ACA 7: Stephenson vs Pope PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Chris Finch (ranked 5583 p4p, 6046 weight class) and Marcus Hughes (ranked 569 p4p, 600 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the ring.

Finch
vs
Hughes

191 cm
21
190
3 - 3 - 0

190 cm
19
199
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Good kicks
Experienced

Powerful takedowns
Basic striking
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 3 - 0, fighting out of London, Chris Finch!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Marcus Hughes!
The judges for this bout are George Francis, Tiny Johnson and Daniel Franklin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Hughes shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Hughes showed some decent athleticism there.
Hughes scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Hughes in particular looking to stall.
Hughes trying to control the action but Finch is working from the bottom.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
Hughes looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Hughes working the head and body with strikes.
Finch knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Hughes on the ground.
Hughes content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Finch is trying to get back to full guard.
Hughes looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
Hughes working the head and body with strikes.
Finch on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Finch tries to get out of the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hughes seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Finch does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Hughes controlling the action here.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.
Hughes winds up and cracks Finch with a swinging punch to the side of the head.

Finch is rocked!
Hughes lands a big elbow from half guard. That looks like it's hurt Finch quite badly. Finch pulls Hughes in close trying to recover. Hughes postures up and lands two really hard shots that put Finch on queer street! The ref takes a look and decides to call an end to the fight! Possibly an early stoppage but Finch doesn't seem to be complaining too much.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:40 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Marcus Hughes!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
51%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Abretof Casnowi (ranked 4101 p4p, 6423 weight class) and Wiz Kraven (ranked 478 p4p, 628 weight class). Abretof Casnowi could well score a knockout today. He has the power to get to Wiz Kraven's chin.

Casnowi
vs
Kraven

189 cm
24
190
1 - 0 - 0

185 cm
23
185
2 - 2 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Good chin

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter fighter
Very confident

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Abretof Casnowi!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 2 - 0, fighting out of London, Wiz Kraven!
The judges for this bout are Stewart Dunkirk, Chris Downing and Frank Dennis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

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

Casnowi is kicking away at Kraven from the bottom - trying to push off and stand up. Kraven grabs hold of a leg and drops back for a heel hook! The two fighters roll across the mat, with Casnowi trying to push Kraven off... Casnowi taps! He's tapped! This one is all over! A throwback to the old Pancrase there with an infrequently seen submission hold! Nice work.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:18 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Heel Hook). Wiz Kraven!
After winning the bout, Wiz Kraven 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
100%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Alex Klein (ranked 25071 p4p, 2979 weight class) and Matt Morgan (ranked 696 p4p, 380 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the ring.

Klein
vs
Morgan

178 cm
25
200
1 - 2 - 0

225 cm
25
205
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent boxer
Very strong

Good wrestler
Brawler
Very confident

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 1 - 2 - 0, fighting out of London, Alex Klein!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Matt Morgan!
The judges for this bout are Cecil Peabody, Chris Downing and Stewart Dunkirk.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Morgan defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Klein.
Klein fails with a takedown attempt.
Nice defenses there by Klein.

Morgan gets the takedown into side control.
Morgan working the head with strikes.
Morgan lands a decent elbow from side control.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.
Morgan landing strikes.
Morgan controlling the position from side mount.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Morgan is trying to move to mount but Klein reverses beautifully and ends up in Morgan's guard.
Klein prevents Morgan from getting back to his feet.
Morgan is pulling down on Klein's head. It's preventing any offense from Klein, at least for the moment.
Morgan looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Morgan has control of Klein's left arm, preventing Klein from doing any damage.
Morgan is trying to keep Klein in close.
Klein might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.

Morgan is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Klein defends well.
Morgan looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Klein looking to sit in guard and control but Morgan gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Morgan trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.
Morgan engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Morgan won't allow Klein to sweep him here.
Morgan slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Morgan lands a couple of digs.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Morgan showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Morgan passes easily into side control. Nice work.
Morgan wants to control but Klein is keeping him busy.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Morgan is pausing for a moment. What's he doing? It looks like he's clearing his nose. Oh dude! He's shot a load of snot all down Klein's shoulder. That is not cool.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

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

Morgan closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Klein quickly recovers to half guard.
Morgan winds up and cracks Klein with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Morgan is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
Morgan has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Well, if Morgan is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait.
Morgan wants to stand up but Klein is controlling the position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Klein is refusing to be controlled, as Morgan sits in half guard.
Matt Morgan has got the better of the ground game so far.

Morgan is looking for a kimura but Klein is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Morgan to get the leverage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Morgan scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Morgan is keen to just control but Klein is a slippery customer.
Morgan is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Morgan is taking a breather. Klein says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.

Klein looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Morgan trying to control the pace.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Morgan looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Klein with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Morgan content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.
Morgan has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Morgan works his way into full mount!

Morgan goes for an armbar but Klein turns quickly into his guard - lovely anticipation from Klein.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Morgan wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Morgan looking to hit a scissor sweep but Klein is one step ahead there.
Morgan lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

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

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Morgan looking to sit in guard and control but Klein gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

Morgan has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.

Morgan is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Klein defends well.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Morgan throws a couple of weedy looking strikes off his back.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

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

Klein gets caught napping as Morgan dives in and scores a takedown. Klein manages to retain guard.
Morgan tries to stand but Klein is controlling from the bottom.

Morgan got a little sloppy there for a moment and Klein has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Morgan has managed to get both his arms back between Klein's legs - danger averted.
Morgan with a nice head shot there.
Morgan cracks Klein with a solid left hand.
Morgan tries to free his leg and advance position but Klein is retaining full guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Morgan looking to control the position here, rather than advance.

Morgan gets to his feet. Klein looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Some wild striking there from Klein.
Morgan throws a head kick that misses
and Klein counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.

Morgan closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.

Morgan is trying for a kimura here. Klein looks like he's in a lot of pain... and he's tapping out! Morgan wins by kimura!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:51 of round 3, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Matt Morgan!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
35%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Cain Lesnar (ranked 6475 p4p, 4776 weight class) and Josh Ryder (ranked 522 p4p, 458 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the ring.

Lesnar
vs
Ryder

201 cm
23
265
0 - 1 - 0

200 cm
21
265
1 - 0 - 0

Decent wrestler
Counter fighter
Good in bed

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Cain Lesnar!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Josh Ryder!
The judges for this bout are Chris Downing, Gwen Towbar and George Francis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Ryder tries to clinch but Lesnar moves away

and Lesnar counters with a single leg into guard. Ryder didn't expect that.
Lesnar postures up in Ryder's guard and throws a big left but Ryder blocks it.
Ryder is looking to stand up but Lesnar isn't so interested in that idea.

Ryder looking for a guillotine here but Lesnar defends easily.
Lesnar not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ryder keeping full guard, as Lesnar tries to pass.

Ryder has his foot on Lesnar's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Lesnar works his way back into a safe position though.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lesnar with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Lesnar with a nice head shot there.
Ryder bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Lesnar's guard.

Ryder trying to control but Lesnar is working from the bottom.
Lesnar on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Lesnar tries to get out of the position.
Lesnar seems keen to control Ryder's posture.

Lesnar working for a triangle but Ryder defends it easily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Lesnar is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.

Lesnar looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Ryder trying to control the position from guard on top but Lesnar is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.
Ryder postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Ryder trying to control but Lesnar is working from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ryder slips nicely into half guard, despite the strikes coming from Lesnar.
Lesnar trying to control from the bottom.
Ryder is figuring out what he wants to do next.
Ryder wants to take a breather but Lesnar is having none of it.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Ryder misses with a takedown attempt - Lesnar sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Lesnar leaves Ryder with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Lesnar drops down looking for a counter takedown but Ryder sprawls and moves away.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Ryder avoids the head kick by Lesnar.
Ryder shoots in for a takedown but Lesnar shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Cain Lesnar has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Josh Ryder.
A bone on bone clash there as Ryder blocks the leg kick.
Ryder tries to clinch there but Lesnar circles away.
Ryder misses with a takedown

and Lesnar counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Ryder looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Lesnar trying to control the position from guard on top but Ryder is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Lesnar stopping the sweep attempt from Ryder.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

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

Ryder fails in his attempt to clinch.
Lesnar seem to be loading up, looking for a big counter.
Ryder tries to close the distance and clinch but Lesnar swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Lesnar swats away the attempt to clinch by Ryder.
Lesnar half committed to a counter leg kick.
Ryder tries to clinch but Lesnar is having none of it.
Lesnar is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Ryder can do to turn this around?
Ryder takes a swing at Lesnar's ribcage but misses.
Ryder throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Lesnar's waist but Lesnar gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Ryder off to one side.
Ryder with a poor takedown

and Lesnar counters with a takedown into side control.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Lesnar controls the position.
Lesnar wants to stand but Ryder is controlling his arm.
We've been hearing that Lesnar has been drilling a lot of ground and pound in training, so let's see if he get the finish.

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

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lesnar wants to lay and pray for a moment but Ryder keeps working.
Ryder is looking for a sweep.
Lesnar is moving around in side control but his primary objective seems to be to maintain the position.
Ryder is trying to get back to his feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Ryder is trying to improve his position.
Lesnar landing strikes.

Lesnar working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Lesnar wants to control but Ryder is keeping him busy.
Ryder looking for a sweep but Lesnar has passed into full mount! Oh no!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lesnar sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.
Ryder tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Lesnar unloading with bombs!
Lesnar can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Ryder is looking to escape.

Lesnar looks like he's working for a submission but he's not found anything just yet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ryder tries to get back to half guard but can't.
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Lesnar cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!
Lesnar dominating with strikes here.
Lesnar controlling from the full mount.
Lesnar manages to capitalize on a mistake by Ryder to take his back!
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!

Lesnar looking for the choke from the back.
I would not like to be Ryder right now.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

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

Ryder misses with a takedown attempt - Lesnar sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Ryder fails to land with a series of punches.
Lesnar is looking to counter the offense by Ryder and move into the clinch.

Lesnar shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Lesnar showed some decent athleticism there.
The fighters are battling for position here. Ryder manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Ryder trying to keep a closed guard but Lesnar is proving a slippery customer.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ryder looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Lesnar sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Ryder's guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Lesnar is working for a kimura but Ryder is defending it quite comfortably.
Ryder is trying to maintain the position but Lesnar is very close to passing his half guard.
Lesnar with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
Lesnar passes into side control, despite Ryder's attempt to control the position.
Ryder is positioning himself to get back to half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Lesnar trying to control the position but Ryder is working away.
Ryder tries to slip a leg under to move to half guard but Lesnar presses down on the leg and jumps into full mount!
Ryder can't escape the position.
Lesnar controlling his opponent.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.
Ryder regains half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Lesnar seems to be looking for submissions.
Ryder has found himself in a tricky position here. He's been working his transitions in training so let's see if he can work his way out of it.
Ryder tries to get to full guard but Lesnar has control of the leg.
Lesnar looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Ryder wants to control but Lesnar is keeping busy and won't allow it.

That's four 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.
Lesnar is looking to stall here but Ryder recovers full guard.
Lesnar controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Ryder shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Ryder throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Josh Ryder has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Cain Lesnar is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Ryder takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Lesnar connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.

And that's the end of the fight!
Cain Lesnar showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Lesnar 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 Chris Downing scores the fight 30:27
Judge Gwen Towbar scores the fight 30:27
Judge George Francis scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Cain Lesnar!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
23%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Jace Edwards (ranked 5438 p4p, 3594 weight class) and Peter Griffin (ranked 549 p4p, 431 weight class). Man, I cannot wait for this one!

Edwards
vs
Griffin

185 cm
24
176
1 - 2 - 0

179 cm
25
180
2 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Big right hand

Good takedowns
Brawler
Determined

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 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Jace Edwards!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of New York, Peter Griffin!
The judges for this bout are Frank Dennis, Daniel Franklin and George Francis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Edwards fails in his attempt to clinch.

Griffin dives in and scores a takedown into Edwards's guard.

Griffin is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.

Edwards escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Griffin gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Edwards utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Edwards working a defensive guard here.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Griffin trying to control the position from guard on top but Edwards is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Griffin content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Griffin connects with a couple of short punches.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Griffin trying to control but Edwards is working from the bottom.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.
Griffin postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Griffin looking to pass the guard.
Griffin cracks Edwards with a solid left hand.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.
Griffin trying to control the position from guard on top but Edwards is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Edwards looking to control but Griffin passes into half guard.
Griffin is keen to just control but Edwards is a slippery customer.
Edwards wants to improve his position but Griffin is controlling well.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Griffin is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Griffin looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Griffin is trying to control the action in half guard but Edwards is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Griffin might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Edwards haven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.
Griffin looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Edwards with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.

Griffin is working for a kimura but Edwards is defending it quite comfortably.
Griffin lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Griffin is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Edwards sees it coming and defends easily.
Griffin scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Edwards trying to control from the bottom.
Griffin lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Edwards is looking to improve his position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Griffin is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Edwards knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Griffin on the ground.
Griffin lands strikes from half guard.
Griffin is trying to control. Edwards wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Griffin slips a nice elbow through Edwards's hands, connecting with Edwards's forehead.
Griffin lands strikes from half guard.
Edwards has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Griffin is working away from the top position though.
Edwards is breathing heavily.
Edwards is refusing to be controlled, as Griffin sits in half guard.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Griffin is in a good position here but he's just trying to control... And he's not even managing to do that successfully.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

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

Griffin drives through with a takedown into Edwards's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
Griffin pushes down on Edwards's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Griffin lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Griffin scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Peter Griffin has got the better of the ground game so far.

Griffin has hold of the far side arm. He's working for the Kimura, can Edwards defend it? Griffin steps over the head and cranks it - Edwards is tapping out! That was textbook stuff right there - nice submission victory for Griffin!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:28 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Peter Griffin!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
32%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Brian Garcia (ranked 3530 p4p, 2849 weight class) and John Taylor (ranked 425 p4p, 367 weight class). Garcia comes to the ring accompanied by Dominator. Taylor has chosen LL Cool J- Mama said knock you out as his entrance music. John Taylor has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Garcia
vs
Taylor

180 cm
25
170
4 - 1 - 0

170 cm
24
180
2 - 0 - 0

Good takedowns
Basic striking
Cuts easily

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent boxer
Granite 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 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of New York, Brian Garcia!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, John Taylor!
The judges for this bout are George Francis, Cecil Peabody and Stewart Dunkirk.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Garcia shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Taylor but Taylor pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Taylor looks to land a right hand but Garcia moved out of range.
Taylor digs a good hook to Garcia's body.
Taylor misses the shot to the body.
A jab lands there for Taylor.
Garcia darts in looking for a takedown but Taylor gets double underhooks and turns Garcia into the ropes.
Garcia tries to score a body lock takedown but Taylor shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Brian Garcia. That's going to take a lot out of him.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Taylor tries a body shot but Garcia blocks it.
Taylor working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Come on Taylor - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
A short uppercut from Taylor.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Taylor is trying to break free.
Garcia being controlled against the ropes.
Garcia can't get the takedown.
Taylor misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Taylor is trying to force a seperation but Garcia has the dominant position.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Garcia wants to take the fight to the mat but Taylor manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.

Taylor breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Garcia moves away from the strike by Taylor.
Some wild striking there from Taylor.
Taylor jabs Garcia to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Garcia shoots in for a takedown but Taylor shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Taylor tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Garcia shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Taylor lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.
Nice body punch from Taylor.
A jab from Taylor misses.
Taylor thows a left - swing and a miss!
Garcia drops down looking for a counter takedown but Taylor sprawls and moves away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Taylor fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Garcia avoids the body shot from Taylor.
Garcia drops down looking for a counter takedown but Taylor sprawls and moves away.
Garcia moves forwards but Taylor connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Taylor tests Garcia's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Garcia looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Taylor is fending him off so far but Garcia persists. Nope, Taylor circles away and we're back to standing.
Garcia sets himself, and Taylor steps forward looking for the clinch! Garcia avoids it this time.

Taylor tries to sprawl but Garcia drives through with a takedown into half guard.
Garcia is breathing heavily.

Taylor is defending against the submission attempts here by Garcia.

Garcia is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Taylor felt the need to train up his defensive grappling in the buildup to the fight. Presumably he was expecting to be in a difficult position like this, so let's see if he can get out of it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Taylor tries to kick Garcia off but Garcia keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Taylor punching from the bottom.
Taylor tries to strike from the bottom but it doesn't land.
Taylor is looking for a sweep. Garcia is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Garcia looks to be in better condition than last time we saw him fight. Obviously he's been working hard on his cardio.
Taylor flails away from the bottom but he's not doing any damage.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Taylor tries to get to full guard but Garcia has control of the leg.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Garcia is taking a breather. Taylor says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.
John Taylor is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Garcia dives in and grabs Taylor's left leg, looking for a takedown. Taylor pushes down on Garcia's head and hops out.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

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

Taylor connects with a body shot.
Taylor works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Taylor throws a hook but Garcia blocks it.
Garcia half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Garcia keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Taylor throws a jab but it's blocked by Garcia.
Garcia drops down looking for a counter takedown but Taylor sprawls and moves away.
Brian Garcia seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Taylor stuffs the takedown.
Taylor is trying to avoid his opponent's strikes and get into the clinch.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Garcia.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Taylor comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Taylor misses with a two punch combination.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A combination from Taylor does no damage.
A big left from Taylor misses.
Taylor lands with a good body shot.
Taylor stuffs the takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Brian Garcia. That's going to take a lot out of him.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Garcia.
Brian Garcia is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Garcia shoots in for a takedown but Taylor shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Taylor connects with a body shot that sends Garcia's belly button to the back.
A slow jab from Taylor misses its intended target.
Taylor throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Garcia takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Taylor misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Garcia.
Taylor works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Garcia ducks under a wild hook from Taylor.
Garcia walks into a left hand.
Taylor lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
This has been an exciting period of action!
A looping hook to the body misses from Taylor. Garcia does a little dance to reset his feet.
Taylor connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Garcia displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Taylor throws out the jab.
Taylor lands an overhand right.
Garcia doesn't succeed with the takedown

and Taylor counters with a nice double leg into half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Garcia is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Taylor pulls his head out easily.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Taylor connects with a nice short shot to Garcia's temple.

Garcia is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Taylor pulls his head out easily.
Taylor seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.
Taylor is thwarting Garcia's attempts to control the position.
Taylor working Garcia over with strikes.
Taylor has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Taylor slips a nice elbow through Garcia's hands, connecting with Garcia's forehead.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Taylor working the head and body with strikes.
Taylor keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
Taylor lands with a punch from half guard.

Garcia is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Taylor pulls his head out easily.
Taylor passes to side control.
Taylor just content to control the position.
Garcia can't do much from the bottom here.
Garcia is letting Taylor control him for a moment.
Garcia tries to bench press Taylor off him but Taylor keeps the position.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

John Taylor showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Garcia's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Taylor lands a jab to Garcia's midsection.
Taylor throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Taylor lands a jab to the head.

It looks like Brian Garcia has been cut.
Nice sprawl there from Taylor as Garcia shoots in.
A jab from Taylor finds it's way through Garcia's defenses.
Garcia moves out of range as Taylor strikes.
Garcia dives in and grabs Taylor's left leg, looking for a takedown. Taylor pushes down on Garcia's head and hops out.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
No luck for Garcia with that takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Brian Garcia. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Garcia tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Taylor swivels and escapes.
Taylor looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Garcia takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Taylor misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Garcia.
Taylor connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Taylor ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Garcia moves away.
A jab from Taylor finds it's way through Garcia's defenses.
Taylor throws a body punch but Garcia moves out of range.
Jab, jab by Taylor - just one landing.
Taylor throws a right and a left that Garcia avoids nicely.
Taylor stuffs the takedown.
Garcia shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Taylor counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Taylor scores with a nice one two combo and darts back out of range to avoid anything coming in the opposite direction.
Taylor scores with a three punch combo!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Garcia is pinned up against the ropes taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Garcia showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Taylor.
Taylor tries to bum rush Garcia with a series of wild strikes but Garcia uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Taylor lands a jab.
Garcia moves out of range as Taylor strikes.
No luck for Garcia with that takedown attempt.
John Taylor seems to be getting the better of the standup.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Garcia uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Taylor.
Garcia feinted with a counter takedown.
Garcia misses with a takedown attempt - Taylor sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Garcia on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Garcia slips a straight right by Taylor.
Taylor lands a nice looking body shot.
Taylor misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Garcia.
Garcia doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
John Taylor is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
A looping hook to the body misses from Taylor. Garcia does a little dance to reset his feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Garcia blocks a jab.
Taylor throws a hook to the side of Garcia's head but Garcia sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Taylor takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Taylor connects with a body shot.

Garcia shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Taylor really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Garcia. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Taylor is looking for a sweep. Garcia is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Brian Garcia has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Garcia thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.

And that's the end of the fight!
John Taylor comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Taylor has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 George Francis scores the fight 25:30
Judge Cecil Peabody scores the fight 25:30
Judge Stewart Dunkirk scores the fight 25:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... John Taylor!
John Taylor looked relieved post fight as he said the following; 'Mama said knock you out! This guy got what he deserved, I told him i had a christmas present for him. TEAM ALTIERI is great, hey Tikhachev, instead of trash talkin' and sendin' me messages, why don't you accept the fight and step to a real fighter'.
Brian Garcia spoke after the fight, saying 'I'd like to thank my team and the organization owner for this opportunity to fight, I'll hit the gym next week and work on my bugs and promise to be back better than ever. '.

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 lightweight MMA rules bout between Tom Fast (ranked 6558 p4p, 4674 weight class) and Nobuhito Inoue (ranked 555 p4p, 459 weight class). Tom Fast had real problems making weight for this fight. After initially coming in at 157.8lbs, he had two hours to make the official fight weight. He made it but it will have taken a lot out of him to cut those extra few pounds. Tom Fast looks tired to me. Hopefully he has got enough gas left in the tank to put in a good performance.

Fast
vs
Inoue

177 cm
25
165
1 - 2 - 1

159 cm
25
156
3 - 3 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Likes comics

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent boxing
Knockout power

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 1 - 2 - 1, fighting out of New York, Tom Fast!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 3 - 0, fighting out of New York, Nobuhito Inoue!
The judges for this bout are Robert Twigg, Cecil Peabody and Frank Dennis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Fast tries to clinch but Inoue is having none of it.
Inoue shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.

Inoue instigates a clinch.

Fast breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Inoue shoots in but Fast avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Fast misses with a hook. Inoue ducked under it nicely.
Inoue lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.
Inoue looks for a takedown but Fast sprawls well.
Tom Fast has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Nobuhito Inoue.

Inoue clinches with his opponent.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Fast landing knees to the body.
Fast gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Inoue.
Inoue has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Fast's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Fast pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Inoue throws a leg kick that misses.

Fast has taken the fight to the clinch.
Inoue is looking to control Fast's arms but Fast gets an underhook and turns him. Now Inoue has his back to the ropes.
Fast wants to break the clinch but can't.
Fast tries to pull guard but Inoue won't allow it.
Inoue can't get the takedown.
Fast stalling in the clinch but Inoue improves position.
Inoue tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Fast just stands there and leans against the ropes.
Inoue is trying to break the clinch but Fast is controlling him.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Fast misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Inoue wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Fast has him pressed against the ropes.
Inoue changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Fast fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Inoue connects with a right hand. Fast shakes it off.
Inoue dives in for a single leg takedown but Fast sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the ropes.
Fast appeared to be looking to counter that last move with a leg kick.
Inoue tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Inoue looks for a takedown but Fast sprawls well.
Inoue tries to score a power double leg takedown but Fast sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Inoue somewhat.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Inoue circles away from the clinch attempt
and Inoue counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Inoue throws a head kick but Fast moves out of range.
Inoue is pinned up against the ropes taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Fast ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Inoue moves away.

Fast drives through and clinches with Inoue against the ropes.
Inoue tries to score a body lock takedown but Fast shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Fast prevents Inoue from breaking the clinch.
Inoue looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Fast is working for takedown but Inoue is calmly controlling the position for now.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Fast breaks from the clinch.

Fast clinches up against the ropes.
Fast is struggling to control the position.

Fast breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Inoue looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Fast is fending him off so far but Inoue persists. Nope, Fast circles away and we're back to standing.
A quick step to the side and Fast tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.

Inoue closes the distance and pushes Fast back into the ropes.

Fast breaks from the clinch.

Fast moves into the clinch successfully.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Inoue working hard to break the clinch.
Fast can't get the takedown.
Fast is breathing heavily.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Inoue tries for a takedown but Fast manages to get underhooks.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Tom Fast dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the ring so we can get back down to business.

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

Inoue scrambles and gets back to his feet.
Inoue tries to score a power double leg takedown but Fast sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Inoue somewhat.
Fast wants to clinch but Inoue slips to the side
and Inoue counters with a two punch combo.

Fast has closed the distance and engaged Inoue in a clinch.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Inoue jumps guard but Fast stands there with Inoue around his waist. Inoue gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.

Fast manages to break the clinch.
Inoue throws a head kick that misses.
Inoue is looking to land body kicks.
Inoue shoots in for a takedown but Fast shows good takedown defense.
Tom Fast has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Nobuhito Inoue.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fast fails with a takedown attempt.
A little jabbing left from Inoue on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
We've been told by Fast's head coaches at Deep waters that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Inoue shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Fast defends it nicely.
Fast is looking to counter the offense by Inoue and move into the clinch.
Inoue tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Inoue closes this distance looking for a takedown but Fast circles away.

Inoue closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the ropes.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Fast obliges.
Fast trying to land knees to the body.

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

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Inoue changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Fast tries to avoid it but Inoue manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Fast to the ground. Fast escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Fast half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Fast with a poor takedown

and Inoue counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
Inoue lands a body shot.
Inoue tries for a takedown. No joy.
Inoue is trying to force a seperation but Fast has the dominant position.
Fast is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the ropes.
Fast fails to pull guard.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Inoue is trying to pull guard but Fast turns him against the ropes and we stay in the clinch.
Fast is pressed up against the ropes. Inoue has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Fast down to the mat. Fast avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Inoue shoots in looking for a takedown. Fast tries to sprawl out of it but Inoue keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the ropes. Fast manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Fast half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Inoue tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Fast defends well and Inoue ends up having to push Fast into the ropes where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Inoue takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
Fast doesn't manage to clinch there - Inoue circles away.
Fast throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Inoue's head.
Inoue changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Fast tries to avoid it but Inoue manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Fast to the ground. Fast escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Inoue tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Fast is able to avoid easily.
Inoue tries to close the distance and clinch up against the ropes but Fast paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Inoue takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.
Fast is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Inoue can do to turn this around?

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Inoue fails with a takedown attempt.
Fast is looking to counter the offense by Inoue and move into the clinch.
Inoue ducks under a wild hook from Fast.
Inoue lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Fast circles away quickly and effectively.
Inoue takes a head kick and keeps coming.
Fast defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Inoue.
The fighters are starting to get sweaty, which will make takedowns a bit more tricky.
Fast lands with a shot to the body.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Inoue bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Inoue lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
Fast is looking to clinch but Inoue is avoiding it.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Tom Fast will probably get the nod.
That's time! Fast's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!

Fast thows a body kick. Inoue tries to catch it but that hurt him.
Fast lands a jab-cross combination.
Inoue closes the distance and clinches up with Fast, looking for a takedown. Inoue pushes Fast against the ropes but Fast circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Tom Fast is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
A good leg kick by Fast.
Fast circles away from the clinch attempt.
Fast was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.

Inoue gets a clinch.
Inoue stalling in the clinch but Fast improves position.

Fast escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Tom Fast is winning the standup battle so far.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Inoue shoots in but Fast avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Fast throws a big counter combination but Inoue scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.

Inoue clinches with his opponent.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A shot in the inside from Fast.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Inoue content to slow the pace in the clinch.
Fast tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Fast misses with a shot to the kidneys.

Fast breaks from the clinch.

Inoue has closed the distance and engaged Fast in a clinch.

Inoue drags the fight down to the ground.
Inoue is looking to stand up but Fast isn't so interested in that idea.
Fast wanted to stand there but Inoue had control of the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Inoue lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

Inoue loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Inoue missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Inoue sitting in guard here, content to control.
Inoue wants to pass the guard but Fast is keeping the position.
Inoue in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Inoue gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
Fast lands a head kick!
Inoue shoots for a takedown but Fast saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
An attempted straight right counter from Fast misses the target.
Tom Fast has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Nobuhito Inoue.
Inoue shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Fast sprawls well. Fast wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Inoue gets slowly back to his feet.
Inoue tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Fast swivels and escapes.
Fast throws a quick counter head kick but Inoue was just out of range.
Fast shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Inoue as he avoids it easily.
Fast tries to clinch up.
Fast throws a half hearted mid kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Inoue shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Fast as he avoids it easily.
Inoue tries a low kick but Fast avoids it.
Inoue tries to score with a low kick but Fast moves his leg out of the way.
Fast half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.

Inoue clinches with his opponent.
Fast throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Inoues head.
Inoue drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.

Fast breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Inoue is looking to clinch but Fast is avoiding it.
Nobuhito Inoue has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Tom Fast is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Inoue punishes Fast's body with a nice straight punch.

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 Tom Fast.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Fast, 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 Robert Twigg scores the fight 30:27
Judge Cecil Peabody scores the fight 30:27
Judge Frank Dennis scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Tom Fast!
Tom Fast bigged himself up after the win. The crowd seemed to love it.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
39%

Main event

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Landry Stephenson (ranked 3983 p4p, 2365 weight class) and Eli Pope (ranked 419 p4p, 275 weight class). Rumors backstage are that the fighters have been paid to keep it standing but we know that would never happen in MMA!

Stephenson
vs
Pope

178 cm
22
154
5 - 0 - 1

176 cm
19
165
3 - 1 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
Good chin

Decent wrestler
Good kicks
Powerful

Conquer

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 0 - 1, fighting out of Montreal, Landry Stephenson!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of London, Eli Pope!
The judges for this bout are Stewart Dunkirk, Cecil Peabody and Alan Glass.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Stephenson doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Stephenson has his takedown stuffed
enabling Pope to counter with a crisp jab.
Pope connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Stephenson has his takedown stuffed

and Pope counters with a crisp right hand that drops Stephenson! Pope lets Stephenson back up to his feet, looking for a finish!

Stephenson is rocked!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Pope fakes the body blow, causing Stephenson to drop his hands! Left hook to the temple! Stephenson goes stiff, and falls face first into the mat. Goodnight!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:23 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Eli Pope!
Our winner, Eli Pope, made sure he spent some time buttering up the crowd during his post fight interview, which will no doubt bring him a few more fans.