NAFC The Isl.4 Gold v Wright PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Che Green (ranked 4720 p4p, 502 weight class) and Jonash Johnson (ranked 6448 p4p, 573 weight class). Both these guys have really solid chins. Will we see a standup war or will they both decide that a knockout is unlikely and try to win the fight elsewhere?

Green
vs
Johnson

190 cm
25
215 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

195 cm
25
205 lbs
1 - 3 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent boxer
Very strong

Good takedowns
Counter fighter
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Che Green!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 3 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Jonash Johnson!
The judges for this bout are Sandra Marshall, David Hoff and Daniel Franklin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Green cracks Johnson with a right hand to the side of the head.
Green throws a body shot but no joy.
Johnson changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Johnson takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Johnson steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Green.
Johnson tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Green misses with a jab, cross combination.
Johnson is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Green throws a left and a right that both miss

and Johnson counters with a nice double leg into side control. Green won't be happy with that.
Green knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Johnson on the ground.

Johnson is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Green knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Johnson is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Green is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Green is trying to stand back up. He's worked his way up against the cage but Johnson has just dragged him back down to the mat.

Johnson tries for a kimura but Green is defending well.

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

That's one minute gone in the round.

Johnson tries for a kimura but Green is defending well.

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

Johnson is trying to get an arm triangle but Green is defending well.

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

Johnson thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.

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

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Johnson is trying to get an arm triangle but Green is defending well.

Johnson is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Green knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.

Johnson is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Green is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Green is putting a lot of effort into getting back to his feet here.

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

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Johnson is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Green knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.

Johnson is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Green has escaped the position, nice work there.

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

Johnson is trying to get an arm triangle but Green is defending well.

Johnson thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.

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

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

Johnson is trying to get an arm triangle but Green is defending well.

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

Johnson tries for a kimura but Green is defending well.

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

Johnson tries for a kimura but Green is defending well.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Green misses with a straight left.
A punch combination from Green misses.
Johnson slips a jab from Green.
Johnson tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Green throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Che Green is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
No joy there for Green, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Johnson tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Green lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
Johnson keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Green.
And Johnson tries to counter it with a takedown but Green pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Green looks to land a combination. Johnson sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
Green throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Johnson.
Green misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Johnson.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Green misses with a combination

and Johnson counters with a takedown into side control.
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.
Green tries to escape but Johnson is in control.

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

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

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

Johnson has hold of Green's arm. He's looking for a kimura. Green seems comfortable defending it but Johnson has shifted his position slighty and is cranking on the arm! Green is real pain and he's forced to tap out! Green is disgusted with himself for not defending it better but Johnson couldn't care less - he's delighted!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:37 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Jonash Johnson!
During a confident post fight interview, Jonash Johnson 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
41%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Big Puncher (ranked 7087 p4p, 451 weight class) and Lamar Atacko (ranked 5165 p4p, 401 weight class). I don't know about you partner, but I'm pumped for this one!

Puncher
vs
Atacko

178 cm
25
152 lbs
2 - 2 - 0

191 cm
21
145 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

Decent wrestler
Solid Muay Thai
Cuts easily

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
Intelligent

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 2 - 2 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Big Puncher!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Lamar Atacko!
The judges for this bout are Santiago Holmes, Daniel Franklin and Dirk Anderson.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Puncher slips a jab and a cross from Atacko.
A shot to the liver by Puncher. Beautiful body shot.
Atacko goes for a double leg but Puncher avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Puncher continues to drive forward.
The fighters circle momentarily. Puncher darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Puncher blocks a head kick by Atacko.
Puncher dips to his left and cracks Atacko with an uppercut!

Atacko rushes Puncher and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Atacko looking to slow down the pace here.
Puncher misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Still in the clinch, Puncher scores with a nice short uppercut.
Puncher digs a right hand underneath Atacko's ribcage. Atacko let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Puncher lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Puncher lands an uppercut.
Atacko wants to take the fight to the mat but Puncher manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Puncher doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Atacko is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
A shot in the inside from Puncher.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Puncher creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Atacko blocks a body shot from Puncher.
Puncher gets through Atacko's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Atacko looking to stall.
Puncher can't find room to land a body shot as Atacko controls the action.
A right handed body shot lands from Puncher.
Puncher lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Atacko is trying to maintain a safe position but Puncher gets an underhook and turns Atacko into the cage.
Puncher works on Atacko's body with a couple of short punches.
Puncher scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Atacko wants to break the clinch but can't.
Puncher pushes Atacko back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Puncher tries to work over Atacko's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Nice body punch from Puncher.
Puncher lands a body shot.
Puncher lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Atacko backwards.
A body shot lands from Puncher.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Puncher creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Puncher lands a shoulder strike.
Puncher lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Atacko backwards.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Puncher lands a body punch.
Atacko tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Big Puncher has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Lamar Atacko.
Puncher lands a right hand that snaps the head of Atacko backwards.
Atacko holding his opponent close, against the cage.
A shot in the inside from Puncher.
Atacko tries for a takedown. No joy.
Atacko looks winded!
Puncher lands a shot to the body.
Good body shot from Puncher.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Puncher.
Puncher lands a body shot in the clinch.
Puncher can't find room to land a body shot as Atacko controls the action.
Atacko working hard to break the clinch.
A nice right hand lands inside from Puncher.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Puncher goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Puncher works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Puncher scores with a nice hook to the head.
Atacko tries to stall but Puncher uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Puncher lands a shot to the body.
Puncher lands with a light punch inside.
Atacko blocks a body shot from Puncher.
Puncher prevents the takedown attempt.
Puncher scores with a hook to the body.
Puncher gets through Atacko's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Atacko wants to get back to striking at distance but Puncher won't allow it.

Atacko breaks the clinch.
Atacko moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Puncher clobbers Atacko with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Big Puncher seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Puncher scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Atacko walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Puncher works Atacko's body with a nice hook.
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!
Good exchange - Puncher coming out on top.
Nice straight punches there by Puncher. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Puncher.
Atacko takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Puncher connects with a good right hand that stumbles Atacko. Atacko circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Puncher with a jab.
Puncher darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Puncher fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Puncher misses with the combination.
Puncher punishes Atacko's body with a nice straight punch.
Puncher lands a slapping body shot.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Atacko darts in and clinches Puncher up against the cage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Atacko has taken the fight to the clinch.
Atacko's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Puncher has Atacko pressed against the cage, preventing Atacko from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
A short right from Puncher on the inside.
Puncher is leaning against Atacko and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Puncher prevents Atacko from breaking the clinch.
Atacko tries to work over Puncher's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Big Puncher has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Puncher lands with a short shot to the head.
Puncher goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Puncher tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Puncher tries to work over Atacko's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Atacko tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Puncher just stands there and leans against the cage.
Puncher lands a hook that snaps the head of Atacko backwards.
Puncher is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Atacko can do to turn this around?
Puncher lands with a short shot to the head.
Puncher tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Atacko's elbow.
A right hook to the body lands for Puncher.
Puncher presses Atacko against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Puncher gets underhooks to prevent Atacko's takedown attempt.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Puncher creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Puncher works on Atacko's body with a couple of short punches.
Puncher working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Puncher struggles to land a body shot inside as Atacko controls his hands.
Atacko looking for a takedown.
Big Puncher has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Lamar Atacko.
Atacko is breathing heavily.
Puncher scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Puncher working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Puncher lands a body shot.
Atacko tries to pull guard but Puncher forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Puncher.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Puncher.
Puncher lands with a short shot to the head.
Nice body punch from Puncher - that landed with a thud.
Atacko is looking to control Puncher's arms but Puncher gets an underhook and turns him. Now Atacko has his back to the cage.
Puncher lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
A right hook to the body lands for Puncher.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Puncher lands a body shot in the clinch.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Puncher creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Puncher is leaning against Atacko and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Atacko blocks a body shot from Puncher.
Puncher throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Atackos head.
Atacko blocks a body shot from Puncher.
Puncher lands a shoulder strike.
Puncher lands a left hand.
Puncher lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Puncher lands a shot to the body.
Puncher throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Atackos head.
Puncher digs a right hand into Atacko's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Atacko's gas tank.
A shot in the inside from Puncher.
Puncher lands a hook that snaps the head of Atacko backwards.
Puncher misses with a body punch.
Atacko is trying to push Puncher away but Puncher has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Puncher stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Puncher creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Puncher.
Atacko stalling in the clinch but Puncher improves position.
Puncher scores with a nice hook to the head.
Puncher pushes Atacko back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Puncher prevents a body shot from Atacko.
Puncher gets through Atacko's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Atacko can't break the clinch.
Puncher digs a right hand underneath Atacko's ribcage. Atacko let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Puncher softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Atacko taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Puncher tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Atacko has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Puncher has Atacko pressed against the cage, preventing Atacko from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Atacko is trying to pull guard but Puncher has him pressed against the cage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Atacko with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Puncher lands a nice shot to the body.
Puncher scores with a shot to the side of Atacko's head.
Puncher scores with a shot to the side of Atacko's head.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Puncher digs a right hand into Atacko's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Atacko's gas tank.
Puncher lands a left hand that snaps the head of Atacko backwards.
Puncher tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Atacko tries to break free but Puncher pushes him back against the cage.
Puncher misses with a hook to the ribs.
Puncher is working Atacko over against the cage.
Puncher working some nice short punches in the clinch.
A left hand lands to the body for Puncher.
Puncher gets through Atacko's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Puncher lands a right hand.
Atacko is trying to break the clinch but Puncher has him pressed against the cage.
Puncher misses with a punch to the body.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Big Puncher dominated that second round.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action. This is the final round!

Nice cross by Puncher.
Puncher scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Puncher scores with a hook.
A clash of legs there as Puncher blocks the low kick.
A cross from Puncher lands.
A left lands for Puncher.
Atacko tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Puncher tries to counter by clinching up but Atacko breaks away and moves out of range.
Atacko takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Puncher cracks Atacko with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Puncher stuns Atacko with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.

Atacko closes the distance and clinches.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Puncher lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Atacko backwards.
Puncher struggles to land a body shot inside as Atacko controls his hands.
A short body shot lands from Puncher as the two fighters clinch.
Puncher lands an uppercut.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Atacko is working for takedown but Puncher is calmly controlling the position for now.
Atacko takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Puncher lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
A short body shot lands from Puncher as the two fighters clinch.
Puncher stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Atacko goes for a takedown in the clinch but Puncher prevents it.
A short left from Puncher.
Puncher pushes Atacko back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
A right hook to the body lands for Puncher.
A nice left hand lands by Puncher.
Atacko tries to circle away but Puncher has him pinned against the cage.
Atacko blocks a body shot from Puncher.
Puncher lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Puncher tries to work over Atacko's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Puncher lands with a short shot to the head.
A right handed body shot lands from Puncher.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Puncher lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Atacko.
Puncher scores with a nice hook to the head.
Puncher digs a right hand into Atacko's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Atacko's gas tank.
Atacko blocks a body shot from Puncher.
Puncher blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Good body shot from Puncher.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Puncher lands with a light punch inside.
Puncher lands a body punch in the clinch.
Atacko can't find room to land a body shot as Puncher controls the action.
Puncher throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
A short right from Puncher on the inside.
Puncher lands a left hand that snaps the head of Atacko backwards.
Puncher scores with a shot to the side of Atacko's head.
Puncher lands a hook to the side of the head.
Atacko wants to take the fight to the mat but Puncher manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Big Puncher has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Lamar Atacko.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Puncher is working Atacko over against the cage.
Atacko misses with a hook from the clinch.
A short body shot lands from Puncher as the two fighters clinch.
A body shot lands from Puncher.
Puncher lands an uppercut.
Puncher scores with a hook to the body.
Atacko prevents a body shot from Puncher.
Puncher lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Atacko.
A short uppercut from Puncher.
Atacko tries to pull guard but Puncher holds him up against the cage and eventually Atacko drops back down to his feet.
Atacko fails to pull guard.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Puncher.
Puncher lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Puncher lands a right hand.
Puncher lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Puncher scores with a shoulder strike.
Puncher lands with a left to the head.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Puncher lands a hook that snaps the head of Atacko backwards.
Puncher lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Puncher lands a shot to the body.
Atacko tries to break free but Puncher pushes him back against the cage.
Puncher throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Atackos head.
Puncher working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Puncher tries to work over Atacko's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Puncher working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Puncher tries a body shot but Atacko blocks it.
Puncher is leaning against Atacko and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Puncher lands with a right to the head.
Nice body punch from Puncher.
Lamar Atacko has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Puncher scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Nice body punch from Puncher.

And that's the end of the fight!
Big Puncher showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Puncher 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 Santiago Holmes scores the fight 30:25
Judge Daniel Franklin scores the fight 30:24
Judge Dirk Anderson scores the fight 30:24

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Big Puncher!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
70%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Eduardo Coyote (ranked 4250 p4p, 459 weight class) and Stim Shorton (ranked 5672 p4p, 519 weight class). Shorton is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: Oliver Tree - Alien Boy. Stim Shorton will no doubt be trying to keep this one on the feet, where he has a distinct advantage.

Coyote
vs
Shorton

182 cm
24
172 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

183 cm
25
180 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Good chin

BJJ White Belt
Good kicks
Solid chin

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 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Eduardo Coyote!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Stim Shorton!
The judges for this bout are David Hoff, Michael Johnstone and Daniel Franklin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Shorton closes this distance looking for a takedown but Coyote circles away.
Coyote looks exhausted already! Oh dear, he should have come in in better shape than this!

Shorton tries to keep at a distance but Coyote has taken the fight into the clinch.
Shorton using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
A frustrated look appears on Coyote's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Shorton is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Coyote is defending well for now.
Shorton is trying to break the clinch but Coyote is controlling him.

Coyote breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Coyote circles away from the clinch attempt.

Coyote tries to keep at a distance but Shorton has taken the fight into the clinch.
Shorton lands a knee to the head.
Shorton wants to break the clinch but can't.
Shorton lands a good knee to the midsection. Coyote won't want to take too many of those.
Coyote misses with an elbow strike.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Shorton escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.

Shorton moves into range and clinches up with Coyote.
Coyote is trying to break free.
Coyote has Shorton pressed against the cage, preventing Shorton from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Shorton stops a takedown attempt from Coyote.
Shorton is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Coyote is defending well for now.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Knees to the body from Shorton.

Shorton breaks the clinch.

Shorton drives through and clinches with Coyote against the cage.
Shorton working Coyote over with knees to the body.
Knees in the clinch landing for Shorton.
Shorton unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Coyote takes a knee to the side of the body.
Knees in the clinch landing for Shorton.
Shorton lands a nice knee to the body.

Shorton escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Shorton tries to clinch there but Coyote circles away.

Shorton instigates a clinch.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Shorton blocking some punches.

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

Shorton forces Coyote back against the cage and clinches.
Shorton is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.

Shorton breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Shorton fails with the takedown.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Shorton rushes Coyote and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Shorton works on Coyote's body with a couple of short punches.
A knee to the head by Shorton.
The referee calls for Shorton to work.
Shorton lands a body punch.

Shorton manages to break the clinch.

Shorton forces Coyote back against the cage and clinches.
Shorton trying to control the position but instead, Coyote has worked for underhooks and has pushed Shorton into the cage.
Shorton is working Coyote over against the cage.
Shorton wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Shorton lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Shorton lands a good knee to the midsection. Coyote won't want to take too many of those.
Shorton taking a breather.
Shorton wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Shorton is trying to break free.
Shorton is trying to break free.
Shorton utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.

Shorton breaks from the clinch.
Shorton tries to close the distance and clinch up but Coyote swats him away and circles back towards the center.

Shorton has managed to clinch.
Shorton stalls.

Shorton breaks the clinch.

Shorton has managed to clinch.
Coyote takes a knee right on the jaw!
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Shorton keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Coyote's efforts to push away.
Shorton lands a body punch.
Coyote prevents Shorton from breaking the clinch.
Shorton lands an elbow that stopped Coyote in his tracks for a moment.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Coyote can't break the clinch.
Shorton putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Coyote in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Coyote can't break the clinch.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
A battle for position here, against the cage.

Shorton breaks the clinch.

Shorton clinches.
Coyote is trying to break the clinch but Shorton has him pressed against the cage.
Shorton stalling.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Shorton tries to break the clinch but Coyote is controlling the position.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Shorton working hard to break the clinch.
Coyote drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Shorton looking to stall.
Coyote on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Stim Shorton dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Shorton moves into the clinch.
Shorton utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Shorton with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Shorton tries to land knees in the clinch but Coyote avoids the damage to the body.
Shorton lands a good knee to the midsection. Coyote won't want to take too many of those.
Coyote blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Coyote has been working on his balance at Cozad The Island, so perhaps that has help him stuff some of the takedown attempts by Shorton.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Shorton obliges.
Shorton landing knees to the body.
Shorton unloads a knee to the mid-section. Coyote lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Shorton is trying to break free.
Shorton wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Shorton is trying to push Coyote away but Coyote has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Shorton scores a nice knee to the body.
Coyote wants to stall.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

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

That's one minute gone in the round.

Shorton closes the distance and pushes Coyote back into the cage.
Coyote blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Shorton crunches a lovely knee into Coyote's ribcage.
Shorton pushes Coyote back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.

Shorton breaks the clinch.
Shorton has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Shorton tries to close the distance and clinch up but Coyote swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Shorton tries to close the distance and clinch but Coyote swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.

Shorton moves into the clinch successfully.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Shorton obliges.
Shorton holding his opponent close, against the cage.

Shorton breaks the clinch.
Coyote circles away from the clinch attempt.

Shorton fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Coyote, pushing him back against the cage.

Shorton breaks the clinch.
Shorton goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Shorton tries to clinch up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Shorton plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
The fight stays on the outside here - Shorton looks like he's thinking about clinching though.

Shorton moves into range and clinches up with Coyote.
Shorton keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Coyote's efforts to push away.
Shorton tries to break free but Coyote pushes him back against the cage.
Shorton has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Shorton is trying to break the clinch but Coyote is controlling him.
Knees to the body from Shorton.
Nice body punch from Shorton - that landed with a thud.
Shorton using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Coyote has Shorton pressed against the cage, preventing Shorton from circling away and getting back to striking at range.

Shorton breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Shorton is looking to clinch.
Shorton tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Coyote manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Shorton plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Shorton has closed the distance and engaged Coyote in a clinch.
Shorton is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Still in the clinch, Shorton scores with a nice short uppercut.

Shorton breaks from the clinch.
Shorton tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Coyote paws at him with a jab and circles away.

Shorton pushes Coyote up against the cage in a clinch.
Shorton crunches a lovely knee into Coyote's ribcage.
Shorton wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Coyote has him pressed against the cage.
Coyote wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Shorton landing some nice looking knees to the body.

Shorton escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Shorton is looking to clinch but Coyote is avoiding it.
Shorton goes for a high kick. It partially lands.

Shorton clinches.
Coyote takes a knee to the side of the body.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Shorton misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Coyote.
Shorton crunches a lovely knee into Coyote's ribcage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Shorton is looking to control Coyote's arms but Coyote gets an underhook and turns him. Now Shorton has his back to the cage.
Shorton putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Coyote in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Coyote takes a knee right on the jaw!

Coyote escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Shorton throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Coyote's head.
Stim Shorton seems to be getting the better of the standup.

Shorton moves into the clinch successfully.

Coyote pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Coyote wants to clinch.
Shorton tries to clinch but Coyote moves out of range.

Shorton closes the distance and clinches.

Coyote escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.

Shorton drives through and clinches with Coyote against the cage.
Knees to the body from Shorton.

Shorton escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Stim Shorton showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Shorton lands a front kick.
Shorton throws a nice looking combination but Coyote bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Coyote circles away from the clinch attempt.
Coyote wants to clinch.

Shorton clinches up against the cage.

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

Shorton rushes Coyote and presses him up against the cage.

Shorton's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Shorton has taken the fight to the clinch.

Coyote breaks from the clinch.

Shorton clinches up against the cage.
Shorton scores a nice knee to the body.
Shorton leaning his opponent against the cage.
Shorton taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Shorton receives a warning from the referee for stalling.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Shorton wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Shorton tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Coyote avoids it.
Shorton crunches a lovely knee into Coyote's ribcage.
Shorton scores a nice knee to the body.

Shorton breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Shorton plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!

Shorton has closed the distance and engaged Coyote in a clinch.

Shorton breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Shorton throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Coyote's head.
Shorton lands a right hook to the body.

Shorton closes the distance and clinches.
Shorton crunches a lovely knee into Coyote's ribcage.
Shorton lands a knee to the body.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Shorton is trying to break the clinch but Coyote is controlling him.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Coyote has a couple of punches blocked by Shorton.
Coyote tries to break the clinch but Shorton is controlling the position.
Coyote swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Shorton lands a good knee to the midsection. Coyote won't want to take too many of those.
Shorton has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Shorton utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.

Coyote pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Shorton throws a series of punches but Coyote avoids them all with ease.
Coyote is looking to clinch.
Shorton tries to clinch there but Coyote circles away.
Shorton is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Coyote throws a big counter combination but Shorton scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.

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

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

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Coyote gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Shorton lands a nice elbow.
Nice elbow from Shorton.

Shorton breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
A chopping leg kick lands by Shorton.
Eduardo Coyote is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Coyote looks to land a combination but Shorton avoids it well.

Shorton gets a clinch.
Shorton scores a nice knee to the body.
Shorton working Coyote over with knees to the body.

Shorton escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Coyote circles away from the clinch attempt.

Shorton gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Shorton is trying to break free.
Shorton tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Coyote avoids it.
Coyote is trying to force a seperation but Shorton has the dominant position.
Coyote can't break the clinch.
Coyote is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Shorton gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Coyote prevents Shorton from breaking the clinch.
Coyote keeps control of Shorton as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Knees in the clinch landing for Shorton.
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!

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

Shorton clinches with his opponent.
Shorton landing knees to the body.
Coyote letting Shorton take a breather here.

Coyote has double underhooks and is working for a body lock takedown. He's got it. The fighters land in half guard but Shorton regains guard immediately.
Coyote working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Shorton preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Coyote trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Eduardo Coyote has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Stim Shorton is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Shorton really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Coyote. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Shorton preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.

And that's the end of the fight!
Stim Shorton comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Shorton 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 David Hoff scores the fight 26:30
Judge Michael Johnstone scores the fight 27:30
Judge Daniel Franklin scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Stim Shorton!
After winning the bout, Stim Shorton thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
64%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Jose Angel Diaz (ranked 4305 p4p, 362 weight class) and Richard Richards (ranked 3471 p4p, 309 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Angel Diaz
vs
Richards

182 cm
25
156 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

150 cm
18
145 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent boxer
Very strong

Good wrestler
Counter fighter
Good gas tank

Woodhouse's

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 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Jose Angel Diaz!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Richard Richards!
The judges for this bout are Michael Johnstone, Santiago Holmes and Sandra Marshall.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Diaz feints a jab promting Richards to slip. Diaz then demonstrates his capabilities by jabbing again. Richards slips again and ducks right into an uppercut.

It looks like Richard Richards has been cut.
A jab from Richards misses.
Diaz throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped

and Richards counters with a nice double leg into side control. Diaz won't be happy with that.
Diaz is working hard to escape and get back to his feet. After a battle for position, Richards asserts his dominance and retains side control.
Richards in side control lands a decent elbow.
Diaz taking a bit of punishment here - Richards scoring with strikes.
Diaz is working hard to escape and get back to his feet. After a battle for position, Richards asserts his dominance and retains side control.
Richards scoring with punches from side control.
Richards is chipping away with strikes.
Richards lands a knee to the body and follows it up with some ground and pound to the head. That will wear Diaz down.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Richards remains in side control and seems content to stay there. It's a versatile position from which he can work both strikes and submissions, whilst maintaining that control, so maybe he'll sit here for a while.
Diaz is trying to buck Richards off.
Richards working the head and body with strikes.
Richards really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Diaz. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Diaz is trying to stand back up. He's worked his way up against the cage but Richards has just dragged him back down to the mat.
A lull in the action here as Richards stalls from top position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Diaz is putting a lot of effort into getting back to his feet here.
Richards cracks Diaz with a big right hand but Diaz just smiles back at him and invites him to have another go.
Diaz wants to escape from the position here - easier said than done!
Richards advances to full mount.
Richards is landing with some decent strikes but Diaz is trying to advance his position so the referee is letting the fight continue.
Richards controlling the position easily from mount.
The referee warns Diaz that he has to improve his position here as he takes two more clean shots to the head.
Richards unloading with bombs!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Richards breaks from Diaz's wrist control and lands an elbow.
Richards scores with a couple of good head shots there.
Richards content just to control the position here.
Richards working the ground and pound effectively.
Diaz taking shots to the head.
Richards breaks from Diaz's wrist control and lands an elbow.
Richards breaks from Diaz's wrist control and lands an elbow.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Richards looking to finish Diaz with some ground and pound. This is bad for Diaz!
Richards scoring with some good ground and pound from mount here. Will he manage to finish Diaz?
You get the feeling that Diaz really doesn't like being in this position too much.
Richards with a couple of short strikes.
Richards looking to ground and pound his opponent to a finish here.

Diaz is rocked!
Richards won't let Diaz get back to his feet... He wants to keep the fight where it is for now.
The referee warns Diaz that he has to improve his position here as he takes two more clean shots to the head.
Oh Diaz is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
Diaz taking shots to the head.
Richards lands a heavy elbow.
Diaz is looking to get back to his feet - it's going to be hard from this position.
Richards scores with a couple of good head shots there.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Diaz is trying to escape but when you're mounted that's not too easy.
Diaz seems to have got his legs back now.
Richards looking to finish Diaz with some ground and pound. This is bad for Diaz!

Richards has hold of Diaz's left arm, perhaps looking for a submission. The two fighters tussle over control of the isolated limb and Diaz manages to get his arm back to his side and away from danger.
Richards wants to control the pace but Diaz is squirming around nicely.
Richards lands a nice shot to the head.
Richards with good strikes from the mount here!
Richards lands a big shot there that rocks Diaz but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.

Richards working to secure an arm triangle but it's not happening for him just yet.
Diaz is trying to stand.
Diaz taking shots to the head.
Diaz takes a big shot to the head but keeps on trying to improve his position.
Richards landing strikes, looking to finish!
Richards has his opponent pinned against the cage, landing some nasty ground and pound that is really making a bit of a mess out of Diaz's face.
Richards trying to control but he's not successful this time.
We've been informed that Richards has been working hard on his conditioning in the buildup to the fight.
Diaz wants to use the cage to get back to his feet here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Richards cracks Diaz with a nasty head shot there - the crowd let out an audible gasp there, as the noise reverberated around the arena.
Diaz is trying to get to the cage to help him get back to his feet.
Diaz is in a horrible position here. Richards smacks him with another shot as he tries to escape the position.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Richards cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!
Diaz wants to use the cage to get back to his feet here.
Richards landing shots from mount.
Richards tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
Diaz trying desperately to get to his feet.
Richards takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
Richards won't let Diaz get back to his feet... He wants to keep the fight where it is for now.
Richards trying to control but Diaz is having none of it.
Richards working the ground and pound effectively.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Richard Richards dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Richard Richards's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

A nice combination there by Diaz.
Diaz throws a right hand that misses

so Richards counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Richards with a nice head shot there.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Richards postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Diaz wants to get back to his feet but Richards is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Richards cracks Diaz with a solid left hand.
Richards trying to control but Diaz is working from the bottom.
Richards is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Richards distracts Diaz with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Diaz wants to stand and escape but Richards is having none of it.
Diaz trying desperately to get back to his feet here but he's not having any joy at all. He's going to tire himself out if he's not careful.
Richards lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Richards is in close to Diaz's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Richards with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Richards is stalling in the full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Richards postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Richards prevents Diaz from getting back to his feet.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Richards postures up and lands a big shot to Diaz's brow.
Diaz being controlled here, momentarily.
Richards must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Diaz is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Richards works over Diaz with some ground and pound from guard.
Diaz is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Richards lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Richards scoring with some ground and pound.
Richards controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Diaz will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Richards working some strikes from top position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Richards makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Diaz is looking to stand up but Richards isn't so interested in that idea.
Richards makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Richards scoring with punches to the head and body.
Richards is working Diaz over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Richards is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Diaz wants to stand and escape but Richards is having none of it.
Richards stays in close to Diaz's body and controls the position.
Richards with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Richards works over Diaz with some ground and pound from guard.
Diaz wants to get back to his feet but Richards is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Richards postures up and lands a big shot to Diaz's brow.
Diaz being controlled here, momentarily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Richards prevents Diaz from getting back to his feet.
Richards looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Richards stops Diaz from standing up.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
Richards content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Diaz is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Richards is in close to Diaz's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Richards is stalling in the full guard.
Richards prevents Diaz from getting back to his feet.
Diaz keeping moving, preventing Richards from controlling successfully.

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

Richards fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Diaz to the ground. Richards is now in Diaz's guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Diaz is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Richards working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Diaz's head.
Richards controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Diaz has momentary wrist control but Richards slips an elbow through the middle.
Richards working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Richards landing some decent shots from guard.
Richards works over Diaz with some ground and pound from guard.
Richards landing some decent shots from guard.
Diaz wants to stand up but Richards is controlling him.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Richards postures up and lands a big shot to Diaz's brow.
Richards stays in close to Diaz's body and controls the position.
Richards works over Diaz with some ground and pound from guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Richard Richards showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Richard Richards's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!

Richards avoids a punch combination nicely.
Diaz fails to land with a series of punches.

Richards closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Richards looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
Diaz taking some punishment here, with Richards in his half guard.
Richards is controlling the pace.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Richards connects with a nice short shot to Diaz's temple.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Diaz is trying to stand up here but Richards is controlling him well.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Richards lands a nice short elbow.
Diaz tries to kick Richards off but Richards keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Richards is controlling the pace.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Diaz wants to get back to his feet.
Richards working the head and body with strikes.
Diaz is trying to stand back up but Richards is controlling him
Richards looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Richards slips a nice elbow through Diaz's hands, connecting with Diaz's forehead.
Richards has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Richards working Diaz over with strikes.
Diaz looks like he's trying to stand up.
Richards content to control rather than advance.
Richards working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
Richards content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.
Diaz is trying to stand back up but Richards is controlling him

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Richards looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Diaz with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Richards scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Richard Richards has got the better of the ground game so far.
Diaz wants to get back to his feet.
Richards with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
Richards stops Diaz from getting back to his feet.
Diaz has hold of Richards's hands but Richards slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Richards connects with a nice short shot to Diaz's temple.
Richards is nestled in close to Diaz, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Richards lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Richards is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
Richards stops Diaz from getting back to his feet.
Richards landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Richards content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.
Richards drops an elbow to the side of Diaz's head.
Richards with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
Diaz looks like he's trying to stand up.
Richards landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Richards lands a nice short elbow.
Ground and pound from Richards.
Diaz is trying to stand back up but Richards is controlling him
Richards working over Diaz with some ground and pound. Diaz looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Richards lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Diaz is trying to stand back up but Richards is controlling him

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Richards drops an elbow to the side of Diaz's head.
Richards takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
Richards looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Diaz with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Richards scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Richards working the head and body with strikes.
Diaz is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Richards scores with a couple of nice shots.
Richards drops an elbow to the side of Diaz's head.
Richards is controlling the pace.
Diaz is trying to stand back up but Richards is controlling him
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Richards is nestled in close to Diaz, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Jose Angel Diaz has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Richards controlling the action here.

And that's the end of the fight!
Richard Richards comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Richards 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 Michael Johnstone scores the fight 27:30
Judge Santiago Holmes scores the fight 27:30
Judge Sandra Marshall scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Richard Richards!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
43%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Andrew Robertson (ranked 2299 p4p, 291 weight class) and Pukka Astanovich (ranked 4201 p4p, 481 weight class). Pukka Astanovich told me before the fight that he's been watching a lot of DVDs so let's see if that helps him in this one! I can't wait to find out!

Robertson
vs
Astanovich

195 cm
25
205 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

189 cm
25
210 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

Powerful takedowns
Counter fighter
Very strong

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent boxer
Heavy handed

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 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Andrew Robertson!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Pukka Astanovich!
The judges for this bout are Sandra Marshall, Peter Branson and Michael Johnstone.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Robertson drives through with a takedown into Astanovich's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
Astanovich wants to get back to his feet but Robertson passes into half guard.

Robertson in half guard on the top. He's looking for a kimura... He's got it locked and he's managed to free his trapped foot. Astanovich tries to escape but it's on too tight and he has to tap! Great BJJ skills there from Robertson!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:23 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Andrew Robertson!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
100%

Main event

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Matthaus Gold (ranked 1465 p4p, 174 weight class) and Nick Wright (ranked 4228 p4p, 367 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Gold
vs
Wright

182 cm
25
271 lbs
6 - 0 - 0

184 cm
25
232 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Solid boxing
Very quick

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Tends to cut

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 0 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Matthaus Gold!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Nick Wright!
The judges for this bout are David Hoff, Michael Johnstone and Dirk Anderson.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Wright scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
Gold is trying to control Wright's posture but Wright avoids it.

Wright tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Gold gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.

Gold actively working from the bottom here.

Gold looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Gold wants to improve his position but Wright is controlling well.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Wright seems to be working for a kimura but Gold defends the submission attempt.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Wright trying to control from half guard but Gold is working away.
Gold is looking to control Wright's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Gold avoid being mounted?

Gold looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Wright is thwarting Gold's attempts to control the position.

Gold looking for submissions from an awkward position here.

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

The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Wright is working for a kimura but Gold is defending it quite comfortably.
Wright lands strikes from half guard.

Gold is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Wright pulls his head out easily.

Wright seems to be looking for submissions.
Gold looks to be in better condition than last time we saw him fight. Obviously he's been working hard on his cardio.

Gold looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.

Gold looking for submissions off his back.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Wright is looking to pass Gold's guard but actually Gold recovers to full guard.
Gold keeping moving, preventing Wright from controlling successfully.

Wright drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Wright jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.

Gold had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Wright defends it easily.
Wright distracts Gold with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Wright lands a couple of elbows.

Gold throws his legs up looking for a submission but Wright uses it to pass to side control.
Gold is not in a great position here, taking some shots.
A lull in the action here as Wright stalls from top position.
Gold regains half guard.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!

Wright is looking for a kimura here.
Wright lands strikes from half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Nick Wright dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Gold fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.

It looks like Nick Wright has been cut.
Wright shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Gold but Gold pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Gold tries to clinch but Wright moves out of range.
Nick Wright seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Wright looks for a takedown but Gold sprawls well.
Wright changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Gold tries to avoid it but Wright manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Gold to the ground. Gold escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Matthaus Gold has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Nick Wright.
Gold stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Gold wants it to stay on the feet.
Gold seem to be loading up, looking for a big counter.
Gold fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.

Wright scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Gold looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Gold is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Wright pulls his head out easily.
Wright working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.

Wright is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.

Gold looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.

Gold is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Wright pulls his head out easily.

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

Gold looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.

Wright is working for a submission of some sort.
Wright trying to control the action but Gold is working from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Wright seems to be working for a kimura but Gold defends the submission attempt.
Nick Wright has got the better of the ground game so far.

Gold looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Gold is refusing to be controlled, as Wright sits in half guard.

Gold actively working from the bottom here.

Wright is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.

Wright is working for a kimura but Gold is defending it quite comfortably.

Gold looking for submissions off his back.
Gold on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!

Gold looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Wright wants to control but Gold is keeping him busy.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Matthaus Gold will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Nick Wright's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Gold scores with a sloppy right hand. Wright should have avoided that one.
Nice uppercut lands for Gold. That snapped Wright's head back.
Gold throws a shot from downtown. Wright moves away and avoids it.
Wright fails with the takedown
and Gold counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Wright thinking.
Gold tries to clinch there but Wright circles away.
Wright gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Gold cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.

Wright is rocked!
Gold goes for a small jab and connects. Now Gold goes in closer pressing the issue. Left hook, right straight! Wright stumbles back but Gold runs in with a huge uppercut knocking Wright to the ground! What a finish! You have to wonder if Wright will ever be the same after a knockout like that.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:40 of round 3, we have a winner by way of KO (Punches). Matthaus Gold!
Matthaus Gold is the new heavyweight champion!