Play by Play - Fighter's Fight Commentary

Event: Quick Fight Championship
Date: Apr 28, 2024

#R1#
Popkov jabs Bryzgalov right on the nose. Bryzgalov blinks but takes it well.
Bryzgalov looks really tired already! That doesn't bode well for a good, competitive fight!
Good exchange - Popkov coming out on top.
Popkov has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
A jab lands there for Popkov.
Popkov lands an overhand right.
Popkov jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Popkov with a hook.
Popkov throws a mid kick that lands with a slap.
Bryzgalov takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Popkov lands with a right hand. #ROC#Bryzgalov is rocked!
Popkov fakes a right and follows up with a big left that drops Bryzgalov to one knee - oooooh, he's wobbly! Bryzgalov looks to clinch but Popkov throws him off and pummels him into the canvas! Bryzgalov taps out under the strikes! The fight is over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:30 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Strikes). Mikhail Popkov!
Our winner, Mikhail Popkov, made sure he spent some time buttering up the crowd during his post fight interview, which will no doubt bring him a few more fans.

Event: Quick Fight Championship
Date: Apr 09, 2024

#R1#
Popkov lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Wagon drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Popkov with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Popkov goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Popkov looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Popkov thuds a mid kick into his opponent's body. That will wear on Wagon if he has to take too many more of those.
Popkov pushes Wagon away with a front kick.
Popkov pushes Wagon away with a front kick.
Wagon moves forwards but Popkov connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Popkov lands a slapping body shot.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
A jab lands there for Popkov.
Popkov is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Popkov connects with a right hand. Wagon shakes it off.
Nice defenses there by Popkov.
Wagon chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Popkov can pounce on him.
Wagon has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Wagon there as he acknowledges the shot.
Popkov lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
We've been told by Popkov's head coaches at 3Band MMA that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
The fighters circling - Wagon throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Wagon looks winded!
Popkov drops Wagon with a big left hand! Wagon is injured, injured bad! Popkov jumps in and finished him with strikes! The fight is over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:59 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Mikhail Popkov!
An out of breath Mikhail Popkov thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.

Event: Quick Fight Championship
Date: Feb 10, 2024

#R1#
Popkov moves out of range of the strikes.
A slow jab from Fred misses its intended target.
Fred swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Fred walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Popkov stalks Fred and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Fred's face. Fred staggers backwards, shaken.#CUT#It looks like Jon Fred has been cut.
A slow jab from Popkov misses its intended target.
Popkov thumps Fred with a low kick.
Popkov takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Popkov lands with a nice combination. Fred backs away looking to recover.
Fred connects with a single shot there.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Fred has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Fred there as he acknowledges the shot.
We've been told by Popkov's head coaches at IMMA Gym of Elite ASS that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
A big left from Popkov misses.
Donk. Popkov catches Fred right on the button with a cross.
Popkov dips to his left and cracks Fred with an uppercut!
Fred looks to land a right hand but Popkov moved out of range.
Popkov lands a jab to the head.
Fred is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Popkov throws a combination that misses
and Fred counters with a two punch combo.
Popkov throws out a powerful jab.
Popkov is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.#T1#
Popkov moves into range and connects with a jab.
Popkov connects with a right hand. Fred shakes it off.
Popkov is really peppering his opponent's head with punches.
Popkov misses with a looping right.
Fred changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Popkov lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
Popkov fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Fred misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Fred throws a leg kick
and Popkov counters with a nice uppercut.
Popkov keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Fred.
Fred throws a poor cross that misses
and Popkov counters with a stiff 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!
Popkov works the jab nicely.
Popkov tests Fred's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Fred swings for the body but Popkov moves out of range.
Fred on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Fred just misses with a punch to the body.
Fred is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Popkov.
Mikhail Popkov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Fred moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Popkov looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple. #CUT2#It looks like Mikhail Popkov has been cut.
Popkov really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.#T2#
Fred lands with an uppercut that bounces Popkov off the cage and back into range.
Popkov walks into a left hand.
Some wild striking there from Popkov.
Fred scores with a jab to the body.
Popkov dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Fred. That did some damage!
Fred throws a jab but it's blocked by Popkov.
Fred throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Fred drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Fred throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Popkov stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Popkov lands a jab.
Popkov avoids the body shot from Fred.
Fred moves away from the strike by Popkov.
Popkov throws a leg kick
and Fred counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Fred lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Popkov circles away quickly and effectively.
Fred throws out a token jab with nothing on it.#T3#
Fred works Popkov's body with a nice hook.
Popkov throws a nice looking combination but Fred bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
The fighters circling - Fred throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Fred takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Fred throws a lazy uppercut
and Popkov cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Fred misses the shot to the body.
Popkov slips under a jab.
Popkov slips a jab from Fred.
Popkov bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Fred's head.
Popkov throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Fred on the side of the head.
Popkov on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Fred throws the left hand but Popkov avoids the punch easily.
Popkov lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Popkov throws a looping overhand right but Fred ducks down to avoid it.
Popkov uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Fred.
Jab from Popkov.
Popkov scores with a body shot. #T4#
Popkov misses with a double jab.
Popkov connects with a solid leg kick.
Fred moves out of range of the leg kick from Popkov.
Fred looks to throw the jab but Popkov is out of range.
Popkov lands with a nice combination. Fred backs away looking to recover.
Fred takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Popkov misses with a wild combination.
Fred darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Popkov.
A nice leg kick from Popkov, right into the meat of the thigh.
Fred has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Fred misses with a looping right.
It looked like Popkov wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Popkov is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Popkov throws a front kick aimed at Fred's knee but Fred avoids it well.
Fred scores with a body shot.
Fred misses with the combination.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Mikhail Popkov dominated that round.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!#R2#
Popkov loads up on a big right hand but Fred slips the punch.
Sloppy strikes from Popkov. Those never looked like landing.
Popkov lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Popkov moves out of range of the strikes.
Good shot there by Popkov.
Popkov misses the shot to the body.
Popkov rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Fred moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Popkov lands with a cross.
Popkov is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Fred can do to turn this around?
Popkov moves away from the strike by Fred.
Fred on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Popkov displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Fred throws out the jab.
Popkov uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Fred.
Some wild striking there from Popkov.
Popkov bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Mikhail Popkov is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Fred avoids a kick to the body.
Fred swings away with a body shot that misses
and Popkov counters with a lovely straight right hand!
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Fred misses with a hook.#T1#
Popkov throws a series of punches but Fred avoids them all with ease.
Popkov lands a jab to the nose.
Popkov throws a head kick that misses.
Popkov swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Fred.
Popkov throws a right and a left that Fred avoids nicely.
Fred swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Nice defenses there by Popkov.
Fred misses with a hook.
Fred takes a kick to the side of the head.
Fred misses with a looping left.
Fred looks to land a left hand but Popkov moved out of range nicely.
Popkov moves out of range of the strikes.
Fred throws a body shot but no joy.
Popkov throws a looping overhand right but Fred ducks down to avoid it.
Fred misses with a wild body shot.
Fred waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Popkov.
Popkov rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Fred moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Popkov works the jab nicely.#T2#
A telegraphed right hand from Fred misses the target.
Popkov slips a jab from Fred.
Popkov moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.
Fred throws a lazy uppercut
and Popkov counters with a one-two to the body.
Nice shot lands for Popkov.
Mikhail Popkov is winning the standup battle so far.
Fred thows a left - swing and a miss!
Popkov throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Fred misses with a straight left.
Fred takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Popkov bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Fred feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Popkovs jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Popkov throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Popkov looks to land a combination but Fred avoids it well.
Popkov fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Fred throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Popkov sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Fred throws a body shot but no joy.
Popkov throws a hook to the side of Fred's head but Fred sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.#T3#
A lazy left from Popkov finds it's target.
Popkov takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
A head kick misses from Popkov.
Popkov uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Fred.
Popkov seem to be loading up, looking for a big counter.
Popkov throws a head kick but Fred moves out of range.
Popkov cracks Fred with an open hand slap.
Popkov misses with a low kick.
Popkov throws a head kick that misses.
Popkov steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Fred.
Popkov half committed to a counter leg kick.
Fred cracks Popkov with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Fred misses with a looping left.
Popkov connects with a high kick.
A lazy left from Popkov finds it's target.
Fred is really struggling to land any decent head shots against his taller opponent.
Popkov uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Fred has time to react.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Fred stalks Popkov and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Popkov's face. Popkov staggers backwards, shaken.
Popkov scores with a kick to the body. #T4#
Fred misses with a looping left.
Fred pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Fred avoids a punch combination nicely.
Popkov lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Fred connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Fred swings widly with a right hand
and Popkov counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena.
Popkov keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Popkov moves away from the strike by Fred.
Both these guys seem content to just stand up and trade with each other but Fred might want to think about changing up his gameplan a bit because over the course of the fight, Popkov has got the better of the exchanges.
Fred takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards.
Popkov listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Fred digs a good hook to Popkov's body.
Popkov throws a solid leg kick but Fred takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Popkov.
Donk. Fred catches Popkov right on the button with a cross.
Nice defenses there by Popkov.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Mikhail Popkov dominated that second round.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
That's time! Popkov's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!#R3#
Popkov connects with a body shot.
Popkov ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Fred thows a left - swing and a miss!
Popkov moves out of range of the strikes.
Fred slips a straight right by Popkov.
Fred throws a hook but Popkov avoids it easily.
Popkov throws a quick inside leg kick.
Popkov lands an overhand right.
Popkov moves out of range of the strikes.
Fred throws a big shot that misses.
Fred chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Popkov can pounce on him.
Fred swings and misses with a hook to the body.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Popkov with a nice calf kick.
Popkov ducks under a wild hook from Fred.
Popkov connects with a body shot.
Popkov lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
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!
Fred slips a jab from Popkov.#T1#
Popkov scores with a nice head shot.
Popkov throws a low kick, looking for Fred's leg but Fred calmly moves out of range.
Popkov lands with an uppercut that bounces Fred off the cage and back into range.
Popkov swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Fred looks to throw the jab but Popkov is out of range.
Some wild striking there from Popkov.
Fred looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Fred swings widly with a right hand
and Popkov makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Fred swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Fred sizes up Popkov with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
A punch lands to the side of Popkov 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Fred fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Popkov manages to avoid it.
Fred throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Fred's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Popkov throws a jab but it's blocked by Fred.
Good shot there by Fred.
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!
Fred throws an off balance right hand
enabling Popkov to counter with a crisp jab.
Jon Fred has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!#T2#
Fred ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Popkov moves away.
Popkov throwing a counter right hand but Fred manages to avoid it.
Popkov with a nice cross.
Fred throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Fred swings for the body but Popkov moves out of range.
Fred looks to score with a jab to the body but Popkov is just out of range.
Popkov defending well as Fred loads up on a big left hand.
Popkov throws a series of punches but Fred avoids them all with ease.
Fred connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Popkov's hands.
Fred checks the leg kick nicely there.
Popkov throws a nice looking combination but Fred bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Fred swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Popkov throws a hook but Fred blocks it.#KD2#
Fred lands a big right hand that sends Popkov crashing to the mat! Fred stays standing though and waves Popkov back to his feet!#ROC2#Popkov is rocked!
A slow jab from Fred misses its intended target.
Oh Popkov is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Fred throws a jab when Popkov was well out of range.
Popkov misses the shot to the body.
Fred cracks Popkov with a big right hand that sees him stumbling back against the cage! Popkov falls to his knees and Fred doesn't need a second invitatation - he rushes in and fires off several unanswered shots that force the referee to stop the fight! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:56 of round 3, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Jon Fred!
Jon Fred seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.

Event: Quick Fight Championship
Date: Jan 17, 2024

#R1#
Saltzman pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Saltzman takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Popkov throws a quick inside leg kick.
Popkov stalks Saltzman and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Saltzman's face. Saltzman staggers backwards, shaken.
Saltzman shoots in for a takedown but Popkov shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Popkov fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Popkov lands the left hand.
Popkov is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Popkov looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
A jab lands there for Popkov.
Mikhail Popkov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Popkov throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Saltzman stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Saltzman stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Popkov.
Saltzman tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
A head kick by Popkov misses #TD#
and Saltzman counters with a single leg into guard. Popkov didn't expect that. #SU#
Saltzman gets to his feet - Popkov follows without any prompting.
Popkov throws a combination. Saltzman tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Popkov moves into range and lands a nice body kick.
Saltzman steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Popkov.#T1#
Popkov lands a head kick!
Popkov fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Saltzman has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Saltzman tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Popkov defends well and Saltzman ends up having to push Popkov into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Popkov looks like he wants to counter punch here.#BC#
Saltzman breaks the clinch.
Popkov connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Popkov scores with a nice right hand.
Popkov with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Popkov keeps Saltzman at a distance using the push kick.
Popkov smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Saltzman thows a leg kick but Popkov checks it
and Popkov counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Popkov misses with an uppercut. Saltzman saw that one coming.
Popkov closes the distance and lands a one-two.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
A jab lands there for Popkov.
No joy there for Popkov, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Saltzman misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Popkov lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Josie Saltzman. That's going to take a lot out of him.#T2#
Popkov lands the left hand.
Saltzman shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Popkov pinned against the cage. Popkov gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Popkov rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Saltzman moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Saltzman misses with a takedown
and Popkov counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Popkov misses with a head kick.
Saltzman shoots in for a double leg but Popkov sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Popkov looks to land a left hand but Saltzman moved out of range nicely.
Nice uppercut there from Popkov.
Popkov with a jab.
Saltzman takes one to the side of the head.
Popkov is using his reach advantage to land shots from outside his opponent's range.
Saltzman's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Popkov connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Saltzman scrambles back to his feet.#T3#
Popkov misses with a series of wild punches.
Popkov stalks Saltzman and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Saltzman's face. Saltzman staggers backwards, shaken.
Popkov moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.
Popkov throws a quick inside leg kick.
Popkov throws a nice looking combination but Saltzman bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Popkov swats away the attempt to clinch by Saltzman.
Donk. Popkov catches Saltzman right on the button with a cross.
Popkov is working the combinations to good effect here.#CL#
Saltzman moves into range and clinches up with Popkov.
Saltzman changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Popkov fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Popkov feints a jab promting Saltzman to slip. Popkov then demonstrates his capabilities by jabbing again. Saltzman slips again and ducks right into an uppercut.
Popkov has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.#T4#
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Popkov defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Saltzman.
A slapping leg kick lands for Popkov.
Saltzman shoots in looking for a takedown but Popkov manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Saltzman's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Saltzman has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.
Good leg kick by Popkov.
Popkov lands with a thumping leg kick.
Popkov feints a jab promting Saltzman to slip. Popkov then demonstrates his capabilities by jabbing again. Saltzman slips again and ducks right into an uppercut.
Popkov works over Saltzman's head and body with a nice combination.#CUT2#It looks like Josie Saltzman has been cut.
Popkov rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Saltzman moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Saltzman takes one on the chin but seems OK.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Saltzman shoots in for a takedown but Popkov shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Popkov lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Popkov throws a low kick but Saltzman moves out of range easily.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Mikhail Popkov dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Josie Saltzman's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.#R2#
Saltzman walks into a straight right hand from Popkov.
Mikhail Popkov seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Popkov slaps away a takedown attempt from Saltzman, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Popkov connects with a jab.
Popkov connects with a solid leg kick.
Saltzman shoots and misses
and Popkov counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Saltzman steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Popkov.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Popkov, as that shot connected.
Saltzman is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
A left and a right from Popkov both land. Nice combination.
Nice uppercut there from Popkov.
Saltzman takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Popkov fails to land with a series of punches.
Popkov looks to land a combination. Saltzman sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
Saltzman is looking to clinch.
Popkov rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Saltzman moves out of range and avoids them all easily.#T1##CL#
Saltzman has taken the fight to the clinch. #BC#
Saltzman breaks the clinch.
Saltzman takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Saltzman moves away from the strike by Popkov.
Nice sprawl there from Popkov as Saltzman shoots in.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Josie Saltzman. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Popkov swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Mikhail Popkov is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Popkov plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
Popkov misses with a wild combination.
Popkov moves into range and connects with a jab.
Popkov feints and then cracks Saltzman's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Saltzman down. #CL#
Saltzman closes the distance and pushes Popkov back into the cage.
Saltzman tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Saltzman is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Saltzman is looking for a takedown.#T2#
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!#BC2#
Popkov breaks from the clinch.
Popkov connects with a good right hand that stumbles Saltzman. Saltzman circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Saltzman shoots in for a double leg but Popkov sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Nice uppercut there from Popkov.
Saltzman steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Popkov.
Popkov has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Popkov will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Saltzman looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Popkov stalks Saltzman and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Saltzman's face. Saltzman staggers backwards, shaken.
A slapping leg kick lands for Popkov.
An inside leg kick lands from Popkov.
Popkov circles away from the clinch attempt.
Saltzman fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Popkov avoids it really well and circles away.#T3#
Popkov scores with a nice body kick.
Popkov misses with a two punch combination. #TD#
Saltzman shoots in and gets a takedown into Popkov's guard.
Popkov is looking to stand back up... there's a bit of a scramble and Saltzman dives into side control. #REVB#
Popkov wants to escape from the position here - easier said than done!
Saltzman tries to move into full mount but can't pass Popkov's legs.
Popkov is trying to buck Saltzman off.
Saltzman postures up a little and throws a couple of hammerfists but they don't connect properly. #ES2#
Popkov throws Saltzman to one side and escapes!
Popkov throws a nice head kick! #T4#
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!
Saltzman takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Saltzman shoots in but Popkov avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Josie Saltzman is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Saltzman misses with a body kick.
Popkov appeared to try and counter that last move with a leg kick.
Popkov lands a leg kick that knocks Saltzman off balance momentarily.
Popkov lands a jab-cross combination.
Saltzman shoots in but no luck this time.
Popkov unleashes a big counter combination but Saltzman bobs and weaves and avoids any damage.
Popkov fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Saltzman on the side of the head.
Popkov lands with a hook. Saltzman tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Popkov throws a leg kick which misses Saltzman's front leg but catches the back leg as Saltzman tries to avoid it.
Popkov throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
A chopping leg kick lands by Popkov.
Popkov lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Popkov throws out a loose jab but Saltzman uses good head movement to avoid it.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Mikhail Popkov showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Josie Saltzman's cut.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!#R3##CL#
Saltzman takes the fight into the clinch.
Saltzman using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Popkov has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Popkov wants to break free but Saltzman has control.
A body shot lands from Popkov. #BC2#
Popkov escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Popkov lands a nice hook to Saltzman's body. Saltzman takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Popkov throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Saltzman sees it coming and avoids it easily.
A leg kick checked by Saltzman.
Saltzman has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.
Saltzman takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Popkov throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Saltzman.
Popkov smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Saltzman has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Saltzman avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Popkov cracks Saltzman with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.#T1#
Popkov throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Popkov lands with a right hand.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Popkov.
Popkov lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
A nice leg kick from Popkov, right into the meat of the thigh.
Popkov looks to land a combination but Saltzman avoids it well.
Saltzman shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
enabling Popkov to counter with a crisp jab.
Saltzman blocks a head kick by Popkov.
Popkov throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Saltzman.
Saltzman tries to close the distance and clinch but Popkov swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Saltzman closes this distance looking for a takedown but Popkov circles away.
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!
Popkov lands with an uppercut that bounces Saltzman off the cage and back into range.
Popkov throws a right hand that Saltzman ducks under and follows up with a left that Saltzman also avoids with ease.
A counter left hand to the body from Saltzman misses its target.
Saltzman takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK. #T2#
Popkov lands with a straight right. Saltzman didn't see that one coming.
Some wild striking there from Saltzman.
Popkov will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Popkov misses with a hook. Saltzman ducked under it nicely.
Saltzman takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
Popkov keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Popkov stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Popkov looks to throw the jab but Saltzman is out of range.
Popkov throws a left and a right that both miss
and Saltzman counters with a two punch combo.
Popkov throws a leg kick which misses Saltzman's front leg but catches the back leg as Saltzman tries to avoid it.
Saltzman fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Popkov manages to avoid it.
Popkov lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Saltzman circles away quickly and effectively.
Popkov takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.#T3#
Saltzman pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Saltzman fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Josie Saltzman. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Saltzman closes the distance but Popkov moves to the side
and Popkov counters with a nice uppercut.
Saltzman throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Popkov throws out a counter right but Saltzman avoids it with no problem.
Popkov moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Josie Saltzman has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Popkov jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Saltzman moves out of range as Popkov strikes.
Nice sprawl there from Popkov as Saltzman shoots in.
Popkov fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Saltzman manages to avoid it.
Popkov moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.
Saltzman blocks a head kick by Popkov.
Popkov looks to land a combination. Saltzman sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.#T4#
A jab from Popkov misses.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Saltzman tries for a takedown but Popkov sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Popkov misses with a double jab.
Saltzman fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Saltzman with a poor takedown
and Popkov counters with a stiff right hand.
Saltzman is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Popkov lands a nice shot that snaps Saltzman's head back.
Saltzman fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Popkov avoids it really well and circles away.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Popkov's corner calls for a 1, 2 combination and Popkov duly obliges.

And that's the end of the fight!
Mikhail Popkov comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Popkov 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 Percy O'Donnell scores the fight 26:30
Judge Frank Antenori scores the fight 26:30
Judge Don Winkell scores the fight 26:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Mikhail Popkov!
Mikhail Popkov seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.

Event: GAMMA#1008 Joosep v Orlando
Date: Jul 22, 2023

#R1#
The fighters circling - Saunders throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
An attempted straight right counter from Popkov misses the target.
We've been informed that Saunders has been sparring a lot of Muay Thai in the buildup to this fight so let's see if that has an impact on the result.#CL2#
Saunders fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Popkov, pushing him back against the cage.
Saunders struggles to land a body shot inside as Popkov controls his hands. #BC#
Popkov pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
We've been told by Popkov's head coaches at Zero Tolerance that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Saunders misses with a straight right.
Saunders fails in his attempt to clinch. #CL2#
Saunders rushes Popkov and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Popkov lands with a short punch from the clinch. #BC#
Popkov breaks from the clinch.
Saunders blocks a jab.
Popkov avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Saunders ducks under a wild hook from Popkov.
Saunders throws a lazy right hand but Popkov sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Popkov throws a big shot that misses.
The fighters circling - Popkov throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Saunders tries to counter with a clinch but Popkov shakes him off and moves away.
Popkov throws a shot from downtown. Saunders moves away and avoids it.
Saunders ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Saunders is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Saunders ducks right into an uppercut from Popkov.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!#CL2#
Saunders clinches up against the cage.#T1#
Popkov tries to throw a body punch but Saunders avoids it by throwing Popkov back against the cage.
Popkov lands a right hand that snaps the head of Saunders backwards. #BC#
Popkov pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Saunders doesn't manage to clinch there - Popkov circles away.
Saunders tries to close the distance and clinch but Popkov swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away. #CL2#
Saunders has managed to clinch.
Popkov lands a hook that snaps the head of Saunders backwards.
Popkov blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Popkov blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Popkov wants to break free but Saunders has control.
Popkov lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Saunders pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the cage.
Saunders lands with a short punch from the clinch. #BC#
Popkov breaks from the clinch.
Saunders tries to clinch there but Popkov circles away.
Saunders moves in looking to clinch but Popkov pushes him off.
Saunders throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
It looked like Popkov wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Saunders swings for the body but Popkov moves out of range.
A big right from Popkov misses.
Popkov loads up on a big right hand but Saunders slips the punch.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Crunch! Popkov slams his shin into Saunders's torso.#T2#
The fight stays on the outside here - Saunders looks like he's thinking about clinching though.#CL2#
Saunders closes the distance and clinches.
Still in the clinch, Popkov scores with a nice short uppercut.#BC#
Popkov breaks the clinch.
Saunders uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Popkov.
Saunders is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Popkov with a body shot.
Popkov really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Saunders needs to keep his hands up - Popkov had a free shot at his head there.
Popkov looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Saunders swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
A quick step to the side and Popkov tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
Saunders looks to throw the jab but Popkov is out of range.
Popkov throws the left hand but Saunders avoids the punch easily.
Popkov takes a swing at Saunders's ribcage but misses.
Popkov ducks under a wild hook from Saunders.
Popkov looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Popkov throws a hook to the side of Saunders's head but Saunders sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Popkov thows a left - swing and a miss!
Mikhail Popkov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Popkov tests Saunders's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Popkov throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.#T3#
Saunders pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Popkov rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Saunders moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Popkov swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Popkov misses with a looping left.
Popkov does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Saunders scores with a crisp jab that stopped Popkov in his tracks.
Saunders tries to clinch there but Popkov circles away.
Saunders takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
A looping hook to the body misses from Saunders. Popkov does a little dance to reset his feet.
Saunders fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Popkov on the side of the head.#CUT2#It looks like Mikhail Popkov has been cut.
Popkov throws a shot from downtown. Saunders moves away and avoids it.
A telegraphed right hand from Popkov misses the target.
Saunders throws out a counter right but Popkov avoids it with no problem.
Popkov throws a big shot that misses.
Saunders moves in looking to clinch but Popkov pushes him off.
Popkov missing with a left hand there. Saunders was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Saunders takes one to the side of the head. #CL2#
Saunders closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Popkov can't break the clinch. #BC2#
Saunders pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Saunders takes one to the side of the head. #T4#
A head kick misses from Popkov.
A big right from Popkov misses.
Popkov misses with an uppercut.
Popkov thows a left - swing and a miss!
Popkov looks to land a body kick but Saunders moved away.
Popkov misses with a wild body shot.
Saunders is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Popkov.
Saunders connects with a right hand. Popkov shakes it off.
Saunders bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Saunders tries to close the distance and clinch but Popkov swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Popkov misses with a straight right.
Saunders blocks a head kick by Popkov.
Popkov displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Saunders throws out the jab.
Saunders waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Popkov.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Saunders is looking to clinch. #CL2#
Saunders has closed the distance and engaged Popkov in a clinch.
Popkov scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Saunders lands a right hand.
Saunders lands a hook to the side of the head.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Mikhail Popkov dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Mikhail Popkov's cut.
That's time! Back to the action!#R2##CL2#
Popkov gets tackled into the cage by Saunders. Saunders maintains the clinch.
Popkov tries a body shot but Saunders blocks it.
Popkov is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Saunders can do to turn this around?#BC#
Popkov breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Popkov circles away from the clinch attempt.
A quick step to the side and Popkov tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
Saunders fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Popkov looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Saunders tries to clinch but Popkov is having none of it.
An attempted straight right counter from Popkov misses the target.
Popkov lands with an overhand left.
Saunders takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Saunders takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Saunders uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Popkov.
It seemed like Saunders was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Popkov lunges at Saunders with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Saunders's hand.
Popkov on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Saunders tries to clinch but Popkov moves out of range.
Popkov thows a left - swing and a miss!
Saunders is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Popkov with a body shot.
Saunders's corner calls for a 1-2. Saunders obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Popkov misses with an attempted mid kick.
A jab from Saunders misses. #CL2#
Saunders moves into range and clinches up with Popkov.#BC#
Popkov manages to break the clinch.
Popkov fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Saunders on the side of the head.#T1#
Saunders closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Popkov scores with a nice strike.
Popkov has not gone for a single takedown so far in this fight, which seems like a very strange tactic when you consider that he has the superior wrestling and BJJ.
Popkov connects with a good right hand that stumbles Saunders. Saunders circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Popkov throws a head kick but Saunders moves out of range.
Popkov rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Saunders counters with a nice body shot.
Popkov waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Saunders.
Popkov misses with a hook. Saunders ducked under it nicely.
Saunders wants to counter the offense by Popkov and move into the clinch position.
Saunders staying out of range there.
Saunders tries to clinch up but Popkov circles away and keeps his distance.
Saunders swinging wildly here.
Popkov tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Popkov connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Popkov lands a lovely overhand right.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Popkov swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Popkov pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Popkov scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Popkov throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Saunders doesn't manage to clinch there - Popkov circles away. #T2#
Saunders is looking to take this fight into the clinch.#CL2#
Saunders moves into the clinch.
Popkov lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Popkov throws a head punch that misses.
Saunders lands with a short shot to the head.
Saunders working aggressively here.
Saunders misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Saunders misses with a short punch on the inside.
Popkov tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Saunders creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Popkov's defenses.
Saunders tries a body shot but Popkov blocks it.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Popkov.#BC#
Popkov pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Saunders closes the distance but Popkov moves to the side
and Popkov counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head. #CL2#
Saunders clinches with his opponent. #BC#
Popkov manages to break the clinch.
Popkov throws a head kick but Saunders moves out of range. #T3#
Saunders throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Popkov sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Saunders tries to clinch there but Popkov circles away.
Popkov blocks a jab.
Popkov lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Saunders throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Popkov on the side of the head.
Popkov tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Popkov throws a head kick that looked like it stung.
Popkov throws an off balance right hand
enabling Saunders to counter with a crisp jab.
Popkov tries to bum rush Saunders with a series of wild strikes but Saunders uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Saunders tries to clinch but Popkov is having none of it.
Saunders scores with a body shot.
Saunders thows a left - swing and a miss!
A shot to the liver by Popkov. Beautiful body shot.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Popkov throws a head kick that Saunders semi-blocks.
Good shot there by Popkov.#CL2#
Saunders clinches up against the cage.
Nice body punch from Saunders - that landed with a thud.
Saunders tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage. #BC#
Popkov breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance. #T4#
Popkov avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Popkov misses with an attempted mid kick.
Saunders looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Saunders tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Popkov manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Popkov misses with a head kick.
Saunders lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Saunders tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Popkov paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Popkov scores with a nice head shot.
Saunders lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Popkov on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Saunders lunges at Popkov with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Popkov's hand.
Saunders moves forwards but Popkov connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Popkov is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Saunders.
Popkov tries to bum rush Saunders with a series of wild strikes but Saunders uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Saunders cracks Popkov with a good jab.#CUT2#Mikhail Popkov's cut is getting worse.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Saunders ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Popkov moves away.
Saunders misses with a straight left.
Popkov avoids a punch combination nicely.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Mikhail Popkov dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Mikhail Popkov's cut.
That's time! Back to the action! The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!#R3#
Jab from Saunders.
Popkov pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Saunders is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Popkov.
Popkov looks to land a right hand but Saunders moved out of range.
Popkov looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Popkov avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Saunders lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though. #ROC2#Popkov is rocked!#CL2#
Saunders closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Oh Popkov is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Saunders scores with a nice hook to the head.#BC#
Popkov breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Saunders misses with a looping left.
Popkov throwing a counter right hand but Saunders manages to avoid it.#CL2#
Saunders rushes Popkov and presses him up against the cage.
Popkov misses with a punch on the inside.
Saunders blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Saunders lands with a left to the head.
Popkov wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Saunders has him pressed against the cage.
Saunders misses with a shot to the kidneys.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Good body shot from Saunders.
Eron Saunders seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.#BC#
Popkov's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
I'm just looking down at my notes here and I see that.... oh! Saunders has cracked Popkov with a big right, followed by a left! He's out on his feet! Saunders lands another huge swinging hook and Popkov tumbles to the canvas! The ref dives in to save Popkov, before Saunders can land any more shots!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:53 of round 3, we have a winner by way of KO (Punches). Eron Saunders!
Eron Saunders bigged himself up after the win. The crowd seemed to love it.

Event: GAMMA#1001 Karim v Herbert
Date: Jun 03, 2023

#R1#
Glover slips under a jab.
Glover lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Glover throws a leg kick but Popkov sees it coming and moves out of range.
Popkov misses with a looping right.
A clash of legs there as Popkov blocks the low kick.
Popkov looks to throw the jab but Glover is out of range.
Popkov throws a hook to the side of Glover's head but Glover sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Glover throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Popkov scores with a head kick. Glover tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
That kick from Glover tenderised Popkov's leg. Popkov is trying to keep his angry face on.
Glover misses with a low kick.
Popkov throws a leg kick but Glover checks it.
The fighters circle momentarily. Glover darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Popkov throws a big shot that misses.
Popkov checks a low kick from Glover.
Buster Glover seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Popkov misses with a jab, cross combination.
Popkov tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Glover blocks the body kick.
Glover thinks about countering with a body kick.
We've been told by Glover's head coaches at Outlaw MMA that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Glover staying out of range there.
Popkov goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Glover lands a jab.
Popkov is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Glover.
Popkov misses with a body kick. #T1#
Popkov throws a head kick that misses.
Glover looked to counter that last move with a leg kick but didn't pull the trigger.
Popkov misses with a double jab.
A combination from Popkov does no damage.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Popkov.
Glover drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Popkov cracks Glover with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Glover wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Glover lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
A slow jab from Popkov misses its intended target.
Glover throws a quick counter kick to the body but Popkov avoids it.
Popkov lands a nice looking body kick.
Popkov loads up on a big right hand but Glover slips the punch.
Glover slips a jab from Popkov.
The crowd cheers as Glover lands an impressive looking overhand right. Popkov doesn't seem phased though.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Glover throws a leg kick that misses.
Popkov swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Popkov takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards.
Glover works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Popkov throws a body punch but Glover moves out of range.
Glover misses with a few strikes there.
Glover ducks under a wild hook from Popkov.
Popkov lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
Popkov misses with a head kick.
Popkov staying out of range there.
A chopping leg kick lands by Glover. #T2#
Popkov misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Popkov checks the leg kick nicely there.
Glover throws a front kick aimed at Popkov's knee but Popkov avoids it well.
Popkov takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Glover swings for the body but Popkov moves out of range.
Glover lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Popkov fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Glover looked to counter that last move with a leg kick but didn't pull the trigger.
A bone on bone clash there as Popkov blocks the leg kick.
Glover sizes up Popkov with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Popkov pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Glover slips a jab and a cross from Popkov.
Popkov pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Glover moves out of range as Popkov throws a body kick.
Decent striking displayed by Glover there.
A big left from Glover misses.
Popkov misses the shot to the body.
Popkov throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Glover misses with a series of wild punches.
Glover ducks under a wild hook from Popkov.
A counter left hand to the body from Glover misses its target.
Glover misses with a hook. Popkov ducked under it nicely. #T3#
Popkov swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Glover connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Popkov throws out a loose jab but Glover uses good head movement to avoid it.
Glover lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Glover is really peppering his opponent's head with punches.
Popkov displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Glover throws out the jab.
Popkov pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Popkov takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Popkov misses with a looping left.
Popkov has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Glover.
Glover uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Popkov.
Glover slips under a jab.
Glover tried to counter with a leg kick but Popkov avoided it.
Glover bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Glover with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Popkov gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Glover.
Popkov throws a wild body kick that Glover sees coming a mile off.
Glover appeared to be looking to counter that last move with a leg kick.
Popkov throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Glover throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
A kick lands to the mid section there for Glover.
Glover displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Popkov throws out the jab.
Glover slips under a jab from Popkov.
Popkov avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Glover keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Popkov.#T4#
Glover throws a leg kick but Popkov checks it.
Popkov takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Popkov is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
A telegraphed right hand from Popkov misses the target.
An attempted straight right counter from Glover misses the target.
Popkov lands with a right hand.
Popkov checks a leg kick.
Glover ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Popkov moves away.
Popkov throws a leg kick that misses.
Glover is looking to score with low kicks.
Popkov throws a hook to the side of Glover's head but Glover sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Popkov moves away from the strike by Glover.
Popkov's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Glover ducks under a wild hook from Popkov.
Popkov looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Glover misses the shot to the body.
Popkov connects with a right hand. Glover shakes it off.
Good standup being displayed there by Glover as he connects with a hook.
Popkov tests Glover's chin there with a solid looking shot.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Glover throws a leg kick but Popkov moved away.
Glover scores with a nice right hand.
Glover takes one to the chin there.
Popkov goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Popkov checks a low kick from Glover.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Mikhail Popkov will probably get the nod.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.#R2#
Glover misses with the body kick
letting Popkov counter with a right hand.
Glover misses with a low kick as Popkov jumps back.
Popkov lands a high kick!
An inside leg kick lands from Glover.
Glover finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Glover just misses with a punch to the body.
Popkov uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Glover.
Popkov throws a lazy right hand but Glover sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
A bone on bone clash there as Popkov blocks the leg kick.
A big right from Popkov misses.
A low kick from Glover is predictable there
letting Popkov counter with a right hand.
Glover misses the jab.
A jab from Popkov misses.
Glover fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Popkov has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Popkov throws a hook but Glover blocks it.
Glover appeared to be looking to counter that last move with a leg kick.
Popkov misses with a straight right.
Popkov loads up on a big right hand but Glover slips the punch.
A left lands for Glover.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Glover lands a slapping body shot.
Popkov waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Glover.
Glover takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Glover scores with a shot to the body. #T1#
Popkov takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
A looping hook to the body misses from Popkov. Glover does a little dance to reset his feet.
Glover lands a nice shot to the body.
Glover fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Popkov.
Glover throws a combination that misses
and Popkov counters with a right hand to the body.
Glover blocks a head kick by Popkov.
Glover looks to score with a jab to the body but Popkov is just out of range.
Popkov throws the left hand but Glover avoids the punch easily.
Popkov swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Glover throws a big counter combination but Popkov scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Glover uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Popkov.
Popkov throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Popkov waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Glover.
Glover misses with the combination.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Popkov! But no joy.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Popkov checks a leg kick.
Popkov looks like he wanted to counter with a high kick but didn't throw it.
A nice leg kick lands there from Glover.
Popkov scores with the left hand. Glover knows he should have avoided that one.
Good standup being displayed there by Glover as he connects with a hook.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Popkov misses with an uppercut.
Glover will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away. #T2#
Popkov keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Glover lands a leg kick that knocks Popkov off balance momentarily.
Glover throws a leg kick but Popkov sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Popkov loads up on a big right hand but Glover slips the punch.
Popkov misses with a low kick.
Popkov takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Popkov throws a chopping leg kick but Glover manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Popkov keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Glover.
Glover misses with a leg kick.
Glover uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Popkov.
Popkov lands with a cross.
Glover is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Glover ducks under a wild hook from Popkov.
Glover lands a nice hook to Popkov's body. Popkov takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Glover looks to land a body kick but Popkov moved away.
Glover throws a body punch but Popkov moves out of range.
Glover connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Popkov momentarily.
Nice uppercut lands for Popkov. That snapped Glover's head back.
Glover throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
A little jabbing left from Popkov on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Popkov tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Glover lands with a thumping leg kick.
Buster Glover is winning the standup battle so far.#T3#
Glover is looking to slow Popkov down with leg kicks.
Popkov lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Popkov is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Glover.
Popkov looks to throw the jab but Glover is out of range.
Glover attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
An inside leg kick from Glover misses.
Popkov throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Popkov misses with a series of wild punches.
A left and a right from Glover both land. Nice combination.
Glover scoring well with a low kick there.
The fighters circling - Glover throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
A lazy left from Popkov finds it's target.
Glover tries to work over Popkov's front leg with a kick but Popkov checks it.
Glover uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Popkov.
Popkov lands with an overhand left.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Popkov swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Glover lands a head shot.
Glover lands a nice hook to Popkov's body. Popkov takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes. #T4#
Popkov scores with a spinning back kick!
Popkov steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Glover. That one must have hurt.
Popkov misses with a jab, cross combination.
Glover misses with a body shot.
Popkov misses with a straight right.
Glover ducks under a wild hook from Popkov.
Popkov takes a swing at Glover's ribcage but misses.
Popkov avoids the body shot from Glover.
Popkov walks into a stiff left hand from Glover.
Popkov misses the jab.
A bone on bone clash there as Glover blocks the leg kick.
Glover was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
A combination from Popkov does no damage.
Glover paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Popkov lands with a kick to the temple. Glover shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
Popkov drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Glover connects with a solid leg kick.
A big right from Popkov misses.
Glover misses with a hook. Popkov ducked under it nicely.
Popkov misses with a body kick.
Popkov on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
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 Buster Glover will probably get the nod.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!#R3#
A nice leg kick lands there from Glover.
Glover misses with a body shot.
Popkov was about to counter that last move with a leg kick but changes his mind.
Popkov throws out a loose jab but Glover uses good head movement to avoid it.
Popkov takes one to the side of the head.
Glover misses with a hook.
Popkov swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Popkov throws a nice looking combination but Glover bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Popkov with a hook.
Glover throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.
Glover slips under a jab.
Popkov takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Glover changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Glover throws a body kick that misses.
Popkov throws out a counter right but Glover avoids it with no problem.
Glover with the inside leg kick.
Popkov stalks Glover and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Glover's face. Glover staggers backwards, shaken.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Glover ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Glover lands a glancing blow to the side of Popkov's head.
Glover throws the kick towards the body but Popkov avoids it.
Popkov misses with a hook.
Glover lands a body shot.
Popkov ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Glover moves away.#T1#
Popkov throws a nice looking combination but Glover bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Popkov swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Glover was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Popkov takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Glover throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Glover lets loose with a powerful body kick. Popkov will feel that in the morning.
Popkov avoids a punch combination nicely.
Glover with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Glover fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Popkov is out of range.
Glover lands a nice shot to the body.
Popkov ducks right into an uppercut from Glover.
Popkov throws a hook but Glover blocks it.
Glover throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Popkov throws a lazy right hand but Glover sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Glover ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Popkov moves away.
Glover motions for Popkov to come forward. Glover throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Popkov moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Popkov swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Glover scores with a hook to the body. Popkov takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Glover throws a nice inside leg kick. #T2#
Glover thuds a left hand into Popkov's body.
Glover cracks Popkov with a right hand to the side of the head.
Nice shot lands for Popkov.
Popkov throws a sloppy head kick and Glover moves out of range easily.
That kick from Glover tenderised Popkov's leg. Popkov is trying to keep his angry face on.
Popkov takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Popkov lands an overhand right.
Glover scoring well with a low kick there.
Popkov has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from Glover.
Glover throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Popkov stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Popkov misses with a head kick.
Popkov takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Glover with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Glover showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Popkov.
Glover throws a body kick that misses.
Popkov throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Popkov chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Glover can pounce on him.
Popkov takes one to the chin there.
Glover lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.#T3#
Popkov misses with a looping right.
Glover lands a nice hook to Popkov's body. Popkov takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Popkov tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Popkov tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Popkov checks a leg kick.
That kick from Glover tenderised Popkov's leg. Popkov is trying to keep his angry face on.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Glover.
Glover throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Popkov counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Glover turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
A telegraphed right hand from Popkov misses the target.
Glover ducks under a wild hook from Popkov.
Popkov attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Popkov throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Glover stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Glover's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Popkov connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Glover scrambles back to his feet.
Glover moves out of range as Popkov strikes.
Glover throws a leg kick that misses.
Popkov has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Glover blocks a head kick by Popkov.
Glover moves away from the strike by Popkov.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
A punch lands to the side of Popkov 's head but he takes it in his stride.#T4#
Glover throws a quick inside leg kick.
Glover just misses with a punch to the body.
Popkov takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Glover takes a swing at Popkov's ribcage but misses.
Glover misses with a body shot.
Glover connects with a right hand. Popkov shakes it off.
Glover throws a looping overhand right but Popkov ducks down to avoid it.
Glover on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Glover lands a nice leg kick that just misses Popkov's sensitive parts.
Glover buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Popkov misses the jab.
Glover dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Glover throws a chopping leg kick but Popkov manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Glover lands with a good body shot.
Glover misses the shot to the body.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Popkov cracks Glover with a good jab.
A telegraphed right hand from Glover misses the target.
Popkov takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
A swing and a miss from Glover.
Popkov throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.

And that's the end of the fight!
Buster Glover showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Glover has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Chris Edwards scores the fight 29:29
Judge Richard Clark scores the fight 30:28
Judge William Gold scores the fight 30:28

In favor of your winner, by majority decision... Buster Glover!
An out of breath and clearly excited Buster Glover thanked New Standard (for sale) for their help and support (and free stuff they sent him).

Event: GAMMA#997 Sullivan v Joosep
Date: May 06, 2023

#R1#
Garcia throws a hook but Popkov avoids it easily.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Popkov 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 Garcia has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Garcia and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Popkov is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Popkov, as that shot connected.
Popkov throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Garcia throws a poor cross that misses
and Popkov counters with a three punch combo that has Garcia backing up. Garcia nods at Popkov to acknowledge the strikes.
Garcia throws a leg kick but Popkov checks it.
Popkov has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Garcia.
Garcia tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Popkov was well out of range. Poor timing from Garcia.
Popkov chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Garcia can pounce on him.
Popkov chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Garcia can pounce on him.
Garcia throws a shot from downtown. Popkov moves away and avoids it.
Garcia clobbers Popkov with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Garcia lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Garcia definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
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!
Popkov takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing. #T1#
Popkov swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Garcia.
A punch combination from Popkov misses.
Garcia throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
It seemed like Popkov was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Popkov stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Garcia.
The fighters circling - Popkov throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Garcia half committed to a counter leg kick.
A swing and a miss from Popkov.
Garcia misses with a leg kick
and Popkov counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Nice straight punches there by Garcia. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Garcia.
Popkov looks to land a right hand but Garcia moved out of range.
Popkov takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Garcia misses with a wild body shot.
Garcia misses with a low kick.#T2#
Popkov tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Garcia is able to avoid easily.
A head kick by Popkov misses
and Garcia counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Diego Garcia seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Popkov misses with a looping right.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
A big left from Popkov misses.
Popkov misses with an uppercut
and Garcia counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Nice uppercut lands for Garcia. That snapped Popkov's head back.
Garcia misses the shot to the body.
Popkov is trying to counter with his kicks.
A solid leg kick lands there for Garcia.
Popkov on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Garcia. Garcia obviously looking to wear him down.
A punch combination from Popkov misses.
Garcia swings for the body but Popkov moves out of range.
Popkov swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Garcia looks to land a left hand but Popkov moved out of range nicely.
Garcia smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.#T3#
Garcia with a nice calf kick.
Garcia tests Popkov's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Popkov misses with a looping right.
Popkov pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Garcia connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Popkov on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Garcia throws a lazy uppercut
enabling Popkov to counter with a crisp jab.
Garcia throws a head kick that misses
and Garcia takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles. #CUT2#It looks like Diego Garcia has been cut.
Garcia is looking to slow Popkov down with leg kicks.
Garcia chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Popkov misses with an uppercut
and Garcia counters with a thumping low kick.
Garcia misses with an uppercut
and Popkov counters with a leg kick. #T4#
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Garcia throws a sloppy head kick and Popkov moves out of range easily.
Popkov stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Garcia.
Garcia lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Popkov's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
A nice inside leg kick there by Garcia. That's going to slow Popkov down.
Garcia throws a chopping leg kick but Popkov manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
A big right from Popkov misses.
Garcia buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Garcia looks to land a right hand but Popkov moved out of range.
Garcia with a nice calf kick.
Garcia scores with a head kick.
Garcia tries to land a front kick but Popkov steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Popkov is looking for the big counter here.
Popkov ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Popkov defending well as Garcia loads up on a big left hand.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Diego Garcia dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Diego Garcia's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.#R2#
Popkov misses with a series of wild punches.
Garcia throws a body shot but no joy.
Garcia uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
A slow jab from Garcia misses its intended target.
Popkov looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Garcia thumps Popkov with a low kick.
Popkov moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Garcia swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Garcia shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Popkov misses with the body kick
and Popkov takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Garcia with a hook.
Garcia dips to his left and cracks Popkov with an uppercut!
Popkov bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.#T1#
Garcia moves out of range as Popkov throws a body kick.
Garcia is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Popkov can do to turn this around?
Popkov throws a right hand that misses
and Garcia counters with a slapping leg kick.
Garcia avoids the head kick by Popkov.
Popkov thows a left - swing and a miss!
Garcia misses with a body shot.
Garcia looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Popkov throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Garcia tests Popkov's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Garcia connects with a right hand. Popkov shakes it off.
Garcia gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Popkov misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
It looked like Garcia was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Popkov.#T2#
Popkov takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Garcia with the inside leg kick.
Garcia with the inside leg kick.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Popkov works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Garcia looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Garcia staying out of range there.
Popkov smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Popkov keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Garcia.
Garcia dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Popkov takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Garcia bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
A good leg kick by Garcia. #T3#
Garcia connects with an inside leg kick.
Garcia blocks a head kick by Popkov.
Garcia throwing a counter right hand but Popkov manages to avoid it.
That kick from Popkov tenderised Garcia's leg. Garcia is trying to keep his angry face on.
Popkov tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Popkov throws a jab but it's blocked by Garcia.
Garcia with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Garcia scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Garcia looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Garcia lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Diego Garcia is winning the standup battle so far.
Garcia throws a leg kick which misses Popkov's front leg but catches the back leg as Popkov tries to avoid it.
Garcia is looking to slow Popkov down with leg kicks.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Popkov crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Garcia - the referee stops the clock and Popkov gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Garcia. Popkov manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.#T4#
Garcia lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Garcia lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
A low kick lands for Garcia.
Garcia throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Garcia slips a straight right by Popkov.
Garcia ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Popkov moves away.
Garcia fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Popkov has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Garcia misses with an uppercut
and Popkov counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Garcia's corner calls for a 1-2. Garcia obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Garcia swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Popkov avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
A little jabbing left from Popkov on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Garcia ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Diego Garcia dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Diego Garcia's cut.
That's time! Garcia's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!#R3#
Garcia rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
letting Popkov counter with a right hand.
Nice body kick there by Popkov.
Popkov explodes with a nice body kick and back out of range. Nice work.
Popkov tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Garcia scores with a punch to the head.
Garcia misses with a leg kick.
Garcia tries a low kick but Popkov avoids it.
Garcia lands with a cross.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Popkov takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Popkov throws a hook to the side of Garcia's head but Garcia sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Garcia throws a lazy uppercut
and Popkov counters with an outside leg kick.
Popkov tries a head kick but it misses. #T1#
Garcia listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Popkov throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Popkov misses with a low kick.
Garcia fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Popkov fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Garcia manages to avoid it.
Garcia lands a nice leg kick that just misses Popkov's sensitive parts.
Garcia scores with a head kick.
Garcia just misses with a punch to the body.
Popkov lands a slapping body shot.
Garcia throws a lazy right hand but Popkov sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Popkov slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.#CUT2#Diego Garcia's cut is getting worse.
Garcia bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.#T2#
Popkov tries a head kick but it misses.
Garcia throws an off balance right hand
and Popkov cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Garcia punishes Popkov's body with a nice straight punch.
Popkov throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Garcia swings for the body but Popkov moves out of range.
Garcia lands a nice leg kick that just misses Popkov's sensitive parts.
Jab from Garcia.
Popkov takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Garcia lands a head kick!
Garcia connects with the punch.#T3#
Garcia misses with an attempted mid kick.
Garcia steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Popkov.
Popkov throws an off balance right hand
and Garcia makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
Garcia throws a low kick but Popkov moves out of range easily.
Popkov checks a leg kick nicely.
Garcia cracks Popkov with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Garcia misses with an uppercut.
Garcia misses with an uppercut
and Popkov counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Garcia avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Popkov is looking to land body kicks.
Popkov throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
As Popkov backs away, Garcia returns fire with a leg kick that just misses.
Garcia scores with a jab to the body.#T4#
A telegraphed right hand from Garcia misses the target.
Mikhail Popkov has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Garcia scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Popkov loads up on a big right hand but Garcia slips the punch.
Diego Garcia is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Garcia misses with an uppercut
and Popkov counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Garcia thinking.
Garcia throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Garcia lands a jab.
Popkov steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Garcia.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Popkov! But no joy.
A jab from Garcia misses.
Popkov is trying to counter with his kicks.
Garcia dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Popkov. That did some damage!
Garcia misses with an uppercut
and Popkov counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Popkov throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.

And that's the end of the fight!
Diego Garcia showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Garcia 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 Steven Brown scores the fight 30:27
Judge William Gold scores the fight 30:27
Judge Paul Tew scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Diego Garcia!
A relieved looking Diego Garcia thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.

Event: GAMMA#993 Aurelius v Ainsworth
Date: Apr 08, 2023

#R1#
Popkov tries to move into range but Sanguinetti moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.#CUT#It looks like Mikhail Popkov has been cut.
Sanguinetti looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Popkov throws a sloppy head kick
and Sanguinetti counters with a straight right hand.
Sanguinetti throws a right hand that misses
and Popkov counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.#CUT2#It looks like Orlando Sanguinetti has been cut.
Popkov throws out a leg kick but Sanguinetti moves out of range and Popkov only half commits.
Sanguinetti misses with a body shot.
Sanguinetti steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Popkov.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sanguinetti takes a head kick and keeps coming.
Popkov with a jab.
Popkov misses with a hook to the body
and Sanguinetti counters with a nice uppercut. #T1#
Popkov looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Popkov takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Popkov pivots, looking for a leg kick but Sanguinetti is out of range and Popkov settles back down.
Sanguinetti swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Sanguinetti ducks under a wild hook from Popkov.
It looked like Sanguinetti wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Popkov misses with a straight right.
A counter left hand to the body from Sanguinetti misses its target.
Popkov keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Sanguinetti.
Sanguinetti ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Popkov 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.#T2#
Popkov looks to land a left hand but Sanguinetti moved out of range nicely.
A counter left hand to the body from Sanguinetti misses its target.
Popkov scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Popkov swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Sanguinetti counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.#KD#
Sanguinetti drops Popkov with a beautiful combination! Popkov stares up at his opponent, who ushers him back to his feet - Sanguinetti is looking for the KO!#ROC#Popkov is rocked!
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Sanguinetti dodges the punch combination from Popkov.
Sanguinetti was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Popkov is still on wobbly legs! Can Sanguinetti finish him?
Sanguinetti steps into range and unloads a brutal right left combo! Popkov is out on his feet! Sanguinetti sets himself and nearly takes Popkov's head off with a straight right, sending him crashing to the mat! Wow, that was nasty... but awesome! Wooo!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:51 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Strikes). Orlando Sanguinetti!
An out of breath Orlando Sanguinetti thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.

Event: GAMMA#990 Aurelius v Spratt
Date: Mar 18, 2023

#R1#
A right-left combo lands from Popkov. #CUT2#It looks like Trond Asmundsen has been cut.
Asmundsen scores with a jab to the jaw.
Asmundsen misses with a looping right.
Asmundsen's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Popkov connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Asmundsen scrambles back to his feet.
Trond Asmundsen seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
A nice inside leg kick there by Asmundsen. That's going to slow Popkov down.
Asmundsen throws an overhand right that lands on Popkov's shoulder, as Popkov tries to avoid the shot.
Asmundsen turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Popkov 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.
Nice takedown defense from Popkov. No joy for Asmundsen on that attempt.
Asmundsen moves out of the way of the counter high kick fromPopkov.
Asmundsen on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Popkov. Popkov obviously looking to wear him down. #KD2#
Popkov sends Asmundsen crashing to the mat with a devastating uppercut! Popkov is motioning to the referee to let Asmundsen up. He wants to try and finish this one on the feet!#ROC2#Asmundsen is rocked!
This has been an exciting period of action!
Asmundsen drops his hands momentarily. Popkov doesn't need a second invitation, landing a shot to the temple. Asmundsen staggers and falls to the mat and the ref dives in to save him from any more punishment. Asmundsen doesn't seem happy with the stoppage but he was done.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:52 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Mikhail Popkov!
Mikhail Popkov decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.

Event: GAMMA#984 Joosep v Sullivan
Date: Feb 04, 2023

#R1#
Popkov connects with a jab.#CL#
Andrianakis moves into the clinch successfully.
Andrianakis lands on the inside with an uppercut. #CUT#It looks like Mikhail Popkov has been cut.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Popkov.
Andrianakis softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Popkov misses with a hook from the clinch.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Popkov creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Andrianakis lands a glancing elbow in the clinch. #BC#
Andrianakis breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Andrianakis lands a nice hook to Popkov's body. Popkov takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Milo Andrianakis seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Andrianakis uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Popkov.
Andrianakis throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Popkov is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Andrianakis.
Popkov throws a hook to the side of Andrianakis's head but Andrianakis sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Andrianakis was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
Nice uppercut lands for Andrianakis. That snapped Popkov's head back.
Andrianakis takes a swing at Popkov's ribcage but misses.
Andrianakis scores with a decent looking hook.
Andrianakis misses with a body shot. #T1#
Popkov slips a jab from Andrianakis.
And Popkov responds with a good body kick, but Andrianakis manages to step out the way in time.
Popkov misses with a wild combination. #KD#
Andrianakis lands a big uppercut and Popkov crumbles to the floor! The ref thinks about stopping the fight but Popkov looks OK. Andrianakis waves Popkov back to his feet!#ROC#Popkov is rocked!#CUT#That has opened up Mikhail Popkov's cut even more.
Popkov 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.
Andrianakis looks to score with a jab to the body but Popkov is just out of range.
Andrianakis tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Popkov paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Andrianakis showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Popkov.
The fighters circle momentarily. Andrianakis darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Popkov is still on wobbly legs! Can Andrianakis finish him?
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Popkov takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Popkov seems to have recovered his senses.
Andrianakis scores with a jab to the body.
Popkov tries to bum rush Andrianakis with a series of wild strikes but Andrianakis uses good footwork to avoid the assault.#T2#
Andrianakis waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Popkov.
Popkov feints a counter leg kick.
Andrianakis tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Popkov was well out of range. Poor timing from Andrianakis.
Andrianakis throws an off balance right hand
and Popkov counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Popkov walks into a jab.
Andrianakis misses with a hook
and Popkov counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
We've been told by Andrianakis's head coaches at Marty Robbin's Fight Ranch that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Popkov misses the jab.
Popkov uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Andrianakis.
Andrianakis throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Popkov is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Andrianakis with a body shot.
Andrianakis thows a left - swing and a miss!
Popkov throws out a counter right but Andrianakis avoids it with no problem.
Popkov misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Andrianakis.
A big left from Popkov misses.
Andrianakis moves out of range of the strikes.
Andrianakis was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
Andrianakis lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Popkov at a distance. #T3#
Popkov bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Andrianakis throws a sloppy body shot
and Popkov counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Andrianakis moves out of range as Popkov strikes.
Popkov takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Andrianakis connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Andrianakis tries to clinch but Popkov is having none of it.
A little jabbing left from Popkov on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Popkov takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Andrianakis connects with a right that clearly hurt Popkov. He's backed up against the cage with nowhere to go as Andrianakis proceeds to tee off with vicious combinations till Popkov collapses and taps out under the pressure!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:42 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Milo Andrianakis!
Milo Andrianakis seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.

Event: GAMMA#981 Joosep v Rosa
Date: Jan 14, 2023

#R1#
Boxaaja is looking to slow Popkov down with leg kicks.
Popkov lands a jab to the head.
Boxaaja takes a swing at Popkov's ribcage but misses.
Boxaaja lands a lovely overhand right.
Good work by Popkov as he checks the leg kick.
Boxaaja has been working on his boxing with his coaches at DanBills Sketchy Basement in the buildup to the fight.
Boxaaja tries to clinch up.
Boxaaja lands a jab.
Popkov moves forwards but Boxaaja connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Boxaaja dodges the punch combination from Popkov.
Boxaaja wants to land a leg kick but Popkov is out of range.
Boxaaja lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Popkov backs up against the cage. #CUT#It looks like Mikhail Popkov has been cut.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Popkov misses with an uppercut. Boxaaja saw that one coming.
Boxaaja wants to clinch up but Popkov keeps it at a distance.
Popkov feints a counter leg kick.#T1#
Popkov stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Boxaaja.
Popkov takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Popkov circles away from the clinch attempt.
Popkov throws the left hand but Boxaaja avoids the punch easily.
Popkov misses with a straight left.
Popkov misses with a head kick.
Boxaaja thumps Popkov with a low kick.
Popkov throws a wild body kick that Boxaaja sees coming a mile off.
A nice leg kick lands there from Boxaaja.
Boxaaja blocks a jab.
Boxaaja jinks towards his opponent looking like he wants to counter with a mid kick but doesn't commit.
Boxaaja throws a hook to the side of Popkov's head but Popkov sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Boxaaja lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Popkov, as that shot connected. #T2#
Boxaaja changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Boxaaja has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Boxaaja there as he acknowledges the shot.
A shot to the body from Boxaaja misses
enabling Popkov to counter with a crisp jab.
Boxaaja scores with a jab. Popkov acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Boxaaja changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Popkov throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Popkov avoids the body shot from Boxaaja.
Boxaaja lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Boxaaja tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Popkov paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Boxaaja misses with a body punch
and Popkov connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Popkov on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Boxaaja misses with a body punch
and Popkov counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Boxaaja moves in looking to clinch but Popkov pushes him off.#T3#
Boxaaja lands with a shot to the body. #CL#
Boxaaja instigates a clinch.
Boxaaja scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Popkov lands a shoulder strike.
Boxaaja struggles to land a body shot inside as Popkov controls his hands.
Popkov misses with a hook to the ribs.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Boxaaja.
Boxaaja scores with a hook to the body.
Boxaaja presses Popkov against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Popkov is trying to break the clinch but Boxaaja is controlling him.
Boxaaja throws a punch but it's blocked by Popkov.
Popkov tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Boxaaja's elbow.
A nice left hand lands by Popkov.
Boxaaja can't find room to land a body shot as Popkov controls the action.
Boxaaja misses with a short punch on the inside.
Boxaaja has a couple of punches blocked by Popkov.
Boxaaja tries to throw a body punch but Popkov avoids it by throwing Boxaaja back against the cage.
Boxaaja fails to land with a short punch on the inside. #BC2#
Popkov escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Popkov misses with a body kick.#T4#
That kick from Boxaaja tenderised Popkov's leg. Popkov is trying to keep his angry face on.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Boxaaja connects with a right hand. Popkov shakes it off.
Boxaaja with a jab.
Boxaaja wants to clinch up but Popkov keeps it at a distance.
Popkov replies with a solid counter kick to the body but Boxaaja blocks it well.
Popkov is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Boxaaja.
Boxaaja tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Popkov manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Boxaaja misses with the combination.
Popkov is clearly looking to counter with head kicks.
Popkov throws a lazy right hand but Boxaaja sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Boxaaja doesn't manage to clinch there - Popkov circles away.
Popkov gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Boxaaja.
Popkov circles away from the clinch attempt.
Popkov is looking for the big counter here.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Paul Boxaaja dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Mikhail Popkov's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.#R2#
Boxaaja lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.#CL#
Boxaaja rushes Popkov and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Popkov wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Boxaaja has him pressed against the cage.
Popkov throws a head punch that misses.
Popkov tries to circle away but Boxaaja has him pinned against the cage.
Boxaaja fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Boxaaja.
Boxaaja fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Boxaaja misses with a punch to the body.
We are yet to see a takedown attempt from Popkov 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.
Popkov lands with a short head shot on the inside. #BC2#
Popkov breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Popkov misses with a looping left.
Popkov walks into a straight right hand from Boxaaja.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Boxaaja rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Popkov cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Popkov is looking to slow Boxaaja down with leg kicks.
Boxaaja lands with a right hand.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Boxaaja cracks Popkov with an open hand slap.#T1#
Popkov pushes Boxaaja away with a front kick.
Jab by Boxaaja.
Paul Boxaaja seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Boxaaja misses with a hook
and Popkov makes the exchange count by landing a cracking kick to the body. Boxaaja really felt that one!
Boxaaja misses the jab.
Popkov throws a hook but Boxaaja blocks it.
Popkov looks to land a left hand but Boxaaja moved out of range nicely.
A big left from Popkov misses.
Boxaaja lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Popkov misses the shot to the body.
Popkov connects with a nice looking jab. #ROC2#Boxaaja is rocked!
Popkov circles away before darting back in with a big straight right hand. It connects beautifully and sends Boxaaja tumbling to the canvas! He's out cold! Popkov wins by KO!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:57 of round 2, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Mikhail Popkov!
During a confident post fight interview, Mikhail Popkov thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.

Event: GAMMA#976 Akechi v Logan
Date: Dec 10, 2022

#R1#
Vernon uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Popkov.
Vernon looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Popkov misses with a straight left.
Vernon changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Vernon displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Popkov throws out the jab.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Vernon! But no joy.
Vernon looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Popkov is fending him off so far but Vernon persists. Nope, Popkov circles away and we're back to standing.
Popkov has been working on his boxing with his coaches at Zero Tolerance in the buildup to the fight.
Vernon jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Popkov waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Vernon.
Popkov moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Vernon throws out a loose jab but Popkov uses good head movement to avoid it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Popkov tries to land a leg kick but Vernon saw it coming and moves away.
Popkov displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Vernon throws out the jab.
Popkov lifts his leg as if looking to counter with a high kick.
Popkov takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Vernon misses with a left hand
and Popkov counters with a straight right hand.#T1#
Vernon lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Vernon ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Popkov moves away.
Popkov half committed to a counter leg kick.
Vernon misses the jab.
Vernon looks to throw the jab but Popkov is out of range.
Popkov swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Mikhail Popkov is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Vernon misses with a leg kick.
It appears Popkov was looking to counter with a kick there.
Vernon thows a leg kick but Popkov checks it
and Popkov connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.#CL2#
Vernon moves into the clinch.
Popkov wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch. #BC#
Popkov breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Popkov avoids the body shot from Vernon.
Vernon throws a hook but Popkov blocks it.#T2#
Popkov uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Vernon.
An attempted straight right counter from Popkov misses the target.
A jab from Vernon does it's job there.
Popkov connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Popkov scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Vernon punishes Popkov's body with a nice straight punch.
Popkov lands a jab to the head.
Popkov throws a sloppy head kick and Vernon moves out of range easily.
Vernon swings away with a body shot that misses
and Popkov counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Popkov staying out of range there.
Popkov moves out of range of the leg kick from Vernon.
The fighters circling - Vernon throws out the jab but it was never going to land. #T3#
Vernon looks to land a left hand but Popkov moved out of range nicely.
Popkov throwing a counter right hand but Vernon manages to avoid it.
Vernon fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Popkov was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Popkov ducks under a wild hook from Vernon.
Vernon uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Popkov.
Vernon throws a shot to the body.
Vernon connects with a body shot that sends Popkov's belly button to the back.
Popkov slips a straight right by Vernon.
Vernon throws out a loose jab but Popkov uses good head movement to avoid it.
Popkov avoids the body shot from Vernon.
Vernon bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.#T4#
Vernon tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Popkov paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Vernon misses with a jab to the body
and Popkov counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Vernon smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Popkov avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Vernon misses with a straight right.
Vernon throws a combination that misses
and Popkov counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Vernon misses with a straight left.
Popkov swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.
Vernon throws out a powerful jab.
Vernon is looking to land body kicks.
Vernon staying out of range there.
Vernon swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Popkov is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.
Popkov throws a looping overhand right but Vernon ducks down to avoid it.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Isaac Vernon will probably get the nod.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!#R2#
Vernon jabs at Popkov's body.
Popkov looks to throw the jab but Vernon is out of range.
Popkov misses with an uppercut.
Vernon misses with a hook to the body
and Popkov counters with a straight right hand.
Vernon lands a jab.
Vernon just misses with a punch to the body.
Vernon lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Vernon just misses with a punch to the body.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Vernon throws a lazy right hand but Popkov sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Popkov circles away from the clinch attempt.
Popkov throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Vernon sees it coming and avoids it easily.#T1#
Vernon waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Popkov.
Popkov throwing a counter right hand but Vernon manages to avoid it.
Vernon throws an off balance right hand
and Popkov cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Popkov displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Vernon throws out the jab.
Popkov misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Vernon.
Popkov lands a nice looking body shot.
Vernon misses with a straight right.
Popkov with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Vernon to score with a decent uppercut.
Popkov walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Vernon misses the jab.
A quick step to the side and Popkov tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
Popkov jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent. #T2#
Popkov misses with a shot to the body #TD2#
and Vernon counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Vernon trying to control from half guard but Popkov is working away.
Vernon content to control rather than advance.
Popkov avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Vernon. #SUB2#
Vernon is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Vernon is trying to control. Popkov wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Vernon is pressing down on Popkov's thigh, looking to free his foot. Popkov is holding on for now. #T3#
Vernon passes to side control. #SUB2#
Vernon tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Vernon has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
Popkov really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Vernon moves into full mount!
Vernon trying to control but Popkov is having none of it.
Popkov is trying to get to the cage to help him get back to his feet. #T4#
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Vernon takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
You get the feeling that Popkov really doesn't like being in this position too much.
Vernon tries to control but Popkov wriggling away.
Vernon thuds his fist into the canvas! Oooouch!
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Vernon content just to control the position here.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Isaac Vernon showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!#R3#
Popkov chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Vernon can pounce on him.
Vernon throws an off balance right hand
and Popkov makes the exchange count by landing a cracking kick to the body. Vernon really felt that one!
Vernon misses with an uppercut.
Vernon throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Vernon lands a nice looking body shot.
Popkov uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Vernon.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Vernon misses with a low kick as Popkov jumps back.
Popkov is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Vernon throws a sloppy body shot
and Popkov counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Vernon misses with a right hand
and Popkov cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.#TD2#
Vernon manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Popkov on his heels. He'll look to pass Popkov's guard now, I'm sure.#T1#
Vernon trying to control but Popkov is working from the bottom.
Isaac Vernon has got the better of the ground game so far.
Vernon works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Vernon with the ground and pound but Popkov uses the opportunity to regain guard.
Vernon showing good wrestling skills to control the position. #SUB2#
Vernon thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Vernon trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet. #T2#
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Popkov is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Vernon is controlling him.
Vernon slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Vernon tries to free his leg and advance position but Popkov is retaining full guard.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Vernon trying to control but Popkov is working from the bottom. #REF3#
The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Vernon fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Popkov.
Vernon throws a right and a left that Popkov avoids nicely. #T3#
Popkov tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Popkov takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Vernon throws a big shot that misses.
Popkov throws a right hand that misses
and Vernon counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Popkov throws a jab when Vernon was well out of range.
Isaac Vernon is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Vernon misses with a looping left.
Popkov on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Vernon. Vernon obviously looking to wear him down.
Popkov 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.
Popkov lands a really nice looking cross but Vernon seems unphased.
Popkov is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Popkov moves out of range of the body kick from Vernon. #T4#
Popkov slips a jab from Vernon.
Mikhail Popkov has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Some bone on bone action there as Popkov checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
It looked like Popkov wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Isaac Vernon seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Popkov takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Nice jab there from Popkov.
A looping hook to the body misses from Vernon. Popkov does a little dance to reset his feet.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Nice defenses there by Popkov.
Popkov lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Popkov throws the left hand but Vernon avoids the punch easily.
Vernon misses the jab.
An attempted straight right counter from Popkov misses the target.
Popkov throws a jab when Vernon was well out of range.
Vernon is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Popkov with a body shot.

And that's the end of the fight!
Isaac Vernon comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Vernon has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Colin Fotheringham scores the fight 27:30
Judge Paul Tew scores the fight 27:30
Judge Daniel Bishop scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Isaac Vernon!
An out of breath Isaac Vernon thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.

Event: GAMMA#973 Karim v Barboza
Date: Nov 19, 2022

#R1#
Popkov pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Popkov on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Ohoulihan misses with a two punch combination.
A little feinted left hand from Popkov on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Ohoulihan avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Ohoulihan lands a lovely overhand right.
Ohoulihan misses with a straight right.
Ohoulihan swings for the body but Popkov moves out of range.
Ohoulihan looks to throw the jab but Popkov is out of range.
Ohoulihan lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.#CUT2#It looks like Mikhail Popkov has been cut.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A jab from Ohoulihan misses.
Popkov was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Popkov moves forwards but Ohoulihan connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Ohoulihan waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Popkov.
Popkov swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Popkov uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Ohoulihan.
Ohoulihan tests Popkov's chin there with a solid looking shot.#T1#
Popkov on the wrong end of a kick to the body.
Ohoulihan misses with a lunging right hand
and Popkov counters with a kick to the head that grazes his opponent. Ohoulihan is lucky that one didn't land flush.
Popkov with a hook.
Popkov blocks a leg kick.
A low kick from Ohoulihan is predictable there
letting Popkov counter with a right hand. #ROC#Ohoulihan is rocked!
We've been informed that Ohoulihan has been sparring a lot of Muay Thai in the buildup to this fight so let's see if that has an impact on the result.
Ohoulihan is wiping some vaseline out of his eye. Popkov doesn't give a rats ass about fair play and cracks him with a massive hook to the side of the head! Ohoulihan crumples to the floor out cold! The cornerman is going to be in Ohoulihan's bad books for that mishap!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:38 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Mikhail Popkov!
After winning the bout, Mikhail Popkov thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.

Event: GAMMA#970 Karim v Hero
Date: Oct 29, 2022

#R1#
Roth throws a nice looking combination but Popkov bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Roth defending well as Popkov loads up on a big left hand.
Roth misses with the combination.
Popkov throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Roth throws a big counter combination but Popkov scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Popkov misses with an uppercut. Roth saw that one coming.
Roth throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Popkov.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Roth closes this distance looking for a takedown but Popkov circles away.
Roth has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Roth there as he acknowledges the shot.
Roth will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.#T1#
Roth lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt. #CUT#It looks like Mikhail Popkov has been cut.
Roth throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Roth looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Popkov swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Popkov cracks a nice hook into Roth's ribs.
Nice defenses there by Roth.
Roth seem to be loading up, looking for a big counter.
Roth misses with a straight left.
Roth misses with a combination
and Popkov counters with a straight right hand.
Roth throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Popkov steps in looking to counter with the mid kick but it doesn't connect.
Popkov keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Roth.
Popkov looks like he wants to counter punch here.#T2#
Popkov has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Popkov there as he acknowledges the shot.
The fighters circle, before Popkov throws a beautiful high kick that crashes into Roth's neck, sending him stumbling to the floor! Popkov lands more strikes and forces a referee stoppage! That one ended in an instant!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:14 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Kick & Punches). Mikhail Popkov!
Mikhail Popkov thanked the fans post fight for their support.

Event: GAMMA#964 Aurelius v Spratt
Date: Sep 17, 2022

#R1#
Spence looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Popkov swings away with a body shot that misses
and Spence counters with a nice body kick.
Popkov takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Spence slips under a jab.
Spence avoids a punch combination nicely.
Nice defenses there by Popkov.
Popkov misses with a right hand
and Spence counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Popkov thinking.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Popkov slips under a jab from Spence .
Popkov misses with a few strikes there.
Popkov takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.#T1#
Spence throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Popkov misses with a straight right.
It appears Spence was looking to counter with a kick there.
Spence ducks under a wild hook from Popkov.
Spence rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
enabling Popkov to counter with a crisp jab.
The crowd cheers as Popkov lands an impressive looking overhand right. Spence doesn't seem phased though.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Spence .#CUT#It looks like Mikhail Popkov has been cut.
Spence scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Spence throws a lazy right hand but Popkov sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Popkov scores with a jab to the head. #T2#
Popkov tries to score with a low kick but Spence moves his leg out of the way.
A cross from Spence lands.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Spence misses with a left hand
and Spence takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Spence throws a lazy head kick
and Popkov counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Popkov throws a jab when Spence was well out of range.
Spence tries to land a front kick but Popkov steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Spence definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Popkov misses the jab.
A big left from Popkov misses.
Spence digs a good hook to Popkov's body.
Popkov is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Popkov misses with a right hand
and Spence makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.#T3#
Spence connects with a looping right hand.
Spence misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Popkov misses with a lunging right hand
and Spence counters with a nice uppercut.
Popkov looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Spence gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Popkov.
Popkov looks to land a right hand but Spence moved out of range.
Popkov throws out a loose jab but Spence uses good head movement to avoid it.
Spence misses with a body shot. #KD#
Spence lands a big head kick that sends Popkov tumbling to the mat! Spence takes a step backwards and waves Popkov back to his feet - he wants the finish!#ROC#Popkov is rocked!#T4#
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Popkov misses with a lunging right hand
and Spence counters with a right, left combo that wobbles Popkov badly! Spence follows up with a massive right hook, straight to the bridge of the nose that knocks Popkov out cold! Oh wow, what a finish! Very reminiscent of Koscheck vs Yoshida as Spence finished him against the cage.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:11 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punches). Alan Spence !
Our winner, Alan Spence , made sure he spent some time buttering up the crowd during his post fight interview, which will no doubt bring him a few more fans.

Event: GAMMA#960 Karim v Yago
Date: Aug 20, 2022

#R1#
Popkov is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Mormaer.
Mormaer has been working on his boxing with his coaches at The Infamous Duranto Gym in the buildup to the fight.
Popkov slips under a jab.
Mormaer throws a nice head kick! #CUT#It looks like Mikhail Popkov has been cut.
Mormaer is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Popkov looks like he wants to counter punch here.
A telegraphed right hand from Mormaer misses the target.
Mormaer throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Popkov is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Mormaer scores with a leg kick.
Popkov moves out of range of the body kick from Mormaer.
A big right from Popkov misses. #T1#
Popkov wants to slow Mormaer down by chopping away at his legs.
Popkov 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.
Popkov ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Mormaer throws a lazy head kick
enabling Popkov to counter with a crisp jab.
Popkov 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.
Mormaer staying out of range there.
Mormaer tries to clinch up
and Popkov counters with a stiff right hand.
Popkov ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Mormaer throws a nice outside leg kick. #T2#
Mormaer connects with an inside leg kick.
Mormaer dodges the punch combination from Popkov.
Mormaer moves out of range of the strikes.
Mormaer feinted there with a counter leg kick.
Mormaer bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Popkov throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Mormaer counters with a nice body kick.
Popkov scores with a hook.#CL#
Mormaer clinches up with Popkov and pushes him back against the cage.
Popkov looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Mormaer taking a breather. #T3#
Mormaer with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Mormaer lands a left hand that snaps the head of Popkov backwards. #TD#
Mormaer gets control of Popkov's arms and successfully pulls guard. Mormaer will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.#SUB#
Mormaer looking for a guillotine here but Popkov defends easily. #SUB#
Mormaer looking for a guillotine here but Popkov defends easily. #SUB#
Mormaer looks to be working for a triangle here. Oh, it looks like he might have it! Popkov has picked Mormaer up and slammed him! Mormaer can't keep hold of the triangle and Popkov manages to pass to side control!
Mormaer tries to bench press Popkov off him but Popkov keeps the position. #T4#
Mormaer struggling a bit here.
Mormaer is trying to work for a sweep but Popkov has mounted him!
Mormaer working to try and regain half guard. #SU2#
Popkov stands up from mount. Strange move.
Popkov misses with an uppercut.
Mormaer swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Mormaer darts in trying to clinch
and Popkov counters with a nice leg kick.
Mormaer wants to clinch.
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 Aonghus Mormaer will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Mikhail Popkov'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.#R2#
Mormaer walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Mormaer throws a sloppy head kick and Popkov moves out of range easily.
Popkov swats away the attempt to clinch by Mormaer.
Popkov throws an overhand right that lands on Mormaer's shoulder, as Mormaer tries to avoid the shot.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#CL#
Mormaer clinches up with Popkov and pushes him back against the cage.#BC2#
Popkov breaks the clinch.
Popkov changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.#T1#
Mormaer connects with a leg kick.
Mormaer slips under a jab.
Mormaer looked to counter with a high kick but didn't commit.
Popkov checks the leg kick.
Mikhail Popkov seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Popkov throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Mormaer counters with a slapping leg kick.
Popkov tries a low kick but Mormaer avoids it.
Mormaer feints and then cracks Popkov's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Popkov down. #CL#
Mormaer closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Popkov lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Popkov blocks an uppercut.
Popkov tries to break free but Mormaer pushes him back against the cage.
Popkov throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Mormaers head.
Mormaer looking to stall. #T2#
Mormaer tries to pull guard but Popkov won't allow it.
Popkov can't break the clinch. #BC2#
Popkov breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Popkov throws a big shot that misses.
Mormaer tried to counter with a leg kick but Popkov avoided it.
Popkov misses with a hook to the body
and Mormaer counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Mormaer scores with a leg kick.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Mormaer tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Mormaer throws out a powerful jab.
Popkov takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Popkov appeared to try and counter that last move with a leg kick.
Popkov throws out a loose jab but Mormaer uses good head movement to avoid it.
Mormaer throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Mormaer backing away here, and Popkov unleashes a leg kick that just misses.#T3##KD#
Mormaer knocks Popkov to the floor with a head kick! Can he finish him!?#ROC#Popkov is rocked!#SUB#
Mormaer tries for a kimura but Popkov is defending well. #SUB#
Mormaer goes for an armbar here - this could be all over! But no, Popkov has escaped beautifully and is now on top in side control! Oh, that's unlucky for Mormaer but great work by Popkov.
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!
Mormaer tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Mormaer tries to slip a leg under to move to half guard but Popkov presses down on the leg and jumps into full mount!
Mormaer really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
Mormaer tries to lock up and control but Popkov gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.#T4##SU2#
Popkov stands up from the dominant position, so we're back on the feet.
Popkov throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Popkov throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Mormaer lands a head kick. Popkov smiles back at him and beckons him forward. #CUT#That has opened up Mikhail Popkov's cut even more.
Mormaer bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Popkov throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Mormaer on the side of the head.
Mormaer bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Mormaer is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
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 Aonghus Mormaer will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Mikhail Popkov'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. This is the final round!#R3#
Mormaer lands with a kick to the ribs.
Mormaer takes one to the side of the head.
Mormaer tries to clinch but fails miserably
and Popkov counters with a straight right hand.
Popkov circles away from the clinch attempt.
Popkov let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
Popkov throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Mormaer counters with a big head kick but Popkov shrugs it off.
Popkov's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A kick lands to the mid section there for Mormaer.
Mormaer lands a front kick.
Popkov looks to land a left hand but Mormaer moved out of range nicely.
Mormaer thinks about countering with a head kick.#T1#
Popkov misses with a head kick.
Nice uppercut there from Popkov.
Mormaer is looking to clinch but Popkov is avoiding it.
A low kick from Mormaer misses
and Popkov connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Popkov lands with a cross.
Mormaer throws a leg kick which misses Popkov's front leg but catches the back leg as Popkov tries to avoid it.
Mormaer tries to clinch up but Popkov circles away and keeps his distance.#KD#
Mormaer connects with a vicious head kick that knocks Popkov to the floor! Mormaer dives in looking for the finish!
Popkov is still in real trouble! Can Mormaer finish him?
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Mormaer has freed up his trapped foot and advances to mount. #T2##SUB#
Mormaer swings around for an armbar but it's a sloppy attempt and Popkov is now in Mormaer's guard. A big mistake from Mormaer there, giving up the dominant position! #SUB#
Mormaer has his foot on Popkov's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Popkov works his way back into a safe position though.
Popkov seems to have recovered his senses.#SUB#
Mormaer is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Popkov defends well.#SUB#
Mormaer throws his legs up looking to secure a triangle. Oh, that looks pretty tight, I gotta say! Popkov escapes and throws Mormaer's legs to the side, diving into side control!
Mormaer gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Mormaer has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Popkov is working away from the top position though.#T3##SUB#
Mormaer looking for submissions off his back.#SU2#
Popkov decides to stand and escape the position.
Mormaer throws a predictable looking body shot
and Popkov counters with a series of strikes. Mormaer will be more careful next time no doubt.
Popkov fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Mormaer looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Popkov throws a looping overhand right but Mormaer ducks down to avoid it.
Popkov tries to land a leg kick but Mormaer saw it coming and moves away. #T4#
Popkov fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Mormaer checks it well.
Mikhail Popkov has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Mormaer takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Mormaer closes the distance looking to clinch
and Popkov counters with a straight right hand.
Aonghus Mormaer is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Popkov misses with a body punch
and Mormaer counters with a head kick. #CUT#The cut above Mikhail Popkov's eye is starting to cause him problems now.
Popkov throws a body shot but no joy.
Mormaer slips under a jab.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
A low kick from Popkov is predictable there
and Mormaer counters with a head kick. That will keep Popkov thinking before he tries any more sloppy attacks!

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Mikhail Popkov.
I think Mormaer 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 Andrew Berry scores the fight 29:28
Judge James Glass scores the fight 29:28
Judge Steven Brown scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Aonghus Mormaer!
Aonghus Mormaer took to the mic after the fight and begged the organizational hierarchy for a shot at the title.

Event: GAMMA#957 Wayne v Nascimento
Date: Jul 30, 2022

#R1#
Costa looks to land a combination but Popkov avoids it well.
Popkov is loading up here, looking for a big counter of his own.
Popkov throws a jab when Costa was well out of range.
Costa fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Popkov manages to avoid it.
A nice side step and Popkov releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.
Costa scores with a jab. Popkov acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Costa tries to clinch but Popkov is having none of it.
Costa tries to clinch but Popkov is having none of it.
Nice uppercut lands for Costa. That snapped Popkov's head back.
Santiago Costa seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.#CL#
Costa closes the distance and clinches.#BC#
Costa breaks from the clinch.
Popkov keeps the fight on the outside.
Costa with a lazy takedown attempt
and Popkov counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Popkov tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Costa was well out of range. Poor timing from Popkov.
Costa has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
Costa tries to clinch there but Popkov circles away. #CL#
Costa darts in and clinches Popkov up against the cage.
Popkov lands with a right to the head.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Costa tries to throw a body punch but Popkov avoids it by throwing Costa back against the cage.
Popkov is trying to push Costa away but Costa has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.#T1##BC2#
Popkov's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Costa rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Popkov counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Costa tries to clinch but Popkov moves away
and Popkov counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Popkov looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Popkov closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Costa misses with a hook to the body
and Popkov counters with a three punch combo that has Costa backing up. Costa nods at Popkov to acknowledge the strikes.
Nice cross by Costa.#CUT#It looks like Mikhail Popkov has been cut.
Popkov keeps the fight on the outside.#CL#
Costa darts in and clinches Popkov up against the cage.
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!
Popkov working hard to break the clinch.
Popkov wants to break the clinch but can't.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Popkov.
Costa blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Popkov takes a shot to the head.
Costa throws a head punch that misses.
Popkov scores with a hook to the body.
Costa misses with the head strike.
Costa is looking to control Popkov's arms but Popkov gets an underhook and turns him. Now Costa has his back to the cage. #T2#
Costa goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Popkov tries a body shot but Costa blocks it.
Popkov misses with the head strike. #BC2#
Popkov breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Costa throws a body punch but Popkov moves out of range.
A kick lands to the mid section there for Popkov.
Costa tries to close the distance and clinch but Popkov swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away. #CL#
Costa gets a clinch.
Costa wants to stall. #BC2#
Popkov pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Popkov stalks Costa and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Costa's face. Costa staggers backwards, shaken.
Popkov scores with a nice head shot.
Costa is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Costa takes a body punch but keeps moving. #T3#
Popkov misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Costa scores with a decent looking hook.
Costa throws a nice looking combination but Popkov bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Costa misses with a body punch
and Popkov counters with a nice uppercut.
Costa wants to clinch.
Costa blocks a head kick by Popkov.
As Popkov looks to move away, Costa throws a big counter combo but Popkov just gets out of the way.
Costa tries to close the distance and clinch up but Popkov swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Costa is looking to clinch.
A head kick misses from Popkov.
Costa throws a big counter combination but Popkov scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Costa tries to clinch but Popkov moves out of range.
Costa tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Costa is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Popkov is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Costa with a body shot.
Popkov has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.#T4#
Popkov takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Costa wants to clinch.
Popkov swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Popkov misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
A big left from Costa misses.
Popkov now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
Costa tries to clinch but Popkov moves out of range.
Costa tries to clinch but Popkov moves away
enabling Popkov to counter with a crisp jab.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Costa moves in looking to clinch but Popkov pushes him off.
Costa moves in looking to clinch but Popkov pushes him off.#TD#
Excellent takedown into side control there by Costa.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Costa scoring with punches from side control.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Mikhail Popkov dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Mikhail Popkov's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.#R2#
A head kick misses from Popkov.
Popkov avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Popkov fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Costa has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Costa throws a jab but it's blocked by Popkov.
Popkov misses with an uppercut. Costa saw that one coming.#CL#
Costa rushes Popkov and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.#BC2#
Popkov's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Costa tries to clinch
and Popkov connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Costa scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Costa tries to clinch but fails miserably
letting Popkov counter with a right hand.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A head kick misses from Popkov.
Costa lands a nice shot that snaps Popkov's head back.
Popkov scores with a hook.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Popkov misses with a head kick.
Costa looks to clinch
and Popkov counters with a nice body shot. #T1#
Costa lands a nice hook to Popkov's body. Popkov takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Costa avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Costa is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Costa misses with an uppercut.
Mikhail Popkov seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Costa fails with an attempt to clinch.
Costa tests Popkov's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Costa tries to clinch but Popkov moves out of range.
Popkov counters with a body kick.
Nice jab there from Popkov.
Costa listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Popkov throws the left hand but Costa avoids the punch easily.
Costa tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Popkov defends well and Costa ends up having to push Popkov into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Popkov throws a fast counter high kick but Costa manages to duck under it in time.
Popkov lands a hook to the side of the head.
Costa takes a shot to the head.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Costa. #T2##BC#
Costa escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
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!
Costa takes a jab right on the kisser.
Popkov jabs at Costa's body.
Costa tries to clinch but Popkov moves away
and Popkov counters with a stiff right hand. #ROC2#Costa is rocked!
Costa is looking to clinch but Popkov is avoiding it.
Oh Costa is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Costa misses with a takedown
and Popkov rattles Costa with a well-timed uppercut counter. - Costa tries to back away and recover but his hands are down low and he gets tagged again, sending him stumbling down to the canvas. Popkov dives in after him and quickly finishes the job with a trio of brutal punches, leaving Costa stiff and motionless on the mat!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:26 of round 2, we have a winner by way of KO (Strikes). Mikhail Popkov!
A very excited looking Mikhail Popkov 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.

Event: SMASH:77
Date: Jul 01, 2022

#R1#
Edmonds swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Popkov fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Edmonds is out of range.
Edmonds throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
We can't be sure of the tactics at this early stage but we have heard that Edmonds has been working on his takedowns a lot in the buildup to the fight and we can only assume he's going to look to take this to the mat.#TD2#
Popkov tries to sprawl but Edmonds drives through with a takedown into half guard.

Popkov pushes Edmonds off and gets back to his feet.
Edmonds misses with a body shot.
Popkov is looking for a counter combo.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Popkov misses with an attempted mid kick.
Popkov lands with a cross.
Popkov misses with a lunging right hand
and Edmonds counters with a nice uppercut.
Popkov moves forwards but Edmonds connects with a nice, crisp jab.
A big right from Popkov misses.
Popkov moves out of range as Edmonds strikes.
Popkov is looking to counter with a body kick.
Edmonds misses with a hook
and Popkov counters with a nice uppercut. #T1#
Popkov misses the jab.
Edmonds throws a hook but Popkov blocks it.
Mikhail Popkov is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Popkov just misses with a punch to the body. #TD2#
Popkov gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Edmonds to score an easy takedown into full guard.
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.
Edmonds is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
Popkov will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Edmonds pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Popkov is keeping the position for now. #T2#
Edmonds wants to control from the top but Popkov keeps moving.
Edmonds sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Popkov keeping moving, preventing Edmonds from controlling successfully.
Edmonds controlling from the top position. #REF3#
The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.#TD2#
Edmonds feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.#T3#
Edmonds tries to free his leg and advance position but Popkov is retaining full guard.
Popkov being controlled here, momentarily.
Edmonds stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Popkov swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Popkov wants to get back to his feet but Edmonds is in a dominant position and won't allow it. #T4#
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.#SUB2#
Edmonds drops back, looking for a kneebar! Popkov looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Popkov looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Popkov! #REVR##SU#
Popkov decides to stand up, so the ref orders Edmonds to his feet.
Popkov throws a body shot but no joy.
Popkov misses with a two punch combination.
Edmonds is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Popkov misses with a double jab.
Popkov swings for the body but Edmonds moves out of range.
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 Mikhail Popkov will probably get the nod.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!#R2#
Popkov gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Edmonds lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Popkov circles away quickly and effectively.
Good shot there by Edmonds.
A slow jab from Popkov misses its intended target.
Edmonds throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Popkov stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Edmonds jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Edmonds throws a lazy right hand but Popkov sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Popkov throws a big counter combination but Edmonds scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Edmonds misses with a jab to the body
letting Popkov counter with a right hand.
Edmonds tries to work over Popkov's front leg with a kick but Popkov checks it.
An attempted straight right counter from Popkov misses the target.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Popkov takes a swing at Edmonds's ribcage but misses.
Edmonds digs a good body shot into Popkov's ribs.
Popkov with a nice cross.
Edmonds throws an off balance right hand
and Popkov counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.#T1#
Edmonds staying out of range there.
A little jabbing left from Edmonds on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Edmonds throws a shot from downtown. Popkov moves away and avoids it.
Edmonds throws a poor cross that misses
and Popkov counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Popkov takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Popkov slips under a jab.
Edmonds throws a shot from downtown. Popkov moves away and avoids it.
Popkov throwing a counter right hand but Edmonds manages to avoid it.
Edmonds looks to land a right hand but Popkov moved out of range.
It looked like Popkov wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Popkov ducks under a wild hook from Edmonds.
Popkov appeared to be looking to counter that last move with a leg kick.
Popkov takes a shot to the body in his stride.
John Edmonds seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Edmonds throws a hook to the side of Popkov's head but Popkov sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Edmonds throws out a loose jab but Popkov uses good head movement to avoid it.
Nice straight punches there by Edmonds. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Edmonds.#T2#
Popkov uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Edmonds.
Edmonds misses with a body shot.
Edmonds dips to his left and cracks Popkov with an uppercut!
Popkov takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
John Edmonds seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Edmonds throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Edmonds jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Popkov is looking for a counter combo.
Edmonds will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Edmonds throws a right hand that misses
The fighters are starting to get sweaty, which will make takedowns a bit more tricky.
and Popkov counters with a nice uppercut.
Popkov throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
A big right from Edmonds misses.
A big left from Popkov misses. #T3#
Popkov misses with an uppercut. Edmonds saw that one coming.
Popkov really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Edmonds shoots in and drives through. Popkov sprawls well.
Popkov is looking to counter punch.
Edmonds misses the body punch
and Popkov counters with a stiff right hand.
Popkov scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.#ROC#Edmonds is rocked!
Popkov defending well as Edmonds loads up on a big left hand.
Edmonds is still on wobbly legs! Can Popkov finish him?
Edmonds misses the jab.
Edmonds seems to have recovered his senses.
Edmonds uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Popkov.
Popkov throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Edmonds pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Edmonds throws a leg kick
and Popkov counters with a nice uppercut.
Popkov misses with the combination. #T4#
A slow jab from Edmonds misses its intended target.
Popkov appeared to be looking to counter that last move with a leg kick.
Edmonds misses with a lunging right hand
enabling Popkov to counter with a crisp jab.
Popkov takes a swing at Edmonds's ribcage but misses.
Edmonds misses with a two punch combination.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Edmonds throws a series of strikes that have Popkov backpedaling. #CUT2#It looks like Mikhail Popkov has been cut.
Edmonds connects with a body shot.
Edmonds throws a right and a left that Popkov avoids nicely.
Popkov misses with a head kick.
Edmonds slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Edmonds cracks a nice hook into Popkov's ribs.
Edmonds looks to throw the jab but Popkov is out of range.
Edmonds uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Popkov.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

John Edmonds showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Mikhail Popkov's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!#R3#
Edmonds blocks the body kick.
It looks like Popkov has been trying to sharpen up his punching technique, as it looks crisper than last time we saw him.#TD2#
Edmonds looking to score a takedown here. Popkov is defending well but Edmonds drives through and ends up in Popkov's guard.

Popkov scrambles and gets back to his feet.
A decent looking cross lands there for Edmonds.
Edmonds jabs at Popkov's body.
Edmonds misses with a takedown attempt
and Popkov counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Edmonds throws a lazy uppercut
and Popkov counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Popkov pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Popkov misses with a left hand
letting Edmonds counter with a right hand.
Edmonds ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Popkov moves away.
Popkov appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
Popkov tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.#T1#
Edmonds throws a nice looking combination but Popkov bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Popkov went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.
A big left from Edmonds misses.
Popkov throws the kick towards the body but Edmonds avoids it.
Edmonds cracks a nice hook into Popkov's ribs.
Popkov blocks a low kick nicely.
Popkov looks to land a body kick but Edmonds moved away.
Popkov looks to land a right hand but Edmonds moved out of range.
Edmonds lands a nice shot that snaps Popkov's head back.
Edmonds slips under a jab from Popkov.
Popkov uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Edmonds.
Popkov throws an overhand right that lands on Edmonds's shoulder, as Edmonds tries to avoid the shot. #T2#
Popkov pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Popkov staying out of range there.
Popkov avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Popkov is looking for a counter combo.
Edmonds lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Popkov circles away quickly and effectively.
Popkov avoids a punch combination nicely.
It looked like Popkov was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.
Popkov swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Edmonds 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 Popkov has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Popkov and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Edmonds throws an off balance right hand
letting Popkov counter with a 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!
Popkov misses with a lunging right hand
and Popkov takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Edmonds lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Edmonds misses with a straight right.
Popkov lifts his leg as if looking to counter with a high kick.#T3#
Edmonds avoids the head kick by Popkov.
A big left from Popkov misses.
Edmonds let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
Popkov looks to throw a body kick
and Edmonds counters with a stiff right hand.
Popkov walks into a jab.
Edmonds swings widly with a right hand
and Popkov counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Edmonds throws a right hand that misses
and Popkov counters with a nice body shot.
Popkov takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Popkov checks a leg kick.
Edmonds misses with a leg kick
and Popkov counters with a nice body shot.
Popkov takes one to the chin there.
A swing and a miss from Edmonds.#T4#
Edmonds throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Popkov.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Edmonds throws a left and a right that both miss
and Popkov counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Popkov swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Edmonds lands a nice looking body shot.
Popkov swings widly with a right hand
and Edmonds counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Popkov misses with a head kick.
Popkov misses with a straight left.
Popkov scores with a one two! Edmonds had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
Popkov checks the leg kick nicely there.
Edmonds looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Popkov is fending him off so far but Edmonds persists. Nope, Popkov circles away and we're back to standing.
Nice body punch from Edmonds.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to John Edmonds.
I think Edmonds has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Winston Howard scores the fight 29:28
Judge Hugh Johnson scores the fight 28:30
Judge John Mangel scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by split decision... John Edmonds!
John Edmonds decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.

Event: SMASH:71
Date: Jun 10, 2022

#R1#
Popkov misses with a lunging right hand
and Owens counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Popkov looks to land a right hand but Owens moved out of range.
Popkov with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Owens to score with a decent uppercut.
Popkov is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Owens tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Popkov paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Popkov is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Owens with a body shot.
Popkov misses with a straight right.
Owens looks to throw the jab but Popkov is out of range.
Popkov swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Popkov tries to bum rush Owens with a series of wild strikes but Owens uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Popkov moves out of range as Owens throws a body kick.
Popkov connects with a crisp jab.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Popkov catches Owens with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
A big right from Owens misses.
Popkov tries to move into range but Owens moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Popkov throws a poor cross that misses
and Owens counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.#CUT#It looks like Mikhail Popkov has been cut.#T1#
Popkov avoids the head kick by Owens.
Owens cracks Popkov with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
A nice leg kick lands there from Owens.
Popkov throws a right hand that misses
and Owens counters with an inside leg kick.
Popkov swings and misses with a shot to the body
and Owens counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Owens slips under a jab.
Nice defenses there by Popkov.
Owens slips under a jab from Popkov.
Owens misses the shot to the body.
Owens misses with a kick to the body.
Popkov keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Owens.
Popkov is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Owens. #T2#
Popkov moves out of range as Owens strikes.
Owens misses with an uppercut
and Popkov counters with a straight right hand.
Popkov on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Owens. Owens obviously looking to wear him down.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Owens throws a right hand that misses
and Popkov counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Owens pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Popkov throws a nice looking combination but Owens bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Owens walks into a left hand.
Owens misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Popkov.
Donk. Popkov catches Owens right on the button with a cross.
Owens lands with an overhand left.
Owens moves out of range of the strikes.
Popkov connects with a right hand. Owens shakes it off.#T3#
Owens scores with a punch to the head.
Owens connects with a leg kick.
Owens avoids a lazy jab quite easily.#CL#
Owens has closed the distance and engaged Popkov in a clinch.
I was talking to Owens's coach per-fight and he was telling me that they'd been working on the clinch in the runup to this fight.
Owens doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Owens lands an elbow inside that Popkov shrugs off.
Popkov softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Owens lands a hook to the side of the head.
Popkov blocks an elbow strike from Owens.
Owens blocks a body shot from Popkov.
Popkov wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Owens keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Popkov's efforts to push away.
Owens throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Owens swings wildly with an uppercut but Popkov uses good head movement to avoid it.
Owens has Popkov pressed against the cage, preventing Popkov from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Owens misses with an elbow over the top.
Owens lands a nice elbow. #T4#
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Popkov.
This has been an exciting period of action!
A short right from Owens on the inside. #CUT#That has opened up Mikhail Popkov's cut even more.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Owens.
Owens scores with a shot to the side of Popkov's head. #ROC#Popkov is rocked!#CUT#The cut above Mikhail Popkov's eye is starting to cause him problems now.
Owens misses with the head strike.
Popkov wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Owens has him pressed against the cage.
Owens working aggressively here.
Owens lands a left hand that snaps the head of Popkov backwards.
Popkov has had enough of the clinch but Owens keeps him there for the moment.
Owens throws an elbow but it misses.
Popkov takes an elbow to the forehead.
Popkov is still on wobbly legs! Can Owens finish him?
Popkov is trying to break the clinch but Owens has him pressed against the cage.
Owens dips a shoulder and cracks Popkov with a mighty uppercut! Popkov falls back against the cage and Owens unloads with a barrage of strikes! Popkov is completely out with his eyes open, only supported by the cage! Save him ref! Eventually the ref decides to do his job and jumps in - Owens screams abuse at the incompetent official before going over to celebrate with his corner. Brutal stuff!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:41 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Mustafa Owens!
Mustafa Owens retains his middleweight title!
Mustafa Owens decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.

Event: SMASH: Chaos vs Lee
Date: Jun 04, 2022

#R1#
Menezes bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Popkov's head.
Menezes lands a jab to the head.
Menezes throws a body punch but Popkov moves out of range.
Popkov takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Menezes lands a nice hook to Popkov's body. Popkov takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Menezes misses with a jab to the body
and Popkov counters with a nice body shot.
Menezes moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Menezes misses with a body shot.
Menezes just misses with a punch to the body.
Arthur Menezes seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Popkov throws a shot to the body.
Menezes showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Popkov.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Menezes throws a big shot that misses.
Popkov looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Popkov throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Menezes.
Popkov is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Popkov circles away from the clinch attempt.
Menezes goes for a double leg but Popkov avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Popkov continues to drive forward.
A shot in the inside from Popkov. #TD#
Menezes pulls guard effortlessly. #SUB#
Menezes has an omoplata and is looking to use it perhaps as a submission or perhaps to transition. Popkov is in a bit of discomfort here, but he's managed to free himself and has dived into side control! That didn't work out too well for Menezes.#T1#
Menezes is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Menezes is looking to slip a leg under and get half guard but Popkov is one step ahead and moves to full mount!
Menezes has given up his back here.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Menezes wants to escape the position.
Menezes trying to control the position but Popkov manages to sink in the hooks. #T2#
Menezes is really stuck here.
Menezes might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Menezes breaks Popkov's hooks off and manages to turn into his guard.
Menezes sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Popkov's guard.
Menezes is looking to advance position but Popkov won't allow it. #SUB#
Popkov is defending against the submission attempts here by Menezes.
Menezes perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there. #T3#
Menezes wants to take a breather but Popkov is having none of it.
Menezes takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.#SUB#
Menezes is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Menezes tries to pass to full mount but Popkov defends it.
Popkov wants to get back to his feet.
Popkov is not content to let Menezes control the position.#SUB#
Menezes is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game. #T4#
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.#SUB#
Menezes is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Popkov has managed to free his arm - good work.
Menezes trying to control the action but Popkov is working from the bottom. #REF3#
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.
Popkov keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Good standup being displayed there by Menezes as he connects with a hook.
Menezes misses with a takedown attempt - Popkov sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
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 Arthur Menezes will probably get the nod.
That's time! Back to the action!#R2#
Menezes swings widly with a right hand
and Popkov counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Popkov scores with a nice one two combo and darts back out of range to avoid anything coming in the opposite direction.
Menezes digs a good body shot into Popkov's ribs.
Menezes tries for a takedown but Popkov circles away easily
and Popkov counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Menezes fails with the takedown.
Popkov has worked on his takedown defense in the runup to this fight and it is paying off so far.
Mikhail Popkov seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Popkov keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Menezes fails with the takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Arthur Menezes. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Popkov throws an overhand right that lands on Menezes's shoulder, as Menezes tries to avoid the shot.
Menezes misses with a body shot.
Menezes just misses with a punch to the body.
It seemed like Popkov was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Popkov bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Menezes's head.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Menezes tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Popkov swivels and escapes.
A looping hook to the body misses from Menezes. Popkov does a little dance to reset his feet.#CL#
Menezes closes the distance and clinches. #T1##TD#
Menezes jumps guard. #SU2#
Popkov decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.
Menezes swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Menezes takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Menezes is looking to wear down Popkov with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Menezes scores with a jab to the body.
A big right from Menezes misses.
Popkov lands with a shot to the body.
Menezes misses with a looping left.
Menezes misses with a series of wild punches.
Menezes walks into a straight right hand from Popkov.
Menezes fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Popkov manages to avoid it.
Popkov throws out a counter right but Menezes avoids it with no problem.
Menezes looks to throw the jab but Popkov is out of range.
A big left from Popkov misses.
Popkov cracks Menezes with an open hand slap.#T2#
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Menezes misses with a combination
and Popkov counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Popkov lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Menezes circles away quickly and effectively.#TD#
Menezes fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Popkov sprawls well initially but Menezes persists and gets the takedown into half guard. #SUB#
Menezes is working for submissions here but there's nothing on. #SUB#
Menezes is trying to work for a kimura but Popkov is defending well. #SUB#
Menezes seems to be working for a kimura but Popkov defends the submission attempt.
Popkov is trying to stand. #T3#
Menezes is looking to advance position but Popkov won't allow it.
Popkov tries to kick Menezes off but Menezes keeps his base steady and stays in half guard. #SUB#
Menezes is actively looking for submissions here but good counter grappling here from Popkov as he works his way to full guard. #SUB#
Menezes drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Popkov manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Menezes has Popkov in his guard.#REVB##SUB#
Menezes is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Popkov defends well.#T4#
Popkov wanted to stand there but Menezes had control of the position.
Menezes throwing some rather feeble looking strikes off his back. #SUB#
Popkov got a little sloppy there for a moment and Menezes has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Popkov has managed to get both his arms back between Menezes's legs - danger averted.
Menezes working a defensive guard but Popkov manages to pass into side control anyway.
Menezes tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Popkov wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Mikhail Popkov showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Menezes's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. And we move into the final round!#R3#
A combination from Popkov does no damage.
Menezes lands with a straight right. Popkov didn't see that one coming.
Popkov digs a good hook to Menezes's body.
Menezes throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Menezes looks to score with a jab to the body but Popkov is just out of range.
Popkov stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Menezes misses with a body punch
and Popkov counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work. #KD2#
Oooooh!!! Popkov has knocked Menezes down with a huge combo! Popkov steps away and waves a wobbly Menezes back to his feet! This one might not go much longer!
This has been an exciting period of action!
Menezes throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Popkov throws out a counter right but Menezes avoids it with no problem.
Nice takedown defense from Popkov. No joy for Menezes on that attempt. #CL#
Menezes moves into the clinch successfully.
Menezes tries to pull guard but Popkov forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Popkov has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Popkov wants to break free but Menezes has control.
Menezes tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Popkov misses with a body punch. #BC#
Menezes's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Popkov listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Popkov is using his reach advantage to land shots from outside his opponent's range.#T1#
Popkov stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Popkov wants it to stay on the feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Arthur Menezes. That's going to take a lot out of him.#KD2#
Popkov lands a left and a right that send Menezes crashing to the mat, dazed. Popkov thinks about following him to the mat but decides to wave him back up to his feet!#ROC2#Menezes is rocked!
Menezes has his takedown stuffed
and Popkov counters with a massive hook, right on the button! He's out cold! Damn, that was naaaaaasty! Hopefully he'll be OK.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:13 of round 3, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Mikhail Popkov!
A relieved looking Mikhail Popkov thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.

Event: SMASH: Chaos vs Dong
Date: May 20, 2022

#R1#
Popkov throws a right and a left that both miss.
Nice defenses there by Henrique.
Popkov scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
We've been told by Popkov's head coaches at Zero Tolerance that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Popkov on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there. #CUT2#It looks like Mikhail Popkov has been cut.
Popkov throws a body punch but Henrique moves out of range.
It seemed like Henrique was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Henrique throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Henrique throws a jab when Popkov was well out of range.
Popkov fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Henrique manages to avoid it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Henrique lands a body shot.
Popkov on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Henrique slips under a jab.
Popkov misses with a combination
and Henrique counters with a left to the body.
Mikhail Popkov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.#T1#
Nice defenses there by Henrique.
Popkov misses with a double jab.
Henrique dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Popkov throws an overhand right that lands on Henrique's shoulder, as Henrique tries to avoid the shot.
Popkov takes a swing at Henrique's ribcage but misses.
Despite the aggression on Henrique's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.
Henrique rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Popkov counters with a nice uppercut.
Henrique scores with a nice strike.
Popkov moves out of range of the strikes.
Henrique lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.#T2#
Henrique throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
A slow jab from Popkov misses its intended target.
Popkov slips under a jab.
Popkov works Henrique's body with a nice hook.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Henrique swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
An attempted straight right counter from Popkov misses the target.
Henrique swings widly with a right hand
letting Popkov counter with a right hand. #CUT#It looks like Bruno Henrique has been cut.
Popkov ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Popkov just misses with a punch to the body.
Henrique jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Henrique has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Popkov finds it's way round the side to connect with Henrique's head.
Henrique connects with a right hand. Popkov shakes it off.#T3#
Popkov slips a straight right by Henrique.
Popkov was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Popkov really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Henrique defending well as Popkov loads up on a big left hand.
Henrique misses with an uppercut
and Popkov counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Popkov misses with a two punch combination.
Popkov lands a jab.
Popkov dodges the punch combination from Henrique.
Henrique swings for the body but Popkov moves out of range.
Henrique misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Popkov.
It looked like Popkov wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Henrique showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Popkov. #T4#
Popkov moves out of range of the strikes.#KD2#
Oooooh!!! Henrique has knocked Popkov down with a huge combo! Henrique steps away and waves a wobbly Popkov back to his feet! This one might not go much longer!#ROC2#Popkov is rocked!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Popkov misses with a telegraphed body shot
and Henrique counters with a huge left! Popkov is in big trouble! He's backing up but Henrique isn't giving him chance to recover. Under a barage of punches the ref has to step in to save Popkov from any more damage. A dominating finish by Henrique!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:26 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Bruno Henrique!
A relieved looking Bruno Henrique thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.

Event: SMASH: Roy vs Perkele 2
Date: Apr 23, 2022

#R1#
Popkov lands a jab to the head. #CUT2#It looks like Eric Osiris has been cut.
Osiris has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Osiris there as he acknowledges the shot.
Osiris has been working on his boxing with his coaches at Primal Concrete Gym in the buildup to the fight.
Popkov slips under a jab.
Nice defenses there by Osiris.
Popkov is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Osiris ducks under a wild hook from Popkov.
Popkov falls off balance throwing a combination
and Osiris counters with a slapping leg kick.
Osiris on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Popkov connects with a right hand. Osiris shakes it off.
Osiris with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Popkov to score with a decent uppercut.
Mikhail Popkov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Popkov throws a right and a left that Osiris avoids nicely.
Osiris is looking to counter punch.
Osiris on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there. #T1#
Popkov thuds his right hand into Osiris's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.#ROC2#Osiris is rocked!#CUT2#Eric Osiris's cut is getting worse.
Osiris is holding his hands too far apart here. Popkov throws a hard, straight punch right down the pipe and BOOM! Osiris is out! That punch landed square on the jaw - what a shot!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:17 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Mikhail Popkov!
After winning the bout, Mikhail Popkov thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.

Event: SMASH: Perkele vs Roy
Date: Apr 01, 2022

#R1#
Owens connects with a crisp jab. #CUT2#It looks like Mikhail Popkov has been cut.
Owens throws an off balance right hand
and Popkov counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Popkov jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Owens scores with a jab to the body.
Owens slips a straight right by Popkov.
Owens appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Popkov throws a hook but Owens blocks it.
Owens looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Popkov throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Owens sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Owens throws a looping overhand right but Popkov ducks down to avoid it.
Popkov really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Owens scores with a jab to the jaw.
Owens scores with a jab to the head.
Popkov missing with a left hand there. Owens was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Owens misses with a lunging right hand
and Popkov counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Popkov throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
A countering left hand to the body from Owens misses.
Popkov looks to throw the jab but Owens is out of range. #T1#
Danga de danga de dang - Popkov scores with a four punch combination!
Owens throws a low kick but Popkov avoids it.
Owens fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Popkov has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
A left lands for Popkov.
Owens scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Popkov takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Popkov missing with a left hand there. Owens was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Owens misses with a looping right.
Owens blocks a jab.
Popkov missing with a left hand there. Owens was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Popkov has been working on his boxing with his coaches at Zero Tolerance in the buildup to the fight.
Owens throws a big shot that misses.
Owens misses the jab.
Popkov is looking for a counter combo.#T2#
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Popkov chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Owens can pounce on him.
A punch combination from Popkov misses.
Owens throws a leg kick which misses Popkov's front leg but catches the back leg as Popkov tries to avoid it.
A swing and a miss from Popkov.
Popkov misses with a right hand
and Owens counters with a stiff right hand.
Owens throws a hook but Popkov avoids it easily.
Popkov appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
Popkov throws a jab but it's blocked by Owens.
Owens scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Popkov tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Owens was well out of range. Poor timing from Popkov.
Owens misses with a straight left.
Owens on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Owens throws a wild combination but nothing lands. #T3#
Owens keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Popkov.
Owens misses with a wild body shot.
Popkov misses with a hook
and Owens cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Popkov throws a poor cross that misses
and Owens counters with a solid body kick.
Owens lands a really nice looking cross but Popkov seems unphased. #CUT2#Mikhail Popkov's cut is getting worse.
Popkov throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Owens! But no joy.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Owens. Popkov shrugs it off though.
Nice uppercut there from Owens.
Owens fails with an attempt to clinch.
Owens misses with a hook. Popkov ducked under it nicely.
Popkov swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.
Popkov throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Popkov lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.#T4#
Popkov moves out of range as Owens strikes.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Owens misses with a left hand
and Popkov connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Owens just misses with a punch to the body.
Popkov lands a nice shot that snaps Owens's head back.
Owens is looking to clinch but Popkov is avoiding it.
Owens throws out a loose jab but Popkov uses good head movement to avoid it.
Popkov throwing a counter right hand but Owens manages to avoid it.
Popkov doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Popkov is really peppering his opponent's head with punches.
Owens throws a head kick that misses.
Popkov swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Popkov closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
The fighters circling - Popkov throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Popkov misses with a lunging right hand
and Owens counters with a stiff right hand.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Popkov lands with a good body shot.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Mustafa Owens dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Mikhail Popkov's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.#R2#
Owens keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Popkov.
Owens thinks about the counter body kick.
Popkov misses with a combination
and Owens counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head. #ROC2#Popkov is rocked!
This entire fight has taken place on the feet so far and you wonder whether Popkov might be better served trying to take this one to the ground because he's losing the standup battle so far.
Owens avoids the body shot from Popkov.
Owens now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
Today's fight clock is brought to you by... OOOH that's a huge shot by Owens! Popkov is in big trouble here - the ref steps in to save him and this one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:24 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Mustafa Owens!
Mustafa Owens thanked the fans post fight for their support.

Event: SMASH: Johnson vs McDonald
Date: Feb 25, 2022

#R1#
Popkov keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Garcia.
Popkov takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it. #CUT#It looks like Mikhail Popkov has been cut.
Mickey Garcia seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Popkov dodges the punch combination from Garcia.
Popkov throws a shot from downtown. Garcia moves away and avoids it.
Garcia throws out a powerful jab.
Garcia is looking to clinch.
It seemed like Popkov was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Popkov catches Garcia with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Garcia lands a body shot.
A nice combination there by Popkov. #CUT2#It looks like Mickey Garcia has been cut.
Garcia lands a nice hook to Popkov's body. Popkov takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
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!
Garcia takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Garcia bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Popkov's head backwards.
Garcia tries to clinch but Popkov is having none of it.
Garcia cracks Popkov with an open hand slap.
Popkov is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Popkov throws a wild combination but nothing lands. #T1#
Garcia throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Popkov fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.#CL#
Garcia fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Popkov, pushing him back against the cage.
Garcia throws a punch but it's blocked by Popkov.
Popkov throws a head punch that misses.
Popkov is trying to break free.
Garcia tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it. #BC2#
Popkov breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Garcia throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Garcia missing with a left hand there. Popkov was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Garcia misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Popkov.
Popkov swings for the body but Garcia moves out of range.
Garcia is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Garcia throws a right hand that Popkov ducks under and follows up with a left that Popkov also avoids with ease.#CL#
Garcia clinches. #TD#
Garcia pulls guard successfully.
Garcia looking to hit a scissor sweep but Popkov is one step ahead there. #T2#
Garcia is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Garcia 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.#SU2#
Popkov stands up from Garcia's guard - Popkov perhaps looking for a knockout.
Garcia displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Popkov throws out the jab.
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!
Popkov jabs Garcia to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Garcia throws a big shot that misses.
Popkov connects with a good right hand that stumbles Garcia. Garcia circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Popkov circles away from the clinch attempt.
Jab from Garcia.#T3#
Popkov looks to land a combination but Garcia avoids it well.
Jab by Popkov.
Popkov displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Garcia throws out the jab.
Garcia misses with a body shot.
Garcia thuds a left hand into Popkov's body.
Garcia looks to land a left hand but Popkov moved out of range nicely.
Garcia doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
No joy there for Garcia, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Popkov takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Garcia throws out a loose jab but Popkov uses good head movement to avoid it.
Popkov is looking for the big counter here.
Garcia tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Garcia avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Nice body punch from Popkov.
Garcia works Popkov's body with a nice hook.#T4#
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Popkov cracks Garcia with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Popkov throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Popkov lands with an uppercut that bounces Garcia off the cage and back into range.
Popkov throws a shot from downtown. Garcia moves away and avoids it.
Popkov looks to land a combination but Garcia avoids it well.
Garcia blocks a jab.
Garcia tries to clinch but Popkov is having none of it.
Garcia sizes up Popkov with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Garcia lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Popkov at a distance.
Popkov moves out of range as Garcia strikes.
Popkov looks to land a left hand but Garcia moved out of range nicely.
Popkov cracks Garcia 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.
Garcia throws a looping overhand right but Popkov ducks down to avoid it.
Popkov throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Garcia stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Mikhail Popkov will probably get the nod.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
That's time! Back to the action!#R2#
Popkov thows a left - swing and a miss!
Popkov lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Popkov looks to score with a jab to the body but Garcia is just out of range.
Popkov ducks under a wild hook from Garcia.
Garcia defending well as Popkov loads up on a big left hand.
Popkov misses with a body shot.
Garcia fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Popkov manages to avoid it.
Garcia swings away with a body shot that misses
letting Popkov counter with a right hand.
Garcia scores with the left hand. Popkov knows he should have avoided that one.
Popkov scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Garcia throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Popkov moves out of range of the strikes.
Garcia takes a swing at Popkov's ribcage but misses.
Garcia on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.#T1#
Garcia fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Popkov manages to avoid it.
Popkov looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Popkov connects with the punch.
Garcia fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Popkov looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Popkov defending well as Garcia loads up on a big left hand.
Garcia has not gone for a single takedown so far in this fight, which seems like a very strange tactic when you consider that he has the superior wrestling and BJJ.
Popkov takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Garcia misses with a lunging right hand
and Popkov counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Popkov throws a hook to the side of Garcia's head but Garcia sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Mikhail Popkov seems to be getting the better of the standup.#CL#
Popkov gets tackled into the cage by Garcia. Garcia maintains the clinch.
Popkov tries to break free but Garcia pushes him back against the cage.#BC2#
Popkov breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Popkov ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Garcia moves away.
Popkov drops his hands momentarily and Garcia takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Garcia misses with a right hand
and Popkov counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Garcia throws a big shot that misses.
Popkov looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Garcia throws a lazy right hand but Popkov sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.#T2#
Garcia tries to clinch up but Popkov circles away and keeps his distance.#KD2#
Popkov drops Garcia with a beautiful combination! Garcia stares up at his opponent, who ushers him back to his feet - Popkov is looking for the KO!#ROC2#Garcia is rocked!
Garcia leaves his chin hanging out and Popkov seizes the opportunity with an uppercut! Garcia crumbles to the floor in a heap! The referee steps in and tends to the downed fighter! What a knockout!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:18 of round 2, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Mikhail Popkov!
A relieved looking Mikhail Popkov thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.
The defeated Mickey Garcia had this to say: 'Can't believe the commission let me fight with Hep C...'.

Event: SMASH: Choke vs Torsten
Date: Jan 26, 2022

#R1#
Popkov avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Popkov is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Baker.
Baker throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Popkov sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Popkov scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Baker swings widly with a right hand
and Popkov counters with a stiff right hand.
Popkov throws a lazy right hand but Baker sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Popkov bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Popkov moves out of range as Baker strikes.
Popkov walks into a left hand.
Baker lands with a straight right. Popkov didn't see that one coming.
Popkov slips under a jab from Baker.
Popkov takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Baker misses with a takedown attempt
and Popkov connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.#CUT2#It looks like Balthazar Baker has been cut.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Popkov lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Baker circles away quickly and effectively.
Baker looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Popkov is fending him off so far but Baker persists. Nope, Popkov circles away and we're back to standing.#T1#
Baker misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Popkov.
Popkov displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Baker throws out the jab.
Baker missing with a left hand there. Popkov was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Baker lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Popkov at a distance.
Popkov tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Baker was well out of range. Poor timing from Popkov.
Baker slips under a jab.
Popkov has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.#CUT#It looks like Mikhail Popkov has been cut.
Baker slips a straight right by Popkov.
Popkov looks to land a left hand but Baker moved out of range nicely.
Popkov ducks under a wild hook from Baker.#CL#
Baker rushes Popkov and presses him up against the cage.
Baker working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Baker lands a left hand.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
A head punch on the inside from Popkov fails to land.
Baker lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Baker gets through Popkov's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.#T2#
Baker tries a body shot but Popkov blocks it.
Popkov lands a right hand that snaps the head of Baker backwards.
Popkov misses with a punch on the inside.
Popkov is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Popkov wants to get back to striking at distance but Baker won't allow it.
Popkov digs a right hand underneath Baker's ribcage. Baker let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Popkov wants to break the clinch but can't. #BC2#
Popkov's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Baker on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Baker throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
A little jabbing left from Popkov on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Baker uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Popkov has time to react.
Baker throws a shot from downtown. Popkov moves away and avoids it.
Baker misses with a body shot.
Popkov swings away with a body shot that misses
enabling Baker to counter with a crisp jab.
Baker fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Popkov manages to avoid it.
Popkov bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
A big right from Baker misses.
Baker scores with a body shot. #T3##CL#
Baker clinches with his opponent. #BC2#
Popkov breaks from the clinch.
Popkov ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Mikhail Popkov is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Popkov throws a body shot but no joy.
Baker lands a right hook to the body.
Popkov fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Baker on the side of the head.#ROC2#Baker is rocked!
Popkov dances in with a quick combination. Baker is being worked over with jabs and crosses. Oooh, a right straight from Popkov snaps Baker's head back. Baker stumbles backwards against the cage. Popkov steps forward and delivers a right cross that connects with Baker's jaw, simultaneously knocking him out and sending his mouthpiece into the crowd! There's a worthy souvenir for the fans. This one is over folks. Baker just didn't come prepared.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:34 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punches). Mikhail Popkov!
After winning the bout, Mikhail Popkov thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.

Event: SMASH: Donovan vs Kapisi
Date: Dec 22, 2021

#R1#
Popkov scores with the left hand. Menezes knows he should have avoided that one.
A swing and a miss from Popkov.#TD#
Menezes shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Menezes showed some decent athleticism there.
Menezes is keen to just control but Popkov is a slippery customer.
Popkov is trying to stand.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.#SUB#
Menezes is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Popkov is just riding it out for now. Menezes eventually gives up the hold.
Menezes wants to take a breather but Popkov is having none of it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Menezes controlling the action here.
Popkov looks like he's trying to stand up. #T1#
Menezes thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Popkov wants to get back to his feet. #SUB#
Menezes is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Popkov doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Menezes.
Popkov wants to get back to his feet.
Menezes thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Popkov's head.
Popkov is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Menezes throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Menezes content to control rather than advance.
Menezes trying to control from half guard but Popkov is working away. #T2#
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Popkov won't allow Menezes to pass to mount.
Menezes thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Menezes wants to take a breather but Popkov is having none of it.
Popkov tries to kick Menezes off but Menezes keeps his base steady and stays in half guard. #REF3#
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.#TD#
Menezes feints and as Popkov raises his hands in defense, Menezes changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Menezes throwing strikes from guard but Popkov blocks nicely.
Popkov wants to stand and escape but Menezes is having none of it. #SUB#
Menezes thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Popkov keeping moving, preventing Menezes from controlling successfully.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Menezes looking to pass the guard.
Menezes won't allow Popkov to get back to his feet.
Menezes trying to control the position from guard on top but Popkov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can. #T3#
Popkov can't keep his opponent in guard - Menezes advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Menezes trying to control from half guard but Popkov is working away. #SUB#
Popkov is pushing off trying to get to his feet. Menezes has hold of the leg though and he's dropped back for a heel hook… has he got it?? YES! Popkov is tapping! This fight is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:39 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Heel Hook). Arthur Menezes!
Arthur Menezes retains his middleweight title!

Event: CMMA 170 Skellington v Popkov
Date: Oct 15, 2021

#R1#
Popkov throws a body shot but no joy.
Skellington shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Popkov as he avoids it easily.
Skellington darts in looking for a takedown but Popkov gets double underhooks and turns Skellington into the cage. #BC2#
Popkov pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Popkov slaps away a takedown attempt from Skellington, before circling back to the center of the mat.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jack Skellington. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Skellington shoots for a double leg takedown but Popkov sprawls well. He's pushed Skellington's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Nice takedown defense from Popkov. No joy for Skellington on that attempt.
Popkov swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Popkov misses with a straight left.
Popkov is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Skellington goes for a double leg but Popkov avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Popkov continues to drive forward.
Popkov throws out a counter right but Skellington avoids it with no problem.
Popkov lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Popkov stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Popkov scores with a shoulder strike. #TD#
Skellington jumps guard and drags Popkov to the mat. He's obviously going to be looking for submissions off his back. #SU2#
Popkov decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.
Popkov feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Skellingtons jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Skellington has been working on his boxing with his coaches at Tran MMA Gym in the buildup to the fight.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Skellington gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Popkov feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Skellingtons jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Skellington ducks under a wild hook from Popkov.
Skellington misses with a takedown
and Popkov counters with a straight right hand.#T1#
Jab, jab by Popkov - just one landing. #ROC2#Skellington is rocked!
Popkov measures up his opponent and throws a superman punch that connects to the jaw! Down goes Skellington! The ref steps in, and that's the ball game folks!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:13 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Superman Punch). Mikhail Popkov!
A relieved looking Mikhail Popkov thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.

Event: CMMA 160 Camara v Ferkingstad
Date: Sep 19, 2021

#R1#
Popkov uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Williams ducks under a wild hook from Popkov.
Popkov throws a body punch but Williams moves out of range.
Popkov throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Williams misses with a takedown attempt
and Popkov counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Mikhail Popkov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Williams takes one to the chin there.#CUT#It looks like James Williams has been cut.
Nice jab there from Popkov.
Popkov stuns Williams with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Williams darts in looking for a takedown but Popkov gets double underhooks and turns Williams into the cage.
Popkov scores with a jab to the body.
Williams has done a lot of speed work in the buildup to this fight.
Williams misses with a hook
and Popkov comes in over the top with a devastating right hand! Williams stumbles back against the cage, looking to regain his senses but Popkov is on him like rabid pit bull! Williams slumps to the ground under a storm of punches and this fight is over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:41 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Mikhail Popkov!
Mikhail Popkov decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.

Event: CMMA 148 Dinapoli v Izanagi
Date: Aug 22, 2021

#R1#
Thorsen throws a poor cross that misses
and Thorsen takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Popkov jabs Thorsen to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Popkov cracks Thorsen with a good jab.
Popkov slips a jab from Thorsen.
Thorsen misses with an uppercut. Popkov saw that one coming.
Anders Thorsen seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Popkov slips a straight right by Thorsen.
Popkov lands a right hook to the body.
Nice defenses there by Popkov.
Popkov lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Popkov displaying good standup as he scores with a three punch combination.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Popkov lands with a right hand.
Popkov is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Popkov fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Thorsen looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Thorsen looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Popkov ducks under a wild hook from Thorsen.
Thorsen misses with a left hand
and Popkov counters with a nice uppercut.
Popkov lands a jab to the head. #TD#
Excellent takedown into side control there by Thorsen.

Popkov throws his opponent off and manages to get back to his feet! Nicely done!#T1#
Popkov bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Popkov throws out a counter right but Thorsen avoids it with no problem.
Popkov feints a jab promting Thorsen to slip. Popkov then demonstrates his capabilities by jabbing again. Thorsen slips again and ducks right into an uppercut.
Thorsen darts in looking for a takedown but Popkov gets double underhooks and turns Thorsen into the cage.
Popkov looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Thorsen fails to pull the fight into his guard.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Anders Thorsen. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Popkov digs a right hand into Thorsen's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Thorsen's gas tank.
Popkov cracks Thorsen with a nice body shot.#BC2#
Popkov's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Popkov is using his reach advantage to land shots from outside his opponent's range.
Popkov wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
A jab from Popkov does it's job there.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Thorsen takes a jab right on the kisser.
Popkov darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Popkov lands with a jab that stuns his opponent. Thorsen is looking to close the distance but Popkov sees it coming and throws a beautiful knee! Thorsen crumbles to the mat and that's all she wrote! Let's hope Thorsen is OK because that was naaaaaasty!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:43 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Knee). Mikhail Popkov!
After winning the bout, Mikhail Popkov thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.

Event: CMMA 132 Wagner v Warrior
Date: Jul 17, 2021

#R1#
Camden slips a jab from Popkov.
Popkov works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Popkov connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Camden takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.#CUT2#It looks like Jaco Camden has been cut.
Camden shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Popkov counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Decent striking displayed by Popkov there.
Popkov is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Popkov tries to bum rush Camden with a series of wild strikes but Camden uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Camden shoots for a double leg takedown but Popkov sprawls well. He's pushed Camden's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Popkov stuffs the takedown attempt from Camden. Camden gets slowly back to his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jaco Camden. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Camden ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Popkov has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Popkov avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Camden tries for a takedown but Popkov sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.#T1#
Camden closes the distance and clinches up with Popkov, looking for a takedown. Camden pushes Popkov against the cage but Popkov circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Popkov connects with a looping right hand.
Mikhail Popkov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Camden keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Popkov pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Popkov lands a really nice looking cross but Camden seems unphased.
Popkov looks to score with a jab to the body but Camden is just out of range.#CL#
Camden closes the distance and clinches.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Camden.
Popkov avoids the elbow strike from Camden, against the cage.
Camden lands a nice elbow. #CUT#It looks like Mikhail Popkov has been cut.#BC2#
Popkov breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Camden closes the distance but Popkov moves to the side
and Popkov counters with a nice uppercut. #CL#
Camden has managed to clinch. #T2#
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Camden wants to stall.
Popkov can't find room to land a body shot as Camden controls the action.
Camden is leaning against Popkov and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Popkov lands a right hand that snaps the head of Camden backwards. #TD#
Camden drags the fight down to the ground.
Popkov told us pre-fight that he has been working on his escapes in training. Let's see if he can call on some of his new skills to get back to his feet.
Popkov has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Camden is proving hard to escape from. #SU2#
Popkov stands up and waves to Camden to follow him.
Camden gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Popkov counters with a straight right hand.
Camden moves forwards but Popkov connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Camden drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Popkov is using his reach advantage to land shots from outside his opponent's range.
Camden uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Popkov.
Popkov is landing a lot of head punches in this opening round! Camden had better start moving his head a bit unless he wants his face to turn into mush.
Popkov jabbing away but nothing is landing. #T3#
Popkov throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Camden seemed to be looking to counter by closing the distance.
Popkov misses with an uppercut
and Camden counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Popkov falls off balance throwing a combination
and Camden counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Popkov throws out a powerful jab.
Popkov connects with the punch.
Camden uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Popkov.
Popkov thows a left - swing and a miss!
Popkov swats away the attempt to clinch by Camden.
Popkov misses with a straight right.
Camden wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch.
Popkov missing with a left hand there. Camden was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one. #T4#
Camden drops his hands momentarily and Popkov takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Camden has his takedown stuffed
and Popkov counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Popkov lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Camden bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Popkov might want to mix his strikes up a bit more. He's just going for head shots at the moment and that can become a bit predictable.
No luck for Camden with that takedown attempt.
Popkov scores with a jab to the head.
Popkov misses with an uppercut. Camden saw that one coming.
Camden uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Popkov.
Camden needs to keep his hands up - Popkov had a free shot at his head there.
Camden looks for a takedown but Popkov sprawls well.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Mikhail Popkov dominated that round.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!#R2#
Camden's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Popkov connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Camden scrambles back to his feet.
Camden throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Popkov avoids the head kick by Camden.
Popkov throws a lazy right hand but Camden sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Camden ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Popkov clobbers Camden with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
The fighters circle momentarily. Popkov darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
A swing and a miss from Popkov.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Camden drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Popkov throws a shot from downtown. Camden moves away and avoids it.
A slow jab from Popkov misses its intended target.
Popkov misses with a two punch combination.
Camden tries to counter by clinching up but Popkov breaks away and moves out of range.
Jaco Camden is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.#T1#
Popkov rushes in with a sloppy looking punch #CL#
and Camden counters by moving into the clinch. #BC2#
Popkov breaks the clinch.
Popkov stuffs the takedown.
Popkov with a hook.
Camden uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Popkov.
Camden quickly followed up with a counter body kick but doesn't connect.
Popkov misses with a hook. Camden ducked under it nicely.
Mikhail Popkov seems to be getting the better of the standup.#CL#
Camden forces Popkov back against the cage and clinches.#BC2#
Popkov breaks from the clinch.
Camden looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Camden fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Popkov throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Popkov cracks Camden with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Popkov works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.#T2#
Popkov looks to land a left hand but Camden moved out of range nicely.
Camden tries to counter by moving into the clinch but Popkov manages to circle out of the way.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Camden.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jaco Camden. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Popkov scores with a jab. Camden acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Popkov fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Camden closes the distance and clinches up with Popkov, looking for a takedown. Camden pushes Popkov against the cage but Popkov circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Popkov! But no joy.
Popkov throws the left hand but Camden avoids the punch easily.#TD#
Camden drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Popkov wants to get back to his feet but Camden drags him back down.
Both fighters have adopted an aggressive gameplan on the ground!#T3##SUB#
Camden looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Camden throws an elbow but Popkov slips to the side and avoids it well.#ES2#
Popkov throws Camden to one side and escapes!
Camden takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Popkov misses with a left hand #CL#
and Camden moves into the clinch.#TD#
Camden pulls guard. #SU2#
Popkov stands up and waves to Camden to follow him. #TD#
Camden shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Camden showed some decent athleticism there. #T4#
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.#SUB#
Camden seems to be looking for submissions. #ES2#
Popkov has one foot on Camden's thigh - he pushes off and manages to get back to his feet.
A punch combination from Popkov misses.
Nice jab there from Popkov.
Popkov tries to bum rush Camden with a series of wild strikes but Camden uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Popkov slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Popkov misses with a looping left.
Popkov misses with a right hand
and Camden counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Popkov throws a big shot that misses.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Mikhail Popkov showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
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!#R3#
Popkov throws a hook but Camden blocks it.
Good standup being displayed there by Popkov as he connects with a hook.
Nice jab there from Popkov.
Camden takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Popkov waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Camden.
Popkov misses with a lunging right hand
and Camden counters with a three punch combo that has Popkov backing up. Popkov nods at Camden to acknowledge the strikes.
Popkov has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Camden doesn't manage to clinch there - Popkov circles away.
Popkov connects with a body shot.
Popkov displaying good standup as he scores with a three punch combination.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Popkov throws a looping overhand right but Camden ducks down to avoid it.
Camden gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Popkov works Camden's body with a nice hook.#T1##KD2#
Popkov drops Camden with a beautiful combination! Camden stares up at his opponent, who ushers him back to his feet - Popkov is looking for the KO!#ROC2#Camden is rocked!
Popkov lands an uppercut, right on the button! Camden tumbles backwards into the cage, staring vacantly into space! He's got no idea where he is, who he is or what day it is... Poor guy.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:18 of round 3, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Mikhail Popkov!

Event: CMMA 121 Panic v Lobchov
Date: Jun 20, 2021

#R1##CL2#
Buckley instigates a clinch.
Popkov swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Buckley misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Popkov doesn't land with the attempted body shot. #BC#
Popkov manages to break the clinch.
Popkov misses with a looping left.
A jab from Popkov misses.
Buckley is looking to clinch but Popkov is avoiding it.
Popkov jabs Buckley right on the nose. Buckley blinks but takes it well.
Buckley closes the distance but Popkov moves to the side
and Popkov counters with a stiff right hand.
Joaquin Buckley seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Buckley tries to close the distance and clinch up but Popkov swats him away and circles back towards the center.
A right-left combo lands from Popkov.
Popkov misses with a straight left. #CL2#
Buckley has taken the fight to the clinch.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Buckley lands a left hand.
Buckley lands with a light punch inside. #BC#
Popkov breaks from the clinch. #KD#
Popkov lands a left and a right that send Buckley crashing to the mat, dazed. Popkov thinks about following him to the mat but decides to wave him back up to his feet!
Popkov circles away from the clinch attempt
and Popkov counters with a straight right hand.#ROC#Buckley is rocked!#T1#
Popkov works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.#KD#
Oooooh!!! Popkov has knocked Buckley down with a huge combo! Popkov steps away and waves a wobbly Buckley back to his feet! This one might not go much longer!
Buckley is still on wobbly legs! Can Popkov finish him?
Popkov lands a nice shot to the body. #KD#
Popkov drops Buckley with a hook right on the temple. He thinks about going to the ground but Buckley looks back up at him and smiles so Popkov waves him back to his feet - he obviously thinks he can knock him out after that shot landed.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Popkov cracks Buckley with a left hook right on the temple and Buckley goes down! He's out! Referee! Stop the fight! Popkov lands a few more punches before the dopey ref steps in - hopefully Buckley is OK!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:18 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Mikhail Popkov!

Event: CMMA 108 Wagner v Mahogany
Date: May 21, 2021

#R1#
Popkov throws a perfectly timed hook that sends OConnor crashing down! OConnor tries to stagger back to his feet but Popkov just hammers him until the ref stops the fight! A confused OConnor asks the ref what just happened. Poor fella.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:05 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Mikhail Popkov!

Event: CMMA 102
Date: May 02, 2021

#R1#
Reilly lands a two punch combo.
Reilly throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Reilly slips under a jab from Popkov.
Popkov lands with a hook. Reilly tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Reilly attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Reilly buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Ian Reilly seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Reilly swings away with a leg kick that misses.
A little feinted left hand from Popkov on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Reilly scores with a jab.
Reilly chopping away at his opponent's legs.
The fighters circling - Popkov throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Popkov wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Reilly is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Popkov, as that shot connected.
Reilly tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Reilly ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Popkov fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Popkov checks a low kick from Reilly.
Reilly throws a leg kick which misses Popkov's front leg but catches the back leg as Popkov tries to avoid it.
Reilly loads up on a big right hand but Popkov slips the punch.
Reilly throws a quick inside leg kick.
Reilly thumps Popkov with a low kick.#T1#
Reilly steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Popkov.
Reilly tries a head kick but it misses.
Reilly tries a head kick but it misses.
Reilly fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Reilly lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Reilly dodges the punch combination from Popkov.
Nice defenses there by Reilly.
Reilly wants to land a leg kick but Popkov is out of range.
Reilly slips a jab from Popkov.
Reilly chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Popkov throws a looping overhand right but Reilly ducks down to avoid it.
Reilly lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.
Reilly will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
The fighters circling - Popkov throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Popkov avoids the head kick by Reilly.
Popkov throws an overhand right that lands on Reilly's shoulder, as Reilly tries to avoid the shot.
Popkov looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Reilly throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Popkov.#T2#
Reilly scores with a jab. Popkov acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Popkov thows a left - swing and a miss!
Popkov pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Popkov comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Popkov takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Reilly goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Reilly connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Nice defenses there by Reilly.
Reilly has tried to improve his agility in the runup to this fight.
Popkov moves out of range of the strikes.
An attempted straight right counter from Popkov misses the target.
Reilly displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Popkov throws out the jab.
Reilly slips a jab from Popkov.
Reilly misses with a two punch combination.
A big right from Popkov misses.
Reilly throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Popkov is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Reilly tried to score with a low kick but Popkov checks it.
Reilly lands with a nice body kick.
Reilly walks into a left hand.
Popkov throws a shot from downtown. Reilly moves away and avoids it.#T3#
Popkov throws a hook but Reilly blocks it.
As Popkov backs off Reilly throws a huge counter combo but Popkov manages to avoid it all.
Popkov ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
A little feinted left hand from Popkov on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Reilly throws a sloppy head kick and Popkov moves out of range easily.
Popkov throws a lazy right hand but Reilly sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Popkov is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Popkov lands a jab to the head.
Popkov avoids the head kick by Reilly.
Reilly lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Popkov moves out of range of the body kick.
Reilly walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Nice defenses there by Popkov.
Reilly misses with a left hand
enabling Popkov to counter with a crisp jab.
Popkov circles and sees the opportunity to plant his feet and throw a really nice straight left hand that drops Reilly to the canvas! Reilly doesn't know where he is but he's trying to survive - Popkov keeps piling on the pressure and forces the referee to step in! This one is aaaaaall over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:44 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Mikhail Popkov!

Event: Quick Fight Championship
Date: Dec 24, 2020

#R1##TD#
Jackson closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Popkov to the mat! Popkov manages to get full guard.
Jackson lands a couple of digs.
Jackson is stalling in the full guard.
Popkov working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Jackson.
Jackson landing some decent shots from guard.
Popkov can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Jackson controls the pace.
Jackson 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.
Popkov wants to stand up but Jackson is controlling him.
Jackson throws a big right hand that misses.
Jackson controlling from the top position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Jackson has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.
Jackson stops Popkov from standing up.
Jackson with a flurry of punches that miss. #T1#
Jackson content to stall in guard here.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Jackson prevents Popkov from getting back to his feet.
Jackson is working Popkov over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Jackson makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Jackson definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Jackson 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.
Jackson's ground tactics aren't going to win him many fans. Let's hope he's got fireworks for us if he gets back to his feet because he's not doing much on the ground.
Jackson wants to pass the guard but Popkov is keeping the position.
Popkov is looking to stand up but Jackson isn't so interested in that idea. #REF3#
The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Popkov lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.#TD#
Jackson shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Jackson showed some decent athleticism there.
Popkov pushes Jackson off looking to stand but Jackson dives back in and keeps control. #T2#
Jackson controlling the pace.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Popkov is trying to stand.
Well, if Jackson is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait. #REF3#
The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Popkov lands a nice shot that snaps Jackson's head back. #T3#
Popkov connects with a looping right hand.
A jab from Popkov does it's job there.
Jackson takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.#TD#
Popkov tries to sprawl but Jackson drives through with a takedown into half guard.
Popkov pushes Jackson off looking to stand but Jackson dives back in and keeps control.
Popkov is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Popkov is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Jackson scores with a couple of nice shots.
Jackson working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
Jackson is looking to pass the guard... He's managed it - he's now in full mount!
Jackson tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
Jackson working the ground and pound effectively.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Jackson lands with some strikes.#T4#
Jackson sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.
Popkov squirming around on the bottom, looking to escape.
Both fighters have adopted an aggressive gameplan on the ground!
Jackson has his opponent pinned against the cage, landing some nasty ground and pound that is really making a bit of a mess out of Popkov's face.
Jackson controlling from the full mount.
Jackson lands a big shot there that rocks Popkov but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.
Jackson controlling from mount.
Popkov is trying to escape but when you're mounted that's not too easy.
Popkov takes a big shot to the head but keeps on trying to improve his position.
Jackson landing punches.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Freddy Jackson 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.#R2#
Popkov moves out of range of the strikes.
Jackson moves forwards but Popkov connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Popkov connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Popkov bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Jackson's head.#TD#
Jackson manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Popkov on his heels. He'll look to pass Popkov's guard now, I'm sure.
Popkov really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Jackson. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Jackson is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Jackson seems to have a rather negative gameplan on the ground. He seems keen to just score the takedown and hold down Popkov for as long as he can get away with.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Popkov wants to get back to his feet but Jackson is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Jackson is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.#T1#
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Jackson's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Popkov wants to stand and escape but Jackson is having none of it. #REF3#
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Popkov paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Popkov lands a jab to the nose.#TD#
Jackson drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Jackson takes a little break here. Popkov wants to take advantage but he is being controlled well.#T2#
Jackson scores with a couple of nice shots to the head there. The referee takes a look at Popkov to see if he's OK.
Popkov wants to get back to his feet but Jackson drags him back down.
Popkov seems a little lost for a moment, as Jackson dominates the positioning.
Popkov wants to get back to his feet but Jackson drags him back down.
Jackson scoring with punches from side control.
Popkov taking punishment in the form of punches.
Popkov on the wrong end of some ground and pound.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Popkov tries to escape but Jackson is in control.
Popkov takes a nasty elbow to the side of the head.#T3#
Jackson landing with strikes to the head and body from side control.
Popkov is pushing Jackson's head away, looking to escape. Jackson manages to hold on to the position though.
Jackson just content to control the position.
Jackson advances nicely into full mount.
Jackson looking to control and managing it successfully. #SUB#
Jackson has hold of Popkov's left arm, perhaps looking for a submission. The two fighters tussle over control of the isolated limb and Popkov manages to get his arm back to his side and away from danger.
Jackson putting on the heat here with some good ground and pound!
Jackson controlling his opponent. #T4#
Popkov trying desperately to get to his feet.
Jackson is in the full mount, landing strikes.
Jackson is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Popkov can do to turn this around?
Jackson scores with a couple of good head shots there.
Popkov is trying to stand.
Jackson working the ground and pound effectively.
Popkov is trying to get back to his feet but can't.
Jackson takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Jackson in mount throwing good strikes here, bouncing his opponent's head off the canvas.
Popkov is in a horrible position here. Jackson smacks him with another shot as he tries to escape the position.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Freddy Jackson dominated that second round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!#R3#
Jackson takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Popkov lands a jab to the head.
A jab from Popkov finds it's way through Jackson's defenses. #TD#
Jackson shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Popkov manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
Jackson advances position into side control!
Popkov is looking to work his way out of this bad position but Jackson is controlling him well.
Jackson scores with a couple of short elbows.
Popkov seems a little lost for a moment, as Jackson dominates the positioning.
Jackson grinds an elbow into Popkov's temple.
Popkov bucks up and tries to throw Jackson off but instead Jackson has got his back!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Jackson biding his time, controlling Popkov. #T1#
Further stalling from Jackson.
Popkov is trying to get back to his feet but he's not managed it yet. #SUB#
Jackson working for the rear naked choke here. He's got one arm under but Popkov is defending well. A couple of punches soften him up though and Jackson has tightened the hold! This one could be all over! It is! Popkov taps out!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:43 of round 3, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Freddy Jackson!
During a confident post fight interview, Freddy Jackson thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.

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