 |
C241: Albatross vs Gebhardt PBP Commentary |
Undercard bout
|
Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Carlton Smithers (ranked 2164 p4p, 5663 weight class) and Gyukosho Fujimoto (ranked 249 p4p, 519 weight class). Buckle up people - heeeeeeeeeere we go!
 |
|
 |
| 195 cm
36
265
13 - 11 - 0 |
|
192 cm
43
250
44 - 30 - 0 |
Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible |
|
BJJ Brown Belt
Excellent MT
Heavy handed |
|
| |
|
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 13 - 11 - 0, fighting out of New York, Carlton Smithers!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 44 - 30 - 0, fighting out of New York, Gyukosho Fujimoto!
The judges for this bout are Shigeki Sano, Tatsuya Matsuyama and Yuuki Gou.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Smithers throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Fujimoto stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Smithers misses with a series of wild punches.
Smithers dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Smithers looks to score with a jab to the body but Fujimoto is just out of range.
Fujimoto looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Smithers dips to his left and cracks Fujimoto with an uppercut!
Smithers scores with a nice strike.
Fujimoto misses with an uppercut. Smithers saw that one coming.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Smithers misses with a shot to the body
letting Fujimoto counter with a right hand.
Smithers scores with a hook to the body. Fujimoto takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Carlton Smithers seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Smithers cracks Fujimoto with a big right hand that sends him crashing to the floor. Smithers has the opportunity to follow him to the ground but instead he's beckoning Fujimoto to stand back up!
 Fujimoto is rocked!
This has been an exciting period of action!
Smithers knocks out Fujimoto with a massive right hand! The ref tackles Smithers before he can follow up with any more strikes and that's it everyone. Smithers picks up the big W with a huge KO!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:59 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Carlton Smithers!
An out of breath Carlton Smithers thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| S |
C
A |
G |
S |
C
B |
G |
|
S |
C |
G |
|
energy
A | B |
|
hype
A | B |
|
pop
A | B |
|
mgr
A | B |
|
FIGHT
RATING
93% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Undercard bout
|
Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Torkel Bystrom (ranked 2226 p4p, 1837 weight class) and Joao Cajo Branca (ranked 258 p4p, 216 weight class). Branca is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: original score medley. Joao Cajo Branca has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?
 |
|
 |
| 202 cm
42
255
27 - 20 - 0 |
|
194 cm
37
269
31 - 23 - 0 |
Great wrestler
Solid boxing
Very strong |
|
BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent MT
Granite 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 27 - 20 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Torkel Bystrom!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 31 - 23 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Joao Cajo Branca!
The judges for this bout are Yukihiro Shimada, Yukihiro Yamamoto and Yuuki Gou.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Bystrom tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Branca connects with an inside leg kick.
Bystrom throws a head kick that misses
and Branca finishes the little exchange by landing a big kick to the body.
A looping hook to the body misses from Bystrom. Branca does a little dance to reset his feet.
Bystrom tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Branca counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Branca throws a mid kick that lands with a slap.
Bystrom throws a body shot but no joy.
Bystrom explodes with a nice body kick and back out of range. Nice work.
Branca staying out of range there.
Branca scores with a jab. Bystrom acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Branca lands a glancing blow to the side of Bystrom's head.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Bystrom takes a swing at Branca's ribcage but misses.
Branca throws out a counter right but Bystrom avoids it with no problem.
Bystrom throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Bystrom doesn't manage to clinch there - Branca circles away.
Torkel Bystrom seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Bystrom swings widly with a right hand
and Branca cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Bystrom throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
A shot to the liver by Branca. Beautiful body shot.
Bystrom takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
 Bystrom is rocked!
Bystrom switches off momentarily and Branca cracks him with a monster right hand! Bystrom topples backwards and makes a semi conscious attempt to cover up, as Branca dives in to land one more shot, before the referee has time to call the fight. What a finish by Branca!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:19 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Joao Cajo Branca!
A very excited looking Joao Cajo Branca rambled incoherently for about 5 minutes post fight about how awesome he is. It was kinda funny for a while but then everyone got annoyed.
The defeated Torkel Bystrom had this to say: 'Well back to the gym.'.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| S |
C
A |
G |
S |
C
B |
G |
|
S |
C |
G |
|
energy
A | B |
|
hype
A | B |
|
pop
A | B |
|
mgr
A | B |
|
FIGHT
RATING
66% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Undercard bout
|
Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Luiz Mendoza (ranked 738 p4p, 1084 weight class) and James Hackett (ranked 56 p4p, 81 weight class). Hackett is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: Foe Tha Love of Money. Luiz Mendoza had a look across the cage there at his opponent. He definitely means business
 |
|
 |
| 164 cm
33
136
19 - 13 - 1 |
|
175 cm
38
146
27 - 16 - 1 |
Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Insanely flexible |
|
Good wrestler
Lethal high kicks
Heavy handed |
|
| |
|
Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 19 - 13 - 1, fighting out of London, Luiz Mendoza!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 27 - 16 - 1, fighting out of London, James Hackett!
The judges for this bout are Taro Takaoka, Tatsuya Matsuyama and Ren Mimura.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Mendoza misses with a hook. Hackett ducked under it nicely.
And Hackett responds with a good body kick, but Mendoza manages to step out the way in time.
Hackett throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Mendoza's head.
Hackett ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Mendoza seems to be moving with more speed, compared to his last bout. He must have been working on that in the gym.
Hackett throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Mendoza was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
Hackett misses with a hook
and Mendoza counters with a single leg into guard. Hackett didn't expect that.
Hackett is wriggling around but Mendoza manages to pass to half guard.
Mendoza is trying to control the action in half guard but Hackett is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Hackett is looking for a sweep. Mendoza is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Mendoza keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Hackett is trying to control but can't.
Mendoza prevents Hackett from improving his position.
Mendoza thows a huge punch but Hackett dodges it nicely.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Mendoza misses with a head shot. Hackett uses the momentum to regain guard.
Mendoza preventing the sweep.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Hackett looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Hackett 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.
Mendoza postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Mendoza distracts Hackett with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Mendoza wants to control from the top but Hackett keeps moving.
Mendoza showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Hackett looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Mendoza accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
Mendoza looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Hackett takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
A head kick misses from Hackett.
Hackett tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Mendoza paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Hackett just misses with a punch to the body.
Mendoza uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Hackett.
Hackett throws a head kick that misses
and Mendoza connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Hackett walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Mendoza.
Hackett lands a nice hook to Mendoza's body. Mendoza takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Hackett takes a swing at Mendoza's ribcage but misses.
Hackett throws a head kick but Mendoza moves out of range.
Mendoza is looking for a counter combo.
Hackett lands a head kick. Mendoza smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hackett ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Mendoza moves away.
Mendoza cracks Hackett with a right hand to the side of the head.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Mendoza throws a leg kick but Hackett checks it.
Hackett takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Hackett takes a swing at Mendoza's ribcage but misses.
Hackett misses with a kick to the body
and Mendoza counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Mendoza.
Mendoza trying to control but Hackett is working from the bottom.
Hackett controls Mendoza momentarily but Mendoza frees himself.
Mendoza seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
Hackett looking to hit a scissor sweep but Mendoza is one step ahead there.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Luiz Mendoza 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.
Mendoza throws a quick inside leg kick.
Luiz Mendoza is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Mendoza connects with an inside leg kick.
Mendoza with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Hackett with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Mendoza uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Hackett.
Hackett cracks a nice hook into Mendoza's ribs.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hackett uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Mendoza.
Hackett throws out a counter right but Mendoza avoids it with no problem.
Hackett throws a sloppy head kick and Mendoza moves out of range easily.
Mendoza looks to land a combination but Hackett avoids it well.
Mendoza takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Mendoza misses with a wild body shot.
Hackett pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Mendoza connects with a body shot that sends Hackett's belly button to the back.
Nice defenses there by Hackett.
Hackett looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Mendoza scores with a sloppy right hand. Hackett should have avoided that one.
Mendoza throws a leg kick
and Hackett counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Hackett tries a head kick but it misses.
Mendoza moves out of range of the strikes.
Hackett misses with a kick to the body
and Mendoza counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Luiz Mendoza overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Mendoza is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
Hackett wants to sweep here but Mendoza controlling him for the moment.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mendoza wants to control from the top but Hackett keeps moving.
Mendoza got a little sloppy there for a moment and Hackett has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Mendoza has managed to get both his arms back between Hackett's legs - danger averted.
Hackett is trying to hold Mendoza in close to prevent damage but Mendoza has managed to pass into half guard.
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!
Hackett wants to control but Mendoza is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Mendoza drops an elbow to the side of Hackett's head.
Hackett is trying to get back to full guard.
Still in half guard, Mendoza seems content to control.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hackett wants to improve his position but Mendoza is controlling well.
Mendoza takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
Hackett gets full guard.
Mendoza lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Mendoza scoring with punches to the head and body.
Mendoza makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Mendoza wants to control from the top but Hackett keeps moving.
Hackett is trying to keep Mendoza in close.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hackett looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
Mendoza not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Hackett tries a head kick but it misses.
Hackett misses with a looping left.
Mendoza tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Hackett is able to avoid easily.
Mendoza lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Hackett circles away quickly and effectively.
Hackett throws out a counter right but Mendoza avoids it with no problem.
Hackett connects with a right hand. Mendoza shakes it off.
Hackett avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Hackett throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Hackett misses with a head kick.
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 Luiz Mendoza will probably get the nod.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action. This is the final round!
Mendoza tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Hackett was well out of range. Poor timing from Mendoza.
Mendoza misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Hackett.
Mendoza lands a right hook to the body.
Mendoza throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Hackett throws out a loose jab but Mendoza uses good head movement to avoid it.
Mendoza misses with a telegraphed body shot
and Hackett counters with a solid body kick.
Hackett throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Hackett throws a head kick but Mendoza moves out of range.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Mendoza with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Mendoza looks to land a body kick but Hackett moved away.
Mendoza fails to land with a series of punches.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Mendoza goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Mendoza cracks a nice hook into Hackett's ribs.
Mendoza cracks a nice hook into Hackett's ribs.
Hackett throws a predictable looking body shot
and Mendoza counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Hackett throws a sloppy head kick and Mendoza moves out of range easily.
Hackett throws a lazy head kick
and Mendoza counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Mendoza slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
Mendoza stands and throws Hackett's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Hackett is not content to let Mendoza control the position.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Hackett being controlled for a moment.
James Hackett has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mendoza is looking to take a break and control but Hackett is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Mendoza creates a bit of distance and throws down some hard shots.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hackett is not content to let Mendoza control the position.
Mendoza works a knee to the body and follows up with a nice elbow to the head.
You can see the frustration on Hackett's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Hackett is looking for a sweep.
Hackett can't do much from the bottom here.
Hackett is trying to get back to half guard.
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.
You can see the frustration on Hackett's face as Mendoza controls the position.
Mendoza is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Hackett can do to turn this around?
Mendoza working the ground and pound from side control.
Luiz Mendoza is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Mendoza controls the position.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Mendoza working away.
Mendoza 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 Hackett's shoulder. That is not cool.
The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Hackett rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
letting Mendoza counter with a right hand.
And that's the end of the fight!
Luiz Mendoza showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Mendoza 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 Taro Takaoka scores the fight 30:27
Judge Tatsuya Matsuyama scores the fight 30:27
Judge Ren Mimura scores the fight 30:27
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Luiz Mendoza!
After the fight, Luiz Mendoza was humble in paying tribute to his opponent but made it clear he wants to go on to bigger and better things. It seemed to go down well with the crowd who cheered him loudly.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| S |
C
A |
G |
S |
C
B |
G |
|
S |
C |
G |
|
energy
A | B |
|
hype
A | B |
|
pop
A | B |
|
mgr
A | B |
|
FIGHT
RATING
39% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Undercard bout
|
Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Mamed Khalidovic (ranked 317 p4p, 977 weight class) and Roko Matijevic (ranked 29 p4p, 86 weight class). Khalidovic comes to the cage accompanied by Зима-мама 25/17. Roko Matijevic has the power to score a knockout today if he connects clean with Mamed Khalidovic's chin.
 |
|
 |
| 183 cm
30
146
18 - 8 - 1 |
|
175 cm
29
155
14 - 9 - 0 |
Great wrestler
World class boxer
Very quick |
|
Good wrestler
World class boxer
Heavy handed |
|
| |
|
Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 18 - 8 - 1, fighting out of Sydney, Mamed Khalidovic!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 14 - 9 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Roko Matijevic!
The judges for this bout are Yukihiro Yamamoto, Taro Takaoka and Hirohito Nitta.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Khalidovic checks a leg kick.
Khalidovic with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Khalidovic digs a good body shot into Matijevic's ribs.
A punch lands to the side of Matijevic 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Khalidovic feints and then cracks Matijevic's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Matijevic down.
Khalidovic connects with a jab.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Khalidovic. Matijevic shrugs it off though.
Matijevic lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Matijevic connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Khalidovic's hands.
 It looks like Mamed Khalidovic has been cut.
Khalidovic moves out of range of the leg kick from Matijevic.
Khalidovic blocks a leg kick.
Matijevic takes a nasty kick to the mid section... That should keep him thinking. Does he try and block and risk a head kick landing?
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!
Matijevic throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Khalidovic sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Matijevic pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Khalidovic swings for the body but Matijevic moves out of range.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Khalidovic misses with a body shot.
Khalidovic really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Khalidovic throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Khalidovic connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
A nice leg kick lands there from Khalidovic.
Khalidovic with a hook.
Khalidovic with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Khalidovic misses with a kick to the body.
Matijevic flicks out a counter leg kick but Khalidovic steps away.
Khalidovic cracks a nice hook into Matijevic's ribs.
Khalidovic throws the left hand but Matijevic avoids the punch easily.
Matijevic feints a counter leg kick.
Khalidovic lands a nice leg kick that just misses Matijevic's sensitive parts.
Matijevic is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Khalidovic.
Khalidovic looks to land a body kick but Matijevic moved away.
Matijevic is loading up here, looking for a big counter of his own.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Matijevic keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Khalidovic fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Matijevic to the ground. Khalidovic is now in Matijevic's guard.
Matijevic keeping full guard, as Khalidovic tries to pass.
Khalidovic is working hard here to advance position.
Khalidovic trying to control but Matijevic is working from the bottom.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Khalidovic pushing down on Matijevic's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Matijevic is not content to let Khalidovic control the position.
Matijevic won't allow Khalidovic to pass to mount.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Khalidovic works his foot free and advances to mount.
Khalidovic pushing the pace here, looking to move to his opponents back and work for a finish.
Khalidovic controlling his opponent.
Matijevic tries to hold on but Khalidovic postures up.
Khalidovic tries to control but Matijevic wriggling away.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Khalidovic controlling the position easily from mount.
Khalidovic can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Matijevic is looking to escape.
Matijevic defends a decent attempt at a guillotine from Khalidovic.
Matijevic tries to hold on but Khalidovic pushes him away.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Mamed Khalidovic dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Mamed Khalidovic's cut.
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.
Matijevic throws a body kick despite being completely out of range
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Khalidovic throws a jab when Matijevic was well out of range.
Khalidovic's corner calls for a 1-2. Khalidovic obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Khalidovic moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Matijevic throws a solid leg kick but Khalidovic takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Matijevic.
A big right from Matijevic misses.
Khalidovic throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Khalidovic is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Matijevic can do to turn this around?
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Khalidovic, as that shot connected.
Khalidovic throws a body kick that misses
and Matijevic cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Matijevic on the wrong end of a nice jab.
It looks like Khalidovic has been trying to sharpen up his punching technique, as it looks crisper than last time we saw him.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Matijevic throws a looping overhand right but Khalidovic ducks down to avoid it.
The fighters are starting to get sweaty, which will make takedowns a bit more tricky.
Khalidovic fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Matijevic manages to avoid it.
Khalidovic is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Khalidovic moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Matijevic moves out of range as Khalidovic throws a body kick.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Matijevic misses the jab.
Matijevic throws the kick towards the body but Khalidovic avoids it.
Khalidovic takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Matijevic uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Khalidovic.
Khalidovic moves out of the way of the counter high kick fromMatijevic.
Khalidovic with the inside leg kick.
Khalidovic looks to land a body kick but Matijevic moved away.
Matijevic looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Good exchange - Khalidovic coming out on top.
Khalidovic jabs Matijevic right on the nose. Matijevic blinks but takes it well.
Matijevic walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Khalidovic throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Khalidovic cracks Matijevic with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Khalidovic lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Khalidovic closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Matijevic did well to prevent Khalidovic getting side control.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Khalidovic in particular looking to stall.
Matijevic is looking to control Khalidovic's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Matijevic avoid being mounted?
Khalidovic is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Matijevic sees it coming and defends easily.
Khalidovic is looking for a kimura but Matijevic is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Khalidovic to get the leverage.
Khalidovic is trying to control the action in half guard but Matijevic is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Matijevic is looking to control Khalidovic's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Matijevic avoid being mounted?
Khalidovic is looking to take a break and control but Matijevic is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Khalidovic is controlling the pace.
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Khalidovic scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Matijevic misses with a body kick.
Khalidovic shoots in but no luck this time.
Khalidovic dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Matijevic. That did some damage!
Khalidovic connects with a good right hand that stumbles Matijevic. Matijevic circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
A chopping leg kick lands by Khalidovic.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Khalidovic.
No joy there for Khalidovic, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Matijevic counters with a body kick.
Khalidovic scores with a nice right hand.
Roko Matijevic is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Matijevic misses with a looping right.
A swing and a miss from Khalidovic.
Khalidovic tests Matijevic's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Matijevic missing with a left hand there. Khalidovic was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Khalidovic takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Mamed Khalidovic dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Mamed Khalidovic's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!
Khalidovic cracks Matijevic with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Khalidovic throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Mamed Khalidovic is winning the standup battle so far.
Nice jab there from Khalidovic.
Khalidovic misses with a low kick.
A low kick lands for Khalidovic.
Mamed Khalidovic seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Matijevic avoids the body shot from Khalidovic.
Matijevic tries a quick counter leg kick but Khalidovic is wise to it.
A decent looking body kick lands there for Khalidovic.
Matijevic's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Khalidovic fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Matijevic.
Khalidovic's corner calls for a 1-2. Khalidovic obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Matijevic avoids the body shot from Khalidovic.
Khalidovic throws a shot to the body.
Jab by Khalidovic.
Khalidovic lands with an overhand left.
Matijevic ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Khalidovic moves away.
That's one minute gone in the round.
A lazy body kick from Khalidovic
and Matijevic counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Khalidovic throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Khalidovic lands the left hand.
Khalidovic lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Khalidovic.
Khalidovic fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Matijevic avoids it really well and circles away.
Khalidovic checks a low kick from Matijevic.
Khalidovic misses the shot to the body.
Matijevic lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.
Matijevic throws a leg kick but Khalidovic checks it.
Khalidovic throws a body shot but no joy.
Khalidovic backing away here, and Matijevic unleashes a leg kick that just misses.
Khalidovic rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Matijevic counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Roko Matijevic has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Mamed Khalidovic is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Matijevic gets cracked there but stands up to it.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Khalidovic lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
A looping hook to the body misses from Khalidovic. Matijevic does a little dance to reset his feet.
Khalidovic missing with a left hand there. Matijevic was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Matijevic ducks under a wild hook from Khalidovic.
Matijevic has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Khalidovic swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Matijevic.
Matijevic takes a nasty kick to the mid section... That should keep him thinking. Does he try and block and risk a head kick landing?
Matijevic throws a chopping leg kick but Khalidovic manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Khalidovic swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Matijevic doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Khalidovic throws a hook to the side of Matijevic's head but Matijevic sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Khalidovic scores with a sloppy right hand. Matijevic should have avoided that one.
Khalidovic scores with a nice strike.
Matijevic is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Khalidovic scoring well with a low kick there.
Khalidovic misses with a kick to the body
and Matijevic counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Khalidovic thinking.
Khalidovic throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Despite the aggression on Matijevic's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.
Khalidovic throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Matijevic sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Matijevic throws out a counter right but Khalidovic avoids it with no problem.
Khalidovic throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Matijevic connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Matijevic throws a right hand that misses
and Khalidovic counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Khalidovic lands a slapping body shot.
Khalidovic shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
Khalidovic controlling the pace.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Khalidovic works his way into side control.
And that's the end of the fight!
Mamed Khalidovic showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Khalidovic 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 Yukihiro Yamamoto scores the fight 30:27
Judge Taro Takaoka scores the fight 30:27
Judge Hirohito Nitta scores the fight 30:27
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Mamed Khalidovic!
During a confident post fight interview, Mamed Khalidovic thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| S |
C
A |
G |
S |
C
B |
G |
|
S |
C |
G |
|
energy
A | B |
|
hype
A | B |
|
pop
A | B |
|
mgr
A | B |
|
FIGHT
RATING
53% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Undercard bout
|
Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Ben Slam (ranked 436 p4p, 594 weight class) and Corona Virus (ranked 60 p4p, 76 weight class). This should be a great matchup!
 |
|
 |
| 193 cm
36
275
30 - 16 - 0 |
|
207 cm
33
281
24 - 15 - 0 |
Good wrestling
World class boxer
Cardio machine |
|
Olympic wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank |
|
| |
|
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 30 - 16 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Ben Slam!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 24 - 15 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Corona Virus!
The judges for this bout are Kenichi Hosakawa, Yuuki Gou and Yasuomi Hirokawa.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Slam misses with a looping right.
Slam throws the left hand but Virus avoids the punch easily.
Slam is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Virus.
Slam throws a jab but it's blocked by Virus.
A countering left hand to the body from Virus misses.
Virus blocks a head kick by Slam.
Slam looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Slam throws a jab but it's blocked by Virus.
Slam lands with a right hand.
 It looks like Corona Virus has been cut.
Slam swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Slam misses with a looping right.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Slam misses with an uppercut
enabling Virus to counter with a crisp jab.
It looks like Ben Slam has been cut.
Virus misses with a body shot.
Slam throws a jab but it's blocked by Virus.
A big left from Slam misses.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Slam throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Virus counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Slam with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Slam rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Virus counters with a crisp right hand that drops Slam! Virus lets Slam back up to his feet, looking for a finish!
Slam is rocked!
Ben Slam's cut is getting worse.
Slam misses with a hook.
A little jabbing left from Virus on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Slam lands a big head kick that sends Virus tumbling to the mat! Slam takes a step backwards and waves Virus back to his feet - he wants the finish!
Virus is rocked!
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Slam throws a powerful right kick. Virus tried to block low but the kick was high! Virus was taken right off of his feet! Slam jumps in to finish the job and the ref tackles him! The fight is over!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:34 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Head Kick). Ben Slam!
A victorious Ben Slam thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| S |
C
A |
G |
S |
C
B |
G |
|
S |
C |
G |
|
energy
A | B |
|
hype
A | B |
|
pop
A | B |
|
mgr
A | B |
|
FIGHT
RATING
79% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Undercard bout
|
Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Rafael Benedetti (ranked 110 p4p, 239 weight class) and Javier Arroyo (ranked 14 p4p, 33 weight class). These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.
 |
|
 |
| 175 cm
32
155
24 - 12 - 0 |
|
176 cm
30
155
17 - 8 - 1 |
Good wrestling
World class MT
Insanely flexible |
|
Good wrestler
World class boxer
Good gas tank |
|
| |
|
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 24 - 12 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Rafael Benedetti!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 17 - 8 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Javier Arroyo!
The judges for this bout are Kenichi Hosakawa, Yukihiro Yamamoto and Shirou Masuda.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
The fighters circle momentarily. Benedetti darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
We've been told by Benedetti's head coaches at Canadian Elite Bruins Gym that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
A big right from Arroyo misses.
Benedetti misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Arroyo.
A nice side step and Arroyo releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.
Arroyo throws a chopping leg kick but Benedetti manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Arroyo lands a glancing blow to the side of Benedetti's head.
Benedetti misses the body punch
and Arroyo counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Benedetti throws the left hand but Arroyo avoids the punch easily.
Arroyo works the jab nicely.
Decent striking displayed by Benedetti there.
Arroyo has been spending a lot of time sparring his boxing in the run up to the fight, trying to sharpen up those hands and look for a knockout.
Arroyo throws a shot from downtown. Benedetti moves away and avoids it.
Benedetti tries to clinch up but Arroyo circles away and keeps his distance.
Arroyo avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Arroyo loads up on a big right hand but Benedetti slips the punch.
Benedetti is looking to chop away at Arroyo's legs.
Benedetti takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Benedetti displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Arroyo throws out the jab.
Benedetti feints and then cracks Arroyo's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Arroyo down.
A bone on bone clash there as Arroyo blocks the leg kick.
Arroyo with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Benedetti swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Arroyo throws a lazy right hand but Benedetti sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Benedetti thows a leg kick but Arroyo checks it
enabling Arroyo to counter with a crisp jab.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Arroyo circles away from the clinch attempt.
Thud! ouch! good body kick from Benedetti - that will leave a mark!
Benedetti tries a head kick but it misses.
Benedetti misses the jab.
Benedetti checks a leg kick.
Benedetti is looking to chop away at Arroyo's legs.
Arroyo moves out of range of the strikes.
An inside leg kick lands from Arroyo.
Benedetti misses with a straight right.
Rafael Benedetti seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Arroyo looking to land some kicks to the body here.
It looked like Benedetti was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Arroyo.
Arroyo uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Benedetti.
Arroyo wants to land a leg kick but Benedetti is out of range.
Arroyo avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Benedetti misses with a body shot.
Arroyo connects with a leg kick.
A swing and a miss from Arroyo.
Arroyo checks a leg kick.
Both fighters circling a little - Arroyo finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.
The fight moves into the clinch position.
A head punch on the inside from Benedetti fails to land.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Arroyo pulls guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Arroyo can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Benedetti controls the pace.
Benedetti decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.
Good shot there by Benedetti.
Benedetti fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Arroyo checks it well.
That kick from Arroyo tenderised Benedetti's leg. Benedetti is trying to keep his angry face on.
Benedetti scores with a crisp jab that stopped Arroyo in his tracks.
Arroyo just misses with a punch to the body.
Benedetti bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Benedetti ducks under a wild hook from Arroyo.
Arroyo motions for Benedetti to come forward. Arroyo throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Benedetti is looking to counter punch.
Benedetti checks the leg kick.
Benedetti throws a leg kick but Arroyo sees it coming and moves out of range.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Arroyo lands with a good body shot.
Benedetti bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
A head kick by Benedetti misses
and Arroyo counters with a leg kick.
Arroyo throws a wild body kick that Benedetti sees coming a mile off.
A nice leg kick lands there from Arroyo.
Benedetti takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Benedetti darts in and clinches Arroyo up against the cage.
Benedetti can't find room to land a body shot as Arroyo controls the action.
Benedetti tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Benedetti works on Arroyo's body with a couple of short punches.
Benedetti has a couple of punches blocked by Arroyo.
Arroyo doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Arroyo manages to break the clinch.
Arroyo looks to land a left hand but Benedetti moved out of range nicely.
Arroyo with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Arroyo on the wrong end of a nice hook.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Benedetti ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Arroyo moves away.
Arroyo moves out of range of the strikes.
Benedetti tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Benedetti connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Benedetti feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Arroyos jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Arroyo takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.
Benedetti throws a nice outside leg kick.
A combination from Benedetti does no damage.
Arroyo circles away from the clinch attempt.
Benedetti misses the shot to the body.
Benedetti tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Arroyo was well out of range. Poor timing from Benedetti.
Arroyo takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Benedetti avoids the body shot from Arroyo.
Arroyo lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Benedetti drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
A low kick lands for Benedetti.
Benedetti throws a jab when Arroyo was well out of range.
Arroyo cracks Benedetti with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
A chopping leg kick lands by Benedetti.
Benedetti uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Arroyo.
Arroyo lands with a straight right. Benedetti didn't see that one coming.
Arroyo jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Arroyo throws a body punch but Benedetti moves out of range.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
A close round but Javier Arroyo will probably get the nod.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.
Arroyo throws a low kick, looking for Benedetti's leg but Benedetti calmly moves out of range.
Benedetti tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Arroyo manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Benedetti throws a shot from downtown. Arroyo moves away and avoids it.
Benedetti wants to slow Arroyo down by chopping away at his legs.
Benedetti on the wrong end of a kick to the body.
Benedetti tries to clinch but Arroyo moves out of range.
Arroyo takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Javier Arroyo seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Arroyo ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Arroyo! But no joy.
Benedetti throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Benedetti throws a jab when Arroyo was well out of range.
Benedetti walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Arroyo digs a good body shot into Benedetti's ribs.
Benedetti throws a combination that misses
and Arroyo counters with a right hand to the body.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Arroyo displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Benedetti throws out the jab.
Benedetti throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Benedetti throws a leg kick
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Benedetti throws a jab but it's blocked by Arroyo.
Arroyo tried to score with a low kick but Benedetti checks it.
Benedetti takes a swing at Arroyo's ribcage but misses.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Good exchange - Arroyo coming out on top.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Arroyo throws a hook but Benedetti avoids it easily.
Arroyo avoids the head kick by Benedetti.
Arroyo was about to counter that last move with a leg kick but changes his mind.
Arroyo thuds a mid kick into his opponent's body. That will wear on Benedetti if he has to take too many more of those.
A nice leg kick from Arroyo, right into the meat of the thigh.
Benedetti misses with a body shot.
Benedetti connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Arroyo tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Benedetti was well out of range. Poor timing from Arroyo.
Arroyo takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Benedetti is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Arroyo lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Arroyo, as that shot connected.
Benedetti fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Arroyo has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Benedetti blocks a jab.
A big right from Benedetti misses.
Arroyo wants to slow Benedetti down by chopping away at his legs.
Benedetti moves into the clinch successfully.
Arroyo pushes Benedetti back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Benedetti tries to throw a body punch but Arroyo avoids it by throwing Benedetti back against the cage.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Benedetti.
Arroyo has a couple of punches blocked by Benedetti.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Benedetti working aggressively here.
Arroyo lands a body punch.
Benedetti misses with a punch on the inside.
Nice body punch from Arroyo.
Nice body punch from Benedetti - that landed with a thud.
Arroyo struggles to land a body shot inside as Benedetti controls his hands.
Benedetti tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Arroyo's elbow.
Benedetti is trying to maintain a safe position but Arroyo gets an underhook and turns Benedetti into the cage.
Arroyo breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Benedetti stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Arroyo connects with a good right hand that stumbles Benedetti. Benedetti circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Benedetti misses with a right hand
and Arroyo counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Arroyo lands a lovely overhand right.
Arroyo lands a jab to the head.
Arroyo pivots, looking for a leg kick but Benedetti is out of range and Arroyo settles back down.
Benedetti throws a big counter combination but Arroyo scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
A slow jab from Benedetti misses its intended target.
Benedetti throws a body punch but Arroyo moves out of range.
Benedetti moves out of range of the strikes.
Benedetti uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Arroyo.
Benedetti throws a hook to the side of Arroyo's head but Arroyo sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Benedetti throws a push kick but Arroyo slaps the foot to one side.
Benedetti slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Benedetti dips to his left and cracks Arroyo with an uppercut!
Benedetti tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Arroyo was well out of range. Poor timing from Benedetti.
Arroyo displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Benedetti throws out the jab.
A big left from Arroyo misses.
Benedetti moves out of range as Arroyo strikes.
Benedetti chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Arroyo takes a kick to the side of the head.
Benedetti throws a chopping leg kick but Arroyo manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Benedetti throws a head kick that misses.
Arroyo misses with a low kick.
A nice inside leg kick there by Arroyo. That's going to slow Benedetti down.
Benedetti checks a leg kick.
Benedetti pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Benedetti bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Arroyo slips a jab from Benedetti.
An inside leg kick lands from Arroyo.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Arroyo scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Arroyo slips under a jab from Benedetti.
Benedetti throws a hook but Arroyo avoids it easily.
Benedetti scores with a hook to the body. Arroyo takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Arroyo scores with a sloppy right hand. Benedetti should have avoided that one.
A nice leg kick from Benedetti, right into the meat of the thigh.
Arroyo throws a looping overhand right but Benedetti ducks down to avoid it.
Arroyo wants to land a leg kick but Benedetti is out of range.
An attempted straight right counter from Benedetti misses the target.
Benedetti misses with a low kick as Arroyo jumps back.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Arroyo checks a leg kick.
Arroyo lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Benedetti's corner calls for a 1-2. Benedetti obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Benedetti gets off balance looking for a body kick
and Arroyo counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Arroyo checks a leg kick nicely.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Benedetti is looking to score with low kicks.
Arroyo moves out of range of the strikes.
Benedetti tries to score with a low kick but Arroyo moves his leg out of the way.
Arroyo ducks right into an uppercut from Benedetti.
Arroyo lands with a kick to the ribs.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
A close second round but Javier Arroyo will probably get the nod - 10:9.
That's time! Benedetti's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!
Arroyo ducks under a wild hook from Benedetti.
Arroyo bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Benedetti's head.
Arroyo lands a really nice looking cross but Benedetti seems unphased.
Benedetti with the inside leg kick.
Arroyo fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Benedetti manages to avoid it.
Benedetti misses with a kick to the body.
Arroyo throws a leg kick but Benedetti sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Benedetti ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Arroyo fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Benedetti has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Arroyo looks to land a left hand but Benedetti moved out of range nicely.
Arroyo lands with an overhand left.
Arroyo keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Arroyo jabs at Benedetti's body.
Arroyo plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
Benedetti uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Arroyo.
Arroyo checks a leg kick.
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!
Arroyo goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Arroyo misses with an uppercut
and Benedetti makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
Benedetti misses with a jab, cross combination.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Arroyo scores with a crisp jab that stopped Benedetti in his tracks.
Arroyo takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Arroyo lands a body shot.
Arroyo throws a head kick but Benedetti moves out of range.
Benedetti scores with a jab to the jaw.
Benedetti throws a series of strikes that have Arroyo backpedaling.
Nice straight punches there by Benedetti. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Benedetti.
Benedetti takes one to the chin there.
Benedetti rushes Arroyo and presses him up against the cage.
Arroyo tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Benedetti swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Benedetti can't find room to land a body shot as Arroyo controls the action.
Benedetti looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Arroyo lands a shot to the body.
Arroyo tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Benedetti misses with a punch to the body.
Arroyo fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Rafael Benedetti has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Javier Arroyo.
Benedetti tries to throw a body punch but Arroyo avoids it by throwing Benedetti back against the cage.
Benedetti misses with a hook to the ribs.
Arroyo misses with a punch to the body.
Rafael Benedetti has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Arroyo manages to break the clinch.
Arroyo thuds his shin into the meat of Benedetti's side.
Benedetti lands a jab.
Benedetti avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Benedetti lands a jab to Arroyo's midsection.
Benedetti checks the leg kick nicely there.
Benedetti takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Arroyo smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Benedetti tries to land a leg kick but Arroyo saw it coming and moves away.
Benedetti backing away here, and Arroyo unleashes a leg kick that just misses.
Arroyo throws a jab when Benedetti was well out of range.
A low kick lands for Benedetti.
Benedetti takes a body kick right on the floating rib. Ouchie.
Arroyo missing with a left hand there. Benedetti was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Benedetti has Arroyo up against the cage in a clinch.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Benedetti.
Arroyo is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Benedetti to keep the fight standing.
Benedetti will be looking to protect his midsection after taking some solid kicks to the body.
Arroyo tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Benedetti smiles and moves away.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
A nice inside leg kick there by Arroyo. That's going to slow Benedetti down.
Benedetti throws a leg kick
and Arroyo counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Benedetti tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Arroyo was well out of range. Poor timing from Benedetti.
Arroyo plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
Arroyo lands a leg kick that knocks Benedetti off balance momentarily.
Arroyo steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Benedetti.
Arroyo checks a low kick from Benedetti.
Benedetti throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Arroyo counters with a straight right hand.
Arroyo misses with a wild body shot.
Benedetti uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Arroyo.
Benedetti ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Benedetti misses with a body shot
and Arroyo counters with a straight right hand.
Arroyo blocks a jab.
Arroyo throws out a counter right but Benedetti avoids it with no problem.
Arroyo takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Benedetti throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
A jab from Benedetti misses.
A looping hook to the body misses from Arroyo. Benedetti does a little dance to reset his feet.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Benedetti is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Arroyo.
Arroyo bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Benedetti misses with a hook.
Benedetti lands with an uppercut that bounces Arroyo off the cage and back into range.
Benedetti tries a low kick but Arroyo avoids it.
Benedetti ducks under a wild hook from Arroyo.
Benedetti throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Benedetti with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Arroyo to score with a decent uppercut.
A slapping leg kick lands for Benedetti.
Good leg kick by Arroyo.
Benedetti throws a right hand that Arroyo ducks under and follows up with a left that Arroyo also avoids with ease.
Benedetti ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Arroyo moves away.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Benedetti on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Benedetti takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Benedetti throws out a loose jab but Arroyo uses good head movement to avoid it.
Benedetti finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Javier Arroyo.
I've got Arroyo 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 Kenichi Hosakawa scores the fight 28:30
Judge Yukihiro Yamamoto scores the fight 27:30
Judge Shirou Masuda scores the fight 27:30
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Javier Arroyo!
After winning the bout, Javier Arroyo thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| S |
C
A |
G |
S |
C
B |
G |
|
S |
C |
G |
|
energy
A | B |
|
hype
A | B |
|
pop
A | B |
|
mgr
A | B |
|
FIGHT
RATING
83% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Undercard bout
|
Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Jaxon Magrath (ranked 128 p4p, 277 weight class) and Paavo Talvela (ranked 20 p4p, 39 weight class). Talvela has chosen For Heavy Metal we will die! as his entrance music. I don't know about you partner, but I'm pumped for this one!
 |
|
 |
| 178 cm
31
172
24 - 6 - 3 |
|
178 cm
29
175
16 - 4 - 0 |
Great wrestler
World class boxer
Granite chin |
|
Excellent grappler
World class boxer
Good gas tank |
|
| |
|
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 24 - 6 - 3, fighting out of New York, Jaxon Magrath!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 16 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Paavo Talvela!
The judges for this bout are Yukihiro Shimada, Shigeki Sano and Yasuomi Hirokawa.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Talvela tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Talvela gets the takedown into side control.
Talvela creates some space and throws a big elbow, but Magrath sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.
Magrath is looking for a sweep.
Talvela working the body and head with strikes.
Magrath managing to avoid any damage from the strikes thrown by Talvela.
Talvela working the ground and pound.
Magrath defending against the ground and pound.
Talvela lands a knee to the body and follows it up with some ground and pound to the head. That will wear Magrath down.
Talvela has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Talvela is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Magrath has escaped the position, nice work there.
The ground and pound from Talvela seems to be hitting the mat more than his opponent.
Sloppy strikes there by Talvela.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Talvela working the ground and pound but Magrath is defending the strikes.
Talvela throws an elbow but Magrath slips to the side and avoids it well.
Magrath dodges the ground and pound from Talvela.
Talvela working the ground and pound but he's contacting the mat, not the fighter.
Talvela lands a knee to the body and a forearm to the face.
Magrath takes a big shot right to the temple there but he's taken it well.
Talvela working the strikes but Magrath uses the opportunity to regain half guard.
Magrath blocking the ground and pound attempt from Talvela.
Talvela is stalling here. Magrath is in no mood to hang around though. He's locked up a kimura from the bottom! Talvela seems to be keeping calm but he's forced to roll out of the hold and Magrath has ended up in side control on the top. Nice work.
Talvela tries to buck Magrath off but Magrath is having none of it.
Talvela is looking to slip a leg under and get half guard but Magrath is one step ahead and moves to full mount!
Talvela is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Talvela 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.
Talvela moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Talvela working for submissions but it's allowed Magrath to get to half guard.
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!
Magrath works his foot free and advances to mount.
Magrath trying to control but Talvela is having none of it.
Talvela wants to control but Magrath is having none of it.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Talvela is looking to improve his position but Magrath isn't that keen on the idea.
Magrath manages to capitalize on a mistake by Talvela to take his back!
Talvela 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.
Talvela manages to reverse the position and now he's in Magrath's guard. Nice work there by Talvela.
Talvela in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Talvela throwing strikes but missing.
Talvela content to stall in guard here.
Magrath trying to keep a closed guard but Talvela is proving a slippery customer.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Talvela looking to sit in guard and control but Magrath gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Magrath trying to control but Talvela is working from the bottom.
Talvela has an active guard here but Magrath has managed to pass into half guard.
Talvela is looking to improve his position.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Paavo Talvela dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.
A head kick from Magrath lands but Talvela takes it in his stride.
Talvela throws a leg kick but Magrath sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Magrath throws a looping overhand right but Talvela ducks down to avoid it.
As Magrath backs off Talvela throws a huge counter combo but Magrath manages to avoid it all.
Talvela misses with a wild body shot.
Magrath walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Talvela checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Magrath bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Talvela tries to land a leg kick but Magrath saw it coming and moves away.
Magrath works Talvela's body with a nice hook.
Good shot there by Magrath.
Talvela slips a straight right by Magrath.
Talvela loads up on a big right hand but Magrath slips the punch.
Talvela lands a leg kick that knocks Magrath off balance momentarily.
Magrath checks a leg kick.
Magrath misses with an uppercut.
Magrath throws out a loose jab but Talvela uses good head movement to avoid it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Magrath throws a body punch but Talvela moves out of range.
Magrath has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Talvela.
Magrath ducks under a wild hook from Talvela.
Magrath connects with a solid leg kick.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Talvela lands where it shouldn't have, right in the... well, you know what he did? He kicked him in the penis. He's injured, injured bad. The referee sends both fighters to their corners and Magrath has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Magrath and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Magrath looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Magrath takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Nice jab there from Magrath.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Magrath waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Talvela.
Talvela misses with a looping right.
Magrath bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Magrath waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Talvela.
Magrath comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Magrath misses with a hook. Talvela ducked under it nicely.
Talvela attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Talvela motions for Magrath to come forward. Talvela throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Talvela lands a head shot.
A jab from Talvela finds it's way through Magrath's defenses.
Magrath lands with a shot to the body.
Magrath throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Talvela scores with a shot to the body.
Magrath connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Talvela's hands.
Talvela looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Magrath is fending him off so far but Talvela persists. Nope, Magrath circles away and we're back to standing.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Magrath motions for Talvela to come forward. Magrath throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Talvela uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Jaxon Magrath is winning the standup battle so far.
Talvela checks the leg kick.
Talvela dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Magrath moves out of range of the strikes.
Magrath lands with a nice body punch.
Magrath throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Talvela needs to keep his hands up - Magrath had a free shot at his head there.
Talvela takes a nasty kick to the mid section... That should keep him thinking. Does he try and block and risk a head kick landing?
Talvela takes a jab right on the kisser.
Talvela keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Magrath.
Magrath wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
The fighters circling - Talvela throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Magrath is looking to counter punch.
Magrath punishes Talvela's body with a nice straight punch.
Magrath lands with a thumping leg kick.
Talvela thuds his right hand into Magrath's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Magrath misses with a hook.
Talvela looks to throw the jab but Magrath is out of range.
Talvela ducks under a wild hook from Magrath.
Talvela with the counter takedown but Magrath avoids it easily.
Talvela scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Magrath misses the shot to the body.
Magrath avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Talvela motions for Magrath to come forward. Talvela throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Talvela throws out a loose jab but Magrath uses good head movement to avoid it.
Talvela takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Magrath throws a lazy right hand but Talvela sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
The fighters circling - Magrath throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Talvela tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Magrath was well out of range. Poor timing from Talvela.
Magrath is looking to chop away at Talvela's legs.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Magrath scores with a leg kick.
Talvela connects with a crisp jab.
Magrath slips a jab from Talvela.
Magrath takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Magrath throws a low kick but Talvela avoids it.
Magrath throws an overhand right that lands on Talvela's shoulder, as Talvela tries to avoid the shot.
Magrath getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Magrath throws a lazy right hand but Talvela sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Magrath throws a jab when Talvela was well out of range.
Magrath throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Magrath moves away from the strike by Talvela.
Good standup being displayed there by Talvela as he connects with a hook.
Magrath uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Talvela has time to react.
Magrath connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Talvela lands with a good body shot.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Talvela tries to bum rush Magrath with a series of wild strikes but Magrath uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Talvela is looking to slow Magrath down with leg kicks.
Talvela misses with a takedown attempt - Magrath sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Magrath with a nice calf kick.
Talvela moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Magrath ducks under a wild hook from Talvela.
Talvela on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Magrath blocks a low kick nicely.
Magrath feinted there with a counter leg kick.
Talvela connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Magrath drops his hands momentarily and Talvela takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Talvela throws a jab but it's blocked by Magrath.
A shot to the liver by Magrath. Beautiful body shot.
Jaxon Magrath is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Magrath lands with a right hand.
The fighters circling - Talvela throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Magrath takes one on the button.
Nice shot by Magrath.
Magrath lands with a cross.
Magrath tries to sprawl but Talvela drives through with a takedown into half guard.
Magrath makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Magrath.
Talvela throws a strike but Magrath rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Talvela looks to be working for a triangle here. Oh, it looks like he might have it! Magrath has picked Talvela up and slammed him! Talvela can't keep hold of the triangle and Magrath manages to pass to side control!
Talvela is looking for a sweep.
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 Jaxon Magrath will probably get the nod.
That's time! Magrath's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!
Talvela throws a body punch but Magrath moves out of range.
Magrath takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Talvela throws a low kick but it's checked well by Magrath.
A slow jab from Magrath misses its intended target.
Talvela moves away from the strike by Magrath.
Talvela misses with a low kick.
A little feinted left hand from Magrath on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Magrath looks to score with a jab to the body but Talvela is just out of range.
Talvela tries to score with a low kick but Magrath moves his leg out of the way.
Magrath throws a leg kick but Talvela sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Magrath blocks a low kick nicely.
Talvela is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
A telegraphed right hand from Magrath misses the target.
A leg kick checked by Talvela.
Magrath takes a swing at Talvela's ribcage but misses.
Magrath getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Talvela bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Talvela connects with a body shot.
Magrath gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Talvela.
Magrath turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Talvela ducks under a wild hook from Magrath.
Magrath throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Talvela takes a shot to the body in his stride.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Talvela moves out of range of the strikes.
Magrath uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Talvela.
Talvela slips under a jab.
Talvela swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Talvela staying out of range there.
Magrath moves into range and connects with a jab.
Talvela swings for the body but Magrath moves out of range.
Magrath was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Magrath scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Talvela jabs at Magrath's body.
Magrath just misses with a punch to the body.
Talvela was about to counter that last move with a leg kick but changes his mind.
Nice shot lands for Magrath.
Talvela attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
A head kick misses from Talvela.
Magrath ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Talvela swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Magrath throws a leg kick that misses.
Talvela avoids the body shot from Magrath.
Talvela misses with a series of wild punches.
Magrath swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Talvela tests Magrath's chin there with a solid looking shot.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Magrath chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Magrath throws a body shot but no joy.
Magrath misses with a low kick as Talvela jumps back.
Magrath throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Talvela avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Magrath ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Talvela buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Talvela throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Magrath on the side of the head.
Magrath swings for the body but Talvela moves out of range.
Magrath ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Talvela ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Magrath throws a jab but it's blocked by Talvela.
Talvela fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Talvela's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Talvela walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Talvela scores with a leg kick.
Magrath throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Talvela sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Magrath tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Talvela is able to avoid easily.
Talvela misses with a looping left.
Magrath throws a looping overhand right but Talvela ducks down to avoid it.
Magrath misses with a looping right.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Magrath scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Talvela connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Nice sprawl there from Magrath as Talvela shoots in.
Magrath ducks under a wild hook from Talvela.
Magrath misses with a looping right.
Talvela fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Talvela attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Magrath swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.
Talvela connects with a looping right hand.
Talvela chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Talvela, as that shot connected.
Talvela misses the jab.
A big right from Magrath misses.
Talvela slips under a jab from Magrath.
Talvela throws a solid leg kick but Magrath takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Talvela.
Talvela lands a really nice looking cross but Magrath seems unphased.
Magrath lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Talvela moves away from the strike by Magrath.
Talvela appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
A slow jab from Magrath misses its intended target.
Magrath throws out a powerful jab.
Talvela takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Talvela scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Magrath throws a leg kick which misses Talvela's front leg but catches the back leg as Talvela tries to avoid it.
Talvela fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Magrath is out of range.
Talvela ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Magrath moves away.
Magrath loads up on a big right hand but Talvela slips the punch.
Talvela looks to land a right hand but Magrath moved out of range.
Magrath darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Magrath looks to land a left hand but Talvela moved out of range nicely.
Nice defenses there by Talvela.
Talvela shoots in and drives through. Magrath sprawls well.
Magrath misses with a low kick.
Talvela throws the left hand but Magrath avoids the punch easily.
Magrath misses with a wild body shot.
Talvela throws out a loose jab but Magrath uses good head movement to avoid it.
Magrath connects with an inside leg kick.
Talvela blocks a leg kick.
Talvela looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Magrath looks to score with a jab to the body but Talvela is just out of range.
Magrath checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Magrath tried to score with a low kick but Talvela checks it.
Talvela looks to land a left hand but Magrath moved out of range nicely.
Magrath scores with a sloppy right hand. Talvela should have avoided that one.
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 Jaxon Magrath.
I think Magrath has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Yukihiro Shimada scores the fight 29:28
Judge Shigeki Sano scores the fight 29:28
Judge Yasuomi Hirokawa scores the fight 29:28
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jaxon Magrath!
A very excited looking Jaxon Magrath made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| S |
C
A |
G |
S |
C
B |
G |
|
S |
C |
G |
|
energy
A | B |
|
hype
A | B |
|
pop
A | B |
|
mgr
A | B |
|
FIGHT
RATING
75% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Undercard bout
|
Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Cornelius Myers (ranked 14 p4p, 48 weight class) and Finnish Tax Payer (ranked 4 p4p, 2 weight class). Tax Payer is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: Konala Cartelli - Mäkikotka. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!
 |
|
 |
| 175 cm
38
148
32 - 14 - 0 |
|
176 cm
37
149
34 - 15 - 1 |
Good wrestling
World class boxer
Granite chin |
|
Good wrestler
World class MT
Heavy handed |
|
| |
|
Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the featherweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 32 - 14 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Cornelius Myers!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 34 - 15 - 1, fighting out of Amsterdam, Finnish Tax Payer!
The judges for this bout are Shigeki Sano, Yukihiro Shimada and Tatsuya Matsuyama.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Tax Payer throws a lazy uppercut
and Myers counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Tax Payer throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Tax Payer lands with a right hand.
Myers moves out of range of the body kick.
Myers chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Myers slips a jab from Tax Payer.
Myers turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Tax Payer throws a lazy uppercut
and Tax Payer takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Myers gets off balance looking for a body kick
and Tax Payer counters with a nice uppercut.
Myers lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Danga de danga de dang - Tax Payer scores with a four punch combination!
Tax Payer throws a leg kick that misses.
Myers appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
A jab from Myers misses.
A big right from Tax Payer misses.
Myers quickly followed up with a counter body kick but doesn't connect.
Tax Payer throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Tax Payer thows a left - swing and a miss!
Tax Payer uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Myers.
A head kick misses from Tax Payer.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tax Payer checks a low kick from Myers.
Myers is looking to land body kicks.
Tax Payer throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Myers counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Myers scores with a crisp jab that stopped Tax Payer in his tracks.
Some bone on bone action there as Myers checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Tax Payer misses with a lunging right hand
and Myers counters with a body kick that stops Tax Payer in his tracks momentarily.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Tax Payer staying out of range there.
Tax Payer swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Nice body kick from Myers.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tax Payer misses the jab.
Myers on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Tax Payer blocks a leg kick.
Tax Payer takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Tax Payer dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Myers. That did some damage!
Myers throws a wild body kick that Tax Payer sees coming a mile off.
Tax Payer wants to slow Myers down by chopping away at his legs.
Myers lands with a hook. Tax Payer tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nice straight punches there by Tax Payer. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Tax Payer.
Tax Payer throws a leg kick but Myers sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Myers cracks Tax Payer with a good jab.
A looping hook to the body misses from Myers. Tax Payer does a little dance to reset his feet.
Nice body punch from Myers.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
The fighters circling - Myers throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Tax Payer looks to throw the jab but Myers is out of range.
Myers scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Myers misses with a shot to the body
and Tax Payer counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
That was a close round but I would say that Cornelius Myers will probably get the nod.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!
A telegraphed right hand from Myers misses the target.
Myers gets off balance looking for a body kick
and Tax Payer counters with a thumping low kick.
Tax Payer throws a nice inside leg kick.
Tax Payer takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Myers fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Myers misses with a right hand
and Tax Payer makes the exchange count by landing a cracking kick to the body. Myers really felt that one!
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Tax Payer slips a jab from Myers.
A swing and a miss from Tax Payer.
Myers was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
Tax Payer throws a lazy uppercut
and Myers makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Myers scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Myers bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Tax Payer stuns Myers with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Tax Payer gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Myers.
Tax Payer bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Tax Payer takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Myers moves away from the strike by Tax Payer.
Myers is looking to counter with a body kick.
A big right from Tax Payer misses.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Myers scores with a leg kick.
Myers lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Tax Payer misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Myers misses the shot to the body.
Myers throws a body shot but no joy.
Tax Payer swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Myers throws a body shot but no joy.
Tax Payer throws a hook but Myers avoids it easily.
Cornelius Myers is winning the standup battle so far.
Myers throws a lazy uppercut
and Tax Payer counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena.
It looks like Myers has been trying to sharpen up his punching technique, as it looks crisper than last time we saw him.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tax Payer misses with the combination.
Myers throws a hook but Tax Payer blocks it.
Tax Payer moves out of range of the leg kick from Myers.
Despite the aggression on Tax Payer's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.
We are yet to see a takedown attempt from Tax Payer in the fight. On paper you would think he is the more dominant ground fighter so let's see if these unusual tactics pay off.
Myers staying out of range there.
Myers misses with an uppercut
and Tax Payer counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Myers misses with a hook. Tax Payer ducked under it nicely.
Tax Payer on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Myers sizes up Tax Payer with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Cornelius Myers seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Myers throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Myers blocks a jab.
Myers throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Myers throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Tax Payer swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
A nice leg kick from Tax Payer, right into the meat of the thigh.
Tax Payer throws a head kick that misses.
Tax Payer tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Tax Payer throws a push kick but Myers slaps the foot to one side.
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 Cornelius Myers will probably get the nod.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.
Myers lands with a kick to the ribs.
Myers throws a body kick despite being completely out of range
and Tax Payer counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Tax Payer throws out a leg kick but Myers moves out of range and Tax Payer only half commits.
Tax Payer drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Myers throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Tax Payer sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Tax Payer uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Myers.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Tax Payer works the jab nicely.
Myers throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
As Myers backs off Tax Payer throws a huge counter combo but Myers manages to avoid it all.
Myers waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Tax Payer.
Tax Payer is looking for the big counter here.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Myers throws a lazy uppercut
and Tax Payer counters with a nice uppercut.
Tax Payer lands a head shot.
Tax Payer is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Myers.
Tax Payer throws a series of punches but Myers moves out of range.
Tax Payer throws a jab when Myers was well out of range.
Tax Payer ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Myers scores with a punch to the head.
Myers misses with a body shot.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Myers throws a body kick despite being completely out of range
and Tax Payer counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Myers throws a hook to the side of Tax Payer's head but Tax Payer sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Tax Payer misses with a jab, cross combination.
Myers tried to counter with a leg kick but Tax Payer avoided it.
Tax Payer throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Myers counters with a straight right hand.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Tax Payer throws a lazy uppercut
and Myers counters with a straight right hand.
A left lands for Tax Payer.
Myers throws a body kick that misses.
Myers jabs Tax Payer to the body, keeping him at a distance.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tax Payer throws a leg kick but Myers sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Myers misses with a body punch
and Tax Payer counters with a stiff right hand.
Myers throws the left hand but Tax Payer avoids the punch easily.
Tax Payer takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Myers throws out a powerful jab.
Myers throws a hook but Tax Payer avoids it easily.
Tax Payer misses with a body shot.
Myers misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Tax Payer.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Myers slips a straight right by Tax Payer.
Myers swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.
Tax Payer throws a leg kick
and Myers counters with a body kick.
Tax Payer looks to throw a body kick
and Myers counters with a thumping low kick.
Tax Payer keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Myers lands with a cross.
An inside leg kick lands from Myers.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Myers throws a jab but it's blocked by Tax Payer.
Tax Payer lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.
Myers steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Tax Payer.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Cornelius Myers clearly takes that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!
Myers blocks a jab.
Tax Payer lands a body shot.
Myers lands with a kick to the ribs.
A kick lands to the mid section there for Myers.
Tax Payer slips under a jab from Myers.
A big right from Tax Payer misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Tax Payer avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Myers throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
That's one minute gone in the round.
A swing and a miss from Myers.
A swing and a miss from Myers.
Tax Payer swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Myers looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Myers throws a right hand that misses
and Tax Payer counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Myers jabbing away but nothing is landing.
A little jabbing left from Tax Payer on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Tax Payer misses with a left hand
and Myers counters with a nice uppercut.
Tax Payer slips under a jab from Myers.
Tax Payer lands a body shot.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
A kick lands to the mid section there for Tax Payer.
Myers throws a hook but Tax Payer blocks it.
A telegraphed right hand from Myers misses the target.
Tax Payer pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Myers half committed to a counter leg kick.
Tax Payer looks to land a left hand but Myers moved out of range nicely.
Myers is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Myers slips under a jab from Tax Payer.
A lazy left from Myers finds it's target.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
A lazy body kick from Myers
and Myers takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Tax Payer uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Myers.
Myers throws a push kick but Tax Payer slaps the foot to one side.
It seemed like Tax Payer was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
A nice inside leg kick there by Tax Payer. That's going to slow Myers down.
Tax Payer has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from Myers.
Myers is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Myers scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Tax Payer avoids a kick to the body.
Tax Payer throws a half hearted mid kick.
Myers looked to counter that last move with a leg kick but didn't pull the trigger.
Tax Payer has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Myers throws a wild body kick that Tax Payer sees coming a mile off.
Myers walks forward, straight into a front kick from Tax Payer.
A jab from Myers misses.
Tax Payer throws out a counter right but Myers avoids it with no problem.
A big right from Myers misses.
A little jabbing left from Tax Payer on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Myers tries to land a front kick but Tax Payer steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Myers throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Tax Payer slips a jab from Myers.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Cornelius Myers had his way with Finnish Tax Payer in that round.
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. This is the final round!
Tax Payer cracks a nice hook into Myers's ribs.
Myers swings and misses with a hook to the body.
It seemed like Tax Payer was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Myers tries to move into range but Tax Payer moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Myers misses with a kick to the body.
Tax Payer keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Tax Payer throws a poor cross that misses
and Myers cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Myers pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Tax Payer misses the jab.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Tax Payer loads up on a big right hand but Myers slips the punch.
Tax Payer throws a right hand that misses
and Myers counters with a leg kick.
Myers buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Tax Payer avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Tax Payer misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Tax Payer connects with a single shot there.
Myers throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Tax Payer! But no joy.
Tax Payer's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
A shot to the liver by Tax Payer. Beautiful body shot.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tax Payer slips a jab from Myers.
Myers just misses with a punch to the body.
Tax Payer throws a solid leg kick but Myers takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Tax Payer.
Myers throws a hook to the side of Tax Payer's head but Tax Payer sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
A head kick misses from Tax Payer.
Tax Payer misses with a low kick.
Myers slips under a jab from Tax Payer.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Myers throws a quick inside leg kick.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Tax Payer connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Myers swings widly with a right hand
and Tax Payer counters with a stiff right hand.
Myers throws a hook but Tax Payer blocks it.
A clash of legs there as Myers blocks the low kick.
A little feinted left hand from Myers on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Tax Payer with a jab.
Tax Payer misses with a leg kick
letting Myers counter with a right hand.
Myers misses with a low kick.
Tax Payer throws out a counter right but Myers avoids it with no problem.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Myers chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Tax Payer can pounce on him.
A solid leg kick lands there for Tax Payer.
Myers fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Tax Payer.
Myers throws a push kick but Tax Payer slaps the foot to one side.
Tax Payer follows through with a counter body kick but it doesn't land.
Myers lands with a good body shot.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Myers takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Tax Payer thows a leg kick but Myers checks it
and Myers counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Finnish Tax Payer.
Well Myers 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Shigeki Sano scores the fight 49:47
Judge Yukihiro Shimada scores the fight 49:47
Judge Tatsuya Matsuyama scores the fight 49:46
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Cornelius Myers!
Cornelius Myers retains his featherweight title!
A very excited looking Cornelius Myers made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| S |
C
A |
G |
S |
C
B |
G |
|
S |
C |
G |
|
energy
A | B |
|
hype
A | B |
|
pop
A | B |
|
mgr
A | B |
|
FIGHT
RATING
48% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Co-main event
|
Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Tanaka Matsuda (ranked 10 p4p, 65 weight class) and James Yarborough (ranked 1 p4p, 9 weight class). Matsuda's entrance music is Gojira - Another World. A fine choice. Yarborough has chosen Derezzed as his entrance music. Both fighters really staring each other down here, as James Yarborough enters the cage!
 |
|
 |
| 190 cm
34
200
35 - 12 - 0 |
|
185 cm
32
190
26 - 11 - 2 |
Great wrestler
World class boxer
Granite chin |
|
Olympic wrestler
World class MT
Powerful |
|
| |
|
Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the middleweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 35 - 12 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Tanaka Matsuda!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 26 - 11 - 2, fighting out of Amsterdam, James Yarborough!
The judges for this bout are Ren Mimura, Tatsuya Matsuyama and Yuuki Gou.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Yarborough lands with an uppercut that bounces Matsuda off the cage and back into range.
Matsuda defending well as Yarborough loads up on a big left hand.
Matsuda half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Yarborough connects with a high kick.
It looks like Tanaka Matsuda has been cut.
Matsuda drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Yarborough uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Matsuda.
Matsuda swings for the body but Yarborough moves out of range.
Yarborough throws a big shot that misses.
Yarborough avoids the body shot from Matsuda.
Yarborough throws a hook but Matsuda blocks it.
Matsuda ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Yarborough moves away.
Matsuda throws a lazy right hand but Yarborough sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Yarborough gets off balance looking for a body kick
and Matsuda decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Yarborough's guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Matsuda wants to pass the guard but Yarborough is keeping the position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Matsuda advances position into side control!
Yarborough is trying to stand back up. He's worked his way up against the cage but Matsuda has just dragged him back down to the mat.
Yarborough is using up a lot of energy trying to get back to his feet. Perhaps he should improve his position first.
Matsuda is trying to get an arm triangle but Yarborough is defending well.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Yarborough wants to escape from the position here - easier said than done!
Matsuda grinds an elbow into Yarborough's temple.
Yarborough is pushing Matsuda's head away, looking to escape. Matsuda manages to hold on to the position though.
Matsuda wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Yarborough, who protects the arm well.
Yarborough sneaks out the side door and pushes Matsuda away - he's back to his feet. The crowd show their appreciation for the escape.
Matsuda scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Matsuda ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Yarborough moves away.
James Yarborough seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Yarborough takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Matsuda pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Matsuda works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Matsuda connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Yarborough uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Matsuda.
Yarborough scores with the left hand. Matsuda knows he should have avoided that one.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Yarborough's jab looks to have found its range, popping Matsuda under the eye.
Matsuda avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Matsuda half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Matsuda misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Yarborough.
Yarborough walks into a left hand.
Yarborough instigates a clinch.
Yarborough throws a head punch that misses.
Stalling in the clinch from Matsuda.
Yarborough has a couple of punches blocked by Matsuda.
Matsuda is trying to break the clinch but Yarborough has him pressed against the cage.
Yarborough lands a left hand.
Matsuda tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Matsuda tries to throw a body punch but Yarborough avoids it by throwing Matsuda back against the cage.
Matsuda fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Yarborough stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Matsuda is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Yarborough to keep the fight standing.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Tanaka Matsuda. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Yarborough working aggressively here.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Yarborough.
Matsuda misses with some punches.
A nice left hand lands by Yarborough.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Yarborough struggles to land a body shot inside as Matsuda controls his hands.
Matsuda doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Yarborough lands a right hand.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Matsuda.
Matsuda tries to pull guard but Yarborough forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Matsuda tries a body shot but Yarborough blocks it.
Matsuda tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Yarborough just stands there and leans against the cage.
Yarborough swings wildly with an uppercut but Matsuda uses good head movement to avoid it.
Yarborough misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Yarborough breaks from the clinch.
Matsuda dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Matsuda blocks a head kick by Yarborough.
Yarborough closes the distance and clinches.
Yarborough lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Yarborough digs a right hand into Matsuda's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Matsuda's gas tank.
Yarborough lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Matsuda tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Yarborough lands a left hand that snaps the head of Matsuda backwards.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Yarborough manages to break the clinch.
Matsuda jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Matsuda looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Yarborough moves into range and connects with a jab.
Matsuda defending well as Yarborough loads up on a big left hand.
Yarborough throws out a leg kick but Matsuda moves out of range and Yarborough only half commits.
Matsuda drops down looking for a counter takedown but Yarborough sprawls and moves away.
Yarborough looks for the body kick but Matsuda saw that one coming.
Matsuda takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Yarborough avoids the body shot from Matsuda.
That kick from Yarborough tenderised Matsuda's leg. Matsuda is trying to keep his angry face on.
Yarborough throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
It looked like Matsuda wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Yarborough clinches up with Matsuda and pushes him back against the cage.
Yarborough makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Yarborough working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Matsuda jumps guard but Yarborough turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Yarborough breaks the clinch.
Yarborough misses with a hook. Matsuda ducked under it nicely.
Matsuda changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Yarborough forces Matsuda back against the cage and clinches.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
James Yarborough dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Tanaka Matsuda's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!
Matsuda moves out of range as Yarborough throws a body kick.
James Yarborough seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Matsuda has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Yarborough.
Yarborough tries to clinch but Matsuda moves away
and Matsuda counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Yarborough throws an overhand right that lands on Matsuda's shoulder, as Matsuda tries to avoid the shot.
Matsuda moves forwards but Yarborough connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Matsuda lands with a right hand.
Yarborough has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Matsuda shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Yarborough as he avoids it easily.
Yarborough flicks out a counter leg kick but Matsuda steps away.
Yarborough looks to land a left hand but Matsuda moved out of range nicely.
Yarborough throws a nice inside leg kick.
A jab from Yarborough does it's job there.
An inside leg kick lands from Yarborough.
Yarborough tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Matsuda was well out of range. Poor timing from Yarborough.
Matsuda takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Yarborough lands with a cross.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Yarborough is looking to clinch but Matsuda is avoiding it.
Yarborough moves out of range of the strikes.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Yarborough! But no joy.
Matsuda checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Yarborough throws a low kick but Matsuda moves out of range easily.
Yarborough stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Yarborough wants it to stay on the feet.
Yarborough throws a nice outside leg kick.
Yarborough ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
The fight stays on the outside here - Yarborough looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Yarborough tries a low kick but Matsuda avoids it.
Matsuda on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Yarborough throws a hook to the side of Matsuda's head but Matsuda sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Yarborough throws a head kick but Matsuda moves out of range.
Yarborough throws a body kick that misses.
Matsuda drops down looking for a counter takedown but Yarborough sprawls and moves away.
Yarborough fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Matsuda manages to avoid it.
The fighters circling - Yarborough throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Matsuda tries to counter with a takedown but Yarborough is quick to defend against it.
A low kick from Yarborough misses
and Matsuda counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Matsuda.
Matsuda lands a couple of elbows.
Matsuda is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Matsuda wants to control from the top but Yarborough keeps moving.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Matsuda prevents Yarborough from getting back to his feet.
Tanaka Matsuda overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Matsuda trying to control the position from guard on top but Yarborough is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Yarborough uses the cage to get back to his feet.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Matsuda moves out of range of the strikes.
James Yarborough is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Yarborough throws an overhand right that lands on Matsuda's shoulder, as Matsuda tries to avoid the shot.
Yarborough throws a nice inside leg kick.
Matsuda misses the shot to the body.
Yarborough misses with a straight left.
Matsuda on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Yarborough. Yarborough obviously looking to wear him down.
Yarborough throws a leg kick
and Matsuda counters with a single leg into guard. Yarborough didn't expect that.
Yarborough is looking to stand up but Matsuda isn't so interested in that idea.
Matsuda 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.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
The fighters are working up against the cage. Yarborough manages to wriggle his way back to his feet, so the fighters are now clinched against the cage.
Matsuda pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Yarborough lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Nice shot by Matsuda.
Yarborough lands with a straight right. Matsuda didn't see that one coming.
Yarborough throws a lazy right hand but Matsuda sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Matsuda uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Yarborough.
Matsuda attempts a counter takedown but Yarborough avoids it well and moves away.
Good exchange - Yarborough coming out on top.
Yarborough pivots, looking for a leg kick but Matsuda is out of range and Yarborough settles back down.
Matsuda throws a body shot but no joy.
Yarborough looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Yarborough with a nice calf kick.
Yarborough swings widly with a right hand
and Matsuda counters with a shoot takedown. Yarborough fights it but they end up in guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Yarborough is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Matsuda is controlling him.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Matsuda postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Matsuda is standing up over Yarborough. Yarborough looks to escape but Matsuda dives into side control.
Yarborough is not content to let Matsuda control the position.
Matsuda cracks Yarborough with a big elbow.
Yarborough throws his opponent off and manages to get back to his feet! Nicely done!
Yarborough tries to land a leg kick but Matsuda saw it coming and moves away.
Matsuda takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Yarborough scores with a leg kick.
Matsuda is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Matsuda checks a leg kick.
Yarborough gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Matsuda manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.
Yarborough tries to stand but Matsuda is controlling from the bottom.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
James Yarborough showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Tanaka Matsuda's cut.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.
Yarborough ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Matsuda moves away.
Yarborough with a nice cross.
Yarborough misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Matsuda.
A counter left hand to the body from Matsuda misses its target.
Matsuda moves away from the strike by Yarborough.
Nice shot by Yarborough.
Yarborough throws a lazy right hand but Matsuda sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Yarborough thows a leg kick but Matsuda checks it
and Matsuda counters with a stiff right hand.
Yarborough avoids the body shot from Matsuda.
Matsuda bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Matsuda tries to counter with a takedown but Yarborough is quick to defend against it.
Yarborough misses with a straight right.
Yarborough misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Matsuda misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Yarborough.
Yarborough misses with an uppercut
and Matsuda counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Matsuda with a nice head shot there.
Yarborough wriggles free and stands up.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Matsuda.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Yarborough jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Matsuda changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Yarborough is looking to chop away at Matsuda's legs.
Matsuda scores with a jab to the head.
Yarborough thumps Matsuda with a low kick.
Yarborough tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Matsuda goes for a double leg but Yarborough avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Yarborough continues to drive forward.
James Yarborough seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Yarborough presses Matsuda against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Yarborough misses with a short punch on the inside.
A frustrated look appears on Matsuda's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Matsuda tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Yarborough smiles and moves away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Tanaka Matsuda. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Good leg kick by Yarborough.
Yarborough misses with a straight left.
Yarborough tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Matsuda manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Matsuda feinted with a counter takedown.
Yarborough steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Matsuda.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Yarborough connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Matsuda's hands.
Yarborough throws a big shot that misses.
Yarborough takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Matsuda steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Yarborough.
Matsuda throws out a powerful jab.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Yarborough fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Matsuda looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Matsuda with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Yarborough to score with a decent uppercut.
Matsuda on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Yarborough closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Yarborough misses the shot to the body.
Yarborough throws a poor cross that misses
and Matsuda counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Matsuda.
Yarborough manages to wriggle out and sneak his way back up to his feet, so the fighters are now clinched up against the cage.
Yarborough lands with a short head shot on the inside.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Matsuda.
Matsuda gets control of Yarborough's arms and successfully pulls guard. Matsuda will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.
Yarborough stands and steps away. Matsuda gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Yarborough goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Yarborough uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Matsuda.
Matsuda backing away here, and Yarborough unleashes a leg kick that just misses.
A big right from Yarborough misses.
Matsuda moves out of range of the body kick from Yarborough.
Yarborough cracks Matsuda with a right hand to the side of the head.
Yarborough tries to clinch up.
Matsuda bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Yarborough misses with an uppercut.
Yarborough lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Matsuda shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
Matsuda winds up and cracks Yarborough with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Matsuda scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
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!
Yarborough is trying to stand up here but Matsuda is controlling him well.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Yarborough pushes Matsuda off and gets back to his feet.
Matsuda slips under a jab from Yarborough.
Matsuda lands a lovely overhand right.
Yarborough is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Matsuda.
Matsuda drops down looking for a counter takedown but Yarborough sprawls and moves away.
A low kick from Yarborough misses
and Matsuda counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Yarborough!
Yarborough tries to escape but Matsuda is in control.
Matsuda is looking to take a break and control but Yarborough is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Yarborough wants to get back to his feet.
Matsuda trying to control the position but Yarborough is working away.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Matsuda prevents Yarborough from escaping the position.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
James Yarborough really dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Tanaka Matsuda's cut.
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.
Yarborough tries to clinch but Matsuda moves out of range.
Matsuda appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Yarborough thuds his right hand into Matsuda's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Yarborough misses with a head kick.
Yarborough misses with a low kick.
Matsuda jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Matsuda slips under a jab from Yarborough.
Yarborough connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Yarborough fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Matsuda is out of range.
Matsuda dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Matsuda swats away the attempt to clinch by Yarborough.
Matsuda half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Yarborough pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Yarborough throws a head kick that misses.
Yarborough misses with a straight right.
Yarborough takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Jab by Yarborough.
That's one minute gone in the round.
A looping hook to the body misses from Matsuda. Yarborough does a little dance to reset his feet.
Matsuda misses with a looping right.
Matsuda blocks a low kick nicely.
Yarborough misses with a low kick.
Matsuda lands a lovely overhand right.
A looping hook to the body misses from Yarborough. Matsuda does a little dance to reset his feet.
Matsuda half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Matsuda throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Yarborough's waist but Yarborough gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Matsuda off to one side.
Matsuda looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Matsuda uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Yarborough.
Yarborough misses with a head kick.
Yarborough misses with a right hand
and Matsuda decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Yarborough's guard.
Matsuda trying to control but Yarborough is working from the bottom.
Yarborough has managed to wall walk up one of the corner posts to get back to his feet. Matsuda is pushing him up against the cage, looking to control the position.
Matsuda wants to take the fight to the mat but Yarborough manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Yarborough misses with a punch to the body.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Matsuda tries to pull guard but Yarborough holds him up against the cage and eventually Matsuda drops back down to his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Tanaka Matsuda. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Yarborough blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Yarborough tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Yarborough keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Matsuda's efforts to push away.
Yarborough misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Matsuda fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Yarborough lands a left hand that snaps the head of Matsuda backwards.
Matsuda jumps guard.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Matsuda has a closed guard, preventing Yarborough from standing up.
Yarborough stands up and waves to Matsuda to follow him.
An inside leg kick lands from Yarborough.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Yarborough getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Matsuda throws a jab but it's blocked by Yarborough.
Yarborough throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Yarborough throws a leg kick which misses Matsuda's front leg but catches the back leg as Matsuda tries to avoid it.
Yarborough misses with a looping left.
Yarborough throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Matsuda changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Matsuda throws a body punch but Yarborough moves out of range.
Yarborough throws a big shot that misses.
Yarborough closes the distance but Matsuda moves to the side
and Matsuda counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Yarborough thinking.
Matsuda shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Yarborough's guard.
Yarborough uses the cage to get back to his feet.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Matsuda takes a jab right on the kisser.
A decent looking cross lands there for Yarborough.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Matsuda swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Yarborough defending well as Matsuda loads up on a big left hand.
Yarborough throws a wild body kick that Matsuda sees coming a mile off.
Matsuda drops down looking for a counter takedown but Yarborough sprawls and moves away.
Yarborough cracks Matsuda with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Yarborough throws a shot to the body.
Matsuda throws a body shot but no joy.
Yarborough appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
An inside leg kick lands from Yarborough.
Yarborough walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Yarborough tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Yarborough looks to land a left hand but Matsuda moved out of range nicely.
Yarborough has managed to clinch.
Yarborough lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Matsuda backwards.
Matsuda is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Yarborough scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Yarborough lands a body punch in the clinch.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
James Yarborough dominated that fourth round.
The cut man is working on Tanaka Matsuda's cut.
That's time! Back to the action! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Yarborough.
Yarborough keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Yarborough throws a leg kick that is checked
and Matsuda counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
Yarborough wants to get back to his feet.
Matsuda is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Matsuda prevents Yarborough from standing back up.
Yarborough taking some punishment here, with Matsuda in his half guard.
Yarborough scrambles, trying to get to his feet, but Matsuda manages to mount him!
Matsuda lands a big elbow.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Yarborough wants to get back to his feet.
Matsuda lands a couple of good shots and Yarborough has given up his back, trying to escape the position!
Matsuda scores with punches to the body.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Yarborough is trying to get back to his feet but Matsuda has full control of the position and if anything, Yarborough has just worked his way into a worse spot.
Matsuda is remaining active here, looking for the choke. The more discerning members of the crowd will appreciate his efforts.
Yarborough wants to get back to his feet.
Yarborough manages to get to his feet, escaping the difficult position.
Yarborough misses with a straight left.
Yarborough throws an overhand right that lands on Matsuda's shoulder, as Matsuda tries to avoid the shot.
Yarborough rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Matsuda counters with a takedown into side control.
Yarborough sneaks out the side door and pushes Matsuda away - he's back to his feet. The crowd show their appreciation for the escape.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Matsuda lands a slapping body shot.
Matsuda shoots in and bounces Yarborough off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
Yarborough is edging up against the cage. He's using the cage to get back to his feet. Nice work there - the fighters are clinched.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - a gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Yarborough lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Matsuda misses with some punches.
Yarborough takes a shot to the head.
A nice left hand lands by Yarborough.
Yarborough breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Yarborough cracks Matsuda with a right hand to the side of the head.
Matsuda is trying hard to land a takedown here. Yarborough sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Yarborough lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Yarborough looks to score with a jab to the body but Matsuda is just out of range.
Yarborough connects with an inside leg kick.
Yarborough motions for Matsuda to come forward. Yarborough throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Yarborough takes the fight into the clinch.
Matsuda jumps guard but Yarborough stands there with Matsuda around his waist. Matsuda gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Yarborough blocks an uppercut.
Matsuda blocking some punches.
Yarborough breaks from the clinch.
Yarborough throws a predictable looking body shot
and Matsuda counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Matsuda trying to pass the guard but Yarborough defending well.
Yarborough is trying to stand.
Yarborough is staying active underneath Matsuda, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Tanaka Matsuda has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Yarborough wants to get back to his feet.
Matsuda trying to control from half guard but Yarborough is working away.
Yarborough is looking to escape.
Matsuda not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Matsuda is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Yarborough is trying to stand.
Nice strikes from Matsuda there.
Matsuda is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Yarborough wants to get back to his feet.
Yarborough has one foot on Matsuda's thigh - he pushes off and manages to get back to his feet.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Yarborough ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Matsuda moves away.
Matsuda tries to counter with a takedown but Yarborough is quick to defend against it.
Yarborough throws a hook to the side of Matsuda's head but Matsuda sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Donk. Matsuda catches Yarborough right on the button with a cross.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Matsuda dives in for a single leg takedown but Yarborough sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to James Yarborough.
I've got Yarborough 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Ren Mimura scores the fight 45:50
Judge Tatsuya Matsuyama scores the fight 45:50
Judge Yuuki Gou scores the fight 45:50
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... James Yarborough!
James Yarborough is the new middleweight champion!
During a confident post fight interview, James Yarborough thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| S |
C
A |
G |
S |
C
B |
G |
|
S |
C |
G |
|
energy
A | B |
|
hype
A | B |
|
pop
A | B |
|
mgr
A | B |
|
FIGHT
RATING
83% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Main event
|
Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Johnny Albatross (ranked 3 p4p, 36 weight class) and Colby Gebhardt (ranked 1 p4p, 3 weight class). Buckle up people - heeeeeeeeeere we go!
 |
|
 |
| 170 cm
30
140
30 - 5 - 0 |
|
172 cm
33
145
21 - 6 - 0 |
Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible |
|
Good wrestler
World class boxer
Good gas tank |
|
| |
|
Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the bantamweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 30 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Johnny Albatross!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 21 - 6 - 0, fighting out of London, Colby Gebhardt!
The judges for this bout are Ren Mimura, Shigeki Sano and Tatsuya Matsuyama.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Gebhardt misses with an uppercut
and Albatross connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Gebhardt scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Gebhardt swings for the body but Albatross moves out of range.
Albatross throwing a counter right hand but Gebhardt manages to avoid it.
Gebhardt misses with a hook
and Albatross cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
A nice inside leg kick there by Gebhardt. That's going to slow Albatross down.
Albatross looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Gebhardt pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Albatross is looking to counter punch.
Gebhardt tries to close the distance and clinch but Albatross swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Gebhardt darts in trying to clinch
and Albatross cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
A head kick misses from Gebhardt.
Albatross appears to be looking for a big counter.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Gebhardt loads up on a big right hand but Albatross slips the punch.
Albatross quickly followed up with a counter body kick but doesn't connect.
Gebhardt throws a predictable looking body shot
and Albatross counters with a nice body shot.
Albatross moves out of range of the strikes.
Gebhardt misses with a right hand
and Albatross counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Gebhardt swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Albatross was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
The fighters circle momentarily. Gebhardt darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Gebhardt throws a hook to the side of Albatross's head but Albatross sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Albatross fires out a quick counter leg kick but Gebhardt just manages to avoid it.
Colby Gebhardt seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Albatross uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Gebhardt.
Gebhardt misses with a lunging right hand
and Albatross counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
A nice inside leg kick there by Gebhardt. That's going to slow Albatross down.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Albatross takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Gebhardt swings widly with a right hand
and Albatross counters with a nice body kick.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Gebhardt misses with a body shot
and Albatross counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Gebhardt scores with a nice right hand.
Albatross moves away from the strike by Gebhardt.
It looked like Albatross was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.
Gebhardt throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Albatross quickly followed up with a counter body kick but doesn't connect.
A chopping leg kick lands by Gebhardt.
Gebhardt tries to close the distance and clinch but Albatross swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Albatross stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Gebhardt.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gebhardt misses with a straight right.
Albatross half committed to a counter leg kick.
Gebhardt throws a lazy uppercut
and Albatross counters with a one-two to the body.
Gebhardt wants to clinch but Albatross slips to the side
and Albatross cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Gebhardt is rocked!
Albatross tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
An inside leg kick lands from Gebhardt.
Gebhardt throws a right hand that misses
and Albatross counters with a straight right hand.
Gebhardt is still on wobbly legs! Can Albatross finish him?
Gebhardt scores with a jab to the head.
Gebhardt seems to have recovered his senses.
Gebhardt closes the distance and pushes Albatross back into the cage.
Gebhardt throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Albatrosss head.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Albatross blocks an uppercut.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Gebhardt.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
A short uppercut from Albatross.
Albatross blocks an uppercut.
Albatross has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Gebhardt blocks an uppercut.
Albatross breaks the clinch.
Gebhardt works the jab nicely.
Gebhardt lands a nice leg kick that just misses Albatross's sensitive parts.
Gebhardt gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Albatross scores with a shot to the side of Gebhardt's head.
Albatross lands a body shot.
Albatross breaks from the clinch.
Albatross is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Gebhardt throws a leg kick
and Albatross counters with a crisp one two that drops Gebhardt! Albatross thinks about following him to the mat for a moment but instead steps back and waves Gebhardt to his feet! Gebhardt is in big trouble!
Gebhardt misses with an uppercut
and Albatross counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Gebhardt throws a leg kick
and Albatross makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
A close round but Colby Gebhardt will probably get the nod.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.
Gebhardt throws a lazy right hand but Albatross sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Albatross thinks about countering with a body kick.
Gebhardt smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Gebhardt misses with a right hand
and Albatross counters with a head kick that drops Gebhardt to the mat! Gebhardt scrambles across the canvas and gets back to his feet, still wobbly!
The fight stays on the outside here - Gebhardt looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Gebhardt throws a low kick but it's checked well by Albatross.
Albatross blocks a jab.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Gebhardt scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Albatross checks the leg kick.
Gebhardt throws a low kick but Albatross avoids it.
Albatross is looking for a counter combo.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Gebhardt connects with a looping right hand.
A shot to the body from Gebhardt misses
and Albatross counters with a crisp right hand that drops Gebhardt! Albatross lets Gebhardt back up to his feet, looking for a finish!
A big right from Gebhardt misses.
Gebhardt throws a low kick but Albatross avoids it.
A head kick misses from Gebhardt.
Albatross checks the leg kick.
Gebhardt tries to clinch up
and Albatross counters with a huge right that knocks Gebhardt out cold! Albatross is running around with a crazed look on his face - you can see how much that meant to him!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:48 of round 2, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Johnny Albatross!
Johnny Albatross retains his bantamweight title!
A relieved looking Johnny Albatross thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| S |
C
A |
G |
S |
C
B |
G |
|
S |
C |
G |
|
energy
A | B |
|
hype
A | B |
|
pop
A | B |
|
mgr
A | B |
|
FIGHT
RATING
53% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
