AWC S01 RD7 B PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Evil Empire (ranked 2773 p4p, 140 weight class) and Urho Viikate (ranked 3063 p4p, 159 weight class). Empire kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight. Urho Viikate has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Empire
vs
Viikate

168 cm
26
135 lbs
2 - 3 - 0

170 cm
26
144 lbs
2 - 3 - 0

Decent wrestler
Solid Muay Thai
KO power

Powerful takedowns
Basic striking
Powerful

FF Gear

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 3 - 0, fighting out of New York, Evil Empire !
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Urho Viikate!
The judges for this bout are James Glass, Andrew Berry and Sam Margolis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Viikate rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
letting Empire counter with a right hand.

Empire lands a big head kick that sends Viikate tumbling to the mat! Empire takes a step backwards and waves Viikate back to his feet - he wants the finish!

Viikate is rocked!
Empire digs a good body shot into Viikate's ribs.
Viikate is still on wobbly legs! Can Empire finish him?
Empire thuds a left hand into Viikate's body.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Viikate shoots for a takedown but Empire saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Empire lands an uppercut out of nowhere! Viikate falls backwards - clearly groggy! Empire dives in and finishes the fight with more strikes for a TKO finish!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:21 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Evil Empire !
After the fight, Evil Empire was humble in paying tribute to his opponent but made it clear he wants to go on to bigger and better things. It seemed to go down well with the crowd who cheered him loudly.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
100%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Floki Agard (ranked 2913 p4p, 365 weight class) and Kybeau Ren (ranked 2673 p4p, 342 weight class). Floki Agard is staring across the cage at his opponent, tweaking his nipples... Tweaking his own nipples that is.

Agard
vs
Ren

190 cm
26
170 lbs
2 - 3 - 0

187 cm
26
170 lbs
2 - 3 - 0

Good takedowns
Brawler
KO power

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent boxer
Powerful

Vegan Gains

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 2 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Floki Agard!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Kybeau Ren!
The judges for this bout are Andrew Berry, James Ackerman and William Gold.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Agard gets a takedown into half guard.
Agard trying to control from half guard but Ren is working away.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Agard thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Agard seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Ren does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Ren is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Agard performing his best blanket impression for a moment.
Agard is trying to control the action in half guard but Ren is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Agard is trying to work for a kimura but Ren is defending well.
Agard passes the half guard and he's now in mount! Big trouble for Ren!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Agard in mount throwing good strikes here, bouncing his opponent's head off the canvas.
Agard trying to control but Ren is having none of it.
Agard really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Agard avoids the attempt from Ren to control.
Agard can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Ren is looking to escape.
Agard throws an elbow from mount that misses. Lucky escape for Ren because Agard loaded up on that one.
Ren sneaks a leg under to get to half guard.
Ren is staying active underneath Agard, who seems content to just control the action from this position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ren is trying to get back to full guard.
Agard wants to lay and pray for a moment but Ren keeps working.

Agard looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.

Agard wants to work for an arm triangle but Ren is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ren is holding on to half guard well.
Agard not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Agard seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.
Agard's ground tactics aren't going to win him many fans. Let's hope he's got fireworks for us if he gets back to his feet because he's not doing much on the ground.
Agard wants to take a breather but Ren is having none of it.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
Ren has hold of Agard's hands but Agard slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Agard takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
Agard trying to control from half guard but Ren is working away.
Agard is really struggling to control Ren but he's trying to hold on to the position.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.

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.
Agard with a lazy takedown attempt
and Ren cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Floki Agard seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Agard takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Agard fails with a takedown attempt.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Agard.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Floki Agard. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Agard with a lazy takedown attempt

and Ren moves into the clinch.
Agard is looking to take this one to the mat.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Ren has Agard pushed against the cage.
Ren is working Agard over against the cage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Agard has his takedown stuffed

and Ren counters by clinching up.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Ren.
Ren on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.

Ren breaks from the clinch.
Agard with a poor takedown
and Ren counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Agard shoots and misses
and Ren counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Floki Agard. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Agard misses with a kick to the body
and Ren counters with a right hand from hell and Agard is out cold! A vicious knockout!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:41 of round 2, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Kybeau Ren!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
29%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Randy Rutheford (ranked 6573 p4p, 251 weight class) and Markus Haland (ranked 1488 p4p, 84 weight class). Randy Rutheford has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Rutheford
vs
Haland

170 cm
26
135 lbs
1 - 4 - 0

164 cm
26
135 lbs
3 - 2 - 0

Decent wrestler
Solid boxing
Good chin

Good wrestler
Basic striking
Good gas tank

Aspire Clothing

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Randy Rutheford!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Markus Haland!
The judges for this bout are Chris Edwards, Colin Fotheringham and Andrew Berry.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Rutheford waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Haland.
A big right from Haland misses.
Rutheford throws a lazy right hand but Haland sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Haland uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Rutheford has time to react.
Haland throws a lazy right hand but Rutheford sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Rutheford fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Haland looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Haland lands with a straight right. Rutheford didn't see that one coming.
Rutheford takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
A big left from Haland misses.
Decent striking displayed by Haland there.
Rutheford motions for Haland to come forward. Rutheford throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Rutheford throws an overhand right that lands on Haland's shoulder, as Haland tries to avoid the shot.
Haland slips a jab and a cross from Rutheford.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Haland ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Haland missing with a left hand there. Rutheford was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Rutheford misses with an uppercut.
Haland throws a good cross that connects.
Haland throws a jab when Rutheford was well out of range.
Nice cross by Haland.
Haland bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Rutheford's head backwards.
Haland checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
A little jabbing left from Haland on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Haland bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Haland misses with a series of wild punches.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rutheford moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Haland scores with a jab to the body.
Rutheford keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Haland keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Haland misses with an uppercut.
It looked like Rutheford wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Rutheford fails to land with a series of punches.

Rutheford tries to keep at a distance but Haland has taken the fight into the clinch.
Haland tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Rutheford's elbow.
Haland lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Rutheford backwards.
Haland tries to throw a body punch but Rutheford avoids it by throwing Haland back against the cage.
Haland blocking some punches.
Rutheford prevents a body shot from Haland.
A nice right hand lands inside from Haland.
Haland lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Rutheford.
Rutheford takes a shot to the head.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
A head punch on the inside from Rutheford fails to land.
Rutheford misses with a punch on the inside.
Haland misses with a short punch on the inside.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Haland.
Haland lands a body shot in the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rutheford blocking some punches.
Rutheford lands with a light punch inside.
Rutheford blocking some punches.

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

Haland clinches up with Rutheford and pushes him back against the cage.

Rutheford pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Rutheford is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Haland.
Rutheford misses the jab.
Rutheford takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Rutheford misses with a few strikes there.
Haland has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Haland there as he acknowledges the shot.
Rutheford takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Rutheford takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Haland moves away from the strike by Rutheford.
Haland paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Haland ducks under a wild hook from Rutheford.
Rutheford throws a right hand that Haland ducks under and follows up with a left that Haland also avoids with ease.
Haland misses with a hook. Rutheford ducked under it nicely.
Haland throws a lazy right hand but Rutheford sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Rutheford missing with a left hand there. Haland was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Rutheford takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Haland throws a body punch but Rutheford moves out of range.
Haland has tried to improve his agility in the runup to this fight.
Haland cracks Rutheford with a right hand to the side of the head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Haland checks the leg kick.
Haland sizes up Rutheford with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Nice jab there from Haland.
A big left from Haland misses.
Rutheford throws a jab when Haland was well out of range.
Rutheford pivots, looking for a leg kick but Haland is out of range and Rutheford settles back down.
Rutheford moves out of range as Haland strikes.
Rutheford waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Haland.
Haland uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Rutheford has time to react.
Haland is landing a lot of head punches in this opening round! Rutheford had better start moving his head a bit unless he wants his face to turn into pâté.
Haland smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Rutheford takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Haland digs a good body shot into Rutheford's ribs.
Rutheford ducks under a wild hook from Haland.
A punch combination from Rutheford misses.
Haland connects with a looping right hand.
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!
Haland throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Rutheford stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Haland throws a body punch but Rutheford moves out of range.
Haland scores with a jab.
Haland uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Rutheford.
Haland slips under a jab.
Haland misses with a wild body shot.
A little feinted left hand from Rutheford on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
A jab from Haland misses.
Haland throws the left hand but Rutheford avoids the punch easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nice straight punches there by Haland. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Haland.
Haland checks a leg kick.
Haland cracks Rutheford with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Haland throws a shot from downtown. Rutheford moves away and avoids it.
Haland scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Haland throws out a powerful jab.
Rutheford steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Haland.

Haland gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Rutheford tries to work over Haland's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.

Rutheford breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Haland throws a lazy right hand but Rutheford sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Good standup being displayed there by Haland as he connects with a hook.
Rutheford walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Haland checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Haland throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Haland slips under a jab.
Haland lands a nice hook to Rutheford's body. Rutheford takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Rutheford connects with a crisp jab.

Haland moves into the clinch successfully.
Haland swings wildly with an uppercut but Rutheford uses good head movement to avoid it.
Rutheford is trying to force a seperation but Haland has the dominant position.
Rutheford misses with some punches.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Markus Haland dominated that 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.

Haland jabs at Rutheford's body.
Rutheford throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
A punch combination from Rutheford misses.

Haland drives through and clinches with Rutheford against the cage.
Haland lands with a left to the head.
Haland lands a hook to the side of the head.
Haland pushes Rutheford back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Haland misses with a hook to the ribs.
Haland lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Rutheford or not.
A hook to the body from Haland.
Rutheford throws an elbow but it's blocked.
We are yet to see a takedown attempt from Haland in the fight. On paper you would think he is the more dominant ground fighter so let's see if these unusual tactics pay off.
Haland softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Haland.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
A short right from Haland on the inside.
Haland digs a right hand into Rutheford's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Rutheford's gas tank.
Markus Haland seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Haland lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Rutheford fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Haland blocks an uppercut.
Haland doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Rutheford looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Haland gets through Rutheford's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Haland lands an uppercut.
Haland softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Rutheford is looking to break free of the clinch but Haland has double underhooks.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Haland lands a right hand.
Rutheford has a couple of punches blocked by Haland.
Haland throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Ruthefords head.
A short right from Haland.
Rutheford prevents a body shot from Haland.
Rutheford misses with the head strike.
Rutheford misses with some punches.
A hook to the body from Haland.
A hook to the body from Haland.
Haland lands a left hand.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Haland creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Rutheford's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Haland lands a hook to the side of the head.
Haland lands a shoulder strike.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Still in the clinch, Haland scores with a nice short uppercut.
Haland can't find room to land a body shot as Rutheford controls the action.
Haland lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Rutheford backwards.
Haland lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Rutheford working aggressively here.
Rutheford misses with some punches.
Rutheford misses with the head strike.
Haland lands a shoulder strike.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Rutheford breaks the clinch.
A telegraphed right hand from Haland misses the target.
Haland closes the distance and lands a one-two.
The crowd cheers as Haland lands an impressive looking overhand right. Rutheford doesn't seem phased though.
Haland paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Haland misses with a hook.
Haland jabs Rutheford right on the nose. Rutheford blinks but takes it well.
Randy Rutheford is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

Haland darts in and clinches Rutheford up against the cage.
A right hand to the body from Haland.
Haland goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Haland tries to throw a body punch but Rutheford avoids it by throwing Haland back against the cage.
Haland lands with a short shot to the head.
Haland blocks an uppercut.
Haland misses with a hook to the ribs.
Rutheford is trying to force a seperation but Haland has the dominant position.
Haland throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Haland scores with a nice hook to the head.
Haland lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
A short body shot lands from Haland as the two fighters clinch.
Haland cracks Rutheford with a nice body shot.
Haland throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Ruthefords head.
Haland digs a right hand underneath Rutheford's ribcage. Rutheford let out a lung full of air as it connected.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rutheford misses with a punch on the inside.
Haland misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Haland lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Rutheford backwards.
Haland lands a body punch.
Haland lands a right hand that snaps the head of Rutheford backwards.
Haland lands a left hand that snaps the head of Rutheford backwards.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Haland.
Haland lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Haland works on Rutheford's body with a couple of short punches.
Good body shot from Haland.
A nice left hand lands by Haland.
Haland lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Haland lands a hook that snaps the head of Rutheford backwards.

Rutheford is rocked!
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Haland lands a nice shot to the body.
Oh Rutheford is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Haland is leaning against Rutheford and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Rutheford seems to have got his legs back now.
A short body shot lands from Haland as the two fighters clinch.
Haland has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Haland tries a body shot but Rutheford blocks it.
Haland lands a right hand.
Rutheford takes a shot to the head.
Haland scores with a nice hook to the head.
A left hand lands to the body for Haland.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Haland creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Haland is leaning against Rutheford and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Haland lands with a right to the head.
Haland presses Rutheford against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Haland lands a body punch in the clinch.
Haland pushes Rutheford back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Haland pushes Rutheford back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
A short right from Haland.
Haland lands with a left to the head.
Haland digs a right hand underneath Rutheford's ribcage. Rutheford let out a lung full of air as it connected.
A short right from Haland.
Haland lands with a right to the head.
Haland lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Haland lands an uppercut.
Haland lands an uppercut in the clinch that drops Rutheford to his knees! Haland keeps firing more shots against his stricken opponent and the referee jumps in to save him!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:50 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Markus Haland!
During a confident post fight interview, Markus Haland thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.
Randy Rutheford was interviewed post fight and said 'Well fuck'.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
100%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Stig Statham (ranked 1654 p4p, 201 weight class) and Digi Box (ranked 2983 p4p, 329 weight class). Statham comes to the cage accompanied by The Chain, Fleetwood Mac. Box is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: Vesterinen Yhtyeineen - Kaikki päättyy hyvin. Well, the cameraman is lingering on a pretty young lady for a bit too long there. Keep your eyes on the prize buddy or you'll miss the fighter intros!

Statham
vs
Box

176 cm
26
165 lbs
3 - 3 - 0

180 cm
26
157 lbs
3 - 2 - 0

Good takedowns
Counter fighter
Good chin

BJJ Brown Belt
Excellent boxer
Powerful

Hot Spunk

FF Gear
Condemned

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 3 - 3 - 0, fighting out of London, Stig Statham !
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Digi Box!
The judges for this bout are Donald Grub, Richard Clark and Colin Fotheringham.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Statham lands a jab-cross combination.
Box rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Statham moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Box throws a good cross that connects.
Statham fails to land with a series of punches.
Statham takes one to the chin there.
Box showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Statham .
Box with a hook.
Box scores with the left hand. Statham knows he should have avoided that one.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Box throws a combination. Statham tries to block but a couple of punches get through.

It looks like Stig Statham has been cut.
Statham looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Box throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Statham stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
No joy there for Statham , who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Statham takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Statham tries to close the distance and clinch but Box swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Box looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Statham swings for the body but Box moves out of range.
Statham throws a body kick that misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Box throws a right and a left that both miss.
Box scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Statham doesn't seem bothered though.
Statham misses with a looping right.
Box cracks Statham with a right hand to the side of the head.

Statham pushes Box up against the cage in a clinch.
Box has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
A nice left hand lands by Box.
Box looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
A head punch on the inside from Box fails to land.
Box lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Statham backwards.
Statham is looking to control Box's arms but Box gets an underhook and turns him. Now Statham has his back to the cage.
Statham tries to stall but Box uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Box is trying to break the clinch but Statham has him pressed against the cage.

Box breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Box lands with a hook. Statham tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Box scores with the left hand. Statham knows he should have avoided that one.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Box's jab looks to have found its range, popping Statham under the eye.

Statham is rocked!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Statham drops his hands momentarily. Box doesn't need a second invitation, landing a shot to the temple. Statham staggers and falls to the mat and the ref dives in to save him from any more punishment. Statham doesn't seem happy with the stoppage but he was done.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:08 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Digi Box!
After the fight, Digi Box was humble in paying tribute to his opponent but made it clear he wants to go on to bigger and better things. It seemed to go down well with the crowd who cheered him loudly.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
68%

Main event

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Maximus Furioto (ranked 1591 p4p, 195 weight class) and Chubby Funster (ranked 1850 p4p, 220 weight class). Furioto's ring entrance music is that housewives' favourite, N5 from outer space. These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Furioto
vs
Funster

170 cm
26
155 lbs
5 - 2 - 0

175 cm
26
156 lbs
4 - 1 - 0

Good wrestling
Basic striking
Granite chin

BJJ Brown Belt
Basic striking
Good gas tank

UnderGround Clothing Co.

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Maximus Furioto!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of New York, Chubby Funster!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Bishop, James Glass and Paul Tew.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Furioto takes one to the side of the head.
Furioto slips under a jab.
We've been hearing reports that Furioto has been drilling takedowns in recent sessions so let's see if that has an impact on the result of this fight.
Furioto moves out of range of the strikes.
Funster throws a hook to the side of Furioto's head but Furioto sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Furioto moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Funster lands with a cross.
Furioto needs to keep his hands up - Funster had a free shot at his head there.
Funster avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Funster missing with a left hand there. Furioto was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Furioto tries to counter with a takedown but Funster is quick to defend against it.

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

Funster's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Funster moves out of range of the strikes.
A swing and a miss from Funster.
Furioto blocks a jab.
Funster stuffs the takedown attempt from Furioto. Furioto gets slowly back to his feet.
Funster fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Furioto on the side of the head.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Furioto misses with a low kick.
Funster might want to mix his strikes up a bit more. He's just going for head shots at the moment and that can become a bit predictable.
Furioto keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Furioto closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Funster to the mat! Funster manages to get full guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Furioto pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Funster is keeping the position for now.

Funster is looking for a triangle but Furioto pushes his legs off easily.
Furioto pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Funster is keeping the position for now.
Furioto controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Furioto wants to control from the top but Funster keeps moving.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Furioto trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Furioto has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Furioto sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Funster's guard.

Funster is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Furioto pulls his head out easily.
Funster tries to get to full guard but Furioto has control of the leg.

Furioto is working for a kimura but Funster is defending it quite comfortably.
Funster wants to control but Furioto is keeping busy and won't allow it.

Furioto is looking for a kimura but Funster is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Furioto to get the leverage.
Furioto perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Funster is refusing to be controlled, as Furioto sits in half guard.

Funster looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Furioto is trying to control the action in half guard but Funster is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Funster trying to hold on to Furioto's head to control him but Furioto postures up.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.
Furioto trying to control the pace.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Furioto shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Funster counters with a lovely shot to the body.

The fight moves into the clinch position.

Furioto breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Furioto misses with a low kick.
Funster checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Funster waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Furioto.
Funster misses with a body shot.
Furioto throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Funster! But no joy.
Furioto dives in for a single leg takedown but Funster sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Maximus Furioto. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Funster misses with a looping right.
Furioto misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Funster.
Furioto throws a hook but Funster blocks it.
Furioto blocks a jab.
Funster fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.

Furioto 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!
You can see the frustration on Funster's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Furioto just content to control the position.
Funster tries to slip a leg under to move to half guard but Furioto presses down on the leg and jumps into full mount!
Funster tries to hold on but Furioto postures up.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Maximus Furioto will probably get the nod.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Funster moves out of range as Furioto throws a body kick.
Chubby Funster seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Furioto moves out of range as Funster strikes.
Funster throws a body punch but Furioto moves out of range.
Furioto moves out of range as Funster strikes.
Furioto changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
A slow jab from Furioto misses its intended target.
Furioto checks a leg kick.
Furioto half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Funster misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Furioto.
Funster throws a body punch but Furioto moves out of range.
Funster avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
A swing and a miss from Funster.
Funster connects with a jab.

Furioto 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.
Funster won't allow Furioto to pass to mount.
Furioto works his way into side control.
Funster stops Furioto from passing to mount.
Funster is looking for a sweep.
Maximus Furioto overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Funster struggling a bit here.
Furioto controlling from side mount.
Funster tries to buck Furioto off but Furioto is having none of it.
Funster is trying to escape the position but Furioto is controlling the position.
Furioto trying to control the action but Funster is working from the bottom.

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

Furioto is trying to get an arm triangle but Funster is defending well.

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.
Funster wants to control but Furioto postures up.
Funster is trying to improve his position.
Furioto controlling from side mount.
You can see the frustration on Funster's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.

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

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Furioto throwing strikes but missing, from side control.
Furioto working away.
Furioto trying to control the action but Funster is working from the bottom.
Funster seems a little lost for a moment, as Furioto dominates the positioning.
Funster is trying to control Furioto's posture but Furioto avoids it.

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

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.
You can see the frustration on Funster's face as Furioto controls the position.

Furioto goes for an armbar! This could be all over! Wait, no, Funster rolls with the submission and now he's on top in Furioto's guard! Nice work there by Funster!
Furioto working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Funster.

Furioto is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Funster is aware though and is defending well.
Funster being controlled here momentarily.

Furioto isolates an arm and boxes in a triangle. Funster stacks Furioto on his neck as he steps over and passes to the side. He's now in a much more dominant position where he can look to do some serious damage. Nice move by Funster!
Furioto is looking for a sweep.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Furioto being controlled for a moment.
Furioto tries to bench press Funster off him but Funster keeps the position.
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 Maximus Furioto will probably get the nod.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Furioto has managed to clinch.
Funster tries to pull guard but Furioto holds him up against the cage and eventually Funster drops back down to his feet.
Funster wants to get back to striking at distance but Furioto won't allow it.
Furioto can't find room to land a body shot as Funster controls the action.
Furioto is looking for a takedown.

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

Furioto drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Funster can't do much from the bottom here.
Funster is trying to avoid being dragged into an even worse position than he's already in but Furioto is staying active.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Furioto trying to control the position but Funster is working away.
Funster struggling a bit here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A lull in the action here as Furioto stalls from top position.
Funster stops Furioto from passing to mount.
Funster is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.
Funster is staying active underneath Furioto, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Funster has been taking part in the yoga sessions down at Little Lebowski Urban Achievers Gymnasium. Presumably he's going to look for a slick submission... Or maybe he's looking to avoid one.
Furioto has freed up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Funster manages to regain half guard. Good work.
Furioto trying to control the action but Funster is working from the bottom.
Furioto takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Furioto is working for a submission of some sort.
Furioto wants to control but Funster is keeping him busy.
Furioto with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.

Funster actively working from the bottom here.
Furioto trying to pass the guard but Funster defending well.
Furioto is trying to control the action in half guard but Funster is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Furioto stalling.

Funster is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Furioto pulls his head out easily.

Furioto is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Furioto is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Funster can do to turn this around?
Funster trying to control but Furioto postures up.
Funster is looking to improve his position.
Furioto is thwarting Funster's attempts to control the position.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Funster lands a slapping body shot.
Chubby Funster has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

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.
A jab from Funster misses.
Funster lands with a hook. Furioto tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Furioto bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.

Furioto forces Funster back against the cage and clinches.
Funster prevents a body shot from Furioto.
Furioto tries for a takedown but Funster manages to get underhooks.
Furioto keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Funster's efforts to push away.
Funster tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.

Furioto breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Funster wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Funster misses with a straight left.
Furioto is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Funster.
Funster throws a body shot but no joy.
Chubby Funster is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Furioto fails with an attempt to clinch.
Funster misses the shot to the body.
Funster throws a hook but Furioto avoids it easily.
Maximus Furioto is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Funster ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Furioto moves away.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Maximus Furioto.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Furioto, 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 Daniel Bishop scores the fight 30:28
Judge James Glass scores the fight 30:27
Judge Paul Tew scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Maximus Furioto!
Maximus Furioto seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.