Flair 23 PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Curtis Tate Iii (ranked 25044 p4p, 19532 weight class) and Jax Thomas (ranked 113 p4p, 120 weight class). This should be fireworks!

Tate Iii
vs
Thomas

185 cm
19
215
13 - 1 - 0

175 cm
38
225
35 - 24 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid boxing
Very strong

Good wrestler
Excellent MT
Heavy handed

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, for the super heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 13 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Curtis Tate Iii!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 35 - 24 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Jax Thomas!
The judges for this bout are Tiny Johnson, Frank Dennis and Stewart Dunkirk.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Thomas throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Tate Iii was covering up waiting for the punch and Thomas finishes the takedown easily into guard.

Thomas stands up and waves to Tate Iii to follow him.
Tate Iii throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.

Tate Iii gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Thomas to score an easy takedown into full guard.

Thomas stands up and waves to Tate Iii to follow him.
Tate Iii definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.

Thomas dives in and scores a takedown into Tate Iii's guard.

Thomas stands up from Tate Iii's guard - Thomas perhaps looking for a knockout.

Thomas shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Tate Iii's guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Tate Iii 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.

Tate Iii is working an open guard so Thomas takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tate Iii swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.

Thomas bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.

Thomas decides to stand back up. Thomas steps back and let's Tate Iii get back to his feet.

Thomas closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Tate Iii quickly recovers to half guard.

Thomas decides to stand up.
Thomas looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Tate Iii is breathing heavily.

Thomas closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Tate Iii's guard.
Tate Iii wants to stand up but Thomas is controlling him.

Thomas decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.

Thomas shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Tate Iii is trying to defend but Thomas finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
Tate Iii is looking to improve his position.

Thomas stands up out of the half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Thomas looking to score a takedown here. Tate Iii is defending well but Thomas drives through and ends up in Tate Iii's guard.

Thomas stands up from guard. Let's bang!

Thomas drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.

Thomas decides to take the fight back to the feet.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Thomas defending well as Tate Iii loads up on a big left hand.

Thomas closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.

Thomas stands up.

Thomas looking for a takedown here - he's got it.

Thomas decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Tate Iii, up you get!
A combination from Tate Iii does no damage.

Thomas closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Tate Iii quickly recovers to half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Thomas decides to stand up.

Tate Iii gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.

Thomas gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.

Thomas feints and as Tate Iii raises his hands in defense, Thomas changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.

Thomas stands and steps away. Tate Iii gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.

Thomas darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.

Thomas stands up out of the half guard.

Tate Iii tries to sprawl but Thomas drives through with a takedown into half guard.

Thomas decides to stand up.

Thomas shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Thomas showed some decent athleticism there.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

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

Thomas decides to return to a standing position.

Thomas drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Tate Iii is looking for a sweep.

Thomas stands up.

Thomas dives in and scores a takedown into Tate Iii's guard.

Thomas stands and steps away. Tate Iii gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.

Tate Iii gets caught napping as Thomas dives in and scores a takedown. Tate Iii manages to retain guard.

Thomas gets to his feet. Tate Iii looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!

Thomas closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Thomas lands in his opponent's guard.

Thomas stands up and waves to Tate Iii to follow him.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

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

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

Thomas stands up from guard. Let's bang!

Thomas feints and as Tate Iii raises his hands in defense, Thomas changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.

Thomas gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
Tate Iii throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Thomas.

Thomas drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Thomas stands up.
Tate Iii misses the shot to the body.

Thomas feints and as Tate Iii raises his hands in defense, Thomas changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.

Thomas gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
Curtis Tate Iii is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

Thomas feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.

Thomas gets to his feet. Tate Iii looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!

Tate Iii gets caught flat footed, as Thomas shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Thomas stands up from guard. Let's bang!

Thomas shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Thomas showed some decent athleticism there.
Thomas prevents Tate Iii from improving his position.

Thomas gets to his feet - back to striking we go!

Thomas looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.

Thomas decides he's had enough of the ground and stands up.

Tate Iii gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Thomas to score an easy takedown into full guard.

Thomas stands up from Tate Iii's guard - Thomas perhaps looking for a knockout.
Curtis Tate Iii is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Thomas shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.

Tate Iii looking for submissions from an awkward position here.

Thomas decides to stand and escape the position.

Thomas gets a takedown into half guard.

Thomas decides to stand and escape the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Thomas closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Tate Iii quickly recovers to half guard.

Thomas postures up and decides to stand up, from the half guard. The ref calls for Tate Iii to stand up.

Thomas looking to score a takedown here. Tate Iii is defending well but Thomas drives through and ends up in Tate Iii's guard.
Thomas has been the more effective fighter overall so far.

Thomas stands up and waves to Tate Iii to follow him.

Thomas scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.

Thomas decides to stand and escape the position.

Thomas fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Tate Iii to the ground. Thomas is now in Tate Iii's guard.

Thomas gets to his feet - Tate Iii follows without any prompting.

Thomas darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.

Thomas stands up out of the half guard.

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

Thomas throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Tate Iii was covering up waiting for the punch and Thomas finishes the takedown easily into guard.

Tate Iii is working an open guard so Thomas takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.

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

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

Thomas shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Tate Iii napping and manages to drive through into side control!
Tate Iii regains half guard.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Thomas stands up from half guard... He's had enough of that ground malarky for the time being.

Thomas drives through with a takedown into Tate Iii's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.

Thomas stands and steps away. Tate Iii gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jax Thomas showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

Thomas closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Tate Iii quickly recovers to half guard.

Thomas gets to his feet - back to striking we go!

Tate Iii tries to sprawl but Thomas drives through with a takedown into half guard.

Thomas decides he's had enough of the ground and stands up.
Tate Iii misses with a series of wild punches.

Thomas darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Thomas gets to his feet - back to striking we go!
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

Thomas bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.

Thomas stands up and we're back to a striking position.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Thomas closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Tate Iii's guard.
Tate Iii is trying to control the position but Thomas postures up.

Tate Iii throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.

Thomas gets to his feet. Tate Iii looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!

Thomas closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Thomas lands in his opponent's guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Thomas stands up and waves to Tate Iii to follow him.

Thomas shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in side control! That's better than Thomas was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!

Thomas decides to stand back up. Thomas steps back and let's Tate Iii get back to his feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tate Iii throws a right and a left that Thomas avoids nicely.

Thomas closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Tate Iii to the mat! Tate Iii manages to get full guard.

Thomas gets to his feet. Tate Iii looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!

Tate Iii gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Thomas to score an easy takedown into full guard.

Thomas gets to his feet. Tate Iii looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!

Thomas drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Tate Iii wants to sweep here but Thomas controlling him for the moment.

Thomas gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
Jax Thomas seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Thomas feints and as Tate Iii raises his hands in defense, Thomas changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.

Thomas decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tate Iii fails to land with a series of punches.
Thomas shapes to counter with a head kick.

Thomas drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.

Thomas has had enough of the ground for now and decides to stand.

Thomas drives through with a takedown into guard.

Thomas decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.

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

Thomas stands up out of the half guard.

Thomas looking for a takedown here - he's got it.

Thomas gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.

Thomas looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into side control! Oh, that's bad for Tate Iii!

Thomas decides to stand back up. Thomas steps back and let's Tate Iii get back to his feet.
Tate Iii throws out a token jab with nothing on it.

Thomas throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Tate Iii was covering up waiting for the punch and Thomas finishes the takedown easily into guard.

Thomas gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.

Thomas darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.

Thomas decides to stand up.
Curtis Tate Iii has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

A momentary lapse in concentration from Tate Iii enables Thomas to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Tate Iii manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.

And that's the end of the fight!
Jax Thomas comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Thomas winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Tiny Johnson scores the fight 27:30
Judge Frank Dennis scores the fight 27:30
Judge Stewart Dunkirk scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jax Thomas!
Jax Thomas is the new super heavyweight champion!
A victorious Jax Thomas thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
41%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Craig Long Lang (ranked 6730 p4p, 3774 weight class) and Major Pain (ranked 694 p4p, 463 weight class). Both these guys are coming into the fight with injuries so let's see if that has a bearing on the fight. Major Pain has the eye of the tiger tonight.

Lang
vs
Pain

183 cm
19
225
3 - 7 - 0

187 cm
26
216
6 - 4 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Good chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent boxing
Knockout power

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 3 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Craig Long Lang!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Major Pain!
The judges for this bout are Chris Downing, Tiny Johnson and Gwen Towbar.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Pain forces Lang back against the cage and clinches.
Lang is breathing heavily.
A frustrated look appears on Pain's face as he tries to break the clinch.

Pain ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Pain no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.
Pain wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Pain 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.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Pain is adopting a defensive guard.
Lang has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Lang stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Pain swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Pain pulls Lang in close to prevent any damage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Pain is on top in guard.

Pain is looking to work some ground and pound but Lang has wrist control.
Lang working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Pain.
Pain content to stall in guard here.

Pain stands up from guard. Let's bang!

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.

Pain pushes Lang up against the cage in a clinch.
Pain dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.
Lang on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Lang looking for a takedown.
Pain has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Pain jumps guard but Lang stands there with Pain around his waist. Pain gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Lang tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Pain just stands there and leans against the cage.
Pain is trying to drag Lang to the mat but Lang just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Pain jumps guard and drags Lang to the mat. He's obviously going to be looking for submissions off his back.
Pain looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Pain pulls Lang in to control the position.
Lang looks to be in better condition than last time we saw him fight. Obviously he's been working hard on his cardio.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Pain is on top in guard.

Pain gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.

Pain pushes Lang up against the cage in a clinch.
Lang misses with a hook to the ribs.
Lang prevents a takedown attempt there.
Craig Long Lang has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Major Pain.
Lang struggles to land a body shot inside as Pain controls his hands.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Pain is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Lang prevents the takedown attempt.
Pain tries for a takedown but Lang manages to get underhooks.
Lang tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Pain smiles and moves away.
Pain closes the distance and clinches up with Lang, looking for a takedown. Pain pushes Lang against the cage but Lang circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Pain shoots in looking for a takedown. Lang tries to sprawl out of it but Pain keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Lang manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Lang lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Major Pain dominated that round.
That's time! Lang's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Pain darts in looking for a takedown but Lang gets double underhooks and turns Pain into the cage.
Lang shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Pain as he jumps to the side.
Pain misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.

Pain forces Lang back against the cage and clinches.

Pain manages to pull guard.
Pain 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.
Pain manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Lang manages to get himself to full guard.

Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Lang being controlled here, momentarily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Pain postures up in Lang's guard and throws a big left but Lang blocks it.

Pain gets to his feet - Lang follows without any prompting.
Pain has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Pain tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Lang swivels and escapes.
Pain shoots in looking for a takedown but Lang manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Pain's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Craig Long Lang has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Major Pain.
Lang defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Pain.
Pain shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Lang as he jumps to the side.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Pain tries to land a front kick but Lang steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Lang wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch.
Pain closes this distance looking for a takedown but Lang circles away.
Lang fakes the leg kick and cracks Pain in the body.

Pain throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Lang tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Pain is in Lang's guard.

The fighters are working up against the cage. Lang manages to wriggle his way back to his feet, so the fighters are now clinched against the cage.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Lang pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Pain shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Lang as he avoids it easily.
Lang appears to be looking for a big counter.
Pain will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Pain digs a good hook to Lang's body.
Pain shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Lang as he jumps to the side.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Pain dives in for a single leg takedown but Lang sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.

Pain instigates a clinch.
Lang misses with a punch to the body.
Lang tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Pain just stands there and leans against the cage.
Lang tries to pull guard but Pain won't allow it.
Lang prevents Pain from breaking the clinch.

Pain pulls guard effortlessly.
Major Pain has got the better of the ground game so far.
Lang throws a strike but Pain rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

Pain gets to his feet - Lang follows without any prompting.
Pain shoots in for a takedown but Lang shows good takedown defense.
Craig Long Lang is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Lang misses with a kick to the body.
Lang displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Pain.
As Pain backs away, Lang returns fire with a leg kick that just misses.
Lang lands with a thumping leg kick.
Lang displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Pain.
Pain stuffs the takedown attempt from Lang. Lang gets slowly back to his feet.
Lang keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Major Pain will probably get the nod - 10:9.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

Pain misses with a two punch combination.
Pain tries a head kick but it misses.
Pain has a takedown stuffed.
Pain tries to clinch but Lang moves out of range.
Pain fails with the takedown

and Lang counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Lang.

Lang breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Pain forces Lang back against the cage and clinches.

Lang manages to break the clinch.
Lang looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Pain closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Pain tries to break the clinch but Lang is controlling the position.
Pain wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Pain tries for a takedown but Lang manages to get underhooks.
Craig Long Lang has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Major Pain.

Lang breaks the clinch.
A head kick misses from Pain.
Craig Long Lang is winning the standup battle so far.
Lang swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Pain jabs Lang right on the nose. Lang blinks but takes it well.
Lang goes for a double leg but Pain avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Pain continues to drive forward.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Lang is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Pain to keep the fight standing.
Pain tries to pull guard but Lang won't allow it.
Lang being controlled against the cage.

Lang has managed to pull guard. Let's see whether he can work an aggressive guard. It will also be interesting to see what tactics Pain uses from the top position.
Lang looking to hit a scissor sweep but Pain is one step ahead there.
Lang controls Pain momentarily but Pain frees himself.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lang wants to get back to his feet but he's too absorbed in his own little project and Pain manages to pass to side control.
Pain perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.
Pain sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Lang defending well though.

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.
Pain looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.

Pain looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
Pain tries to pass the half guard into mount. Lang knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.

And that's the end of the fight!
Major Pain comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Pain winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Chris Downing scores the fight 27:30
Judge Tiny Johnson scores the fight 27:30
Judge Gwen Towbar scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Major Pain!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
28%

Main event

Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Tommy Gunn (ranked 6097 p4p, 6279 weight class) and William Tate (ranked 97 p4p, 100 weight class). Tommy Gunn has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Gunn
vs
Tate

182 cm
26
217
7 - 4 - 0

180 cm
19
210
3 - 5 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Great elbows
Very strong

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Knockout power

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the super heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 7 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Tommy Gunn!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, William Tate!
The judges for this bout are Cecil Peabody, Gwen Towbar and Chris Downing.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Tate tries to clinch up.
Gunn is looking to land body kicks.

Tate rushes Gunn and presses him up against the cage.
Tate doesn't land with the attempted body shot.

Gunn breaks the clinch.
Tate wants to clinch.
Tate is looking to clinch.
Tate slips a jab and a cross from Gunn.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Tate tries to close the distance and clinch up but Gunn swats him away and circles back towards the center.
A thudding body kick lands there by Gunn!
Tate takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards.
Tate takes a kick to the side of the head.

It looks like William Tate has been cut.
Tate wants to clinch up but Gunn keeps it at a distance.
Gunn half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tate tries to clinch but Gunn is having none of it.
Tate tries to clinch up.
Gunn throws a counter high kick but Tate was just alert enough to avoid it.
Tate tries to close the distance and clinch up but Gunn swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Gunn misses with a two punch combination.
Gunn has been working on his boxing with his coaches at Cozad MMA Las Vegas in the buildup to the fight.
Gunn tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Tate is trying to avoid his opponent's strikes and get into the clinch.

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

Tate is rocked!

Tate rushes Gunn and presses him up against the cage.
Tate is still on wobbly legs! Can Gunn finish him?

Gunn has picked Tate up - he's going for a ride! Gunn dumps his opponent to the mat with a thud and settles into half guard.
Tate scrambles, trying to get to his feet, but Gunn manages to mount him!
Tate seems to have recovered his senses.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Gunn controlling his opponent.
Tate is looking to improve his position but Gunn isn't that keen on the idea.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gunn landing strikes from the mount.
Tate sneaks a leg back under and regains half guard and is working straight away to try and get back to guard. He hasn't managed just yet though.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
Tate is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Gunn is looking to advance position but Tate won't allow it.
Tate tries to strike from the bottom but it doesn't land.
Tate makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Tate.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tate looking to control.
Gunn looking to pass the guard.
Tate looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Tate is on top in guard.

Gunn has scooted to the edge of the canvas and used the cage to get back to his feet. Tate has stuck on his opponent and is forcing him back against the cage.
Gunn is working for takedown but Tate is calmly controlling the position for now.
Tate is trying to pull guard but Gunn turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.

Gunn jumps guard.
Gunn will have to put a bit more behind his punches if he's going to do any damage from this position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Gunn is on top in guard.

Gunn slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.

Gunn decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Tate, up you get!
Tate tries to grapple but his opponent circles
enabling Gunn to counter with a crisp jab.
Tate is looking to clinch.
Tate on the wrong end of a kick to the body.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Gunn throws a head kick that Tate semi-blocks.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Tommy Gunn dominated that round.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Gunn feints and then cracks Tate's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Tate down.
A kick lands to the mid section there for Gunn.
Gunn lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Tate at a distance.
Tommy Gunn is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Gunn swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Gunn connects with a solid leg kick.
Tate tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Tate tries to clinch but Gunn is having none of it.
Gunn rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Tate moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Tate tries to grapple but his opponent circles

and Gunn counters with a takedown into side control.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Tate trying to remain calm as Gunn controls from the top position.
Gunn is working Tate over with some ground and pound from side control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gunn landing with strikes to the head and body from side control.

Gunn stands up and we're back to a striking position.
Gunn throws a combination that misses
and Tate counters with a stiff right hand.
A solid body kick from Gunn.
Gunn swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Gunn connects with a solid leg kick.
Tate swings away with a body shot that misses

and Gunn holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Gunn misses with a hook to the ribs.
Gunn has not gone for a single takedown so far in this fight, which seems like a very strange tactic when you consider that he has the superior wrestling and BJJ.

Gunn tightens his grip and picks Tate up, before dumping him to the ground. Tate manages to land in guard.
Gunn has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Tate wants to control the position but Gunn says "no thanks buddy" and passes to half guard.
Gunn takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
Gunn is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Tate can do to turn this around?

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Gunn working Tate over with strikes.
Gunn working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
Gunn is thwarting Tate's attempts to control the position.
Tate tries to kick Gunn off but Gunn keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Gunn tries to pass the half guard into mount. Tate knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Gunn stalling.
Tate tries to push off, looking to stand up, but Gunn manages to move to mount!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gunn takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Gunn working for a submission here. He's tucked his head under his opponent's arm, looking for an arm triangle. He's hopped off into side control, looking to tighten the submission... is it going to work? He's given up a good position looking for it. Tate looks OK. Oh, I spoke too soon, he's out! That must have been tighter than I thought! Excellent work there by Gunn! Submission of the night perhaps?

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:35 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Arm Triangle). Tommy Gunn!