The Island Season 9, 155 lbs, Round 3 PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Kenshi Kimura (ranked 1114 p4p, 121 weight class) and Juan Luna (ranked 433 p4p, 54 weight class). Luna has chosen Noypi by Bamboo as his entrance music. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Kimura
vs
Luna

165 cm
26
162 lbs
7 - 5 - 0

171 cm
26
162 lbs
10 - 2 - 0

Powerful takedowns
Basic striking
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Decent boxing
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 7 - 5 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Kenshi Kimura!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 10 - 2 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Juan Luna!
The judges for this bout are Michael Johnstone, Dirk Anderson and Sandra Marshall.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Luna lands with a right hand.
Kimura shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Luna as he jumps to the side.
Luna misses with a body shot.
Kimura throws a poor cross that misses
and Luna counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
The fighters circling - Kimura throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Luna now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
Kimura shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Luna as he avoids it easily.
Luna doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.

Luna moves into the clinch.
Kimura is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Luna lands a left hand that snaps the head of Kimura backwards.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kimura's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Kimura looking to stall.
Luna pushes Kimura back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Luna lands an uppercut.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Luna lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Kimura trying to stall but Luna improves his position.
Kimura is trying to break free.
Kimura looking to slow down the pace here.
Kimura taking a breather.
Kimura can't seem to implement his control oriented gameplan at the moment. That's no bad thing of course, for those of us who want to see a good fight.
Luna lands a left hand.
Luna scores with a nice hook to the head.
A shot in the inside from Luna.
Kimura stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
Luna scores with a nice hook to the head.
Luna lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Luna scores with an uppercut up the middle.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Luna working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Luna lands a right hand that snaps the head of Kimura backwards.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Luna creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Luna lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Luna.
A short body shot lands from Luna as the two fighters clinch.
Luna lands a shot to the body.
Luna lands with a right to the head.
Luna lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Luna lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Good body shot from Luna.
Good body shot from Luna.
Kimura stalling against the cage.
Luna lands on the inside with an uppercut.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kimura will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Luna up against the cage.
Luna softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Luna's coach down at Cozad The Island was telling us pre-fight that they have been working on Luna's balance. Obviously they view that as a key factor in the outcome of this fight.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Luna creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Luna scores with a hook to the body.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
Kimura holding his opponent close, against the cage.
Kimura seems to have come into the fight with the intention of avoiding any damage in the clinch, rather than actually showing any aggression.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Kenshi Kimura.
Luna is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Luna dips to his left and cracks Kimura with an uppercut!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kimura fails with a takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Kenshi Kimura. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Kimura misses with a takedown attempt
and Luna counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Kimura keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Kimura tries to move into range but Luna moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Kimura keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Luna's jab looks to have found its range, popping Kimura under the eye.
Kimura takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Luna avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Kimura swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Luna looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Luna staying out of range there.

Luna cracks Kimura with a big right hand that sends him to the floor! Kimura looks wobbly but he's sprung back up to his feet straight away… can Luna finish him?

Kimura is rocked!
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Luna drops a shoulder and throws a monster hook that connects perfectly to the side of Kimura's head, knocking him out cold! Luna is extatic as he celebrates with his cornermen.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:57 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Juan Luna!
During a confident post fight interview, Juan Luna 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
60%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Tan Zan (ranked 615 p4p, 0 weight class) and Scar Ambe (ranked 663 p4p, 0 weight class). Ambe is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: Gunna - The World is Yours. Tan Zan could well score a knockout today. He has the power to get to Scar Ambe's chin.

Zan
vs
Ambe

172 cm
27
164 lbs
8 - 2 - 0

177 cm
27
160 lbs
14 - 5 - 0

Good wrestling
Solid boxing
Very strong

Good wrestler
Basic striking
Good gas tank

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 8 - 2 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Tan Zan!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 14 - 5 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Scar Ambe!
The judges for this bout are Sandra Marshall, Peter Branson and Daniel Franklin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Ambe shoots in looking for a takedown but Zan manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Ambe's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Ambe keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Zan.
Ambe shoots in but no luck this time.
Zan fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
A big right from Zan misses.
Zan ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Ambe moves away.
Zan just misses with a punch to the body.
Ambe lands a glancing blow to the side of Zan's head.
Ambe takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Nice jab there from Zan.
Zan is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Ambe throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Zan takes a shot right to the bread basket.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Zan scores with a hook to the body. Ambe takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Zan lands a right hook to the body.
A jab from Ambe misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ambe ducks right into an uppercut from Zan.
Ambe throws a lazy uppercut
and Zan counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Zan cracks Ambe with a right hand to the side of the head.
Zan throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Ambe counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Tan Zan is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Ambe keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Ambe shoots in but Zan avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Tan Zan has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Scar Ambe.
Zan throws a shot to the body.
Ambe swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Ambe rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Zan connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Zan gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Ambe throws a right and a left that both miss.
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!
Ambe ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
A countering left hand to the body from Ambe misses.
Zan throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ambe misses with a body shot.
Zan swings for the body but Ambe moves out of range.
Nice body punch from Zan.
Zan cracks Ambe with an open hand slap.
Zan's corner calls for a 1-2. Zan obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Zan misses the shot to the body.
Zan lands with an uppercut that bounces Ambe off the cage and back into range.
Zan throws an ugly left hook that misses

and Ambe counters with a single leg into guard. Zan didn't expect that.
Zan not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Ambe postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Zan looking to hit a scissor sweep but Ambe is one step ahead there.
Ambe showing good wrestling skills to control the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Ambe thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Ambe slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
Ambe scoring with punches to the head and body.
Ambe working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Ambe postures up in Zan's guard and throws a big left but Zan blocks it.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Ambe accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Ambe is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Ambe preventing the sweep.
Zan has improved his flexibility recently so we will have to see if he can use that to his advantage.
Zan knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Ambe on the ground.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zan can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Ambe controls the pace.
Ambe has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Ambe wants to control from the top but Zan keeps moving.
In the pre-fight buildup videos we saw Ambe working his ground and pound in the gym.
Zan preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Zan utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Zan keeping moving, preventing Ambe from controlling successfully.
Ambe is in a good position here but he's just trying to control... And he's not even managing to do that successfully.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
A big left from Ambe misses.
It looked like Zan was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Ambe.
Ambe displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Zan throws out the jab.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Zan lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Ambe at a distance.
Ambe throws a hook to the side of Zan's head but Zan sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Ambe throws an overhand right that lands on Zan's shoulder, as Zan tries to avoid the shot.
Zan throws a body punch but Ambe moves out of range.
Ambe is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Zan with a body shot.
Zan lands with a straight right. Ambe didn't see that one coming.
Zan takes a swing at Ambe's ribcage but misses.
A shot to the body from Zan misses
letting Ambe counter with a right hand.
Ambe lands with a straight right. Zan didn't see that one coming.
Zan connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Ambe looks to land a combination but Zan avoids it well.
Zan is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Ambe can do to turn this around?
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Zan throws a jab but it's blocked by Ambe.
Ambe throws out a counter right but Zan avoids it with no problem.
Zan throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Ambe misses with a shot to the body
and Zan counters with a stiff right hand.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Sloppy strikes from Zan. Those never looked like landing.
Zan takes a swing at Ambe's ribcage but misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A cross from Ambe lands.
Zan misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Ambe.
A cross from Ambe lands.
A big left from Zan misses.
A nice side step and Ambe releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.
A big left from Zan misses.
Ambe closes this distance looking for a takedown but Zan circles away.
A big right from Zan misses.
Zan misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Ambe.
Ambe looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Ambe ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Zan moves away.
Zan walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Zan dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Zan missing with a left hand there. Ambe was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Zan connects with a body shot that sends Ambe's belly button to the back.

Zan tries to sprawl but Ambe drives through with a takedown into half guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Zan tries to get to full guard but Ambe has control of the leg.
Ambe is trying to control. Zan wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Ambe missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Zan trying to control but Ambe postures up.
Ambe slips a nice elbow through Zan's hands, connecting with Zan's forehead.

Ambe is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Zan has managed to free his arm - good work.
Ambe winds up and cracks Zan with a swinging punch to the side of the head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zan avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Ambe.
Zan trying to control from the bottom.

Ambe is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Zan defends it well.
Ambe wants to control but Zan is keeping him busy.

Ambe is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Ambe moves into full mount! Zan won't be happy about that!
Ambe unloading with bombs!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ambe scoring with strikes but Zan is staying in there.
Ambe has his opponent pinned against the cage, landing some nasty ground and pound that is really making a bit of a mess out of Zan's face.
Ambe cracks Zan with a nasty head shot there - the crowd let out an audible gasp there, as the noise reverberated around the arena.
BOOM! Ambe connects with a massive shot to the dome!
Scar Ambe has got the better of the ground game so far.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Ambe looking to ground and pound his opponent to a finish here.
Ambe lands a couple of nice shots there from mount.
Ambe working away from the top, dropping strikes.
Zan taking shots to the head.
Ambe controlling from mount.

Ambe is working for a guillotine from mount but Zan frees his head quite easily.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Scar Ambe showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Zan moves out of range of the strikes.
A quick step to the side and Zan tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
Zan fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Ambe manages to avoid it.
It seemed like Ambe was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Zan keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Sloppy strikes from Ambe. Those never looked like landing.
Zan punishes Ambe's body with a nice straight punch.
Zan steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Ambe.
Zan slips under a jab.
Ambe throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Zan.
Zan throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Ambe.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Zan misses the jab.
Zan cracks Ambe with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.

It looks like Scar Ambe has been cut.
Ambe throws a shot from downtown. Zan moves away and avoids it.
Ambe misses with a double jab
letting Zan counter with a right hand.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ambe takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Zan throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Zan misses with a straight right.
Ambe dives in and grabs Zan's left leg, looking for a takedown. Zan pushes down on Ambe's head and hops out.
Ambe ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Zan moves away.
Zan lunges at Ambe with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Ambe's hand.
Ambe keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Zan.
Zan throws a lazy right hand but Ambe sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Ambe! But no joy.
Ambe bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
And Ambe tries to counter it with a takedown but Zan pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Ambe displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Zan throws out the jab.
Zan works Ambe's body with a nice hook.
Zan rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Ambe counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Zan throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Ambe stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ambe throws a hook but Zan avoids it easily.
Tan Zan is winning the standup battle so far.
Ambe throws a right hand that misses
and Zan cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Ambe swings widly with a right hand
and Zan makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Ambe lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Ambe takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Zan lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
A big left from Ambe misses.
Zan swings for the body but Ambe moves out of range.
Ambe throws the left hand but Zan avoids the punch easily.
Ambe takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Zan throws a body shot but no joy.
Zan misses with a hook.
Zan misses with a looping left.
Ambe misses with a telegraphed body shot
and Zan counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ambe shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Zan sprawls well. Zan wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Ambe gets slowly back to his feet.
Ambe shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Zan defends it nicely.
Tan Zan has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Scar Ambe.
Ambe walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Scar Ambe has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Ambe misses the shot to the body.
The fighters circling - Zan throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Zan throws a body shot but no joy.
Zan throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ambe pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Zan moves out of range as Ambe strikes.
Zan lands a jab to Ambe's midsection.
Ambe looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Zan is fending him off so far but Ambe persists. Nope, Zan circles away and we're back to standing.
Ambe lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
Zan lands a jab to the nose.
Ambe with a poor takedown
and Zan counters with a stiff right hand.
Ambe takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Ambe swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Zan.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Zan, as that shot connected.
Ambe fails to land with a series of punches.
A telegraphed right hand from Ambe misses the target.
Ambe takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
A cross from Zan lands.
Zan throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.

And that's the end of the fight!
Tan Zan showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Zan 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 Sandra Marshall scores the fight for Tan Zan!
Judge Peter Branson scores the fight for Tan Zan!
Judge Daniel Franklin scores the fight for Tan Zan!

Tan Zan wins by unanimous decision!
An out of breath Tan Zan thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.
In defeat, Scar Ambe stepped up to the mic, saying 'Fuck all ya lll'.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
65%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Ivan Blood (ranked 657 p4p, 0 weight class) and Royler Gracie (ranked 579 p4p, 72 weight class). Gracie has chosen Olha a Explosão as his entrance music. I can't wait for this one - let's get the fighter introductions out of the way and get this one started!

Blood
vs
Gracie

165 cm
27
155 lbs
12 - 4 - 0

171 cm
26
162 lbs
9 - 3 - 0

Good wrestling
Solid boxing
Cardio machine

Powerful takedowns
Basic striking
Powerful

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 12 - 4 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Ivan Blood!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 3 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Royler Gracie!
The judges for this bout are Santiago Holmes, Bart Greer and Winston Alpacca.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Gracie throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Blood seems to be moving with more speed, compared to his last bout. He must have been working on that in the gym.
Blood looks to throw the jab but Gracie is out of range.
Blood misses with a body shot.
Blood lands a jab to the nose.
Blood connects with a crisp jab.
Gracie jabbing away but nothing is landing.
A quick step to the side and Blood tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
The fighters circling - Blood throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Blood avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Gracie misses with a body shot.
Blood lands with a nice body punch.
Gracie shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Blood defends it nicely.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Gracie pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Blood throws a lazy right hand but Gracie sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Gracie takes one to the chin there.
Blood lands with an uppercut that bounces Gracie off the cage and back into range.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Blood paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gracie throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Gracie ducks under a wild hook from Blood.
Blood uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Gracie.
Blood stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Blood wants it to stay on the feet.

Gracie throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Blood was covering up waiting for the punch and Gracie finishes the takedown easily into guard.

Gracie drops back looking for a leg! Blood is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Blood manages to kick Gracie off! Gracie jumps back into Blood's guard.
Gracie tries to free his leg and advance position but Blood is retaining full guard.
My spies in Yaw-Yan Ardigma inform me that Gracie has been getting involved in the gym's BJJ sparring sessions. Let's see whether that pays dividends!
Blood seems keen to control Gracie's posture.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

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

Gracie 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.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Gracie thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Gracie trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Gracie trying to control but Blood is working from the bottom.

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

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

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.
Blood misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Gracie ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Gracie ducks under a wild hook from Blood.
Blood misses with a wild body shot.
Blood misses with a straight left.
Ivan Blood seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Blood swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Gracie defending well as Blood loads up on a big left hand.
Gracie throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Gracie uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Blood misses with a jab, cross combination.
Gracie changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.

Gracie gets a double leg takedown into Blood's guard.
Gracie tries to free his leg and advance position but Blood is retaining full guard.
Gracie advances to half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Gracie loads up on a big right hand but Blood slips the punch.
Gracie ducks under a wild hook from Blood.
Gracie looks to throw the jab but Blood is out of range.
Gracie swings for the body but Blood moves out of range.
Blood throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Blood throws a hook but Gracie blocks it.
Gracie moves out of range as Blood strikes.
Blood waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Gracie.
Nice uppercut lands for Blood. That snapped Gracie's head back.
Blood misses with a straight left.
Gracie feints the counter takedown.
Blood looks to land a combination. Gracie sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.

It looks like Royler Gracie has been cut.
Blood throws a nice looking combination but Gracie bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Gracie throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Gracie looks to score with a jab to the body but Blood is just out of range.
Blood connects with a right hand. Gracie shakes it off.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Blood defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Gracie.
Gracie defending well as Blood loads up on a big left hand.
Gracie tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Gracie shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Blood manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
Gracie is standing up over Blood. Blood looks to escape but Gracie dives into side control.

Gracie goes for an armbar here - this could be all over! But no, Blood has escaped beautifully and is now on top in side control! Oh, that's unlucky for Gracie but great work by Blood.
Blood is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Gracie can do to turn this around?
Gracie is looking for a sweep.
Blood controlling the position.
Gracie manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Gracie is working for a kimura but Blood is defending it quite comfortably.
This has been an exciting period of action!

Gracie is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Blood is looking to control Gracie's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Blood avoid being mounted?
Gracie wants to free his trapped foot but Blood is holding on for dear life with his legs.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Blood is defending against the submission attempts here by Gracie.

Gracie is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Blood is looking to improve his position.
Blood has his hands clasped together around Gracie's back. He's all about the action.
Royler Gracie has got the better of the ground game so far.

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.

Blood manages to escape and get back to his feet!
Blood connects with a looping right hand.
A jab from Blood does it's job there.
Blood throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Gracie on the side of the head.
Blood misses with a looping right.
Blood misses with a double jab

and Gracie counters with a shoot takedown. Blood fights it but they end up in guard.
Gracie wants to pass the guard but Blood is keeping the position.
Gracie trying to control the position from guard on top but Blood is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ivan Blood dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Royler Gracie's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Blood ducks under a wild hook from Gracie.
An attempted straight right counter from Blood misses the target.
Blood throws a right and a left that Gracie avoids nicely.
Gracie takes a swing at Blood's ribcage but misses.
Blood connects with a body shot.
A looping hook to the body misses from Gracie. Blood does a little dance to reset his feet.
Blood looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Blood looks to land a right hand but Gracie moved out of range.
Blood goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Blood lands a nice looking body shot.
Gracie bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Gracie fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Blood manages to avoid it.
Gracie changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Blood tries to avoid it but Gracie manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Blood to the ground. Blood escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Blood moves away from the strike by Gracie.
Gracie throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Blood's waist but Blood gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Gracie off to one side.
Blood moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
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!
Blood slips under a jab.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gracie slips a straight right by Blood.
Blood connects with a nice looking jab.
Blood with a hook.
Blood scores with the left hand. Gracie knows he should have avoided that one.
Gracie's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Blood connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Gracie scrambles back to his feet.

Gracie is rocked!
Gracie walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Gracie is still on wobbly legs! Can Blood finish him?
Blood throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Gracie.
Blood cracks Gracie on the jaw with a powerful right hand and Gracie falls backwards against the cage. Blood follows up with more strikes that drop Gracie to his knees. Blood keeps the pressure on and the referee jumps in to save Gracie! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:30 of round 3, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Ivan Blood!
An out of breath Ivan Blood thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
58%

Main event

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Nevzorov Stepanovich (ranked 1132 p4p, 124 weight class) and James Smith (ranked 1050 p4p, 0 weight class). The key to victory for Nevzorov Stepanovich has got to be keeping the fight on the feet.

Stepanovich
vs
Smith

170 cm
26
162 lbs
5 - 2 - 0

176 cm
27
164 lbs
10 - 3 - 0

Powerful takedowns
Basic striking
Very strong

Good wrestler
Basic striking
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 5 - 2 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Nevzorov Stepanovich!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 10 - 3 - 0, fighting out of The Island, James Smith!
The judges for this bout are David Hoff, Dirk Anderson and Michael Johnstone.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Smith shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
Smith throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Smith landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Smith throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.

Stepanovich actively working from the bottom here.
Stepanovich trying to control from the bottom.

Stepanovich is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Smith pulls his head out easily.
Smith seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Smith takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
Stepanovich taking some punishment here, with Smith in his half guard.
Smith thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Smith wants to lay and pray for a moment but Stepanovich keeps working.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Stepanovich taking some punishment here, with Smith in his half guard.
Smith working the head and body with strikes.
Smith throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Smith landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Stepanovich wants to control but Smith is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Smith looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Stepanovich with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Ground and pound from Smith.
Smith is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Smith lands a nice short elbow.
Smith scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Stepanovich wants to get back to full guard.
Smith trying to pass the guard but Stepanovich defending well.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Smith performing his best blanket impression for a moment.
Stepanovich taking some punishment here, with Smith in his half guard.
Smith drops an elbow to the side of Stepanovich's head.
Smith is trying to control. Stepanovich wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Smith is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Stepanovich taking some punishment here, with Smith in his half guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Stepanovich looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Stepanovich moves into full guard.
Stepanovich is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Smith looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Stepanovich looking to hit a scissor sweep but Smith is one step ahead there.
Smith trying to control but Stepanovich is working from the bottom.
Smith looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Smith is in close to Stepanovich's body, working some short punches and elbows.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Smith scoring with some ground and pound.

Stepanovich throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
We've been hearing good reports from Stepanovich's training camp. Apparently he has been rolling around with some good quality BJJ practitioners and has been sharpening his skills. Let's see if that has an impact on the fight today.
Smith tries to free his leg and advance position but Stepanovich is retaining full guard.
Stepanovich not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Smith working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Smith keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Stepanovich's head.

Stepanovich has his foot on Smith's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Smith works his way back into a safe position though.
Smith lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Smith is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Smith trying to control the position from guard on top but Stepanovich is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Smith lands a couple of elbows.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Smith shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Stepanovich pinned against the cage. Stepanovich gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Nice straight punches there by Stepanovich. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Stepanovich.

Smith scores with a takedown into Stepanovich's guard.
Smith must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Smith with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Smith trying to control the position from guard on top but Stepanovich is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Smith is in close to Stepanovich's body, working some short punches and elbows.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Smith trying to control the position from guard on top but Stepanovich is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Stepanovich escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Smith gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Smith slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Stepanovich is trying to get back to half guard.
Stepanovich on the wrong end of some ground and pound.
Smith working the head and body with strikes.
Smith has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Stepanovich sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.
Ground and pound from Smith.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Smith connects with a nice short shot to Stepanovich's temple.
Stepanovich taking some punishment here, with Smith in his half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Smith takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Stepanovich is trying to maintain the position but Smith is very close to passing his half guard.
Smith prevents Stepanovich from improving his position.
Smith wants to pass to mount but Stepanovich is defending the position.

Stepanovich actively working from the bottom here.
Stepanovich trying to control here.
Smith 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.
Smith is trying to control the action in half guard but Stepanovich is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Stepanovich is looking to improve his position.

Stepanovich is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Smith pulls his head out easily.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Smith connects with a nice short shot to Stepanovich's temple.
Smith lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Smith working Stepanovich over with strikes.
Stepanovich wants to improve his position but Smith is controlling well.
Smith 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.

Stepanovich looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Smith lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Smith working over Stepanovich with some ground and pound. Stepanovich looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Stepanovich is looking to control Smith's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Stepanovich avoid being mounted?
Nice strikes from Smith there.
Smith winds up and cracks Stepanovich with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Smith working Stepanovich over with strikes.
Smith is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
Smith lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.

Stepanovich is rocked!

Stepanovich looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

James Smith showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!

Smith displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Stepanovich.
Stepanovich stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Stepanovich wants it to stay on the feet.
Smith shoots in but Stepanovich avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Smith shoots in for a takedown but Stepanovich shows good takedown defense.
Nevzorov Stepanovich has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of James Smith.
Smith fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Stepanovich shoots in but Smith avoids the takedown attempt easily.
A jab from Stepanovich finds it's way through Smith's defenses.
Stepanovich lands with a straight right. Smith didn't see that one coming.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Smith shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
Smith is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.

Stepanovich is looking for a triangle but Smith pushes his legs off easily.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Stepanovich looking to sweep using the butterfly guard but Smith puts pay to that idea as he passes nicely into half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Smith lands strikes from half guard.
Stepanovich has hold of Smith's hands but Smith slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Smith is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.

Stepanovich looking for submissions off his back.
Smith is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
James Smith has got the better of the ground game so far.
Stepanovich slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Stepanovich can't keep his opponent in guard - Smith advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Smith looks to score some points with some ground and pound.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ground and pound from Smith.
Smith is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Smith lands a nice short elbow.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Smith lands a nice short elbow.
Smith lands strikes from half guard.
Stepanovich is not content to let Smith control the position.

Stepanovich looking for submissions off his back.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Smith lands a nice short elbow.

Stepanovich actively working from the bottom here.
Smith lands with a punch from half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Smith lands strikes from half guard.
Stepanovich is not content to let Smith control the position.
Smith is nestled in close to Stepanovich, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Oh Stepanovich is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
Smith seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Stepanovich is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Smith scores with a couple of nice shots.
Nevzorov Stepanovich has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Smith lands a big elbow from half guard. That looks like it's hurt Stepanovich quite badly. Stepanovich pulls Smith in close trying to recover. Smith postures up and lands two really hard shots that put Stepanovich on queer street! The ref takes a look and decides to call an end to the fight! Possibly an early stoppage but Stepanovich doesn't seem to be complaining too much.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:51 of round 3, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). James Smith!