The Island Season 12, 155 lbs, Round 2 PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Anthony Epolito (ranked 800 p4p, 176 weight class) and Necmettin Hoca (ranked 106 p4p, 24 weight class). The fight MMA fans around the world have waited their entire lives for!

Epolito
vs
Hoca

172 cm
26
154
6 - 2 - 0

175 cm
27
162
10 - 3 - 0

Decent wrestler
Solid Muay Thai
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Basic striking
Granite chin

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 6 - 2 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Anthony Epolito!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 10 - 3 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Necmettin Hoca!
The judges for this bout are David Hoff, Santiago Holmes and Sandra Marshall.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Epolito is looking to clinch but Hoca is avoiding it.
Epolito looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Hoca throws a jab when Epolito was well out of range.
Epolito looks to score with a jab to the body but Hoca is just out of range.
Hoca ducks under a wild hook from Epolito.
Nice body punch from Hoca.
Hoca tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Epolito was well out of range. Poor timing from Hoca.
Anthony Epolito seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Epolito throws a poor cross that misses
and Hoca connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.

Hoca moves into range and clinches up with Epolito.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Hoca.
A nice right hand lands inside from Epolito.
Hoca blocks an uppercut.
Epolito goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Hoca misses with a short punch on the inside.
Hoca stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
Hoca working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Epolito misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Epolito misses with a short punch on the inside.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Epolito.
Epolito misses with a hook to the ribs.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hoca's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Hoca's coach down at Cozad The Island was telling us pre-fight that they have been working on Hoca's balance. Obviously they view that as a key factor in the outcome of this fight.
Epolito lands an uppercut.
Epolito throws a head punch that misses.
Epolito misses with the head strike.
Hoca lands with a short head shot on the inside.
A right hand to the body from Epolito.
Epolito working aggressively here.
Hoca blocks a body shot from Epolito.
Hoca lands a hook that snaps the head of Epolito backwards.
A short right from Hoca.
Hoca doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Epolito misses with a punch to the body.
Hoca misses with a hook to the ribs.
Epolito takes a shot to the head.
Epolito doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Hoca lands a body punch.
Epolito looking to throw knees to the head but Hoca is blocking nicely.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Epolito blocks a body shot from Hoca.
Epolito struggles to land a body shot inside as Hoca controls his hands.
Nice body punch from Hoca.
Nice body punch from Epolito - that landed with a thud.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Epolito swings wildly with an uppercut but Hoca uses good head movement to avoid it.
Epolito working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Epolito pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the cage.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Epolito.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Hoca.
Epolito lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Hoca backwards.
Nice body punch from Hoca - that landed with a thud.
A head punch on the inside from Epolito fails to land.
Hoca lands with a right to the head.
A right handed body shot lands from Hoca.
Hoca will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Epolito up against the cage.
A short uppercut from Hoca.
Hoca working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Hoca softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Epolito tries to throw a body punch but Hoca avoids it by throwing Epolito back against the cage.
Hoca tries a body shot but Epolito blocks it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hoca lands a hook that snaps the head of Epolito backwards.
Epolito misses with a body punch.
Epolito lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Hoca swings wildly with an uppercut but Epolito uses good head movement to avoid it.
Hoca blocks a body shot from Epolito.
Nice body punch from Hoca.
Hoca working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Hoca gets through Epolito's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Hoca working aggressively here.
Epolito misses with some punches.
Hoca can't find room to land a body shot as Epolito controls the action.
Hoca throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Epolitos head.
Hoca goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Epolito tries to land knees in the clinch but Hoca avoids the damage to the body.
Hoca gets through Epolito's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Epolito misses with an elbow over the top.
A short uppercut from Hoca.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
A right handed body shot lands from Hoca.
Epolito misses with the head strike.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A short uppercut from Hoca.
Epolito working aggressively here.
Epolito takes a shot to the head.
Epolito working aggressively here.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Hoca.
Hoca blocks a body shot from Epolito.
Hoca doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
A right hand to the body from Hoca.
Hoca is leaning against Epolito and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
A short left from Hoca.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Hoca working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Epolito tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Epolito lands a left hand.
Hoca tries a body shot but Epolito blocks it.
Epolito tries to work over Hoca's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Hoca scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Hoca lands a hook to the side of the head.
A right hand to the body from Hoca.
A nice right hand lands inside from Hoca.
Hoca lands a hook to the side of the head.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

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

Epolito throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Hoca swings for the body but Epolito moves out of range.
Epolito lands with a nice combination. Hoca backs away looking to recover.
Epolito slips under a jab from Hoca.
Epolito throws a low kick, looking for Hoca's leg but Hoca calmly moves out of range.
Hoca scores with a jab. Epolito acknowledges it with a nod of the head.

Hoca instigates a clinch.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Hoca.
Epolito presses Hoca against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Epolito misses with a hook to the ribs.
Hoca takes a shot to the head.
Epolito lands with a light punch inside.
Epolito wants to get back to striking at distance but Hoca won't allow it.
Hoca avoids a wild elbow strike from Epolito.
Hoca misses with a shot to the kidneys.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Hoca lands with a short shot to the head.
Epolito looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Epolito tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Epolito misses with a hook from the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hoca lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Hoca digs a right hand into Epolito's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Epolito's gas tank.
Epolito scores with a nice hook to the head.
Hoca lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Necmettin Hoca seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Hoca scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Hoca has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Hoca lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Hoca misses with a punch to the body.
Epolito tries to work over Hoca's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Hoca blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Hoca blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Hoca doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Hoca lands a right hand that snaps the head of Epolito backwards.
Hoca has a couple of punches blocked by Epolito.
A short left from Hoca.
Epolito lands with a short shot to the head.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Hoca blocks an elbow strike.
Hoca pushes Epolito back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Hoca gets through Epolito's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Epolito throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Hocas head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Epolito tries a body shot but Hoca blocks it.
Epolito misses with a punch to the body.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Epolito.
Epolito tries to work over Hoca's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Epolito misses with a punch on the inside.
Hoca tries to throw a body punch but Epolito avoids it by throwing Hoca back against the cage.
Hoca blocks an uppercut.
Epolito tries to work over Hoca's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Hoca working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Hoca throws a head punch that misses.
Epolito struggles to land a body shot inside as Hoca controls his hands.
Hoca lands a right hand.
Nice body punch from Hoca.
Hoca tries to throw a body punch but Epolito avoids it by throwing Hoca back against the cage.
Epolito misses with a knee to the head.
Hoca lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Hoca lands a right hand.
A short uppercut from Hoca.
Hoca blocking some punches.
Hoca lands with a short head shot on the inside.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hoca throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Epolitos head.

Epolito breaks from the clinch.
Hoca misses with a straight right.
Epolito defending well as Hoca loads up on a big left hand.
Good exchange - Epolito coming out on top.
Epolito looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Epolito with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Hoca to score with a decent uppercut.
A jab from Epolito misses.
Hoca throws a right and a left that both miss.
It looked like Epolito wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Epolito avoids the body shot from Hoca.
Hoca thuds a left hand into Epolito's body.

Hoca closes the distance and clinches.
A right hook to the body lands for Hoca.
Epolito tries a body shot but Hoca blocks it.
Epolito lands with a right to the head.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Epolito tries a body shot but Hoca blocks it.
Epolito working aggressively here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hoca blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Hoca throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Epolito tries a body shot but Hoca blocks it.
Hoca is working Epolito over against the cage.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Hoca makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
A short right from Epolito.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Hoca.
Nice body punch from Hoca - that landed with a thud.
Epolito swings wildly with an uppercut but Hoca uses good head movement to avoid it.
Hoca lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Epolito blocks a body shot from Hoca.

Epolito's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Hoca scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Hoca just misses with a punch to the body.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Hoca dodges the punch combination from Epolito.
Hoca misses with a hook.
Epolito slips a jab from Hoca.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Necmettin Hoca showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare each other down, ready to get back to the action. Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

A big left from Hoca misses.
Hoca is looking to clinch but Epolito is avoiding it.
Hoca fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Epolito misses the shot to the body.
Hoca throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Hoca tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Epolito was well out of range. Poor timing from Hoca.
Epolito will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Epolito tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Hoca was well out of range. Poor timing from Epolito.
Hoca scores with a punch to the head.
Hoca misses with a body shot.
Nice uppercut there from Hoca.
Epolito moves out of range of the strikes.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Epolito uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Hoca.
Hoca waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Epolito.
Epolito swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.
Epolito tries to close the distance and clinch but Hoca swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Hoca lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.
Epolito lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Hoca tries to clinch but Epolito is having none of it.
Necmettin Hoca seems to be getting the better of the standup.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Epolito uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Hoca.
Hoca dodges the punch combination from Epolito.
Epolito scores with a nice right hand.
Epolito tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Hoca paws at him with a jab and circles away.
A countering left hand to the body from Hoca misses.
Hoca throws a lazy right hand but Epolito sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Epolito misses with a series of wild punches.
A punch lands to the side of Epolito 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Epolito slips under a jab from Hoca.
Epolito misses with a takedown
and Hoca counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.

Epolito gets tackled into the cage by Hoca. Hoca maintains the clinch.
Hoca digs a right hand into Epolito's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Epolito's gas tank.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Epolito tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Hoca blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Nice body punch from Hoca.
Hoca lands a hook to the side of the head.
A shot in the inside from Hoca.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Epolito struggles to land a body shot inside as Hoca controls his hands.
Epolito throws an elbow that misses.
A left hand lands to the body for Hoca.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Hoca.
A right hook to the body lands for Hoca.
Epolito lands a hook that snaps the head of Hoca backwards.
Still in the clinch, Hoca scores with a nice short uppercut.
A short left from Hoca.
Hoca's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Hoca blocks a body shot from Epolito.
A right hook to the body lands for Hoca.
Necmettin Hoca is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Still in the clinch, Hoca scores with a nice short uppercut.
Hoca pushes Epolito back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Hoca lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Epolito backwards.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hoca lands a body shot.
Hoca avoids the elbow strike from Epolito, against the cage.
Epolito goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Epolito struggles to land a body shot inside as Hoca controls his hands.
Hoca managing to block the knees to the body from Epolito.
Hoca misses with a body punch.
Epolito tries to throw a body punch but Hoca avoids it by throwing Epolito back against the cage.
Epolito can't find room to land a body shot as Hoca controls the action.
Hoca avoids a wild elbow strike from Epolito.
Epolito tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Epolito struggles to land a body shot inside as Hoca controls his hands.
Epolito fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Hoca avoids a wild elbow strike from Epolito.
Hoca lands with a left to the head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Epolito misses with the head strike.
Hoca blocking some punches.
Hoca pushes Epolito back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Hoca blocks a body shot from Epolito.
Hoca lands a body shot.
Anthony Epolito has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
A short uppercut from Hoca.
Hoca lands with a short punch from the clinch.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Epolito.
Hoca lands with a short head shot on the inside.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Hoca lands an uppercut.
Hoca scores with a nice hook to the head.
Epolito takes a shot to the head.
Hoca lands with a short shot to the head.
Epolito tries to work over Hoca's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.

And that's the end of the fight!
Necmettin Hoca comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Hoca 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 David Hoff scores the fight for Necmettin Hoca!
Judge Santiago Holmes scores the fight for Necmettin Hoca!
Judge Sandra Marshall scores the fight for Necmettin Hoca!

Necmettin Hoca wins by unanimous decision!
Necmettin Hoca decided to go for the less than humble approach in his post fight interview, telling everyone how he is going to conquer the world. The crowd seemed to like it when really that sort of approach could have gone either way.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
81%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Bosque Trabuco (ranked 1223 p4p, 1307 weight class) and Santiago Ponziabo (ranked 170 p4p, 181 weight class). Santiago Ponziabo has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Trabuco
vs
Ponziabo

174 cm
27
160
5 - 3 - 0

170 cm
27
164
6 - 3 - 0

Decent wrestler
Decent elbows
Cardio machine

Powerful takedowns
Basic striking
Powerful

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 - 3 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Bosque Trabuco!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 3 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Santiago Ponziabo!
The judges for this bout are Bart Greer, Michael Johnstone and Winston Alpacca.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Ponziabo has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Ponziabo there as he acknowledges the shot.

It looks like Santiago Ponziabo has been cut.
Ponziabo shoots in for a double leg but Trabuco sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Trabuco throws a big counter combination but Ponziabo scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.

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

Ponziabo is trying to work for a kimura but Trabuco is defending well.
Ponziabo is thwarting Trabuco's attempts to control the position.
Trabuco has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Ponziabo trying to control from half guard but Trabuco is working away.
Trabuco on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Trabuco tries to get out of the position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Trabuco is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Trabuco is trying to control but can't.
Trabuco keeps control of the position for the meantime.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Trabuco wants to get back to full guard but Ponziabo has mounted him!
Trabuco knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Ponziabo on the ground.
Ponziabo manages to capitalize on a mistake by Trabuco to take his back!

Ponziabo is looking to finish the fight by rear naked choke. Trabuco knows exactly what he's got planned though, so he's defending well. Maybe a few strikes would soften Trabuco for a finish.
Ponziabo gets his hands free as Trabuco looks to control.

Trabuco showing good submission defense here.
Trabuco is trying to break free.

Ponziabo is looking to finish the fight by rear naked choke. Trabuco knows exactly what he's got planned though, so he's defending well. Maybe a few strikes would soften Trabuco for a finish.

Ponziabo is working the back position looking for the choke. Oh, he's slid into an armbar! Beautiful transition and Trabuco taps out! Fantastic Jiu Jitsu from Ponziabo.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:59 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Santiago Ponziabo!
After winning the bout, Santiago Ponziabo 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
44%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Timo Leyton (ranked 1231 p4p, 1344 weight class) and Richard Ramirez (ranked 171 p4p, 186 weight class). Ramirez has chosen Get Lucky as his entrance music. Both these guys have really solid chins. Will we see a standup war or will they both decide that a knockout is unlikely and try to win the fight elsewhere?

Leyton
vs
Ramirez

180 cm
23
168
6 - 1 - 1

177 cm
26
160
5 - 2 - 0

Good wrestling
Counter fighter
Granite chin

Good takedowns
Brawler
Solid chin

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 6 - 1 - 1, fighting out of The Island, Timo Leyton!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 2 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Richard Ramirez!
The judges for this bout are David Hoff, Winston Alpacca and Daniel Franklin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Ramirez misses with a wild body shot.
Leyton shoots in for a takedown but Ramirez shows good takedown defense.
Richard Ramirez seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Ramirez misses with a leg kick

and Leyton counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Ramirez!
Ramirez tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Leyton wants to lay and pray for a moment but Ramirez keeps working.
Leyton definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Ramirez tries to get back to half guard but can't.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ramirez is not in a great position here, taking some shots.
Ramirez throwing some weak shots from the bottom that do no damage.
Ramirez manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!
Leyton is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.

That's one minute gone in the round.

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

Ramirez is trying to work for a kimura but Leyton is defending well.
Leyton is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Ramirez's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Ramirez's back!
I really don't envy Ramirez right now.
Leyton not allowing Ramirez to control his hands.
Leyton slows the pace down here. Having a little breather whilst he's in a dominant position, looking to rest and regain some energy, ready to go for the finish.
Oooh a big shot gets through from Leyton. Many more shots like that and the referee will have to think about stepping in!
Ramirez is taking damage to the body and head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ramirez tries to escape the position - he's now mounted. Is that better or worse? Hard to tell!
Leyton lands a couple of good shots and Ramirez has given up his back, trying to escape the position!
Ramirez trying to control the hands but Leyton breaks the grip.
Ramirez is covering up but some of the strikes from Leyton are getting through and doing damage.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Ramirez is trapped and Leyton is scoring with shots to the head and body.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Leyton controlling well, preventing Ramirez from escaping the position.
Leyton is trying to stick to Ramirez's back but Ramirez is turning into Leyton. He's managed to reverse the position - now he's in Leyton's guard. Polite applause from the crowd in appreciation of some nice Jiu Jitsu by Ramirez.
Leyton wants to sweep here but Ramirez controlling him for the moment.
Leyton wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Leyton looking for a sweep. Not yet Leyton, not yet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Leyton is working hard here to advance position.

Leyton throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
My spies in Cozad The Island inform me that Ramirez has been getting involved in the gym's BJJ sparring sessions. Let's see whether that pays dividends!
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Leyton looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
Leyton manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Ramirez manages to get himself to full guard.

Leyton connects with a couple of short punches.
Ramirez manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Leyton manages to get himself to full guard.

Leyton is trying to control the position from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Leyton holds on and takes a little breather.
Leyton looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Leyton holds on and takes a little breather.
Leyton looking for a sweep. Not yet Leyton, not yet.
Ramirez is looking to pass into half guard but Leyton pushes him away with his feet and jumps on top - now Leyton is in guard.

Ramirez looking to hit a scissor sweep but Leyton is one step ahead there.
Ramirez controls Leyton momentarily but Leyton frees himself.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

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

Leyton takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Leyton misses the jab.
Ramirez throws a low kick, looking for Leyton's leg but Leyton calmly moves out of range.

Leyton scores with a takedown into Ramirez's guard.
Leyton postures up and lands a big shot to Ramirez's brow.

Ramirez working for a triangle but Leyton defends it easily.
Ramirez manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Leyton manages to get himself to full guard.

We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ramirez trying to control but Leyton is working from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ramirez postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.

Leyton is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Leyton looking for a sweep. Not yet Leyton, not yet.
Ramirez throwing strikes from guard but Leyton blocks nicely.
Ramirez wants to control from the top but Leyton keeps moving.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Leyton is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Ramirez trying to control the position from guard on top but Leyton is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Leyton is looking for a triangle here but Ramirez uses the submission attempt to pass into side control.
Leyton is trying to get back to half guard.
Ramirez postures up a little and throws a couple of hammerfists but they don't connect properly.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

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

Ramirez tries for a kimura but Leyton is defending well.
Leyton tries to buck Ramirez off but Ramirez is having none of it.

Ramirez looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Leyton is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Leyton knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Ramirez on the ground.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Leyton manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!
Leyton prevents Ramirez from improving his position.
Leyton is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
Leyton is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Ramirez can do to turn this around?
Ramirez is looking for a sweep. Leyton is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Ramirez trying to control here but he's found himself mounted! Oh no!
Ramirez is squirming around, avoiding Leyton's attempts to control the action.
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 Timo Leyton will probably get the nod.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Leyton looking to score a takedown here. Ramirez is defending well but Leyton drives through and ends up in Ramirez's guard.
Leyton is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Leyton looking to pass the guard.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Leyton's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Leyton showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Leyton distracts Ramirez with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Leyton's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Leyton pushes down on Ramirez's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Ramirez moves into full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ramirez trying to keep a closed guard but Leyton is proving a slippery customer.

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

Ramirez looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Leyton trying to control but Ramirez is working from the bottom.

Ramirez has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Leyton can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Ramirez looking to control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Leyton controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Leyton postures up and lands a big shot to Ramirez's brow.
Ramirez working a defensive guard here.

Ramirez looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Leyton controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Leyton trying to control but Ramirez is working from the bottom.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.

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

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ramirez misses with an uppercut. Leyton saw that one coming.
Ramirez throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.

Leyton scores with a takedown into Ramirez's guard.
Leyton has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Leyton trying to control the position from guard on top but Ramirez is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Leyton controls from within his opponent's guard.
Richard Ramirez has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Leyton trying to control but Ramirez is working from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Ramirez throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Leyton is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Ramirez has momentary wrist control but Leyton slips an elbow through the middle.

Ramirez is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Leyton defends well.
Ramirez has a butterfly guard looking to sweep but Leyton has passed into side control.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Leyton working the head with strikes.

And that's the end of the fight!
Timo Leyton showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Leyton, 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 David Hoff scores the fight for Timo Leyton!
Judge Winston Alpacca scores the fight for Timo Leyton!
Judge Daniel Franklin scores the fight for Timo Leyton!

Timo Leyton wins by unanimous decision!
In his post fight interview, Timo Leyton started talking himself up. Luckily his charisma kept the crowd on side and gave him a good reception.
Richard Ramirez spoke after the fight, saying 'I'll end you!'.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
35%

Main event

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Noel Diaz (ranked 17 p4p, 1109 weight class) and KJ Wassermann (ranked 3 p4p, 152 weight class). Diaz's entrance music is The Stockton Slap Song. A fine choice. Both these guys have really solid chins. Will we see a standup war or will they both decide that a knockout is unlikely and try to win the fight elsewhere?

Diaz
vs
Wassermann

180 cm
27
156
14 - 0 - 0

179 cm
27
157
10 - 3 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Solid boxing
Cardio machine

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Granite chin

Beachside Supplements & Laundry (90%)

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 14 - 0 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Noel Diaz!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 10 - 3 - 0, fighting out of The Island, KJ Wassermann!
The judges for this bout are Santiago Holmes, Peter Branson and Dirk Anderson.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Diaz looks to score with a jab to the body but Wassermann is just out of range.

Diaz gets a clinch.
Diaz digs a right hand into Wassermann's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Wassermann's gas tank.
Wassermann misses with a body punch.
Wassermann misses with a body punch.
Diaz lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Wassermann misses with a body punch.
Wassermann tries to work over Diaz's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Wassermann digs a right hand underneath Diaz's ribcage. Diaz let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Diaz lands a left hand that snaps the head of Wassermann backwards.
Diaz is trying to pull guard but Wassermann turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Diaz lands a right hand that snaps the head of Wassermann backwards.
Diaz has been working on his balance at Cozad The Island, so perhaps that has help him stuff some of the takedown attempts by Wassermann.

Diaz pulls Wassermann into guard.
Wassermann postures up.
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.

Diaz looking for a guillotine here but Wassermann defends easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Wassermann has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Diaz is proving hard to escape from.

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

Diaz looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.

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

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Wassermann postures up.

Diaz has thrown up a leg looking for a triangle. Wassermann doesn't defend quickly enough and Diaz has managed to lock this one up! Can Wassermann escape?! NO! He's tapping out! Damn, that was a quick submission - congrats to Diaz on a fantastic submission victory.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:38 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle). Noel Diaz!
In his post fight interview, Noel Diaz started talking himself up. Luckily his charisma kept the crowd on side and gave him a good reception.