out of range.
Balaev jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Balaev lands a jab.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Garcia lands with a good body shot.
No joy there for Balaev, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Garcia ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Balaev moves away.
Garcia tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Balaev was well out of range. Poor timing from Garcia.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Balaev throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Balaev rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Balaev takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Balaev slips under a jab from Garcia.
A swing and a miss from Balaev.
Garcia throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Balaev misses with a hook. Garcia ducked under it nicely.
Balaev misses with a few strikes there.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Balaev takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Balaev pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Garcia takes one to the side of the head.
Balaev throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Balaev scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Garcia scores with a jab to the jaw.
Balaev works over Garcia's head and body with a nice combination.
Balaev misses with a left hand
and Garcia counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Balaev lands the left hand.
Balaev walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Garcia throws out a loose jab but Balaev uses good head movement to avoid it.
Balaev lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Garcia at a distance.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Balaev throws a right hand that Garcia ducks under and follows up with a left that Garcia also avoids with ease.
Garcia fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Balaev keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Balaev lands a jab to Garcia's midsection.
Sloppy strikes from Balaev. Those never looked like landing.
Balaev misses with a two punch combination.

Garcia fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Balaev, pushing him back against the cage.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Garcia.
Nick Garcia has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Garcia content to slow the pace in the clinch.
Garcia struggles to land a body shot inside as Balaev controls his hands.

And that's the end of the fight!
Konstantin Balaev showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Balaev 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 Jorge Garcia scores the fight for Konstantin Balaev!
Judge John Kavanagh scores the fight for Konstantin Balaev!
Judge Anthony Taglia scores the fight for Konstantin Balaev!

Konstantin Balaev wins by unanimous decision!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
65%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Josh James (ranked 6015 p4p, 428 weight class) and Juantamo Padilla (ranked 5841 p4p, 0 weight class). We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

James
vs
Padilla

170 cm
20
145 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

180 cm
24
169 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Self confident

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
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 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Josh James!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Juantamo Padilla!
The judges for this bout are Jonathan Paton, Alyssa Summers and Columbo Gatti.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
James tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Padilla swivels and escapes.
Padilla tries to counter by closing the distance.

James rushes Padilla and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.

James manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.
Padilla trying to control the position from guard on top but James is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
James bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Padilla's guard.

James postures up.
Padilla 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.
Padilla keeping moving, preventing James from controlling successfully.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Padilla can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as James controls the pace.
Padilla has a butterfly guard looking to sweep but James has passed into side control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
James 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.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
James taking a breather here.
You can see the frustration on Padilla's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
James controlling the position from side mount.
Padilla tries to get back to half guard but can't.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.

James is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Padilla knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
A control attempt from Padilla but he's now mounted!
Padilla tries to lock up and control but James gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Padilla can do anything to dispel that myth.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

James is standing up, even though he is in mount.
James shoots for a double leg takedown but Padilla sprawls well. He's pushed James's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
James tries to clinch up but Padilla circles away and keeps his distance.
As James backs off Padilla throws a huge counter combo but James manages to avoid it all.
Padilla doesn't manage to clinch there - James circles away.
Padilla throws a leg kick but James moved away.
Padilla scores with a nice one two combo and darts back out of range to avoid anything coming in the opposite direction.
Padilla shoots in for a takedown but James shows good takedown defense.

James closes the distance and pushes Padilla back into the cage.
Padilla is trying to work for a single leg takedown but James pulls him back up using the underhooks.

James escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
James looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Josh James. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
James gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Padilla counters with a series of strikes. James will be more careful next time no doubt.
Padilla scores with a three punch combo!

James is rocked!
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

James clinches with his opponent.
Oh James is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
James effectively controlling the action here.
Padilla fails to pull the fight into his guard.
James seems to have got his legs back now.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by James as Padilla tries to tie him up.
Padilla looking to stall.
Padilla is persisting with his attempts to control the action in the clinch, rather than do any real damage.
James can't find room to land a body shot as Padilla controls the action.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

James escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
James goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Padilla displaying good standup as he scores with a three punch combination.

James looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
Padilla is trying to control but James manages to pass to mount!
James can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Padilla is looking to escape.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Padilla keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
James controlling his opponent.
James thuds his fist into the canvas! Oooouch!
Padilla is working to get back to half guard.
It really doesn't seem like the step up in weight is hurting James here at all. He's more than holding his own against the bigger man.
Padilla is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.

James wants to finish this one by submission but Padilla is holding onto his waist, trying to prevent any attacks from James.
James is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Padilla can do to turn this around?

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Padilla tries to get back to half guard but can't.
James trying to control but he's not successful this time.
James is still in mount, landing shots to his trapped opponent. Padilla can't stay in a position like this for much longer.
Poor strikes thrown by James there. More accuracy and less frantic strikes would help!
Padilla is trying desperately to improve position.
Padilla really doesn't want to stay on the ground with James. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
James trying to control but Padilla is having none of it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Padilla is just holding on here. James manages to take his back.
Padilla staying busy and making it hard for James to control.
Padilla tries to escape but James has the hooks in and won't let him break free.
James controlling from the back.
James trying to control.
Padilla is defending well here and trying to improve his position.

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.

James is looking for the choke from the back position but Padilla is controlling his hands well.

James looking to break Padilla's wrist control so he can sink in the choke. Padilla remaining controlled and patient though - he really has to keep calm otherwise James will wrap this one up with the rear naked choke!
James missing with punches from the back.
Will James go for the finish here or will he try and keep control of the position?
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Padilla is in bad spot here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Josh James dominated that second round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! And we move into the final round!

Padilla tries to clinch but James moves out of range.
Padilla misses with a head kick.
Padilla pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Josh James is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Padilla throws a sloppy head kick and James moves out of range easily.
Padilla misses with a takedown attempt

and James moves into the clinch.
James lands with a short punch from the clinch.
James on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
James looking for a takedown.
James can't find room to land a body shot as Padilla controls the action.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
James goes for a takedown attempt but Padilla pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.

James closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.

That's one minute gone in the round.
James lands some shots froms side control.
James gets to mount! Padilla was on the offensive and wasn't defending properly.
James can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Padilla is looking to escape.
Padilla tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Padilla is squirming around, avoiding James's attempts to control the action.
Padilla wants to hold on but James pushes him away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Padilla is squirming around, avoiding James's attempts to control the action.
Padilla wants to improve position but instead he's given up his back.
I really don't envy Padilla right now.
James trying desperately to keep hold of the dominant position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
James is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Padilla is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.
Padilla trying to control the action but James just sinks the hooks in.

Padilla showing good submission defense here.
Padilla is trying to break free.

Padilla 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 James off. It looks like it's working - James slides off, much to his dismay, and we're back to standing! Padilla displaying calm under pressure there.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Padilla looks for the body kick but James saw that one coming.
Padilla has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from James.
James stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and James wants it to stay on the feet.
James attempts a counter takedown but Padilla avoids it well and moves away.
James tries to score a power double leg takedown but Padilla sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten James somewhat.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Josh James. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Padilla is defended easily by James.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from James.
Juantamo Padilla has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Josh James is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Padilla pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.

And that's the end of the fight!
Josh James showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for James, 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 Jonathan Paton scores the fight for Josh James!
Judge Alyssa Summers scores the fight for Josh James!
Judge Columbo Gatti scores the fight for Josh James!

Josh James wins by unanimous decision!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
35%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Bo Brady (ranked 5964 p4p, 0 weight class) and Adebaijo Mukondo (ranked 3787 p4p, 0 weight class). We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Brady
vs
Mukondo

173 cm
24
160 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

180 cm
24
166 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

Good takedowns
Brawler
Granite chin

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Determined

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 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Bo Brady!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Adebaijo Mukondo!
The judges for this bout are Steve Montenegro, Reed Andrews and Chad Campbell.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Mukondo, as that shot connected.

Brady scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
A lull in the action here as Brady stalls from top position.

Brady tries for a kimura but Mukondo is defending well.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Mukondo avoids any damage from the ground and pound of Brady.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Mukondo is letting Brady control him for a moment.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mukondo tries to buck Brady off but Brady is having none of it.
Mukondo really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Brady. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Mukondo seems a little lost for a moment, as Brady dominates the positioning.
An elbow from Brady crashes against the mat.
Brady remains in side control and seems content to stay there. It's a versatile position from which he can work both strikes and submissions, whilst maintaining that control, so maybe he'll sit here for a while.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.

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

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Brady moves in looking to clinch but Mukondo pushes him off.
Adebaijo Mukondo seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Brady throws a head kick but Mukondo moves out of range.
Mukondo throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Brady on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Mukondo jabs Brady to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Brady tries a head kick but it misses.
Brady gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Jab from Mukondo.
Mukondo scores with a body shot.
Mukondo cracks a nice hook into Brady's ribs.
Mukondo connects with a crisp jab.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mukondo lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Brady circles away quickly and effectively.
Brady misses with a two punch combination.
Mukondo connects with a crisp jab.
Brady tries to close the distance and clinch but Mukondo swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Brady takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Brady closes this distance looking for a takedown but Mukondo circles away.
Mukondo's corner calls for a 1-2. Mukondo obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Brady throws a head kick but Mukondo moves out of range.
Mukondo has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Brady tries to close the distance and clinch up but Mukondo swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Mukondo lands with a straight right. Brady didn't see that one coming.
Brady tries to clinch there but Mukondo circles away.
Mukondo digs a good body shot into Brady's ribs.
Brady misses with a body kick.
A jab lands there for Mukondo.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Brady on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Brady walks into a stiff left hand from Mukondo.
Mukondo lands with a shot to the body.
Mukondo lands a nice shot to the body.
Mukondo swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Brady.
Brady is looking to clinch but Mukondo is avoiding it.

Brady shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
Brady tries to pass to full mount but Mukondo defends it.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Brady postures up and decides to stand up, from the half guard. The ref calls for Mukondo to stand up.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Mukondo swats away the attempt to clinch by Brady.
Brady misses with a series of wild punches.
Brady tries a head kick but it misses.

Mukondo gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Stalling in the clinch from Mukondo.
Mukondo looking to slow down the pace here.
Mukondo looking to slow down the pace here.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Mukondo stops a takedown attempt from Brady.

Brady manages to break the clinch.
Adebaijo Mukondo seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Brady tries a head kick but it misses.
A left lands for Mukondo.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mukondo scores with a jab.
Nice body punch from Mukondo.
Mukondo lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Brady circles away quickly and effectively.
Brady doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Mukondo scores with a punch to the head.
Brady throws a combination that misses
and Mukondo counters with a nice body shot.
Mukondo scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
A shot to the liver by Mukondo. Beautiful body shot.
Brady closes this distance looking for a takedown but Mukondo circles away.
Mukondo throws a combination. Brady tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Brady.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Bo Brady. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Brady has closed the distance and engaged Mukondo in a clinch.
Brady drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Brady pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Mukondo connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Mukondo scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Brady tries to clinch but Mukondo moves away
and Mukondo makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.

Brady closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Brady lands in his opponent's guard.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Brady's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Bo Brady overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Brady postures up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Brady forces his way into half guard.
Brady missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Mukondo is not content to let Brady control the position.
Mukondo has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Brady is controlling the pace.

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.
Mukondo is concentrating on defense, preventing Brady from advancing position.
Brady performing his best blanket impression for a moment.
Brady seems to have a rather negative gameplan on the ground. He seems keen to just score the takedown and hold down Mukondo for as long as he can get away with.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Brady throws a leg kick but Mukondo moved away.
A nice side step and Mukondo releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Adebaijo Mukondo showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
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!

Brady takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Bo Brady is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Brady tries to clinch but Mukondo moves out of range.
Brady walks into a left hand.
Brady shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Mukondo pinned against the cage. Mukondo gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Brady takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Mukondo scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Brady takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Mukondo digs a good hook to Brady's body.
Mukondo lands a nice hook to Brady's body. Brady takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.

Brady manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Mukondo on his heels. He'll look to pass Mukondo's guard now, I'm sure.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Brady wants to control from the top but Mukondo keeps moving.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Brady is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.
Brady passes Mukondo's right leg, so he's now in half guard.

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

Brady decides he's had enough of the ground and stands up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Mukondo defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Brady.
Mukondo looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Brady throws a head kick but Mukondo moves out of range.
A shot to the liver by Mukondo. Beautiful body shot.
A decent looking cross lands there for Mukondo.
Mukondo's jab looks to have found its range, popping Brady under the eye.
Mukondo lands a nice looking body shot.
Mukondo showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Brady.
Brady closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Mukondo scores with a body shot.
Mukondo lands a really nice looking cross but Brady seems unphased.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Brady tries to clinch
and Mukondo counters with a left to the body.
Mukondo cracks Brady with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.

Mukondo gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Mukondo is looking to stand back up... there's a bit of a scramble and Brady dives into side control.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

Brady is trying to get an arm triangle but Mukondo is defending well.

Brady decides to stand back up. Brady steps back and let's Mukondo get back to his feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Brady misses with a hook.
Adebaijo Mukondo is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Mukondo misses with a two punch combination.
Mukondo lands a slapping body shot.
Mukondo stuffs the takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Bo Brady. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Brady closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Mukondo, as that shot connected.
Mukondo tries to clinch there but Brady circles away.
Mukondo dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Brady takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Brady walks into a stiff left hand from Mukondo.
Mukondo scores with a hook to the body. Brady takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Bo Brady has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Brady throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.

And that's the end of the fight!
Adebaijo Mukondo comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Mukondo 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 Steve Montenegro scores the fight for Adebaijo Mukondo!
Judge Reed Andrews scores the fight for Adebaijo Mukondo!
Judge Chad Campbell scores the fight for Adebaijo Mukondo!

Adebaijo Mukondo wins by unanimous decision!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
54%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Soslan Aldarov (ranked 5844 p4p, 0 weight class) and Cyril Novac (ranked 6056 p4p, 0 weight class). We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Aldarov
vs
Novac

180 cm
24
166 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

175 cm
24
160 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

Good wrestling
Basic striking
Cuts easily

BJJ Purple Belt
Decent boxing
Very confident

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 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Soslan Aldarov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Cyril Novac!
The judges for this bout are Steve Montenegro, Eddie Farnsworth and Jorge Garcia.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Novac shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Aldarov napping and manages to drive through into side control!
What's Aldarov going to do here then? He's in a bit of a pickle.
Aldarov regains half guard.
Aldarov is looking for a sweep. Novac is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Novac throws a strike but Aldarov avoids it easily and moves to full guard.
Novac trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Novac trying to control but Aldarov is working from the bottom.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Aldarov controlling Novac's posture.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Aldarov looking for a sweep. Not yet Aldarov, not yet.
Novac trying to control the position from guard on top but Aldarov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Aldarov bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Novac's guard.

Novac is looking to stand up but Aldarov isn't so interested in that idea.
Aldarov not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.

That's two 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.
Aldarov has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.
This is a sustained period of stalling by Aldarov.
Aldarov continues to hold on tight.

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

Novac fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Aldarov sprawls well initially but Novac persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Aldarov is controlling Novac's trapped leg to prevent Novac from advancing to side control.
Aldarov is looking to improve his position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Aldarov is holding on to half guard well.
Aldarov tries to get to full guard but Novac has control of the leg.
Novac wants to stand up but Aldarov is controlling the position.
Aldarov gets full guard.
Aldarov controlling Novac's posture.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Novac trying to control but Aldarov is working from the bottom.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
Novac is looking to pass into half guard but Aldarov pushes him away with his feet and jumps on top - now Aldarov is in guard.

Novac looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.

Novac is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Novac trying to keep a closed guard but Aldarov is proving a slippery customer.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Cyril Novac will probably get the nod.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Aldarov drives through with a takedown into guard.
Aldarov's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Novac is trying to keep Aldarov in close.
Novac utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Aldarov showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Aldarov stops Novac from standing up.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Aldarov controls from within his opponent's guard.
Soslan Aldarov overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

That's one minute gone in the round.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Novac wants to clinch.

A momentary lapse in concentration from Novac enables Aldarov to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Novac manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.
Novac being controlled here, momentarily.
Novac wants to improve his position but instead Aldarov has moved into half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Novac is looking for a sweep. Aldarov is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Aldarov lands with a punch from half guard.
Aldarov slows the pace down in half guard.
Aldarov prevents Novac from improving his position.

Aldarov is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Aldarov content to control rather than advance.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Aldarov landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Aldarov with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
Novac is looking to get back to full guard here but Aldarov has managed to pass to side control instead.
Aldarov scoring with punches and elbows.
Novac takes an elbow right on the bridge of the nose and winces in pain.
Aldarov controlling the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Novac taking punishment in the form of punches.
Novac takes a nasty elbow to the side of the head.
Aldarov taking a breather here.
Novac takes a big shot right to the temple there but he's taken it well.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Novac is looking to slip a leg under and get half guard but Aldarov is one step ahead and moves to full mount!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Soslan Aldarov dominated that second round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!

Aldarov scores with a takedown into Novac's guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Aldarov engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Novac looking to control but Aldarov passes into half guard.
Aldarov content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Novac wants to get back to his feet.
Novac tries to roll over but Aldarov keeps him under control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Aldarov controlling the action here.
Novac gets full guard.
Novac is looking to stand back up... there's a bit of a scramble and Aldarov dives into side control.
Aldarov controlling the position.
Aldarov is chipping away with strikes.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Aldarov controlling the position.
Aldarov advances to full mount.
Aldarov is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Novac can do to turn this around?
Aldarov content just to control the position here.
Novac takes a big shot to the head but keeps on trying to improve his position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Novac is looking to get back to his feet - it's going to be hard from this position.
Aldarov landing shots from mount.
Aldarov landing strikes, looking to finish!
Aldarov cracks Novac with a nasty head shot there - the crowd let out an audible gasp there, as the noise reverberated around the arena.
Aldarov looking to control and managing it successfully.
Aldarov loads up on a couple of big shots to the head that have Novac scrambling to escape. He can't get free though and several more unanswered shots from Aldarov land to the head. The referee has no choice but to stop the fight. Aldarov stands and salutes the crowd.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:57 of round 3, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Soslan Aldarov!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
34%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Willibrord Koekelberg (ranked 6148 p4p, 0 weight class) and Allistar Thorn (ranked 5985 p4p, 0 weight class). We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Koekelberg
vs
Thorn

173 cm
18
145 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

185 cm
18
164 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Brawler
KO power

BJJ White Belt
Brawler
Determined

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 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Willibrord Koekelberg!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Allistar Thorn!
The judges for this bout are John Kavanagh, Columbo Gatti and Anthony Taglia.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Koekelberg throws a head kick that misses.
Koekelberg pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Thorn wants to clinch up but Koekelberg keeps it at a distance.
Koekelberg fails with a takedown attempt.

Thorn pushes Koekelberg up against the cage in a clinch.
Thorn can't find room to land a body shot as Koekelberg controls the action.
Thorn lands a nice elbow from the clinch.

It looks like Willibrord Koekelberg has been cut.
Thorn is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Thorn is stalling here.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Koekelberg can't break the clinch.
Koekelberg wants to take the fight to the mat but Thorn manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Koekelberg just misses with a elbow thrown towards Thorn's brow.
Thorn taking a breather.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Thorn misses with a short punch on the inside.
Thorn scores with a shot to the side of Koekelberg's head.
Koekelberg scores with a nice hook to the head.
Thorn lands an elbow inside that Koekelberg shrugs off.
Thorn misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Koekelberg can't get the takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Willibrord Koekelberg. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Thorn lands an elbow inside.
Koekelberg pressing his opponent against the cage.
Thorn lands a right hand.
Thorn softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
A head punch on the inside from Thorn fails to land.
Thorn is trying to maintain a safe position but Koekelberg gets an underhook and turns Thorn into the cage.
A short body shot lands from Koekelberg as the two fighters clinch.
Koekelberg is looking to break free of the clinch but Thorn has double underhooks.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Thorn tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Koekelberg tries to pull guard but Thorn holds him up against the cage and eventually Koekelberg drops back down to his feet.
Thorn is trying to maintain a safe position but Koekelberg gets an underhook and turns Thorn into the cage.
Koekelberg drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Koekelberg tries to score a body lock takedown but Thorn shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Koekelberg wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
A head punch on the inside from Thorn fails to land.
A hook to the body from Koekelberg.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Koekelberg fails to pull guard.
Koekelberg trying to land knees to the body.
Koekelberg tries to pull guard but Thorn forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Koekelberg tries to pull guard but Thorn won't allow it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Thorn keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Koekelberg's efforts to push away.
Thorn avoiding damage as Koekelberg throws knees to the body.
Thorn lands an elbow just above Koekelberg 's eye.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.

Koekelberg turns his back and goes for a hip toss. It's a bit messy but it gets the job done and Koekelberg manages to end up in side control.

Thorn explodes and escapes back to his feet! Nice escape there!
Koekelberg is breathing heavily.

Koekelberg forces Thorn back against the cage and clinches.
Thorn misses with a hook to the ribs.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Thorn tries to work over Koekelberg's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Koekelberg has had enough of the clinch but Thorn keeps him there for the moment.
Thorn stalls.
Thorn tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Thorn works on Koekelberg's body with a couple of short punches.
Koekelberg is working for takedown but Thorn is calmly controlling the position for now.
Koekelberg blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Koekelberg takes an elbow to the forehead.
Koekelberg is looking to break free of the clinch but Thorn has double underhooks.
Thorn tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Thorn dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Thorn.
Thorn misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Koekelberg tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Thorn just stands there and leans against the cage.
Thorn misses with a short punch on the inside.
Thorn misses with a body punch.
A bit of stalling here from Thorn.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Allistar Thorn dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Willibrord Koekelberg's cut.
That's time! Koekelberg's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Koekelberg misses with an uppercut.

Thorn gets in close and instigates a clinch.
With the fighters up against the cage, Koekelberg throws an elbow but misses.
Thorn wants to stall.
Koekelberg lands an uppercut.
Koekelberg is trying to push Thorn away but Thorn has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Thorn throws a knee to the head but misses.
Thorn unloads a knee to the mid-section. Koekelberg lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Thorn is trying to maintain a safe position but Koekelberg gets an underhook and turns Thorn into the cage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Thorn letting Koekelberg take a breather here.
Thorn using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Koekelberg is trying to force a seperation but Thorn has the dominant position.

Koekelberg turns his hips and lands a very nice judo throw into side control!

Thorn explodes and escapes back to his feet! Nice escape there!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Koekelberg avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Thorn tries to clinch there but Koekelberg circles away.

Thorn moves into range and clinches up with Koekelberg.
Thorn is trying to stall.

Koekelberg gets double underhooks and manages to take the fight to the ground.

Thorn manages to wriggle out and sneak his way back up to his feet, so the fighters are now clinched up against the cage.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Thorn working aggressively here.
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!
Thorn lands a nice elbow.

Koekelberg pulls guard successfully.
Thorn is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Thorn trying to control the position from guard on top but Koekelberg is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Thorn 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.

Thorn decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.
Thorn tries to clinch up but Koekelberg circles away and keeps his distance.
Koekelberg is looking to counter the offense by Thorn and move into the clinch.
The fight stays on the outside here - Thorn looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Horrible takedown attempt by Koekelberg or perhaps it was just good defense by Thorn, which made it look bad.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Koekelberg shoots for a takedown but Thorn saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Allistar Thorn is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Koekelberg lands with a shot to the body.

Thorn gets a clinch.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Thorn creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Thorn tries to throw a body punch but Koekelberg avoids it by throwing Thorn back against the cage.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Thorn scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Koekelberg blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Thorn is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Koekelberg is keeping busy.
Thorn swings away with an uppercut that misses.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Koekelberg blocks a body shot from Thorn.
Koekelberg is trying to break the clinch but Thorn has him pressed against the cage.

Koekelberg jumps into guard, dragging Thorn to the mat.
Koekelberg manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Thorn manages to get himself to full guard.

Thorn wants to sweep but no luck.

Thorn scrambles and gets back to his feet.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Thorn tries to clinch up.
Thorn is looking to clinch but Koekelberg is avoiding it.
Koekelberg changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Thorn tries to close the distance and clinch up but Koekelberg swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Thorn tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Thorn displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Koekelberg.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Allistar Thorn showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Willibrord Koekelberg's cut.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

Thorn gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Thorn looking to stall.
Koekelberg has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Thorn goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Koekelberg has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Thorn after a bit of a struggle.
Thorn scores with a knee to the head.
Thorn stalling in the clinch but Koekelberg improves position.
Thorn landing knees to the head.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Koekelberg manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
Thorn misses with a punch on the inside.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A bit of stalling here from Thorn.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Thorn.
Koekelberg prevents a body shot from Thorn.
Koekelberg is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Thorn is defending well for now.
Thorn misses with a hook from the clinch.
Thorn lands with a left to the head.
Koekelberg has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
A nice left hand lands by Thorn.
Koekelberg tries to break free but Thorn pushes him back against the cage.
Koekelberg jumps guard but Thorn turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Thorn gets through Koekelberg's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Koekelberg blocks a body shot from Thorn.
Thorn misses with a punch on the inside.
Thorn lands a hook to the side of the head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Thorn misses with a short punch on the inside.
Come on Koekelberg - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.

Koekelberg gets control of Thorn's arms and successfully pulls guard. Koekelberg will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.
Koekelberg wants to control but Thorn passes easily into half guard.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Thorn with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
Thorn wants to control but Koekelberg is keeping him busy.
Koekelberg tries to roll over but Thorn keeps him under control.
Thorn has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Thorn is taking a breather. Koekelberg says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Thorn is keen to just control but Koekelberg is a slippery customer.

Koekelberg is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Thorn pulls his head out easily.
Koekelberg trying to hold on to Thorn's head to control him but Thorn postures up.

Thorn stands up from half guard... He's had enough of that ground malarky for the time being.
The fight stays on the outside here - Thorn looks like he's thinking about clinching though.

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.
Koekelberg swats away the attempt to clinch by Thorn.

Koekelberg closes the distance and clinches.
Thorn misses with some punches.
Thorn tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Koekelberg wants to break free but Thorn has control.
Koekelberg stalls.
Thorn looking to throw knees to the head but Koekelberg is blocking nicely.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Thorn tries to throw a body punch but Koekelberg avoids it by throwing Thorn back against the cage.

And that's the end of the fight!
Allistar Thorn comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Thorn 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 John Kavanagh scores the fight for Allistar Thorn!
Judge Columbo Gatti scores the fight for Allistar Thorn!
Judge Anthony Taglia scores the fight for Allistar Thorn!

Allistar Thorn wins by unanimous decision!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
46%

Main event

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Sam Burns (ranked 6085 p4p, 0 weight class) and Murat Gagiev (ranked 5845 p4p, 0 weight class). We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Burns
vs
Gagiev

185 cm
18
145 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

170 cm
24
166 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Cuts easily

BJJ White Belt
Decent boxing
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 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Sam Burns!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Murat Gagiev!
The judges for this bout are David Schapiro, Eddie Farnsworth and Lou da Vinci.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Burns tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Gagiev swivels and escapes.
Burns tries for a takedown but Gagiev circles away easily
and Gagiev counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Gagiev lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Burns fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Sam Burns. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Burns with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Gagiev to score with a decent uppercut.
Burns tries for a takedown but Gagiev circles away easily
and Gagiev counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Burns thinking.
Burns looks to clinch
and Gagiev counters with a lovely straight right hand!
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Burns fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Gagiev avoids it really well and circles away.
Burns doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Gagiev counters with a three punch combo that has Burns backing up. Burns nods at Gagiev to acknowledge the strikes.

Burns is rocked!

That's one minute gone in the round.
and Gagiev counters with a massive uppercut that badly hurts Burns! He's just covering up as Gagiev starts to tee off till the referee steps in and stops the fight!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:14 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Murat Gagiev!