XF 19 PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between David McCarthy (ranked 1564 p4p, 184 weight class) and Kemen Etxeberria (ranked 1122 p4p, 135 weight class). McCarthy comes to the cage accompanied by Chamillionaire - Ridin' ft. Krayzie Bone. Etxeberria has chosen The Basque National Anthem 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!

McCarthy
vs
Etxeberria

180 cm
41
165 lbs
35 - 22 - 0

180 cm
26
160 lbs
8 - 2 - 0

Good wrestling
Solid boxing
Granite chin

Good wrestler
World class boxer
Good gas tank

Sully's Bar & Grill

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 35 - 22 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, David McCarthy!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Kemen Etxeberria!
The judges for this bout are Joseph Jones, Lou da Vinci and Franklyn Lucas.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A decent looking cross lands there for Etxeberria.
McCarthy keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Nice body punch from Etxeberria.

McCarthy gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.

Etxeberria breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
McCarthy fails with a takedown attempt.
A little jabbing left from Etxeberria on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Etxeberria misses with a wild body shot.
Etxeberria jabs McCarthy right on the nose. McCarthy blinks but takes it well.
McCarthy fails with a takedown attempt.
It seemed like Etxeberria was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
McCarthy fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Etxeberria looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Etxeberria ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Etxeberria avoids the body shot from McCarthy.
Etxeberria stuffs the takedown.
Etxeberria let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for David McCarthy. That's going to take a lot out of him.
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!
McCarthy shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Etxeberria lands a nice hook to McCarthy's body. McCarthy takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
David McCarthy seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
McCarthy shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Etxeberria as he avoids it easily.
McCarthy takes a body punch but keeps moving.
McCarthy is breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Etxeberria connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Etxeberria lands a right hook to the body.
Etxeberria lands with a straight right. McCarthy didn't see that one coming.
Etxeberria circles away from the clinch attempt.
No luck for McCarthy with that takedown attempt.
Etxeberria cracks McCarthy with an open hand slap.
Etxeberria dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Etxeberria lands a jab-cross combination.
Etxeberria is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down McCarthy rather than just go for the knockout.

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

McCarthy is rocked!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.

Etxeberria gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Oh McCarthy is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
McCarthy throws a punch but it's blocked by Etxeberria.
McCarthy works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.

Etxeberria escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
McCarthy doesn't succeed with the takedown

and Etxeberria counters with a nice right hand that sends McCarthy toppling to the canvas! McCarthy scrambles and gets back to his feet - can Etxeberria finish him?!
Etxeberria has been working his punching technique in the buildup to the fight and it appears to be paying off.
Etxeberria lands with a massive overhand right! Stick a fork in McCarthy - he's out cold! Ermm... I think I just mixed my metaphors but yeah... That was a nice KO! Big win for Etxeberria!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:55 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Kemen Etxeberria!
After winning the bout, Kemen Etxeberria thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
96%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Aguta Grizzly (ranked 1550 p4p, 211 weight class) and Trenton Funkhouser (ranked 2830 p4p, 331 weight class). Trenton Funkhouser has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Grizzly
vs
Funkhouser

192 cm
25
212 lbs
5 - 3 - 0

196 cm
36
222 lbs
20 - 17 - 1

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Insanely flexible

Excellent grappler
World class boxer
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 3 - 0, fighting out of New York, Aguta Grizzly!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 20 - 17 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Trenton Funkhouser!
The judges for this bout are Franklyn Lucas, Alyssa Summers and Jonathan Paton.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Grizzly misses with an uppercut. Funkhouser saw that one coming.

Funkhouser shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Funkhouser passes to side control.
Grizzly is trying to get back to his feet.
Funkhouser tries to move into full mount but can't pass Grizzly's legs.

Funkhouser looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Funkhouser goes for an armbar! This could be all over! Wait, no, Grizzly rolls with the submission and now he's on top in Funkhouser's guard! Nice work there by Grizzly!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Funkhouser controls Grizzly momentarily but Grizzly frees himself.

Funkhouser working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Grizzly doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Grizzly manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Grizzly throws a strike but Funkhouser rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

Grizzly wants to sweep but no luck.
Funkhouser pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Grizzly is keeping the position for now.
Funkhouser passes easily into side control. Nice work.

Funkhouser working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Grizzly is trying to improve his position.
Grizzly is not content to let Funkhouser control the position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Grizzly tries to improve position but can't.
Funkhouser has knee on belly and now moves to full mount! Trouble for Grizzly!
Grizzly's corner are shouting for him to stand up but that's bad cornering - how is he meant to stand up when he's mounted? He should be looking to improve his position on the ground before trying to stand back up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Grizzly is working to get back to half guard.
Grizzly tries to buck Funkhouser off but he can't manage it.
Funkhouser wants to take Grizzly's back but he can't do it this time.

The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Funkhouser swings around for an armbar but it's a sloppy attempt and Grizzly is now in Funkhouser's guard. A big mistake from Funkhouser there, giving up the dominant position!

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

Funkhouser looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Grizzly trying to stand up but can't free himself from Funkhouser's guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Grizzly wants to stand up, so he's looking to wriggle free of Funkhouser's closed guard. He's half up but Funkhouser has locked on to an arm! Uh oh! Funkhouser pivots and extends the arm, Grizzly falls face first to the mat and taps??... does he?? YES! He's tapping! Excellent counter grappling there by Funkhouser! Well done that man!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:23 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Trenton Funkhouser!
Trenton Funkhouser spent the whole post fight interview bigging himself up. It didn't go down that well with the fans after a while as they thought it was a bit arrogant.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
30%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Michael Brakeley (ranked 479 p4p, 64 weight class) and Rodrigo Silva (ranked 3413 p4p, 314 weight class). Brakeley comes to the cage accompanied by Woke up this Morning. Silva has chosen Roots Bloody Roots - Sepultura as his entrance music. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Brakeley
vs
Silva

201 cm
37
271 lbs
22 - 13 - 0

192 cm
44
251 lbs
30 - 49 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Good takedowns
Brawler
Knockout power

Ma Balls Is Hot Clothing

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 22 - 13 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Michael Brakeley!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 30 - 49 - 0, fighting out of New York, Rodrigo Silva!
The judges for this bout are Dean Styles, Reed Andrews and Jonathan Paton.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Brakeley lands a big right hand that sends Silva crashing to the mat! Brakeley stays standing though and waves Silva back to his feet!

It looks like Rodrigo Silva has been cut.
Brakeley blocks a head kick by Silva.
Brakeley is looking for an opening here. He's unloaded a big left hand that catches Silva flush on the jaw and sends him tumbling to the canvas! Silva is out cold! Brakeley holds back from landing any unnecessary shots to his unconscious opponent, as the referee reacts slowly to the situation. A brutal knockout and then some excellent sportsmanship - this guy is my new favorite fighter!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:08 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Michael Brakeley!
Michael Brakeley very nearly forgot to thank RESISTANCE amongst all the excitement of his win but just as the interview came to a close, he screamed their name. Hopefully he'll get a few nice freebies in the mail as a thank you.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
100%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Holt Dennis (ranked 3163 p4p, 269 weight class) and Guilhaume Prevot (ranked 14958 p4p, 410 weight class). Guilhaume Prevot has the power to score a knockout today if he connects clean with Holt Dennis's chin.

Dennis
vs
Prevot

175 cm
28
155 lbs
9 - 6 - 0

164 cm
33
153 lbs
12 - 23 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

BJJ Purple Belt
Basic striking
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 9 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Holt Dennis!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 12 - 23 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Guilhaume Prevot!
The judges for this bout are Columbo Gatti, Bruno Lombardi and Alyssa Summers.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Dennis circles away from the clinch attempt.
Prevot tries to score a power double leg takedown but Dennis sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Prevot somewhat.
Prevot misses with a double jab.

Dennis gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Prevot can't break the clinch.
Dennis holding his opponent close, against the cage.
A short right from Dennis.
Prevot wants to get back to striking at distance but Dennis won't allow it.
Prevot tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Dennis just stands there and leans against the cage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Prevot throws a punch but it's blocked by Dennis.
We can't be sure of the tactics at this early stage but we have heard that Prevot has been working on his takedowns a lot in the buildup to the fight and we can only assume he's going to look to take this to the mat.

Dennis manages to break the clinch.
Dennis displaying good standup as he scores with a three punch combination.

It looks like Guilhaume Prevot has been cut.
Prevot tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Prevot looks to clinch
and Dennis counters with a one-two to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A combination from Prevot does no damage.

Dennis pushes Prevot up against the cage in a clinch.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Dennis.

Dennis manages to break the clinch.

Dennis gets a clinch.
Dennis lands a nice elbow from the clinch.

That has opened up Guilhaume Prevot's cut even more.

Prevot manages to break the clinch.

Dennis rushes Prevot and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Dennis using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Prevot tries to circle away but Dennis has him pinned against the cage.
Dennis stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
Prevot wants to get back to striking at distance but Dennis won't allow it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Prevot drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Dennis gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Holt Dennis has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Guilhaume Prevot.
Prevot looking to slow down the pace here.

Dennis breaks the clinch.

Dennis drives through with a takedown into Prevot's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

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

Dennis moves into the clinch successfully.
Dennis leaning against his opponent.

Dennis breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.

Prevot tries to keep at a distance but Dennis has taken the fight into the clinch.
Dennis avoiding damage.
Dennis using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A short right from Dennis on the inside.
Prevot tries to pull guard but Dennis won't allow it.

Dennis's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Prevot throws a head kick but Dennis moves out of range.
Dennis throws a big counter combination but Prevot scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Prevot takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Dennis cracks Prevot with a right hand to the side of the head.
Dennis ducks under a wild hook from Prevot.
Dennis throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Prevot.

Prevot gets tackled into the cage by Dennis. Dennis maintains the clinch.
Dennis stalling the fight.
I was talking to Dennis's coach per-fight and he was telling me that they'd been working on the clinch in the runup to this fight.
Prevot is trying to break the clinch but Dennis is controlling him.
Dennis stalling against the cage.

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

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Prevot misses with a double jab.
Prevot falls off balance throwing a combination
and Dennis counters with a two punch combo.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.

Dennis gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Prevot takes a shot to the head.
Dennis effectively controlling the action here.
Dennis scores with a knee to the head.

The cut above Guilhaume Prevot's eye is starting to cause him problems now.

Dennis's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.

Dennis changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Prevot looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.

Prevot bucks up and manages to escape back to his feet!
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Dennis shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Dennis showed some decent athleticism there.
Dennis prevents Prevot from improving his position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Holt Dennis dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Guilhaume Prevot's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Dennis darts in and clinches Prevot up against the cage.

Dennis breaks from the clinch.
Prevot tries to clinch up but Dennis circles away and keeps his distance.
It looked like Dennis was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.
Prevot throws a body kick that misses.
Dennis swinging wildly here.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Prevot is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Dennis is defending well.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Prevot is trying to pull guard but Dennis has him pressed against the cage.
Dennis will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Prevot up against the cage.

Dennis pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Dennis throws a head kick that half lands.
A cross from Dennis lands.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Dennis. Prevot shrugs it off though.
Prevot is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Dennis.

Dennis looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Dennis decides to stand up.
Dennis is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Prevot can do to turn this around?
Dennis closes the distance and lands a one-two.

Guilhaume Prevot's cut is absolute horrible now. This looks like something out of a horror film with blood covering both fighters.
Holt Dennis is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Prevot darts in trying to clinch
and Dennis counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Prevot misses with a leg kick
and Dennis counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Prevot misses with a two punch combination.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Dennis explodes with a nice body kick and back out of range. Nice work.
Dennis lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.

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

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:16 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Cut). Holt Dennis!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
52%

Main event

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Wanderson Siliva (ranked 2366 p4p, 249 weight class) and Machiavelli Vecellio (ranked 2292 p4p, 243 weight class). Siliva's entrance music is . A fine choice. Both fighters really staring each other down here, as Machiavelli Vecellio enters the cage!

Siliva
vs
Vecellio

191 cm
28
279 lbs
10 - 2 - 0

200 cm
23
270 lbs
8 - 6 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Solid boxing
Granite chin

BJJ Brown Belt
Lethal high kicks
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 10 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Wanderson Siliva!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 6 - 0, fighting out of London, Machiavelli Vecellio!
The judges for this bout are Alyssa Summers, Jonathan Paton and John Kavanagh.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Siliva moves forwards but Vecellio connects with a nice, crisp jab.

It looks like Wanderson Siliva has been cut.
A left lands for Vecellio.

Vecellio rushes Siliva and presses him up against the cage.
Siliva has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Vecellio avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Siliva working aggressively here.
Siliva tries to pull guard but Vecellio holds him up against the cage and eventually Siliva drops back down to his feet.
Siliva looking for a takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Wanderson Siliva. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Vecellio tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Vecellio doesn't land with the attempted body shot.

Siliva pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Siliva goes for a double leg but Vecellio avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Vecellio continues to drive forward.
Siliva shoots for a takedown but Vecellio saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Siliva closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Vecellio is trying to escape and get back to his feet.
Siliva taking a breather here.
Vecellio is trying to escape and get back to his feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Vecellio connects with the punch.

Wanderson Siliva's cut is getting worse.
A slapping leg kick lands for Vecellio.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Siliva tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Vecellio defends well and Siliva ends up having to push Vecellio into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
A little jabbing left from Vecellio on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Machiavelli Vecellio is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Vecellio displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Siliva.
Siliva misses with a takedown attempt
and Vecellio counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Vecellio connects with a body shot that sends Siliva's belly button to the back.
Siliva lunges at Vecellio with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Vecellio's hand.
Siliva shoots in but no luck this time.
Vecellio connects with a looping right hand.

Wanderson Siliva's cut is bleeding quite badly. He's got to try and protect it.
Siliva will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Siliva tries to score a power double leg takedown but Vecellio sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Siliva somewhat.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Siliva avoids the head kick by Vecellio.
Siliva looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Vecellio is fending him off so far but Siliva persists. Nope, Vecellio circles away and we're back to standing.
Siliva with a poor takedown
and Vecellio counters with a straight right hand.

Jeez, Wanderson Siliva's cut is really nasty now. The referee must be thinking about getting that checked.

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

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:25 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Cut). Machiavelli Vecellio!
Our winner, Machiavelli Vecellio, made sure he spent some time buttering up the crowd during his post fight interview, which will no doubt bring him a few more fans.