XF 26 PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Julian Gniewek (ranked 3312 p4p, 280 weight class) and Mom Cheating (ranked 2235 p4p, 211 weight class). The crowd giving both fighters a great reception on their way into the arena. That's good to see.

Gniewek
vs
Cheating

181 cm
32
155 lbs
13 - 13 - 0

173 cm
36
142 lbs
18 - 3 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
Decent boxing
Heavy handed

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 13 - 13 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Julian Gniewek!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 18 - 3 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Mom Cheating!
The judges for this bout are Anthony Taglia, Joseph Jones and Eddie Farnsworth.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Cheating walks into a straight right hand from Gniewek.
Cheating throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Gniewek counters with a thumping low kick.
Cheating takes a kick to the side of the head.
Gniewek pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Gniewek feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Cheating's calf.
Cheating fails in his attempt to clinch.
Gniewek is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Cheating.
Cheating throws a poor cross that misses
and Gniewek counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Gniewek keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Cheating.
Good shot there by Cheating.
A big left from Cheating misses.
A little feinted left hand from Gniewek on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Gniewek defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Cheating.
An inside leg kick from Cheating misses.
Cheating tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Gniewek swivels and escapes.
Gniewek seemed to be looking to counter by closing the distance.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Cheating looks to throw the jab but Gniewek is out of range.
Nice defenses there by Gniewek.
Gniewek is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Cheating.
Gniewek lands a nice looking body kick.
Cheating looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gniewek on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Gniewek ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Cheating moves away.
Cheating is looking to clinch.
It looked like Gniewek was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.
Cheating missing with a left hand there. Gniewek was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Mom Cheating seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Gniewek chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Gniewek connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Cheating looks to land a right hand but Gniewek moved out of range.
Gniewek throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Cheating doesn't manage to clinch there - Gniewek circles away.
A nice inside leg kick there by Cheating. That's going to slow Gniewek down.
Cheating throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Gniewek counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Cheating tries to score with a low kick but Gniewek moves his leg out of the way.
Cheating is really struggling to land any decent head shots against his taller opponent.
Gniewek defending well as Cheating loads up on a big left hand.
Gniewek was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
A slow jab from Cheating misses its intended target.
It looked like Gniewek wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
A jab from Gniewek does it's job there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gniewek moves out of range as Cheating strikes.
Cheating misses with a body shot.
Gniewek throwing a counter right hand but Cheating manages to avoid it.
Gniewek ducks under a wild hook from Cheating.
Cheating scores with a sloppy right hand. Gniewek should have avoided that one.
Donk. Cheating catches Gniewek right on the button with a cross.
Cheating lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Gniewek avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Gniewek tries to clinch there but Cheating circles away.
Cheating throws a poor cross that misses
and Gniewek makes the exchange count by landing a cracking kick to the body. Cheating really felt that one!
Cheating jabs Gniewek right on the nose. Gniewek blinks but takes it well.
Gniewek paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Gniewek lands with a nice body kick.
Cheating jabbing away but nothing is landing.
A lazy body kick from Cheating

and Gniewek counters by moving into the clinch.
Cheating tries to break free but Gniewek pushes him back against the cage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cheating's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Gniewek lands a knee to the head.
Cheating is looking to break free of the clinch but Gniewek has double underhooks.
Cheating misses with the head strike.
Gniewek working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Cheating tries to break the clinch but Gniewek is controlling the position.
Gniewek lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Gniewek lands with a right to the head.
Gniewek crunches a lovely knee into Cheating's ribcage.
Gniewek lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Cheating is trying to break free.
Cheating is trying to break free.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Gniewek.
A frustrated look appears on Cheating's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Gniewek misses with a knee to the head.
Cheating tries to circle away but Gniewek has him pinned against the cage.
Gniewek avoiding damage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Cheating looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Gniewek's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.
Cheating wants to break the clinch but can't.
Gniewek prevents Cheating from breaking the clinch.
Gniewek pushes Cheating back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Gniewek throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Cheatings head.
Gniewek lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Cheating wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
A frustrated look appears on Cheating's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Gniewek jumps guard but Cheating stands there with Gniewek around his waist. Gniewek gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Gniewek lands a knee to the head.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Gniewek.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Cheating has a takedown stuffed.
Gniewek throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Gniewek uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Cheating.
Gniewek is looking to counter the offense by Cheating and move into the clinch.
Cheating scores with a hook to the body. Gniewek takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
A nice leg kick lands there from Gniewek.
Gniewek is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Cheating steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Gniewek. That one must have hurt.
Gniewek thumps Cheating with a low kick.

Cheating tries to keep at a distance but Gniewek has taken the fight into the clinch.
Cheating is looking to break free of the clinch but Gniewek has double underhooks.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Cheating ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Cheating no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.
Gniewek slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.

Gniewek is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Cheating knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's one minute gone in the round.

The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Gniewek tries for a kimura but Cheating is defending well.
Gniewek wants to lay and pray for a moment but Cheating keeps working.
Cheating tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Cheating really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Gniewek. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Cheating is letting Gniewek control him for a moment.

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.

Gniewek looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.

Gniewek swings around for an armbar but Cheating sees it coming a mile off and turns beautifully into Gniewek's guard.
Cheating wants to stand but Gniewek has a closed guard, so he can't escape.
Cheating preventing the sweep.

Gniewek working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Cheating doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Cheating manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Gniewek is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Cheating can do to turn this around?

Cheating avoids a guillotine attempt easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gniewek working a defensive guard here.

Gniewek is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Cheating is aware though and is defending well.
Gniewek pulls Cheating in close to prevent any damage.
Gniewek trying to keep a closed guard but Cheating is proving a slippery customer.
Cheating wants to stand but Gniewek is controlling his posture from full guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.

Gniewek escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Cheating gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Gniewek has Cheating pulled in close to control his posture.
Cheating stopping the sweep attempt from Gniewek.
Cheating controls from within his opponent's guard.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!

Cheating stands and steps away. Gniewek gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Julian Gniewek dominated that second round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

Gniewek staying out of range there.
Gniewek showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Cheating.
Gniewek uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Cheating.
Cheating misses with a right hand
and Gniewek counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Cheating waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Gniewek.
Cheating tries for a takedown but Gniewek sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Cheating throws a jab but it's blocked by Gniewek.
Gniewek tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Cheating swings widly with a right hand
and Gniewek counters with a lovely straight right hand!
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cheating lunges at Gniewek with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Gniewek's hand.
Cheating needs to keep his hands up - Gniewek had a free shot at his head there.
Nice body kick from Gniewek.
It looks like Gniewek has been trying to sharpen up his punching technique, as it looks crisper than last time we saw him.
Cheating waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Gniewek.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Gniewek steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Cheating.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Gniewek closes the distance and clinches.
Gniewek lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Cheating backwards.
Cheating drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Gniewek gets the underhooks and prevents it.
A shot in the inside from Gniewek.
Gniewek landing knees to the body.
Cheating wants to break the clinch but can't.
Gniewek is pressed up against the cage. Cheating has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Gniewek down to the mat. Gniewek avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Julian Gniewek has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Mom Cheating.

Gniewek closes the distance and clinches.
Gniewek misses with a knee strike.
Gniewek misses with a knee strike.
Gniewek doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Gniewek has Cheating pressed against the cage, preventing Cheating from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
The referee is keeping an eye on Gniewek - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gniewek stalling against the cage.
Gniewek landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Cheating takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Gniewek landing knees to the head.
Gniewek scores with a knee to the head.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Cheating wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Gniewek lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!

Cheating is rocked!

It looks like Mom Cheating has been cut.
Gniewek lands a knee to the head.
Cheating is still on wobbly legs! Can Gniewek finish him?
Gniewek using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Cheating has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Julian Gniewek is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Cheating can't break the clinch.
A short right from Gniewek on the inside.
Gniewek has Cheating pressed up against the cage in a tight Thai clinch. Cheating is arching his back, trying to avoid the knees but a big one sneaks through from Gniewek - that's hurt Cheating badly! Oh, another knee lands and Cheating is covering up! The referee steps in to save him - possibly a bit early but Cheating doesn't seem to be complaining.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:53 of round 3, we have a winner by way of TKO (Knees). Julian Gniewek!
During a confident post fight interview, Julian Gniewek 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
63%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Wayde West (ranked 3687 p4p, 379 weight class) and Andy Terror (ranked 21520 p4p, 549 weight class). West kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is Sober. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

West
vs
Terror

187 cm
42
168 lbs
38 - 40 - 0

177 cm
26
155 lbs
1 - 2 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent boxer
Insanely flexible

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
Intelligent

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 38 - 40 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Wayde West!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 2 - 0, fighting out of New York, Andy Terror!
The judges for this bout are Franklyn Lucas, Joseph Jones and Lou da Vinci.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Terror shoots in for a takedown but West shows good takedown defense.

West dives in and scores a takedown into Terror's guard.

West gets to his feet. Terror looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!
Terror tries to close the distance and clinch but West swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Terror misses with a takedown attempt - West sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Terror tries to clinch

and West counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
West engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Terror not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.

West stands up from Terror's guard - West perhaps looking for a knockout.

Terror gets caught flat footed, as West shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
West preventing the sweep.
West controls from within his opponent's guard.
Terror is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.

West stands up from Terror's guard - West perhaps looking for a knockout.
Terror with a poor takedown

and West holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Wayde West has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Andy Terror.

West has moved round to his opponent's back and is looking for a suplex! Oh snap! He's tossed Terror clear over his head and slammed him to the mat!

West looking for the choke but no joy.

West is working on the RNC. He looks like he's got it but Terror won't tap... Oh, he's out! The ref rips West off his unconscious opponent!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:59 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Wayde West!
Wayde West really struggled to get his t-shirt on before his hand was raised. Making sure that Sully's Bar & Grill logo gets some air time is pretty tricky when you're all sweaty.

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 light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Artur Syrowatka (ranked 5938 p4p, 533 weight class) and Billy West (ranked 2175 p4p, 276 weight class). Syrowatka comes to the cage accompanied by Slash - Nothing to Say. West has chosen Gojira - Shooting Star as his entrance music. Artur Syrowatka could well score a knockout today. He has the power to get to Billy West's chin.

Syrowatka
vs
West

186 cm
40
216 lbs
16 - 17 - 0

192 cm
37
223 lbs
24 - 18 - 0

Decent wrestler
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Excellent grappler
World class boxer
Powerful

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 16 - 17 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Artur Syrowatka!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 24 - 18 - 0, fighting out of New York, Billy West!
The judges for this bout are Joseph Jones, Steve Montenegro and Columbo Gatti.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

West forces Syrowatka back against the cage and clinches.
West lands an uppercut.

It looks like Artur Syrowatka has been cut.
West lands on the inside with an uppercut.
West leaning against his opponent.
West lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Syrowatka backwards.
A right hand to the body from West.
West is stalling here.
West has Syrowatka pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Syrowatka manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
West misses with a hook from the clinch.
West lands with a short shot to the head.

Syrowatka escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
West wants to clinch up but Syrowatka keeps it at a distance.
Syrowatka throws a hook to the side of West's head but West sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Syrowatka keeps the fight on the outside.
Syrowatka appears to be looking for a big counter.
A thudding body kick lands there by Syrowatka!

West bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
West working the ground and pound from side control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
West wants to control but Syrowatka is keeping him busy.
West lands a few punches from side control.
West tries to land with some ground and pound but misses.
Syrowatka knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for West on the ground.
Syrowatka defending against the ground and pound.

West thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
Syrowatka is trying to control West's posture but West avoids it.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Syrowatka takes a couple of big shots there - the referee warns him that he has to defend himself better.

West tries for a kimura but Syrowatka is defending well.
West landing with strikes to the head and body from side control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

West tries for a kimura but Syrowatka is defending well.
Syrowatka stuck in half guard on the bottom here.
My spies in Midnight MMA inform me that West has been getting involved in the gym's BJJ sparring sessions. Let's see whether that pays dividends!
West working the body and head with strikes.
West landing a few strikes.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
You can see the frustration on Syrowatka's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
West lands some shots froms side control.
Syrowatka on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Syrowatka tries to get out of the position.
West working the ground and pound.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Syrowatka is not in a great position here, taking some shots.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
West landing with strikes to the head and body from side control.
West lands a decent elbow from side control.

Syrowatka is rocked!
West cracks Syrowatka with a big right hand but Syrowatka just smiles back at him and invites him to have another go.
Oh Syrowatka is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
West scores with a big shot from side control... and another... and another! Oh Syrowatka is done here - save him referee! More strikes land and eventually the ref does step in and West can finally stop beating on his defenseless opponent!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:31 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Billy West!
Our winner, Billy West, made sure he spent some time buttering up the crowd during his post fight interview, which will no doubt bring him a few more fans.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
50%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Oscar Larraza (ranked 2787 p4p, 302 weight class) and Ahmad Lazzez (ranked 4187 p4p, 415 weight class). This should be a great matchup!

Larraza
vs
Lazzez

180 cm
27
157 lbs
7 - 2 - 0

179 cm
27
157 lbs
5 - 4 - 0

Good takedowns
Basic striking
Granite chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent MT
Granite chin

One stop shop

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 7 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Oscar Larraza!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 4 - 0, fighting out of New York, Ahmad Lazzez!
The judges for this bout are John Roberts, Lou da Vinci and Reed Andrews.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Larraza lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Good shot there by Larraza.
We've been told by Larraza's head coaches at Doom's Gym that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Larraza stuns Lazzez with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.

Lazzez drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.

Larraza has managed to wall walk up one of the corner posts to get back to his feet. Lazzez is pushing him up against the cage, looking to control the position.
Lazzez fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Lazzez is trying to pull guard but Larraza has him pressed against the cage.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Larraza drops down looking for an ankle pick but Lazzez pulls his leg out and moves away.

Larraza throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Lazzez tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Larraza is in Lazzez's guard.
Larraza wants to control from the top but Lazzez keeps moving.
Larraza throwing strikes but missing.
Larraza looking to pass the guard.
Larraza won't allow Lazzez to sweep him here.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Larraza throwing strikes from guard but Lazzez blocks nicely.
Lazzez looking to hit a scissor sweep but Larraza is one step ahead there.
Larraza passes into half guard.

Larraza seems to be working for a kimura but Lazzez defends the submission attempt.
Lazzez is looking to improve his position.

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.
Larraza looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Lazzez with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Larraza is trying to control the action in half guard but Lazzez is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.

Larraza is looking for a kimura here.
Larraza takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
Larraza throwing shots but Lazzez is blocking nicely.
Larraza thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Lazzez's head.
Lazzez really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Larraza. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Larraza trying to control from Lazzez's half guard. Lazzez has other ideas though and has regained full guard.
Larraza working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Larraza throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Larraza throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Larraza stands and throws Lazzez's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Larraza has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Lazzez tries to get back to half guard but can't.

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

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

Larraza decides to stand up, so the ref orders Lazzez to his feet.
Larraza cracks Lazzez with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Lazzez takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Larraza with a jab.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Larraza lands a jab to the nose.

Larraza gets caught flat footed, as Lazzez shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.

Larraza scrambles and gets back to his feet.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Larraza misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Larraza throws a body punch but Lazzez moves out of range.
Lazzez feints the counter takedown.
Lazzez shoots in and drives through. Larraza sprawls well.
Oscar Larraza has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ahmad Lazzez.
Larraza looks to score with a jab to the body but Lazzez is just out of range.
Lazzez steps in looking to clinch after the strikes miss from Larraza.
Lazzez takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Lazzez tries for a takedown but Larraza circles away easily
and Larraza counters with a three punch combo that has Lazzez backing up. Lazzez nods at Larraza to acknowledge the strikes.
Lazzez fails in his attempt to clinch.
Jab, jab by Larraza - just one landing.
Larraza throws a leg kick but Lazzez sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Larraza misses with a takedown
and Lazzez counters with a one-two to the body.
Oscar Larraza seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Lazzez closes the distance and clinches up with Larraza, looking for a takedown. Lazzez pushes Larraza against the cage but Larraza circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Oscar Larraza 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.

Lazzez attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Lazzez moves away from the strike by Larraza.
Larraza fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Lazzez checks it well.
Larraza connects with a nice looking jab.
Larraza shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Lazzez but Lazzez pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Oscar Larraza is winning the standup battle so far.
Lazzez uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Larraza.
Lazzez is looking for the big counter here.
Larraza misses with a head kick.
Lazzez tries to score a power double leg takedown but Larraza sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Lazzez somewhat.
Lazzez is trying hard to land a takedown here. Larraza sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Lazzez tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Larraza throwing a counter right hand but Lazzez manages to avoid it.
Larraza throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Good standup being displayed there by Larraza as he connects with a hook.
No luck for Lazzez with that takedown attempt.
Oscar Larraza has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ahmad Lazzez.
Lazzez tries to clinch but Larraza is having none of it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Larraza throws a low kick, looking for Lazzez's leg but Lazzez calmly moves out of range.
Larraza has a takedown stuffed.
Lazzez stuffs the takedown attempt from Larraza. Larraza gets slowly back to his feet.
Larraza catches Lazzez with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Lazzez defending well as Larraza loads up on a big left hand.
Lazzez drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Larraza defends it well.
Larraza misses with a two punch combination.
Larraza tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Lazzez counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Lazzez closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Larraza misses with a jab, cross combination.
Larraza tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Lazzez was well out of range. Poor timing from Larraza.
Larraza tries a head kick but it misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Larraza tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Lazzez unleashes a big counter combination but Larraza bobs and weaves and avoids any damage.
Larraza misses with a hook.
Lazzez on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Lazzez wants to clinch.
Larraza appears to be looking for a big counter.
Larraza throws a right and a left that both miss.
Lazzez throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Larraza throws a big counter combination but Lazzez scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
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!
Lazzez closes the distance and clinches up with Larraza, looking for a takedown. Lazzez pushes Larraza against the cage but Larraza circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Larraza throws a sloppy head kick and Lazzez moves out of range easily.
A lazy left from Larraza finds it's target.
Larraza throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Lazzez.
Lazzez shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Larraza but Larraza pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Oscar Larraza is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Lazzez tries to clinch up.
Larraza fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Larraza misses with a hook.
Larraza throws out a loose jab but Lazzez uses good head movement to avoid it.
Lazzez only half commits to the counter leg kick.
Lazzez fails with a takedown attempt.
Larraza fails with a takedown attempt.
Larraza scores with a hook.

Lazzez has taken the fight to the clinch.
Larraza has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Lazzez after a bit of a struggle.
Lazzez tries to score a body lock takedown but Larraza shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Larraza has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Lazzez is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.

Lazzez breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Lazzez showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Larraza.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nice shot by Larraza.
Larraza throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Lazzez appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Sloppy strikes from Larraza. Those never looked like landing.

Lazzez shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Larraza is staying active underneath Lazzez, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Larraza slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Lazzez tries to free his leg and advance position but Larraza is retaining full guard.
Larraza has control of Lazzez's left arm, preventing Lazzez from doing any damage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Oscar Larraza 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!

Larraza fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Lazzez let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
Lazzez shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Larraza sprawls well. Larraza wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Lazzez gets slowly back to his feet.
Lazzez takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Larraza is looking to chop away at Lazzez's legs.
Lazzez wants to counter with a clinch but Larraza pushes him away.
Lazzez avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Larraza throws a hook to the side of Lazzez's head but Lazzez sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Larraza circles away from the clinch attempt.
Lazzez fails to land the takedown.
Lazzez wants to clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lazzez shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Larraza defends it nicely.
Oscar Larraza has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ahmad Lazzez.
Larraza lands a glancing blow to the side of Lazzez's head.
Larraza misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Lazzez's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Larraza connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Lazzez scrambles back to his feet.
Lazzez slips a jab from Larraza.
Lazzez appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Lazzez tries to score a power double leg takedown but Larraza sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Lazzez somewhat.
Larraza connects with a nice looking jab.
Larraza pulls out of a head kick attempt.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lazy left from Larraza finds it's target.
Larraza jabbing away but nothing is landing.

Lazzez closes the distance and pushes Larraza back into the cage.

Larraza jumps into guard, dragging Lazzez to the mat.

Larraza looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Lazzez postures up in Larraza's guard and throws a big left but Larraza blocks it.
Larraza not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Larraza utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Lazzez pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Larraza is keeping the position for now.
Lazzez postures up.
Larraza looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lazzez trying to control the position from guard on top but Larraza is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Larraza working for a triangle but Lazzez defends it easily.

Larraza is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Lazzez 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.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.

Lazzez has a momentary lapse of concentration, allowing Larraza to throw up a leg and lock on what appears to be a pretty tight triangle! Lazzez is fighting it off but it's all too little too late - Larraza pulls down on the head and he's put Lazzez to sleep! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:24 of round 3, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle). Oscar Larraza!
An out of breath Oscar Larraza 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
63%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Jako Day (ranked 2254 p4p, 287 weight class) and Anthony Castillo (ranked 4243 p4p, 452 weight class). Castillo has chosen Mafia Rap! as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. Jako Day has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Day
vs
Castillo

189 cm
38
210 lbs
23 - 17 - 0

188 cm
33
210 lbs
11 - 7 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Excellent MT
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 23 - 17 - 0, fighting out of New York, Jako Day!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 11 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Anthony Castillo!
The judges for this bout are Dean Styles, Columbo Gatti and Eddie Farnsworth.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Day scores with the left hand. Castillo knows he should have avoided that one.
Castillo shoots in but no luck this time.
Day thinks about countering with a head kick.
Day cracks Castillo with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Castillo avoids the body shot from Day.
Castillo throws a big counter head kick but Day avoids it with no problem.
Castillo goes for a double leg but Day avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Day continues to drive forward.
Day comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Day looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Day tries to bum rush Castillo with a series of wild strikes but Castillo uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Castillo! But no joy.

Day gets tackled into the cage by Castillo. Castillo maintains the clinch.

Castillo manages to break the clinch.
Day lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Castillo backs up against the cage.
Castillo tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Day counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
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!
Day rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Castillo moves out of range and avoids them all easily.

Castillo manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Day on his heels. He'll look to pass Day's guard now, I'm sure.
Day controls Castillo momentarily but Castillo frees himself.
Day looking to hit a scissor sweep but Castillo is one step ahead there.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Day managing to control the position.
Castillo sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Day is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Castillo is pushing down on Day's leg trying to pass to half guard. Day is fighting to maintain full guard but Castillo has managed to sneak the leg through.

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.
Castillo wants to stand up but Day is controlling the position.
Day is trying to maintain the position but Castillo is very close to passing his half guard.
Castillo prevents Day from standing back up.
Day trying to hold on to Castillo's head to control him but Castillo postures up.
Day looks like he's trying to stand up.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Day throws a series of punches but Castillo moves out of range.
Castillo throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Castillo tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Day manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Day dips to his left and cracks Castillo with an uppercut!
Castillo takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
Anthony Castillo seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Day will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Castillo will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Jako Day has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Anthony Castillo.
Day swats away the attempt to clinch by Castillo.
Castillo doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Day cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Day throws a series of punches but Castillo avoids them all with ease.
Day just misses with a punch to the body.
Castillo wants to clinch.

Castillo closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.

Day escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Day throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Jako Day is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Day just misses with a punch to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Castillo takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Castillo uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Day.

Castillo clinches up with Day and pushes him back against the cage.
Day creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Day tries to break the clinch but Castillo is controlling the position.
Castillo can't break the clinch.
Castillo prevents Day from breaking the clinch.

Castillo breaks from the clinch.
Day scores with a nice one two combo and darts back out of range to avoid anything coming in the opposite direction.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Day misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Castillo.
Day connects with a crisp jab.
Day connects with a body shot that sends Castillo's belly button to the back.
Day throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Day.
Day scores with the left hand. Castillo knows he should have avoided that one.
Castillo wants to clinch up but Day keeps it at a distance.
Sloppy strikes from Day. Those never looked like landing.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jako Day dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Day feints and then cracks Castillo's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Castillo down.

Castillo rushes Day and presses him up against the cage.
A short right from Castillo.

Day's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Day circles away from the clinch attempt.

Castillo has taken the fight to the clinch.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.

Day breaks the clinch.
Day slaps away a takedown attempt from Castillo, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Castillo shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Day sprawls well. Day wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Castillo gets slowly back to his feet.
Day swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Day thows a body kick. Castillo tries to catch it but that hurt him.
Castillo doesn't manage to clinch there - Day circles away.
Day lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Castillo backs up against the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Castillo on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Day. Day obviously looking to wear him down.
Castillo takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Day circles away from the clinch attempt.
Castillo is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Day punishes Castillo's body with a nice straight punch.
Castillo is looking to clinch but Day is avoiding it.
As Castillo looks to move away, Day throws a big counter combo but Castillo just gets out of the way.
Castillo shoots in for a takedown but Day shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Jako Day has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Anthony Castillo.
Castillo throws a looping overhand right but Day ducks down to avoid it.
Day avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
A left and a right from Day both land. Nice combination.
Nice sprawl there from Day as Castillo shoots in.
A little feinted left hand from Day on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Day throws out a powerful jab.

Castillo closes the distance and clinches.
Day is trying to force a seperation but Castillo has the dominant position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
With the fighters up against the cage, Castillo throws an elbow but misses.
Day is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Castillo can do to turn this around?
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Day breaks the clinch.
Day is looking to wear down Castillo with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Day stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
A punch combination from Castillo misses.
Castillo tries to close the distance and clinch up but Day swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Castillo is looking to clinch but Day is avoiding it.
Day walks into a stiff left hand from Castillo.

Castillo pushes Day up against the cage in a clinch.

Day manages to break the clinch.
Day lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.

Castillo moves into the clinch successfully.

Castillo breaks the clinch.
Castillo walks into a stiff left hand from Day.
Day swats away the attempt to clinch by Castillo.
Day went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.
Day connects with a good right hand that stumbles Castillo. Castillo circles away out of range and recomposes himself.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Day throws a right and a left that Castillo avoids nicely.
Castillo shapes to counter with a head kick.
Day swats away the attempt to clinch by Castillo.
Castillo wants to clinch.

Castillo closes the distance and pushes Day back into the cage.
Day is looking to break free of the clinch but Castillo has double underhooks.
Day is trying to break free.
Castillo wants to break free but Day has control.

Castillo breaks from the clinch.
Jako Day is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Day swings for the body but Castillo moves out of range.

Castillo gets a clinch.
Castillo looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Day's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Jako Day is winning the standup battle so far.
Castillo steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Day.
Castillo tries to close the distance and clinch but Day swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Day throws the kick towards the body but Castillo avoids it.

Castillo moves into range and clinches up with Day.
Castillo effectively controlling the action here.

Castillo breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Day throws a low kick but Castillo avoids it.

Castillo has managed to clinch.
Castillo prevents Day from breaking the clinch.
Day is looking to break free of the clinch but Castillo has double underhooks.

Day breaks the clinch.
A right-left combo lands from Day.
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!
Day misses with a two punch combination.
Day throws a series of punches but Castillo moves out of range.
Day misses with a body shot.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jako Day dominated that second round.
That's time! Day's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!

Day lands a leg kick that knocks Castillo off balance momentarily.
Castillo throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Day.
Day is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
A jab from Day misses.
Castillo fails in his attempt to clinch.
Day misses with a looping left.

Castillo has taken the fight to the clinch.
Day blocks an uppercut.

Castillo breaks from the clinch.
Castillo wants to clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

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

That's one minute gone in the round.
Castillo won't allow Day to get back to his feet.
Day controlling the position.
Castillo tries to free his leg and advance position but Day is retaining full guard.
Day 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.
Day trying to control the position here.
Castillo wants to stand but Day has a closed guard, so he can't escape.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Day avoids the head kick by Castillo.
Day scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Day throws a right hand that Castillo ducks under and follows up with a left that Castillo also avoids with ease.
Day lands a two punch combo.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Castillo fails in his attempt to clinch.
Day swinging wildly here.
Day looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Day misses with a hook. Castillo ducked under it nicely.
The fight stays on the outside here - Castillo looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Day throws a body shot but no joy.
Day throws a series of punches but Castillo moves out of range.
Castillo ducks right into an uppercut from Day.
Anthony Castillo has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Castillo shoots in but no luck this time.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.

Castillo pushes Day up against the cage in a clinch.

Day pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Castillo slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Day connects with a body shot that sends Castillo's belly button to the back.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Castillo tries to clinch up.
Castillo shoots for a takedown but Day saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
A left and a right from Day both land. Nice combination.
Castillo takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
Day throws a right and a left that both miss.
Castillo gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Day swings for the body but Castillo moves out of range.
Castillo looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.

Castillo moves into the clinch.

Castillo breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Day fails to land with a series of punches.
Castillo dodges the punch combination from Day.
Castillo unleashes a big counter combination but Day bobs and weaves and avoids any damage.
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!

Castillo gets in close and instigates a clinch.

Day breaks the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Castillo forces Day back against the cage and clinches.

Day pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Castillo tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Day manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Castillo wants to clinch up but Day keeps it at a distance.
Day appears to be looking for a big counter.
Day swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Castillo.
Day lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Castillo circles away quickly and effectively.
Castillo tries to clinch there but Day circles away.
Castillo connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.

Castillo pushes Day up against the cage in a clinch.
Castillo has a couple of punches blocked by Day.
Day working hard to break the clinch.

Day breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Day misses with a kick to the body.
A punch combination from Day misses.
Jako Day is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Day lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Castillo circles away quickly and effectively.

And that's the end of the fight!
Jako Day showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Day, 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 Dean Styles scores the fight 30:27
Judge Columbo Gatti scores the fight 30:27
Judge Eddie Farnsworth scores the fight 30:27

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

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
63%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Danny Wyadd (ranked 1522 p4p, 210 weight class) and Ade Takulai (ranked 2022 p4p, 267 weight class). Danny Wyadd had real problems making weight for this fight. After initially coming in at 171.2lbs, he had two hours to make the official fight weight. He made it but it will have taken a lot out of him to cut those extra few pounds. Buckle up people - heeeeeeeeeere we go!

Wyadd
vs
Takulai

188 cm
27
188 lbs
4 - 1 - 0

182 cm
33
182 lbs
6 - 8 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent boxer
Insanely flexible

BJJ Brown Belt
Good kicks
Granite chin

Urban Fighter

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Danny Wyadd!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 8 - 0, fighting out of New York, Ade Takulai!
The judges for this bout are Jorge Garcia, Eddie Farnsworth and Anthony Taglia.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Takulai avoids the body shot from Wyadd.
Takulai avoids a punch combination nicely.
A jab from Takulai does it's job there.
Danny Wyadd seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Wyadd tries to clinch up.

Wyadd has taken the fight to the clinch.
Takulai tries to break free but Wyadd pushes him back against the cage.

Wyadd breaks the clinch.
Wyadd tries to score a power double leg takedown but Takulai sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Wyadd somewhat.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Takulai blocks a low kick nicely.
Takulai tries a quick counter leg kick but Wyadd is wise to it.
Wyadd looks to score with a jab to the body but Takulai is just out of range.
Wyadd rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Takulai counters with a good low kick that Wyadd was not able to check.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Takulai throws a low kick but it's checked well by Wyadd.

Wyadd has taken the fight to the clinch.
Takulai tries to break the clinch but Wyadd is controlling the position.
A nice left hand lands by Wyadd.
Wyadd dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.
Wyadd is looking to take this one to the mat.
Wyadd has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Takulai is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Danny Wyadd. That's going to take a lot out of him.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Takulai creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.

Takulai is fighting off a takedown attempt but Wyadd is just too persistent for him and manages to trip Takulai to the mat. Takulai regains guard as soon as the fighters hit the mat.

Wyadd stands up and waves to Takulai to follow him.
The fighters circling - Wyadd throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Takulai misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.

The fight moves into the clinch position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Takulai is trying to break the clinch but Wyadd has him pressed against the cage.
Wyadd using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Takulai has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Takulai tries to break the clinch but Wyadd is controlling the position.
Takulai blocks an elbow strike.
Wyadd taking a break, stalling in the clinch.

Wyadd gets control of Takulai's arms and successfully pulls guard. Wyadd will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.
Wyadd is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Takulai postures up in Wyadd's guard and throws a big left but Wyadd blocks it.
My spies in Midnight MMA inform me that Takulai has been getting involved in the gym's BJJ sparring sessions. Let's see whether that pays dividends!
Wyadd working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Takulai.
Takulai working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Wyadd's head.
Takulai trying to control but Wyadd is working from the bottom.

Wyadd looking for a guillotine here but Takulai defends easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Takulai throws a strike but Wyadd rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

Takulai controlling the position.
Wyadd pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Takulai is keeping the position for now.
Wyadd advances to half guard.
Takulai is looking to escape.

Wyadd seems to be looking for submissions.

Wyadd is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Takulai sees it coming and defends easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Wyadd trying to pass the guard but Takulai defending well.
Takulai is staying active underneath Wyadd, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Wyadd wants to pass the guard but Takulai is defending well.
Takulai is looking to improve his position.
Takulai trying to control here.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Wyadd is looking for a kimura but Takulai is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Wyadd to get the leverage.
Wyadd sitting and controlling from the half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Danny Wyadd dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Takulai tries a head kick but it misses.
A swing and a miss from Wyadd.
Wyadd ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Takulai moves away.
As Wyadd backs off Takulai throws a huge counter combo but Wyadd manages to avoid it all.
Takulai pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Wyadd uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Takulai.
A punch lands to the side of Takulai 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Nice takedown defense from Takulai. No joy for Wyadd on that attempt.
Wyadd scoring well with a low kick there.
Takulai pulls out of a head kick attempt.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Takulai avoids the clinch attempt nicely.

Wyadd clinches up with Takulai and pushes him back against the cage.

Wyadd has hold of one of Takulai's legs. Takulai is fighting the takedown attempt but Wyadd gets the trip and lands the takedown into guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Takulai has an active guard here but Wyadd has managed to pass into half guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Wyadd looks to land a strike but Takulai avoids it nicely and regains full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Wyadd prevents Takulai from getting back to his feet.
Wyadd trying to control the position from guard on top but Takulai is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Takulai wants to sweep but no luck.

Wyadd gets to his feet. Takulai looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!
Nice sprawl there from Takulai as Wyadd shoots in.
Takulai misses with a head kick.
Wyadd is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Takulai tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Wyadd scores with a hook.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Wyadd is looking to chop away at Takulai's legs.

Wyadd gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Takulai is trying to push Wyadd away but Wyadd has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Wyadd lands a shot to the body.
Wyadd lands a shoulder strike.
Wyadd lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Wyadd lands with a right to the head.
Takulai wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Wyadd has him pressed against the cage.

Wyadd's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Wyadd looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Wyadd is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Wyadd goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Takulai misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Takulai avoids the head kick by Wyadd.
Wyadd doesn't manage to clinch there - Takulai circles away.
Takulai throws a head kick that misses.
Takulai connects with a high kick.
Wyadd throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Wyadd misses with a wild combination.
Takulai throws a fast counter high kick but Wyadd manages to duck under it in time.
A head kick misses from Takulai.
No joy there for Wyadd, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Wyadd throws a sloppy head kick and Takulai moves out of range easily.
Takulai blocks a head kick by Wyadd.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Wyadd lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
Takulai is looking to land body kicks.

Wyadd looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Takulai is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Wyadd defends well.
Wyadd scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Wyadd wants to control from the top but Takulai keeps moving.

Wyadd stands and steps away. Takulai gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Takulai throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Wyadd's head.
Wyadd misses with a takedown
and Takulai counters with a head kick. That will keep Wyadd thinking before he tries any more sloppy attacks!
A big left from Takulai misses.
Wyadd lands with an uppercut that bounces Takulai off the cage and back into range.

Takulai tries to keep at a distance but Wyadd has taken the fight into the clinch.
Takulai is trying to push Wyadd away but Wyadd has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Takulai tries to break the clinch but Wyadd is controlling the position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Takulai wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Wyadd has him pressed against the cage.
Wyadd drops down looking for an ankle pick but Takulai pulls his leg out and moves away.

Wyadd pushes Takulai up against the cage in a clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Takulai jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Wyadd walks away with a smile on his face. Takulai gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Wyadd swats away the attempt to clinch by Takulai.
Takulai lands with a kick to the temple. Wyadd shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
Wyadd showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Takulai.
Takulai misses with a body kick.
Wyadd throws a series of punches but Takulai moves out of range.
Wyadd rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Takulai moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Takulai tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.

Wyadd closes the distance and clinches.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Takulai connects with a knee to the head.
Takulai jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Wyadd walks away with a smile on his face. Takulai gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Takulai throws out a leg kick but Wyadd moves out of range and Takulai only half commits.
Takulai tries to move into range but Wyadd moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Takulai moves out of range as Wyadd strikes.
Takulai throws a head kick but Wyadd moves out of range.
Wyadd lands a head kick!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Wyadd swings for the body but Takulai moves out of range.
Takulai raises up his leg as if looking to counter with a high kick.
Takulai lands with a cross.
Wyadd throws a low kick but it's checked well by Takulai.
A leg kick checked by Wyadd.
Takulai uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Wyadd.
Wyadd bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Danny Wyadd is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Takulai tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Takulai tries to clinch up but Wyadd circles away and keeps his distance.
Takulai shoots in for a takedown but Wyadd shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Danny Wyadd has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ade Takulai.
Wyadd jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Nice sprawl there from Takulai as Wyadd shoots in.
Takulai takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Takulai stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Takulai wants it to stay on the feet.
Takulai throws a leg kick but Wyadd moved away.
Danny Wyadd is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Wyadd comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
A nice leg kick lands there from Wyadd.
Takulai takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
The fight stays on the outside here - Wyadd looks like he's thinking about clinching though.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Takulai throws a head kick that misses.
Wyadd scores with a body shot.
Ade Takulai has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Good standup being displayed there by Wyadd as he connects with a hook.
Wyadd connects with a crisp jab.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Wyadd 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.
Takulai wants to clinch.
Takulai throws a sloppy head kick and Wyadd moves out of range easily.
Wyadd stuns Takulai with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Wyadd lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Takulai backs up against the cage.

And that's the end of the fight!
Danny Wyadd showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Wyadd has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 30:27
Judge Eddie Farnsworth scores the fight 30:27
Judge Anthony Taglia scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Danny Wyadd!
During a confident post fight interview, Danny Wyadd 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
49%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Yoshihiro Asai (ranked 1240 p4p, 124 weight class) and Holt Dennis (ranked 2812 p4p, 250 weight class). Both fighters will be looking to make this an exciting fight for the fans, I'm sure!

Asai
vs
Dennis

172 cm
34
140 lbs
24 - 12 - 1

175 cm
29
155 lbs
10 - 6 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

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 24 - 12 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Yoshihiro Asai !
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 10 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Holt Dennis!
The judges for this bout are Dean Styles, John Kavanagh and Lou da Vinci.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Dennis throws a body kick that misses.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Asai .
Asai throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Dennis tries to counter by closing the distance.
Asai takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Dennis goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Asai tries to counter by moving into the clinch but Dennis manages to circle out of the way.
Dennis tries to bum rush Asai with a series of wild strikes but Asai uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Dennis throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.

Dennis darts in and clinches Asai up against the cage.

Asai pulls guard successfully.

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

Dennis rushes Asai and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
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!
Asai jumps guard but Dennis stands there with Asai around his waist. Asai gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Asai blocks a body shot from Dennis.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Dennis is trying to push Asai away but Asai has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.

Asai breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Asai moves forwards but Dennis connects with a nice, crisp jab.
No luck for Asai with that takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Yoshihiro Asai . That's going to take a lot out of him.

Asai clinches with his opponent.
Dennis is trying to break the clinch but Asai is controlling him.
Asai is trying to pull guard but Dennis turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Asai is trying to pull guard but Dennis has him pressed against the cage.
Asai tries to score a body lock takedown but Dennis shows good agility there to stay on his feet.

Dennis's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Dennis keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.

Asai gets caught napping as Dennis dives in and scores a takedown. Asai manages to retain guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Dennis gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
Dennis swinging wildly here.
Dennis throws a series of punches but Asai avoids them all with ease.
As Dennis tries to get set, Asai tries to push him back and clinch up but Dennis manages to avoid the attempt.
Holt Dennis seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Dennis rushes in with a sloppy looking punch

and Asai moves into the clinch.
Dennis tries a knee to the head but Asai blocks it.

Dennis pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Dennis stalks Asai and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Asai 's face. Asai staggers backwards, shaken.
Asai misses with a takedown attempt - Dennis sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Asai looks to be in better condition than last time we saw him fight. Obviously he's been working hard on his cardio.
Dennis throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Dennis avoids the head kick by Asai .
Asai throws a series of punches but Dennis moves out of range.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Asai closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Dennis quickly recovers to half guard.
Asai stops Dennis from getting back to his feet.

Asai seems to be looking for submissions.

Asai is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Dennis sees it coming and defends easily.
Dennis wants to get back to his feet.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Dennis manages to create a bit of space in order to work his way back to his feet. Asai keeps hold of his opponent and drives him back against the cage.
Dennis is trying to push Asai away but Asai has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Dennis is trying to break the clinch but Asai has him pressed against the cage.
Asai looking for a takedown.
Asai fails to pull guard.
Knees to the body from Asai .
Asai tries to pull guard but Dennis won't allow it.
Dennis slowing the pace effectively.

Asai breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Asai throws a sloppy head kick and Dennis moves out of range easily.
Horrible takedown attempt by Asai or perhaps it was just good defense by Dennis, which made it look bad.
Asai shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Dennis as he jumps to the side.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Holt Dennis dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Dennis shoots in but no luck this time.
Dennis throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Asai counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Asai takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Asai appears to be looking for a counter takedown.

Asai has closed the distance and engaged Dennis in a clinch.
Asai tries to pull guard but Dennis holds him up against the cage and eventually Asai drops back down to his feet.
Asai missing with knees to the body.
Dennis has had enough of the clinch but Asai keeps him there for the moment.
Dennis misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Asai .

Dennis's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Asai fails with a takedown attempt.
Asai throws a wild body kick that Dennis sees coming a mile off.
Asai looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Dennis is fending him off so far but Asai persists. Nope, Dennis circles away and we're back to standing.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Yoshihiro Asai . That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Dennis misses with a wild body shot.
Asai shoots in for a double leg but Dennis sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Dennis digs a good hook to Asai 's body.
Yoshihiro Asai is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Asai takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Asai with a poor takedown
and Asai takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Dennis has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Dennis scores with a jab to the head.
Dennis shoots in but no luck this time.
Dennis throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Asai .
Asai shoots in but Dennis avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Asai shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Dennis as he avoids it easily.
Asai moves out of the way of the counter high kick fromDennis.
Dennis keeps the fight on the outside.

Asai forces Dennis back against the cage and clinches.

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

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Asai blocks a head kick by Dennis.
Holt Dennis seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Asai tries a head kick but it misses.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Asai fails to land with a series of punches.
Dennis misses with a head kick.
As Dennis looks to move away, Asai throws a big counter combo but Dennis just gets out of the way.
Dennis misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Asai misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.

Asai moves into the clinch successfully.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Asai is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Dennis breaks the clinch.
Dennis loads up on a big right hand but Asai slips the punch.
Asai drops down looking for a counter takedown but Dennis sprawls and moves away.
Asai avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Asai drops down looking for a counter takedown but Dennis sprawls and moves away.
Dennis buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Dennis sizes up Asai with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.

Asai has taken the fight to the clinch.
Dennis has Asai pushed against the cage.
Asai fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Dennis is struggling to control the position.
Asai jumps guard but Dennis turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Dennis struggles to land a body shot inside as Asai controls his hands.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Dennis prevents Asai from breaking the clinch.
Dennis will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Asai up against the cage.
Asai lands on the inside with an uppercut.

Dennis breaks the clinch.
Asai shoots for a double leg takedown but Dennis sprawls well. He's pushed Asai 's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Dennis just misses with a punch to the body.
Asai is looking for a counter combo.
Dennis misses with a few strikes there.
Asai fails with a takedown attempt.
A nice side step and Dennis releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.
Dennis misses with a body punch
and Asai counters with a nice uppercut.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
No joy there for Dennis, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Holt Dennis showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Back to the action! So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

Dennis tries to clinch up.
Asai blocks a head kick by Dennis.
Asai avoids the body shot from Dennis.
Asai fails in his attempt to clinch.
Dennis shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Asai as he avoids it easily.
Asai appeared to be looking to counter that last move with a leg kick.
Dennis tries to bum rush Asai with a series of wild strikes but Asai uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Asai throws a big counter combination but Dennis scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Dennis tries to close the distance and clinch but Asai swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Asai shoots for a double leg takedown but Dennis sprawls well. He's pushed Asai 's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Dennis slaps away a takedown attempt from Asai , before circling back to the center of the mat.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Asai doesn't manage to clinch there - Dennis circles away.

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

Dennis breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Asai shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Dennis but Dennis pushes him off and we're back to square one.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Yoshihiro Asai . That's going to take a lot out of him.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Dennis clinches with his opponent.
Dennis with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Asai tries to pull guard but Dennis forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Asai tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Asai controlling the action here for a moment.
Asai is trying to stall.
A bit of stalling here from Dennis.
Asai looking for a takedown.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Dennis is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Asai fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Asai has Dennis pressed against the cage, preventing Dennis from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Asai misses with a knee to the head.

Dennis manages to break the clinch.
A jab from Dennis does it's job there.
Asai avoids a kick to the body.
Dennis misses with a body kick.

Dennis fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Asai to the ground. Dennis is now in Asai 's guard.
Asai is looking to stand back up... there's a bit of a scramble and Dennis dives into side control.

This has been an exciting period of action!

Dennis decides to take the fight back to the feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Asai has a takedown stuffed.

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

Dennis stands, ready to strike. The ref makes him back up and allows Asai to get to his feet.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Asai .

Dennis moves into the clinch.
Dennis is trying to push Asai away but Asai has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Dennis is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.

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

Dennis manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Asai on his heels. He'll look to pass Asai 's guard now, I'm sure.

Dennis gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
Dennis throws a half hearted mid kick.
Dennis throws a body punch but Asai moves out of range.
Dennis is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Asai rather than just go for the knockout.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Asai tries to clinch but Dennis is having none of it.
Asai uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Dennis.
Dennis looks to score with a jab to the body but Asai is just out of range.
Asai wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch.
No joy there for Dennis, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Asai feinted with a counter takedown.
Yoshihiro Asai has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Holt Dennis is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Dennis keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.

And that's the end of the fight!
Holt Dennis comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Dennis 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 Dean Styles scores the fight 27:30
Judge John Kavanagh scores the fight 27:30
Judge Lou da Vinci scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Holt Dennis!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
48%

Main event

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Elijah Judah (ranked 731 p4p, 73 weight class) and Dumba Diame Jr (ranked 1760 p4p, 177 weight class). Diame Jr is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: Get It On The Floor. Elijah Judah could well score a knockout today. He has the power to get to Dumba Diame Jr's chin.

Judah
vs
Diame Jr

175 cm
32
147 lbs
20 - 6 - 2

183 cm
27
157 lbs
12 - 13 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Granite chin

BJJ Red Belt
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the featherweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 20 - 6 - 2, fighting out of Las Vegas, Elijah Judah!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 12 - 13 - 0, fighting out of New York, Dumba Diame Jr!
The judges for this bout are Eddie Farnsworth, John Roberts and Franklyn Lucas.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Diame Jr fails with the takedown
and Judah counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Diame Jr thinking.
Judah throws a series of strikes that have Diame Jr backpedaling.
A chopping leg kick lands by Judah.
Diame Jr goes for a double leg but Judah avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Judah continues to drive forward.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Diame Jr.
Diame Jr shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Judah pinned against the cage. Judah gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Elijah Judah has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Dumba Diame Jr.
Judah throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.

Diame Jr shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Judah's guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Judah is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Diame Jr is controlling him.
Diame Jr trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Diame Jr trying to control but Judah is working from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Diame Jr stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Judah swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Diame Jr is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
Judah keeping full guard, as Diame Jr tries to pass.
Judah keeping moving, preventing Diame Jr from controlling successfully.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Diame Jr looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Judah fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Diame Jr has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Judah leaves Diame Jr with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.

Diame Jr closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Judah's guard.
Judah is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Diame Jr tries to free his leg and advance position but Judah is retaining full guard.
Diame Jr prevents Judah from getting back to his feet.
Judah keeping moving, preventing Diame Jr from controlling successfully.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Diame Jr stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Judah swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Diame Jr keeps trying to improve his position.
Diame Jr wants to control from the top but Judah keeps moving.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Diame Jr pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Judah is keeping the position for now.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Judah throws a nice outside leg kick.
A telegraphed right hand from Judah misses the target.
Diame Jr only half commits to the counter leg kick.

Diame Jr decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.

The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Judah has one foot on Diame Jr's thigh - he pushes off and manages to get back to his feet.
Diame Jr uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Judah.
Diame Jr is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.

Diame Jr drives through with a takedown into Judah's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.

Judah scrambles and gets back to his feet.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Judah uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Diame Jr has time to react.
Judah connects with a leg kick. Diame Jr looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Nice uppercut lands for Judah. That snapped Diame Jr's head back.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Diame Jr misses with a takedown
and Judah counters with a left to the body.
Diame Jr doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Judah throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.

Diame Jr drives through with a takedown into guard.
Diame Jr looking to sit in guard and control but Judah gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Judah stands up and waves to Diame Jr to follow him.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Diame Jr.
Judah shuffles to his left behind two crisp jabs. Diame Jr eats them both and turns towards Judah to reposition himself and eats a stinging right hand-left hook combo.

Diame Jr closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Judah fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Judah scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Judah scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.

Diame Jr closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Diame Jr passes the guard and advances to mount!
Diame Jr can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Judah is looking to escape.

Diame Jr jumps to the side looking to secure the arm triangle…. Ooooh, that looks tight… Judah is gargling but he's managed to escape! Nice work there by Judah and Diame Jr has given up the dominant position trying to land that submission.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Diame Jr trying to control the action but Judah is working from the bottom.
Judah prevents Diame Jr from moving into mount.
Diame Jr tries to land with some ground and pound but misses.
Diame Jr is looking to take a break and control but Judah is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

Diame Jr working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Judah is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Diame Jr can do to turn this around?

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Judah is letting Diame Jr control him for a moment.
Diame Jr trying to control the action but Judah is working from the bottom.

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

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Judah trying to stand up but can't free himself from Diame Jr's guard.
Diame Jr lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

Diame Jr stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Judah swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Diame Jr advances position into side control!

Diame Jr tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Diame Jr advances nicely into full mount.
Diame Jr wants to control the pace but Judah is squirming around nicely.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Diame Jr controlling from the full mount.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Dumba Diame Jr showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Judah's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Diame Jr uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Judah.
Judah lands a right hook to the body.
Diame Jr 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.
Diame Jr ducks under a wild hook from Judah.
Diame Jr is trying to counter with his kicks.
Judah throws a looping overhand right but Diame Jr ducks down to avoid it.
Diame Jr blocks a low kick nicely.
Diame Jr looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Diame Jr misses with a takedown attempt - Judah sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Judah scores with a jab. Diame Jr acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Diame Jr shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Judah but Judah pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Elijah Judah has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Dumba Diame Jr.
Good exchange - Judah coming out on top.
Judah throws a leg kick that misses.
Diame Jr fails with the takedown.
Diame Jr takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Judah tests Diame Jr's chin there with a solid looking shot.

Diame Jr is rocked!
Diame Jr ducks under a wild hook from Judah.
Judah moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Judah tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Diame Jr is able to avoid easily.
Dumba Diame Jr seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Diame Jr dives in and grabs Judah's left leg, looking for a takedown. Judah pushes down on Diame Jr's head and hops out.
Diame Jr checks a low kick from Judah.
Diame Jr looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Judah is fending him off so far but Diame Jr persists. Nope, Judah circles away and we're back to standing.
Diame Jr throws a sloppy head kick and Judah moves out of range easily.
Judah throws out a leg kick but Diame Jr moves out of range and Judah only half commits.
Judah looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Judah lands a glancing blow to the side of Diame Jr's head.
Diame Jr is still on wobbly legs! Can Judah finish him?
Judah fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Diame Jr misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Diame Jr takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Judah circles and sees the opportunity to plant his feet and throw a really nice straight left hand that drops Diame Jr to the canvas! Diame Jr doesn't know where he is but he's trying to survive - Judah keeps piling on the pressure and forces the referee to step in! This one is aaaaaall over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:09 of round 3, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Elijah Judah!
Elijah Judah retains his featherweight title!
Elijah Judah decided to go for the less than humble approach in his post fight interview, telling everyone how he is going to conquer the world. The crowd seemed to like it when really that sort of approach could have gone either way.