PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Sigvard Aurelius (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Conan Cross (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Aurelius comes to the cage accompanied by 2pac ft.Trick Daddy-Still Ballin. Conan Cross will no doubt be looking to use his reach advantage to good effect.

Aurelius
vs
Cross

156 cm
38
148 lbs
31 - 11 - 2

174 cm
29
150 lbs
16 - 7 - 1

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Cardio machine

Olympic wrestler
World class boxer
Granite chin

Bad Man Clothing
Kemists ↑ 5x160Q

Bad Man Clothing

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 31 - 11 - 2, fighting out of Las Vegas, Sigvard Aurelius!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 16 - 7 - 1, fighting out of Helsinki, Conan Cross!
The judges for this bout are Marco Blurström, Anni Minnemäki and Ben Zyskovitsi.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Cross moves out of range of the strikes.
Aurelius needs to keep his hands up - Cross had a free shot at his head there.
Cross stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Aurelius.
Aurelius throws a low kick but Cross moves out of range easily.
Cross moves out of range as Aurelius strikes.

Cross scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
Cross lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Aurelius tries to get to full guard but Cross has control of the leg.
Aurelius is trying to stand.
Aurelius holds on for dear life, maintaining half guard for now.
Aurelius is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Cross scores with a couple of nice shots.
Aurelius tries to get to full guard but Cross has control of the leg.
Aurelius might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cross seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.
Aurelius gets back to full guard.
Cross throws an elbow that misses. Aurelius uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Cross's guard. Nice move by Aurelius!
Aurelius won't allow Cross to sweep him here.
Aurelius looking to sit in guard and control but Cross gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Aurelius wants to sweep here but Cross controlling him for the moment.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cross trying to control the position from guard on top but Aurelius is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Aurelius has improved his flexibility recently so we will have to see if he can use that to his advantage.
Aurelius wants to sweep but no luck.
Aurelius is working hard here to advance position.
Aurelius is trying to control the position but Cross postures up.
Cross stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Aurelius swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Aurelius is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.

We're going to have a standup here because Sigvard Aurelius wasn't active enough for the referee's liking.
Aurelius fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Cross is out of range.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cross checks a leg kick nicely.
Aurelius misses with a low kick as Cross jumps back.
Cross takes a nasty kick to the mid section... That should keep him thinking. Does he try and block and risk a head kick landing?
Aurelius lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Aurelius throws a low kick but Cross moves out of range easily.

Cross changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Aurelius looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Cross trying to control the position but Aurelius is working away.
Aurelius is looking to regain half guard here but Cross keeps moving and retains side control.
Aurelius manages to get back to half guard.
Aurelius trying to control but Cross postures up.
Aurelius trying to get back to full guard but Cross takes advantage of the position and moves to full mount!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Aurelius tries to reverse the position but Cross maintains control.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Cross fakes a shot to the body and cracks his opponent in the head. Nice ground and pound there!
Cross trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Aurelius is trying desperately to improve position.
Poor strikes thrown by Cross there. More accuracy and less frantic strikes would help!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Cross thowing strikes but they're hitting the gloves, not doing any damage.
Cross misses with a series of strikes from mount. He'll no doubt be working on his ground and pound when he gets back to the gym.
Aurelius tries to lock up and control but Cross gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Conan Cross 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.

Aurelius throws a front kick aimed at Cross's knee but Cross avoids it well.
Cross is trying hard to land a takedown here. Aurelius sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Aurelius misses the jab.
Aurelius connects with a solid leg kick.
Aurelius misses with an attempted mid kick.
Cross throws a body punch but Aurelius moves out of range.
Aurelius is looking to score with low kicks.
Aurelius on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Aurelius thows a leg kick but Cross checks it

and Cross counters with a shoot takedown. Aurelius fights it but they end up in guard.
Cross loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Aurelius trying to control the position here.
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!
Aurelius looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Aurelius is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Aurelius is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Aurelius trying to keep a closed guard but Cross is proving a slippery customer.

Sigvard Aurelius has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Cross checks a leg kick.
Aurelius attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Cross tests Aurelius's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Nice uppercut lands for Aurelius. That snapped Cross's head back.
Cross tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Aurelius is able to avoid easily.
Cross shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Aurelius as he avoids it easily.
Sigvard Aurelius is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Aurelius tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Aurelius misses with a right hand

and Cross counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Cross not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Cross missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Cross throwing shots but Aurelius is blocking nicely.
Aurelius is trying to get back to full guard.
In the pre-fight buildup videos we saw Cross working his ground and pound in the gym. He isn't landing a great percentage of his ground strikes so far though.
Cross is stalling here. Aurelius is in no mood to hang around though. He's locked up a kimura from the bottom! Cross seems to be keeping calm but he's forced to roll out of the hold and Aurelius has ended up in side control on the top. Nice work.
Cross tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Aurelius tries to get to his feet but he's trapped momentarily.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cross tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Cross is trying to control Aurelius's posture but Aurelius avoids it.
Aurelius trying to control the action but Cross is working from the bottom.
A lull in the action here as Aurelius stalls from top position.
Cross is positioning himself to get back to half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Aurelius takes a little break here. Cross wants to take advantage but he is being controlled well.

The ref stands the fighters back up because Sigvard Aurelius just wasn't active enough.
Aurelius takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Aurelius tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Cross was well out of range. Poor timing from Aurelius.
Aurelius moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Cross moves away from the strike by Aurelius.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Cross misses the shot to the body.
Aurelius is looking to slow Cross down with leg kicks.
Aurelius stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Cross.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Conan Cross will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Aurelius throws a big shot that misses.
Aurelius looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Aurelius looks to land a body kick but Cross moved away.
Cross is looking to land body kicks.
A chopping leg kick lands by Cross.
Aurelius pivots, looking for a leg kick but Cross is out of range and Aurelius settles back down.
Aurelius is really struggling to find his range with his punches. Cross's reach advantage is clearly causing him problems.
Aurelius throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
An inside leg kick from Aurelius misses.
Aurelius misses with a low kick.
Aurelius throws a leg kick that is checked

and Cross counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Aurelius!
Cross working the ground and pound but he's contacting the mat, not the fighter.
Aurelius looks to move to half guard but instead Cross has passed into mount! Damn!
Cross looking to ground and pound his opponent to a finish here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Aurelius is wriggling around trying to escape.
Cross trying to control but Aurelius is having none of it.
Aurelius slips a leg in and gets back to half guard.
Cross thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.

Cross is looking for a kimura. It's pretty deep but Aurelius still has the half guard so he's probably OK. Oh, Aurelius has exploded into a beautiful escape there and after a quick scramble, he's ended up in side control on top! Nice work!
You can see the frustration on Cross's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Cross is trying to improve his position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Aurelius wants to stand but Cross has him controlled and pulls him back into his guard.
Aurelius won't allow Cross to sweep him here.
Aurelius trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Aurelius preventing the sweep.
Cross has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Aurelius accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Aurelius throws a big right hand that misses.
Cross tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Cross keeping moving, preventing Aurelius from controlling successfully.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cross keeping full guard, as Aurelius tries to pass.
Cross controlling Aurelius's posture.
Aurelius would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up, due to lack of activity on the part of Sigvard Aurelius.
Aurelius goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Cross plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
Cross wants to clinch.
A solid leg kick lands there for Cross.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Cross connects with a crisp jab.
Aurelius lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Aurelius throws a leg kick

and Cross counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Cross is keen to just control but Aurelius is a slippery customer.
Aurelius is looking to improve his position.
Aurelius is trying to stand up here but Cross is controlling him well.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Cross lands a nice short elbow.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Aurelius is looking to control Cross's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Aurelius avoid being mounted?
Cross is trying to control. Aurelius wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Conan Cross really dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Cross connects with a leg kick. Aurelius looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Aurelius misses with a low kick.
Aurelius throws a big shot that misses.
Aurelius fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Cross checks it well.
A jab from Aurelius finds it's way through Cross's defenses.
Aurelius throws a leg kick that misses.
Aurelius misses with a low kick.
A good leg kick by Cross.
Aurelius takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Cross swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Aurelius.
Cross lands a glancing blow to the side of Aurelius's head.
Sigvard Aurelius is winning the standup battle so far.
Cross misses with a looping left.
Aurelius misses with a low kick.
Aurelius lands a nice shot to the body.
Cross slips under a jab.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A decent looking cross lands there for Cross.
Cross fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Cross misses with a low kick.
Aurelius fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Cross tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Aurelius blocks a low kick nicely.
Aurelius tries to land a body kick

and Cross counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Aurelius!
Aurelius tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Cross wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Cross creates some space and throws a big elbow, but Aurelius sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.
Cross wants to control but Aurelius is keeping him busy.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Cross controls the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Aurelius tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Cross wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Cross tries to score with some ground and pound. Aurelius controls his posture well this time though and the shots don't do any damage.
Aurelius can't do much from the bottom here.
Aurelius manages to get back to half guard.
Cross is keen to just control but Aurelius is a slippery customer.
Cross slows the pace down in half guard.
Cross is thwarting Aurelius's attempts to control the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Cross swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Aurelius.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Cross. Aurelius shrugs it off though.
Aurelius thows a body shot but no joy.
Aurelius fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Cross throws a right hand that Aurelius ducks under and follows up with a left that Aurelius also avoids with ease.
Aurelius will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Cross thuds a left hand into Aurelius's body.
Cross moves out of range of the body kick.
Cross is using his reach advantage to land shots from outside his opponent's range.
Cross darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Aurelius throws a solid leg kick but Cross takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Aurelius.
Cross shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Aurelius buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Aurelius takes a swing at Cross's ribcage but misses.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Aurelius scores with a nice right hand.
Cross cracks Aurelius with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Aurelius ducks under a wild hook from Cross.
Cross connects with a solid leg kick.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Aurelius cracks Cross with a good jab.
Aurelius connects with a solid leg kick.
Cross goes for a double leg but Aurelius avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Aurelius continues to drive forward.
A right hand to the body from Aurelius.
Cross has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Nice body punch from Aurelius.
Cross is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Aurelius fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Cross goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Aurelius lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Cross backwards.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!

Aurelius escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
A head kick misses from Aurelius.
Aurelius fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Cross.
Cross's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Aurelius is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close fourth round but Conan Cross will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

Cross keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
An inside leg kick lands from Aurelius.
Cross on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Aurelius finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Cross with a nice cross.
Cross throws an overhand right that lands on Aurelius's shoulder, as Aurelius tries to avoid the shot.
Cross misses with a double jab.
Aurelius misses the shot to the body.
Aurelius blocks a leg kick.
Cross connects with a good right hand that stumbles Aurelius. Aurelius circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Cross throws a body punch but Aurelius moves out of range.
Aurelius misses with a wild body shot.
Cross on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Aurelius. Aurelius obviously looking to wear him down.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Aurelius.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Good work by Cross as he checks the leg kick.
Aurelius displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Cross throws out the jab.
A cross from Cross lands.
Aurelius is looking to land body kicks.
Cross ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Aurelius is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.

Cross looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Cross missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Cross stopping the sweep attempt from Aurelius.
Sigvard Aurelius has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Conan Cross is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Aurelius can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Cross controls the pace.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.
Aurelius is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.

We're going to have a standup here because Sigvard Aurelius wasn't active enough for the referee's liking.
Aurelius takes one to the chin there.
Cross sizes up Aurelius with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Aurelius chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Cross's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Aurelius connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Cross scrambles back to his feet.

Cross looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
Cross slows the pace down in half guard.
Cross's corner are shouting for him to control the position and he seems happy to oblige.
Cross is pressing down on Aurelius's thigh, looking to free his foot. Aurelius is holding on for now.
Aurelius tries to get to full guard but Cross has control of the leg.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Aurelius looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.

Aurelius looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Aurelius trying to control from the bottom.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Cross with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
Aurelius pushes Cross off looking to stand but Cross dives back in and keeps control.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Conan Cross.
I've got Cross 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 Marco Blurström scores the fight 45:50
Judge Anni Minnemäki scores the fight 47:49
Judge Ben Zyskovitsi scores the fight 45:50

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Conan Cross!
Conan Cross is the new featherweight champion!
After winning the bout, Conan Cross thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.
In defeat, Sigvard Aurelius stepped up to the mic, saying 'Revenge is like the sweetest joy next to getting pussy so mothafucka!! i fucking demand a rematch or else get me some pussy to fuck hard.'.