Play by Play - Fighter's Fight Commentary

Event: TOF 101
Date: Apr 13, 2024

#R1#
Merchant throws a body shot but no joy.
Jack shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Merchant as he jumps to the side.
Jack tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Merchant paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Jack fails to land with a series of punches.
We can't be sure of the tactics at this early stage but we have heard that Merchant 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.
Jack doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.#TD#
Merchant tries to sprawl but Jack drives through with a takedown into half guard.
Jack missing with the ground and pound from half guard. #SUB#
Jack is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Merchant doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Jack.
Jack tries to pass the half guard into mount. Merchant knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#SUB#
Jack is trying to work for a kimura but Merchant is defending well. #T1#
Merchant is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Jack is looking to take a break and control but Merchant is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom. #SUB#
Jack is trying to work for a kimura but Merchant is defending well.
Jack slips a nice elbow through Merchant's hands, connecting with Merchant's forehead.
Merchant is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Jack thows a huge punch but Merchant dodges it nicely. #SUB#
Merchant is defending against the submission attempts here by Jack.
Merchant wants to improve his position but Jack is controlling well. #T2#
Merchant is staying active underneath Jack, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Merchant is trying to get back to full guard.
Jack throwing shots but Merchant is blocking nicely. #SUB#
Jack is trying to work for a kimura but Merchant is defending well.
Merchant trying to control from the bottom.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Merchant blocking the ground and pound attempt from Jack.
Merchant blocking the ground and pound attempt from Jack. #T3#
Jack stalling away here and it's allowed Merchant to slip out his trapped foot and regain full guard.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Jack throws a strike but Merchant rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top. #REVB#
Jack looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Merchant loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Merchant missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Jack seems to have improved his submission grappling technique since last time we saw him. Let's see if he can pull off a submission.
Merchant lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.#SUB#
Jack escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Merchant gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Merchant really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Jack. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Merchant tries to free his leg and advance position but Jack is retaining full guard.
Merchant postures up in Jack's guard and throws a big left but Jack blocks it.
Merchant looking to sit in guard and control but Jack gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top. #REVR#
Jack 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.#T4#
Merchant utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Merchant trying to control the position here.
Merchant preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Jack is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
Jack trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Merchant managing to control the position.
Jack pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Merchant is keeping the position for now.
Jack is working Merchant over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes. #T5#
Jack throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Jack in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Merchant utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Jack trying to control but Merchant is working from the bottom.
Merchant is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.
Jack postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Merchant pulls Jack in close to prevent any damage. #REF3#
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Jack closes the distance and clinches up with Merchant, looking for a takedown. Jack pushes Merchant against the cage but Merchant circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Merchant throws out a counter right but Jack avoids it with no problem.#CL#
Jack gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.#T6#
Merchant lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Merchant misses with a punch on the inside. #TD2#
Merchant turns his hips and lands a very nice judo throw into side control!
Jack taking punishment in the form of punches.
Jack is trying to improve his position.
Merchant takes a little break here. Jack wants to take advantage but he is being controlled well.
Jack wants to control but Merchant postures up.
Merchant trying to control the position but Jack is working away.
Jack manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!#T7#
Jack wants to lay and pray for a moment but Merchant keeps working.
Merchant makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Merchant.
Merchant preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Jack throws a big elbow that misses.
Merchant wants to sweep but no luck.
Jack content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Jack throws a big elbow that misses.
Merchant is pulling down on Jack's head. It's preventing any offense from Jack, at least for the moment.
Jack sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Merchant's guard.
Merchant tries to get to full guard but Jack has control of the leg. #T8#
Jack trying to mount his opponent but Merchant defends it.
Merchant gets back to full guard.
Merchant manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Jack manages to get himself to full guard. #REVB#
Merchant throws a big elbow that misses.
Jack wants to get back to his feet but Merchant is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Merchant throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent. #T9#
Merchant postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Jack bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Merchant's guard. #REVR#
Jack trying to control but Merchant is working from the bottom.
Jack with a flurry of punches that miss.
Merchant has his hands on Jack's head, controlling the position.
Jack postures up in Merchant's guard and throws a big left but Merchant blocks it.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Merchant pulls Jack in close to prevent any damage.
Jack trying to control the position from guard on top but Merchant is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Cactus Jack dominated that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare each other down, ready to get back to the action.#R2#
The fighters circling - Merchant throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
As Merchant looks to move away, Jack throws a big counter combo but Merchant just gets out of the way.
Jack tries to close the distance and clinch up but Merchant swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Jack shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Merchant pinned against the cage. Merchant gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Horrible takedown attempt by Jack or perhaps it was just good defense by Merchant, which made it look bad.
Merchant ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Merchant misses with an uppercut.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Jack keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Merchant.
Jack dives in and grabs Merchant's left leg, looking for a takedown. Merchant pushes down on Jack's head and hops out.
And Merchant tries to counter it with a takedown but Jack pushes his down on his head and steps out.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Cactus Jack. That's going to take a lot out of him.#TD2#
Merchant manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Jack on his heels. He'll look to pass Jack's guard now, I'm sure.

Jack uses the cage to get back to his feet.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Merchant scores with a jab to the body.#T1#
Merchant swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.#TD#
Jack closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Jack lands in his opponent's guard.
Cactus Jack overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Jack scoring with some ground and pound.
Merchant is controlling Jack's posture.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Jack accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Jack postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Merchant has his hands on Jack's head, controlling the position.
Merchant utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound. #T2#
Jack postures up and lands a big shot to Merchant's brow.
Jack pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Merchant is keeping the position for now.
Jack wants to get up but he can't break Merchant's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
Merchant bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Jack's guard. #REVB#
Merchant working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Jack's head.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Merchant accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Merchant looking to sit in guard and control but Jack gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top. #REVR#
Merchant is adopting a defensive guard.
Merchant keeping moving, preventing Jack from controlling successfully. #T3#
Jack missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Merchant pulls Jack in to control the position.
Merchant looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Jack pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Merchant is keeping the position for now.
Jack looking to sit in guard and control but Merchant gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top. #REVB#
Merchant is in close to Jack's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Jack seems keen to control Merchant's posture.
Jack trying to control the position.
Merchant throws an elbow that misses. Jack uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Merchant's guard. Nice move by Jack!#REVR##T4#
Jack throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Merchant works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Merchant controlling Jack's posture.
Jack postures up in Merchant's guard and throws a big left but Merchant blocks it.
Jack wants to pass the guard but Merchant is keeping the position.
Jack pushing down on Merchant's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Merchant is looking to improve his position.
Jack has freed up his trapped foot and advances to mount. #T5##SUB#
Jack looking to secure an arm triangle but Merchant defends it well.
Jack prevents Merchant from getting the reversal.
Jack cracks Merchant with a nasty head shot there - the crowd let out an audible gasp there, as the noise reverberated around the arena. #CUT#It looks like Devon Merchant has been cut.#SUB#
Jack is looking to secure an arm. He's managed it! He's pivoting for an armbar - that looks tight! But Merchant has managed to get out of it and now he's in a dominant position. Nice work from Merchant!
Merchant is looking to work some ground and pound but Jack has wrist control.
Merchant must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Merchant accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Merchant throws an elbow that misses. Jack uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Merchant's guard. Nice move by Jack!#REVR##T6#
Merchant pulls Jack in to control the position.
Jack cracks Merchant with a solid left hand.#CUT#That has opened up Devon Merchant's cut even more.
Merchant is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Merchant can't keep his opponent in guard - Jack advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Jack thows a huge punch but Merchant dodges it nicely.
Jack not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Merchant is looking to control Jack's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Merchant avoid being mounted?
Jack misses with a head shot. Merchant uses the momentum to regain guard.
Merchant keeping moving, preventing Jack from controlling successfully. #T7#
Jack tries to free his leg and advance position but Merchant is retaining full guard.
Jack postures up in Merchant's guard and throws a big left but Merchant blocks it.
Merchant has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
Jack throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Merchant utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Jack connects with a couple of short punches.
Jack throws a big elbow that misses.
Jack trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Merchant is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.#T8#
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Merchant preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Jack wants to stand but Merchant has a closed guard, so he can't escape. #REF3#
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Merchant getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Jack throws a combination that misses #TD2#
and Merchant counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.

Jack kicks Merchant off and gets back to his feet.
Jack misses with a leg kick.
And Merchant tries to counter it with a takedown but Jack pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Jack throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Jack misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Jack gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Merchant counters with a stiff right hand. #T9#
Merchant fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Jack manages to avoid it.
Jack is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Merchant can do to turn this around?
Merchant throws a hook but Jack blocks it.
Jack fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Nice jab there from Merchant.
Jack shoots in for a takedown but Merchant shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Merchant scores with a hook to the body. Jack takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Jack shoots in looking for a takedown. Merchant tries to sprawl out of it but Jack keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Merchant manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Merchant stuffs the takedown.
Devon Merchant seems to be getting the better of the standup.
A telegraphed right hand from Merchant misses the target.
Jack fails to land the takedown.
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 Cactus Jack will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Devon Merchant's cut.
That's time! Jack'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#
Jack uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Merchant.
Merchant slips a jab and a cross from Jack.
Merchant circles away from the clinch attempt#TD2#
and Merchant counters with a shoot takedown. Jack fights it but they end up in guard.
Jack pulls Merchant in to control the position.
Merchant tries to free his leg and advance position but Jack is retaining full guard.
Merchant lands a couple of digs.
Jack looking to control.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Jack looking to hit a scissor sweep but Merchant is one step ahead there.
Jack controls Merchant momentarily but Merchant frees himself. #T1#
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Merchant's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Merchant postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
Merchant engaging in some classic timewasting tactics. #REF3#
The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Jack darts in looking for a takedown but Merchant gets double underhooks and turns Jack into the cage.
Jack blocks a body shot from Merchant. #BC2#
Merchant breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Jack shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Merchant defends it nicely.
Cactus Jack is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.#TD#
Jack shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Merchant napping and manages to drive through into side control!
Both fighters are breathing heavily.#T2#
Jack misses with the ground and pound.
Merchant wants to control but Jack postures up.
Merchant on the wrong end of some ground and pound.
Merchant holds on tight, trying to prevent any damage.#SUB#
Jack is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Merchant is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now. #SUB#
Jack working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Jack is working Merchant over with some ground and pound from side control. #T3#
Merchant is trying to control Jack's posture but Jack avoids it. #SUB#
Jack tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Jack has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
Jack looking to punish the body of his opponent here but Merchant is avoiding damage well.
Merchant manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.
Merchant keeps control of the position for the meantime.
Jack takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.#SUB#
Jack is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Merchant sees it coming and defends easily.
Merchant wants to get back to full guard.#T4#
Jack is trying to advance to mount but he's lost his balance and Merchant reverses the position - he's now on top in Jack's guard.
Jack preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Merchant prevents Jack from getting back to his feet.
Merchant passes into half guard under a barage of strikes.#SUB#
Jack actively working from the bottom here.
Jack wants to get back to his feet.
Devon Merchant has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!#T5#
Merchant wants to control but Jack is keeping him busy.
Jack is looking to control Merchant's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Jack avoid being mounted?
Merchant thows a huge punch but Jack dodges it nicely.
Merchant seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Jack is looking for a sweep. Merchant is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Jack tries to kick Merchant off but Merchant keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.#SUB#
Jack looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Merchant is nestled in close to Jack, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.#T6#
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.#SUB2#
Merchant is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Jack has managed to free his arm - good work.
Jack is trying to get back to full guard.#REF3#
The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Horrible takedown attempt by Jack or perhaps it was just good defense by Merchant, which made it look bad.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Cactus Jack. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Jack goes for a double leg but Merchant avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Merchant continues to drive forward.#TD#
Jack has double underhooks and is working for a body lock takedown. He's got it. The fighters land in half guard but Merchant regains guard immediately.
Jack trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Merchant 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.
Jack working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage. #T7#
Jack throws an elbow that misses. Merchant uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Jack's guard. Nice move by Merchant!#REVB#
Merchant is looking to work some ground and pound but Jack has wrist control.
Merchant throwing strikes from guard but Jack blocks nicely. #SUB#
Jack is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Merchant is aware though and is defending well.
Merchant throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Jack works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Merchant with a nice head shot there.
Merchant stopping the sweep attempt from Jack.
Merchant connects with a couple of short punches.#T8#
Jack not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Merchant advances to half guard.
Merchant is trying to control. Jack wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Merchant missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Jack is looking to control Merchant's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Jack avoid being mounted?
Merchant lands with a punch from half guard.
Jack wants to improve his position but Merchant is controlling well.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.
Merchant looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Jack with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Jack keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound. #REF3#
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.#T9#
Merchant throws a hook to the side of Jack's head but Jack sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Merchant circles away from the clinch attempt.
Jack fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Merchant misses with a looping left.
Jack defending well as Merchant loads up on a big left hand.
Merchant throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Jack sees it coming and avoids it easily.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Jack is defended easily by Merchant.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Jack throws a series of strikes that have Merchant backpedaling.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Devon Merchant.
I think Jack 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 William Peck scores the fight 29:28
Judge Elvis Blanc scores the fight 29:28
Judge Gregory Folan scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Cactus Jack!

Event: TOF 92
Date: Mar 23, 2024

#R1#
Merchant takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Clubber 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.
Clubber misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Clubber misses with a wild body shot.
Merchant tries to counter with a takedown but Clubber is quick to defend against it.
Merchant waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Clubber.
Clubber misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Merchant throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Clubber is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Clubber slips under a jab from Merchant.
A big right from Clubber misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Clubber tries to land a front kick but Merchant steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Clubber takes one to the chin there.
Clubber thuds a left hand into Merchant's body.
A shot to the body from Merchant misses
and Clubber counters with a nice body shot. #T1#
Clubber throws the kick towards the body but Merchant avoids it.
Clubber ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Clubber! But no joy.
Clubber ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Merchant moves away.
Merchant appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Clubber takes one to the chin there.
Good standup being displayed there by Clubber as he connects with a hook.#CUT2#It looks like Devon Merchant has been cut.
We've been hearing reports that Merchant has been drilling takedowns in recent sessions so let's see if that has an impact on the result of this fight.
Clubber throws a 1-2 combo that connects squarely on Merchant's jaw, knocking him onto his back! Clubber dives in looking to finish as Merchant flails his arms in a desperate attempt to block Clubber's strikes! Clubber is raining down hammerfists and the ref stops it! Merchant's desperate flailing just didn't constitute intelligent defence. Some people will probably question the ref's decision but Merchant was definitely hurt and the ref saved him from taking unnecessary punishment. A fighter's safety is paramount in this sport.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:34 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Jimmy Clubber!
Jimmy Clubber gave a mention to Honest Apparel ($30 SPECIAL ALL T-Shirts!) in his post fight interview. That will please them (and hopefully generate some sales).

Event: TOF 83
Date: Mar 02, 2024

#R1#
Osmond fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Merchant manages to avoid it.
Merchant looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Merchant checks a low kick from Osmond.
Merchant gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Osmond counters with a nice body shot.
Osmond throws a hook but Merchant blocks it.
Osmond lands with a hook. Merchant tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Merchant takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.#CUT#It looks like Devon Merchant has been cut.
Nice uppercut there from Osmond.
Merchant looks to land a right hand but Osmond moved out of range.
Osmond appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Merchant misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Osmond.
Osmond looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Merchant is fending him off so far but Osmond persists. Nope, Merchant circles away and we're back to standing.
Merchant looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Osmond misses with a low kick.
Osmond tests Merchant's chin there with a solid looking shot.#T1#
Merchant misses with a hook to the body
and Osmond counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.#KD#
Osmond lands a big shot that drops Merchant! Can he finish him? #ROC#Merchant is rocked!
Osmond trying to control the position from guard on top but Merchant is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Merchant is still in real trouble! Can Osmond finish him?
Osmond being controlled here momentarily.
Merchant seems to have recovered his senses.
Merchant is continuing to stall.
Merchant is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Merchant keeping moving, preventing Osmond from controlling successfully. #T2##SUB2#
Merchant escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Osmond gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Osmond trying to control but Merchant is working from the bottom. #REF3#
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.
Merchant takes a shot to the body in his stride.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Osmond stuns Merchant with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.#KD#
Osmond knocks Merchant to the floor with a head kick! Can he finish him!?#T3#
Osmond works to advance to full mount. Merchant defends for a few seconds but eventually he succumbs.
Osmond raining down hammerfists from mount.#CUT#That has opened up Devon Merchant's cut even more.
Merchant sneaks a leg back under and regains half guard and is working straight away to try and get back to guard. He hasn't managed just yet though.
Merchant preventing any damage for now, controlling his opponent's head.
Osmond trying to control from half guard but Merchant is working away.
Merchant is trying to control but can't.
Osmond perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there. #T4#
Osmond trying to control the action but Merchant is working from the bottom.
Osmond prevents Merchant from improving his position.
Osmond throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Merchant wants to control but Osmond is keeping busy.
Osmond lands strikes from half guard.
Merchant is trying to get back to full guard.#T5##SUB#
Osmond is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Osmond working the head and body with strikes. #CUT#The cut above Devon Merchant's eye is starting to cause him problems now.
Osmond content to control rather than advance. #SUB#
Osmond is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Osmond is nestled in close to Merchant, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.#T6#
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
The fighters are battling for position here. Merchant manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Osmond distracts Merchant with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Osmond slips nicely into half guard.
Osmond wants to control but Merchant is keeping him busy.
Merchant trying to control here.
Merchant is looking for a sweep. Osmond is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Merchant slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.#T7#
Merchant keeping moving, preventing Osmond from controlling successfully.
Osmond postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Merchant wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
Merchant looking to control. #REF3#
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.
Osmond comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Osmond connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.#CUT#Devon Merchant's cut is absolute horrible now. This looks like something out of a horror film with blood covering both fighters.
Merchant misses the shot to the body.
Merchant misses with an uppercut.
Osmond looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.#T8#
Osmond throws a right hand that Merchant ducks under and follows up with a left that Merchant also avoids with ease.
A head kick misses from Osmond.
Merchant throws a lazy right hand but Osmond sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
A counter left hand to the body from Osmond misses its target.
Osmond throws a looping overhand right but Merchant ducks down to avoid it.
Merchant looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Merchant dives in for a single leg takedown but Osmond sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
It looked like Osmond was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Merchant.
Nice straight punches there by Osmond. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Osmond.

The referee calls the doctor in to look at Devon Merchant's cut. Oh no, the doctor has called an end to the bout!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 8:36 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Cut). Joel Osmond!
Joel Osmond decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.

Event: TOF 74
Date: Jan 28, 2024

#R1#
Merchant avoids the body shot from Punch.
Merchant jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Punch steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Merchant.
Merchant fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Punch manages to avoid it.
Punch is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Merchant with a body shot.
Merchant staying out of range there.
Merchant throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Punch sees it coming and avoids it easily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Merchant throws a poor cross that misses
and Punch counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Merchant thinking.
Punch throws an off balance right hand #TD#
so Merchant counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Merchant stopping the sweep attempt from Punch.#T1#
Merchant postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Merchant throwing strikes but missing.
Merchant trying to control the position from guard on top but Punch is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Punch working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Merchant.
Punch being controlled here, momentarily.
Merchant trying to control but Punch is working from the bottom.
Merchant definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.#T2#
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Merchant throwing strikes but missing.
Merchant trying to control the position from guard on top but Punch is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can. #REF3#
The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Merchant misses with a left hand
and Punch counters with a lovely straight right hand!#CUT2#It looks like Devon Merchant has been cut.
Punch thuds a left hand into Merchant's body.
Punch connects with a looping right hand. #TD#
Punch gets caught napping as Merchant dives in and scores a takedown. Punch manages to retain guard.
Merchant keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Punch's head.
Punch seems keen to control Merchant's posture.#T3#
Merchant throws a big elbow that misses.
Merchant trying to control the position from guard on top but Punch is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Merchant works over Punch with some ground and pound from guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Punch 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.
Merchant postures up and lands a big shot to Punch's brow.
Merchant throwing strikes but missing.
Punch looking to sweep here. No luck so far. #T4#
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Merchant wants to control from the top but Punch keeps moving.
Merchant in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Punch working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Merchant.
Punch has control of Merchant's left arm, preventing Merchant from doing any damage.
Merchant throws a big right hand that misses.
Merchant postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Punch working a defensive guard here. #T5#
Punch wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Merchant throws a big right hand that misses.
Punch keeping full guard, as Merchant tries to pass. #REF3#
The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Punch misses with a straight right.
Punch avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Merchant is really struggling to find his range with his punches. Punch's reach advantage is clearly causing him problems.
Merchant misses with a hook
and Punch cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Merchant with a poor takedown
and Punch counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Merchant misses with a lunging right hand
and Punch counters with a stiff right hand.
Thunda Punch is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.#T6#
Merchant throws a looping overhand right but Punch ducks down to avoid it.
A big left from Merchant misses.
Punch turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Merchant misses the shot to the body.
Punch throws out a counter right but Merchant avoids it with no problem.
No luck for Merchant with that takedown attempt.
It seemed like Punch was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Merchant thuds a left hand into Punch's body.#T7#
Merchant staying out of range there.
Punch uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Merchant.
Punch scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Punch connects with a looping right hand.
Merchant shoots for a takedown but Punch saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Devon Merchant. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Merchant looks to score with a jab to the body but Punch is just out of range.
Punch looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Punch has been working his punching technique in the buildup to the fight and it appears to be paying off.
Punch moves into range and lands a nice body kick.
A big right from Merchant misses.
Punch throws out a counter right but Merchant avoids it with no problem.#T8#
Merchant dives in and grabs Punch's left leg, looking for a takedown. Punch pushes down on Merchant's head and hops out.
Merchant doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Punch counters with a nice uppercut. #CUT2#Devon Merchant's cut is getting worse.
Punch moves out of range as Merchant strikes.
Punch wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Punch scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.#TD#
Merchant closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Merchant lands in his opponent's guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Merchant with a flurry of punches that miss. #T9#
Punch has control of Merchant's left arm, preventing Merchant from doing any damage.
Punch is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Punch utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Punch keeping moving, preventing Merchant from controlling successfully.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Thunda Punch will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Devon Merchant's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!#R2#
Merchant fails to land the takedown.
Merchant throws a poor cross that misses
and Punch connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Merchant misses with a hook. Punch ducked under it nicely.
Punch looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Merchant just misses with a punch to the body.
Merchant throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Merchant takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Merchant blocks a leg kick.
Merchant moves into range and connects with a jab.
Punch throws a leg kick #TD#
and Merchant counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Merchant. #T1#
Punch controlling Merchant's posture.
Merchant throws a big right hand that misses.
Merchant scoring with some ground and pound.
Punch is trying to keep Merchant in close.
Merchant throws an elbow that misses. Punch uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Merchant's guard. Nice move by Punch!#REVB#
Merchant working a defensive guard here. #T2#
Merchant has Punch pulled in close to control his posture.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Punch wants to stand but Merchant is controlling his posture from full guard.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Merchant holds on and takes a little breather. #SU2#
Punch decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow. #T3#
Merchant misses with a left hand
enabling Punch to counter with a crisp jab.
Merchant dives in for a single leg takedown but Punch sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Merchant is trying to maintain a safe position but Punch gets an underhook and turns Merchant into the cage.
Punch displaying some good clinch control by pressing Merchant up against the cage.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Merchant.
Punch blocks an uppercut.
Punch lands with a light punch inside.
A head punch on the inside from Punch fails to land.
A head punch on the inside from Punch fails to land.
Punch prevents a body shot from Merchant.
Punch throws a punch but it's blocked by Merchant.
Merchant wants a takedown but no success here.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Devon Merchant. That's going to take a lot out of him.#T4#
Punch struggles to land a body shot inside as Merchant controls his hands.
Punch lands a body shot.
Merchant lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Punch tries to throw a body punch but Merchant avoids it by throwing Punch back against the cage.
Punch throws a head punch that misses.
Punch misses with a hook to the ribs.
Punch scores with a shoulder strike.
Punch has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Merchant has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Punch after a bit of a struggle.
Merchant misses with a punch to the body.
Punch blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Punch is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Merchant is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Punch gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Punch is defending well against a takedown attempt.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Merchant is working for takedown but Punch is calmly controlling the position for now.
Merchant has a couple of punches blocked by Punch.
The pace slowing considerably in the clinch, as Merchant takes a break from that fighting nonsense to think about the finer things in life.
Punch lands a shoulder strike. #CUT2#Devon Merchant's cut is bleeding quite badly. He's got to try and protect it.#T5#
Merchant wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Merchant blocks a body shot from Punch.
Punch lands with a right to the head.
Punch scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Stalling in the clinch from Punch.
Nice body punch from Punch.
Punch lands a right hand that snaps the head of Merchant backwards.
Punch pushes Merchant back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.#ROC2#Merchant is rocked!
Punch cracks Merchant with a nice body shot.
Oh Merchant is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Merchant takes a shot to the head.
Punch throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Thunda Punch seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Punch works on Merchant's body with a couple of short punches.
Punch is struggling to control the position.
Merchant tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Punch creates some distance for himself and unleashes a massive uppercut that sends Merchant's eyes rolling into the back of his head! Merchant drops to his knees and Punch pours it on with more strikes until the referee steps in to end the bout!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 6:56 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Thunda Punch!

Event: TOF 58
Date: Dec 03, 2023

#R1#
Merchant misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Marlin.
Marlin looks to land a combination. Merchant sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.#CUT2#It looks like Devon Merchant has been cut.
Merchant throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
We've been hearing reports that Merchant has been drilling takedowns in recent sessions so let's see if that has an impact on the result of this fight.
Marlin throws a lazy right hand but Merchant sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Marlin throws a body punch but Merchant moves out of range.
Marlin misses with a hook.
Merchant drops down looking for a counter takedown but Marlin sprawls and moves away.
Merchant moves out of range as Marlin strikes.
Merchant changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Jab by Marlin.
Merchant connects with a jab.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Jab by Merchant.
Merchant takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Merchant keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Marlin will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Marlin's coach down at Ragnarok\'s Gym was telling us pre-fight that they have been working on Marlin's balance. Obviously they view that as a key factor in the outcome of this fight.
Keanu Marlin is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.#T1#
Marlin swings for the body but Merchant moves out of range.
Merchant appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Merchant throws a body shot but no joy.
Marlin throws out a counter right but Merchant avoids it with no problem.
Marlin misses the jab.
Merchant scores with a jab. Marlin acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Marlin misses with a lunging right hand #TD#
so Merchant counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Merchant scoring with some ground and pound.
Merchant has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Merchant looking to pass the guard.
Merchant is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Marlin pulls Merchant in to control the position.
Merchant lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Marlin has momentary wrist control but Merchant slips an elbow through the middle.#T2#
Marlin is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Marlin being controlled here, momentarily.
Merchant stopping the sweep attempt from Marlin.
Merchant stops Marlin from standing up.
Marlin is trying to control the position but Merchant postures up.
Marlin is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Marlin is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move. #REVB#
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Merchant wants to improve his position but Marlin is controlling well. #T3#
Marlin tries to stand but his hand is stuck under Merchant.
Merchant trying to control from the bottom.
Merchant manages to get to full guard.
Merchant is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Marlin content to stall in guard here.
Merchant is adopting a defensive guard.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.#T4#
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Marlin wants to pass the guard but Merchant is keeping the position.
Marlin wants to stand but Merchant has a closed guard, so he can't escape. #REF3#
The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Merchant misses with a hook. Marlin ducked under it nicely.
Marlin swings for the body but Merchant moves out of range.
Marlin swings for the body but Merchant moves out of range.
Merchant closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so. #T5#
Marlin tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Merchant was well out of range. Poor timing from Marlin.
Good shot there by Marlin.
Marlin comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Merchant misses with a jab to the body
and Merchant takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Marlin ducks under a wild hook from Merchant.
Marlin looks to score with a jab to the body but Merchant is just out of range.
Marlin misses with an uppercut. Merchant saw that one coming.
Marlin lands with an overhand left.
Marlin ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Merchant moves away.
Merchant throws a sloppy body shot
and Marlin counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Marlin connects with a jab.
Merchant looks to score with a jab to the body but Marlin is just out of range.#T6#
Marlin lands with an overhand left.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Merchant moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.#ROC2#Merchant is rocked!
Marlin throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Merchant on the side of the head.
Oh Merchant is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Merchant goes for a double leg but Marlin avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Marlin continues to drive forward.
Merchant seems to have got his legs back now.
Marlin is trying to stall.
Merchant is trying to break the clinch but Marlin has him pressed against the cage.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Marlin creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Marlin struggles to land a body shot inside as Merchant controls his hands.
Merchant taking a breather.
A right hook to the body lands for Merchant.
Merchant blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Merchant looking to stall.
Merchant tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Marlin's elbow. #T7#
Merchant lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Merchant tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Merchant misses with a hook from the clinch.
Merchant swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Merchant swings wildly with an uppercut but Marlin uses good head movement to avoid it.
Merchant throws a head punch that misses.
Marlin lands with a left to the head.
Marlin tries to work over Merchant's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Merchant takes a shot to the head. #CUT2#Devon Merchant's cut is getting worse.
A head punch on the inside from Merchant fails to land.
Marlin misses with the head strike. #BC2#
Marlin's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Merchant looks to score with a jab to the body but Marlin is just out of range.#T8#
Merchant swings away with a body shot that misses
and Marlin counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Merchant closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Merchant throws a sloppy body shot
and Marlin counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Marlin throws a shot to the body.
Marlin lands a nice shot to the body.
Marlin misses with a straight right.
The fighters circling - Marlin throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Marlin swings for the body but Merchant moves out of range.
Marlin swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Keanu Marlin seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Merchant misses with a jab to the body
and Marlin counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Merchant misses with a hook.
Marlin's jab looks to have found its range, popping Merchant under the eye.#T9#
Marlin swings wildly with a couple of big hooks #TD#
and Merchant counters with a takedown into side control.
Merchant lands an elbow.
Marlin is working hard to escape and get back to his feet. After a battle for position, Merchant asserts his dominance and retains side control.
Marlin is trying to control Merchant's posture but Merchant avoids it.
Marlin tries to get back to half guard but can't.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Check out the look on Merchant's face as he threw that strike - that's one determined fighter!
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
You can see the frustration on Marlin's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Marlin tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Merchant 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.

Keanu Marlin dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Devon Merchant's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!#R2#
Marlin keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Marlin lands a right hook to the body. #TD#
Merchant shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
Marlin is looking for a sweep. Merchant is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Devon Merchant overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Merchant 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.
Merchant seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Marlin is looking to escape.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Merchant sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Marlin defending well though.
Marlin wants to get back to full guard.
Merchant missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Marlin wants to control the action here but instead Merchant manages to pass to full mount! #T1#
Merchant dominating with strikes here.
Merchant landing strikes from the mount.
Marlin is wriggling around trying to escape.
Merchant landing shots from mount.
Merchant is still in mount, landing shots to his trapped opponent. Marlin can't stay in a position like this for much longer.
Merchant lands a big shot there that rocks Marlin but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.
Marlin is trying to escape the mount.
Merchant landing strikes from the mount.
Merchant looking to finish Marlin with some ground and pound. This is bad for Marlin!
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Marlin tries to hold on but Merchant pushes him away.
Merchant prevents Marlin from getting the reversal.
Merchant avoids the attempt from Marlin to control.#T2#
Marlin is bucking up trying to escape but Merchant cracks him with another couple of good strikes.
Marlin regains half guard.
Merchant lands strikes from half guard.
Merchant wants to take a breather but Marlin is having none of it.
Merchant scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Merchant content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.
Merchant is pressing down on Marlin's thigh, looking to free his foot. Marlin is holding on for now.
Merchant with a momentary lay and pray from half guard. #T3#
Marlin is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Merchant lands with a punch from half guard.
Merchant is nestled in close to Marlin, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Merchant thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Marlin is looking for a sweep. Merchant is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Merchant wants to pass the guard but Marlin is defending well.
Marlin wants to control but Merchant is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Marlin tries to kick Merchant off but Merchant keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Marlin keeping hold of Merchant's head, controlling as best he can. #T4#
Marlin is looking to escape.
Merchant sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Marlin defending well though.
Merchant wants to control but Marlin is keeping him busy.
Marlin is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though. #REF3#
The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Marlin throws an ugly left hook that misses #TD#
and Merchant counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.

Marlin is edging up against the cage. He's using the cage to get back to his feet. Nice work there - the fighters are clinched.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.#TD#
Merchant turns his back and goes for a hip toss. It's a bit messy but it gets the job done and Merchant manages to end up in side control.
Merchant wants to control for a moment but Marlin uses the opportunity to move back to half guard.
Merchant lands with a punch from half guard. #T5#
Merchant wants to advance to full mount but Marlin doesn't think that's going to happen and regains full guard instead.
Merchant wants to control from the top but Marlin keeps moving.
Marlin being controlled here, momentarily.
Merchant pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Marlin is keeping the position for now.
Merchant makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Merchant looking to pass the guard. #T6#
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Marlin wants to stand up but Merchant is controlling him.
Merchant throwing strikes but missing.
Merchant is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Merchant lands a couple of digs.
Merchant engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Merchant being controlled here momentarily.
Merchant wants to control from the top but Marlin keeps moving. #T7#
Merchant throwing strikes but missing.
Merchant controlling from the top position. #REF3#
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.
Some wild striking there from Marlin.
A little feinted left hand from Merchant on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Merchant misses with a hook.#T8#
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Marlin fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Merchant manages to avoid it.
Marlin misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Merchant.
Merchant avoids the body shot from Marlin.
Merchant misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Merchant looks to score with a jab to the body but Marlin is just out of range.
Marlin misses with a hook.
Marlin misses the shot to the body.
Marlin scores with a leg kick.
Marlin finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Merchant drops down looking for a counter takedown but Marlin sprawls and moves away.
Marlin looks to land a left hand but Merchant moved out of range nicely.#T9#
Marlin keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Marlin doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
Merchant pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Merchant shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Marlin fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Merchant ducks under a wild hook from Marlin.
Marlin ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Merchant misses with an uppercut
enabling Marlin to counter with a crisp jab.
Marlin takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Marlin scores with a nice body kick.
Marlin throws a looping overhand right but Merchant ducks down to avoid it.
Merchant displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Marlin throws out the jab.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Devon Merchant dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Devon Merchant's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!#R3#
Merchant shoots in but Marlin avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Marlin punishes Merchant's body with a nice straight punch.
Marlin punishes Merchant's body with a nice straight punch.
Merchant throws a sloppy body shot
enabling Marlin to counter with a crisp jab.
Merchant misses the body punch
and Marlin connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Merchant is trying hard to land a takedown here. Marlin sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Marlin fails to land with a series of punches.
An attempted straight right counter from Merchant misses the target.
Merchant ducks under a wild hook from Marlin.
Merchant bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.#T1#
Marlin scores with a three punch combo!
Merchant misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Marlin.
Merchant avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Merchant keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Merchant half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.#TD#
Merchant closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Marlin's guard.

Marlin has butterfly guard. He's looking to stand up here. He pushes Merchant off him and springs to his feet nicely. The crowd applauds.
Marlin misses with a straight right. #TD#
Merchant scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Marlin is looking to improve his position.
Marlin is controlling Merchant's position as best he can from this difficult position.#T2#
Merchant looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
Merchant not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Merchant looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
Marlin pushes Merchant off looking to stand but Merchant dives back in and keeps control.
Merchant not doing much here.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
Merchant lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt. #T3#
Marlin keeping control of the position.
Merchant slows the pace down in half guard.
Marlin tries to kick Merchant off but Merchant keeps his base steady and stays in half guard. #REF3#
The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Merchant staying out of range there.
Merchant feinted with a counter takedown.
Marlin uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Merchant has time to react.
Marlin swings for the body but Merchant moves out of range. #T4#
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Merchant staying out of range there.
Marlin waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Merchant.
Marlin is looking to slow Merchant down with leg kicks.
Merchant misses with an uppercut.
Merchant avoids the body shot from Marlin.
Merchant is looking to wear down Marlin with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Marlin throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect. #KD2#
Marlin lands a big head kick that sends Merchant tumbling to the mat! Marlin takes a step backwards and waves Merchant back to his feet - he wants the finish!#CUT2#Devon Merchant's cut is bleeding quite badly. He's got to try and protect it.
Marlin closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Merchant missing with a left hand there. Marlin was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Merchant has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Merchant there as he acknowledges the shot.
Horrible takedown attempt by Merchant or perhaps it was just good defense by Marlin, which made it look bad.
Marlin looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Devon Merchant. That's going to take a lot out of him.#T5#
Marlin thows a left - swing and a miss!
Merchant slips under a jab.
Merchant changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Merchant has his takedown stuffed
and Marlin cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Marlin connects with a single shot there.#CUT2#Jeez, Devon Merchant's cut is really nasty now. The referee must be thinking about getting that checked.
Merchant looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Merchant keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Marlin.
Merchant misses with a straight left.
Good exchange - Marlin coming out on top.
Merchant changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Marlin tries to avoid it but Merchant manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Marlin to the ground. Marlin escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet. #T6#
Merchant tries for a takedown but Marlin sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Merchant takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Merchant ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Merchant misses the body punch
and Marlin counters with a stiff jab, followed by a cross and an uppercut! That's too much punishment for Merchant to take - he tumbles to the canvas, blood pouring from his nose, barely conscious. That's the end of the fight! Great knockout by Marlin!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 6:24 of round 3, we have a winner by way of KO (Strikes). Keanu Marlin!

Event: TOF 50
Date: Nov 04, 2023

#R1##TD#
Merchant shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Merchant showed some decent athleticism there.
Merchant throwing shots but Donnay is blocking nicely.
Donnay is looking to improve his position.
Merchant missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Merchant with the ground and pound but Donnay uses the opportunity to regain guard.
We've been hearing that Merchant has been drilling a lot of ground and pound in training, so let's see if he get the finish.
Merchant postures up in Donnay's guard and throws a big left but Donnay blocks it.
Merchant content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Donnay is trying to keep Merchant in close.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Donnay looking to sweep here. No luck so far. #T1#
Merchant trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Donnay keeping moving, preventing Merchant from controlling successfully.
Merchant scoring with some ground and pound.
Donnay not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Merchant postures up in Donnay's guard and throws a big left but Donnay blocks it.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Donnay is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Donnay tries to land a sweep but no joy. #SUB2#
Donnay had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Merchant defends it easily.#SUB2#
Donnay looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening. #T2#
Merchant lands a couple of digs.
Merchant working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Donnay's head.
Merchant working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Merchant throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Donnay works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Merchant postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Merchant content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Merchant trying to move into half guard but instead Donnay has managed to sweep!#REVB#
Merchant keeping full guard, as Donnay tries to pass.
Donnay trying to control but Merchant is working from the bottom. #T3#
Donnay makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Donnay missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Merchant has his hands on Donnay's head, controlling the position.
Donnay preventing the sweep.
Merchant working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Donnay.
Merchant keeping moving, preventing Donnay from controlling successfully.
Donnay in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time. #T4#
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Merchant pulls Donnay in close to his closed guard and prevents Donnay from doing any damage or advancing position.
Donnay lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Merchant looking for a sweep. Not yet Merchant, not yet.
Donnay's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Donnay throws a big right hand that misses. #REF3#
The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Donnay scores with a decent looking hook.
Donnay swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Merchant changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Merchant blocks a low kick nicely.
Some wild striking there from Donnay. #T5#
Donnay clobbers Merchant with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Donnay avoids the body shot from Merchant.
Donnay tried to score with a low kick but Merchant checks it.
Donnay displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Merchant throws out the jab.
Donnay lands a front kick.
Donnay misses with a body kick.
Merchant looks to throw the jab but Donnay is out of range.
Merchant waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Donnay.#TD#
Merchant shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Merchant showed some decent athleticism there.
Merchant not throwing his punches with enough precision this time. #T6#
Merchant sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Donnay defending well though.
Merchant looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
Donnay keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Merchant prevents Donnay from improving his position.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Merchant in particular looking to stall.
Donnay trying to hold on to Merchant's head to control him but Merchant postures up.
Donnay moves into full guard.
Merchant preventing the sweep. #T7#
Merchant landing with the ground and pound.
Merchant showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Donnay is trying to keep Merchant in close.
Merchant lands a couple of digs.#SUB2#
Donnay is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Merchant is aware though and is defending well.
Merchant postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Donnay looking to control. #T8#
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Merchant controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
Merchant throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Donnay works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Donnay wants to sweep here but Merchant controlling him for the moment. #REF3#
The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Donnay fails with a takedown attempt.
Donnay defending well as Merchant loads up on a big left hand.
Donnay looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Merchant swings for the body but Donnay moves out of range.
Donnay tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Merchant paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Donnay with a body punch. A glancing blow. #T9#
Donnay ducks under a wild hook from Merchant.
Merchant displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Donnay throws out the jab.
Merchant is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Char Donnay seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Donnay throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Donnay moves in looking to clinch but Merchant pushes him off.
Jab by Merchant.
Merchant loads up on a big right hand but Donnay slips the punch.#TD#
Merchant gets a takedown into half guard.
Donnay is looking to control Merchant's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Donnay avoid being mounted?
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Merchant throwing shots but Donnay is blocking nicely.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Devon Merchant dominated that round.
That's time! Merchant's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.#R2#
Donnay keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Merchant.
Donnay stuffs the takedown attempt from Merchant. Merchant gets slowly back to his feet.
Donnay scores with a head kick. #CUT2#It looks like Devon Merchant has been cut.
Donnay gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Merchant.
Donnay thuds a left hand into Merchant's body.
Donnay just misses with a punch to the body.
Merchant tries to counter with a takedown but Donnay is quick to defend against it.
Merchant throws a big shot that misses.
Donnay steps in looking to counter with the mid kick but it doesn't connect.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#TD#
Merchant closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Donnay quickly recovers to half guard.
Donnay avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Merchant.
Merchant sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Donnay defending well though.
Merchant lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears. #T1#
Merchant seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Donnay does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Merchant is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
Merchant thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Donnay is controlling Merchant's position as best he can from this difficult position.
Merchant scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Donnay has found himself in a tricky position here. He's been working his transitions in training so let's see if he can work his way out of it.
Merchant not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Merchant missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Merchant lands a nice short elbow.
Donnay gets back to full guard.
Merchant is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Donnay can do to turn this around?
Merchant working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage. #T2##SUB2#
Donnay has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Merchant can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Merchant cracks Donnay with a solid left hand.
Merchant with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Donnay looking to hit a scissor sweep but Merchant is one step ahead there.
Merchant loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Merchant working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Merchant accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand. #T3#
Donnay is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move. #REVB#
Merchant tries to get to full guard but Donnay has control of the leg.
Donnay missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Merchant is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Devon Merchant overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Donnay thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Merchant's head.
Donnay looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Donnay is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
Donnay takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.#T4#
Donnay thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Merchant is pressing down on Donnay's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Donnay lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Donnay throws a strike but Merchant rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top. #REVR#
Donnay is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Merchant being controlled here momentarily.
Donnay avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Merchant postures up and lands a big shot to Donnay's brow.
Merchant distracts Donnay with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.#T5#
Merchant working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Donnay's head.
Merchant wants to control from the top but Donnay keeps moving.
Merchant trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Merchant showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Donnay lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.#REVB#
Merchant controlling Donnay's posture.
Donnay in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time. #T6#
Merchant looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Donnay throws a big elbow that misses.
Donnay makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Donnay works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Merchant wants to get back to full guard.
Donnay sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Merchant defending well though.
Merchant avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Donnay.
Merchant is trying to maintain the position but Donnay is very close to passing his half guard.
Merchant is refusing to be controlled, as Donnay sits in half guard.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.#T7#
Donnay not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Donnay not landing any meaningful shots this time. #REF3#
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.
Donnay looks to score with a jab to the body but Merchant is just out of range.
Donnay connects with a body shot.
Donnay pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Donnay lands a nice shot to the body.
Merchant throws an overhand right that lands on Donnay's shoulder, as Donnay tries to avoid the shot.
Donnay now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
Donnay lands an overhand right.
Donnay looks for a takedown but Merchant sprawls well.#T8#
Merchant keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Merchant misses with a hook. Donnay ducked under it nicely. #TD#
Merchant gets the takedown into side control.
Donnay can't do much from the bottom here.
Donnay managing to avoid any damage from the strikes thrown by Merchant.
Merchant trying to control the position but Donnay is working away.
Merchant is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Donnay is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.
An elbow from Merchant crashes against the mat. #T9#
Merchant landing with strikes to the head and body from side control.
The strikes coming from Merchant are missing the target in this wave of attacks.
Check out the look on Merchant's face as he threw that strike - that's one determined fighter!
Donnay being controlled for a moment.
Donnay sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Donnay controlling the position well.
Donnay moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Devon Merchant dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Devon Merchant's cut.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action. This is the final round!#R3##TD#
Merchant drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Donnay seems keen to control Merchant's posture.
Donnay keeping full guard, as Merchant tries to pass.
Donnay looking to hit a scissor sweep but Merchant is one step ahead there.
Merchant postures up and lands a big shot to Donnay's brow.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Donnay utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Merchant wants to pass the guard but Donnay is keeping the position.#T1#
Donnay preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Merchant throws an elbow that misses. Donnay uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Merchant's guard. Nice move by Donnay!#REVB#
Donnay being controlled here momentarily.
Donnay pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Merchant is keeping the position for now.
Merchant looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
Donnay trying to control the position from guard on top but Merchant is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can. #T2#
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Merchant 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.
Merchant controls Donnay momentarily but Donnay frees himself.
Donnay keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Merchant's head.
Merchant wants to sweep but no luck. #T3#
Donnay landing with the ground and pound.
Donnay working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Merchant looking to sweep here. No luck so far. #REF3#
The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Merchant misses with an uppercut. Donnay saw that one coming.
Donnay is trying to counter with his kicks.
Nice defenses there by Donnay.
Donnay swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Merchant.
Donnay scores with a shot to the body.
Nice takedown defense from Donnay. No joy for Merchant on that attempt.
Donnay doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Nice defenses there by Donnay.
Merchant sees a low kick coming and goes to check it, but it's actually a body kick and it thuds into his unprotected ribs.#T4#
Donnay jabs at Merchant's body.
Donnay throws a low kick, looking for Merchant's leg but Merchant calmly moves out of range.
Donnay tries to move into range but Merchant moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Merchant takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Merchant throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
A nice side step and Donnay releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.
Donnay misses with a body kick.
Merchant tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Donnay was well out of range. Poor timing from Merchant.
Char Donnay seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Merchant takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
This has been an exciting period of action!
A looping hook to the body misses from Merchant. Donnay does a little dance to reset his feet.
Merchant walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.#TD#
Merchant shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat. #T5#
Merchant tries to free his leg and advance position but Donnay is retaining full guard.
Donnay manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Merchant manages to get himself to full guard. #REVB#
Donnay scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Merchant avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Merchant looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Merchant trying to keep a closed guard but Donnay is proving a slippery customer.
Donnay pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Merchant is keeping the position for now.
Merchant keeping moving, preventing Donnay from controlling successfully. #T6#
Merchant is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Donnay throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Merchant is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
Merchant looking to hit a scissor sweep but Donnay is one step ahead there. #REF3#
The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Donnay misses with a hook to the body
and Donnay takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles. #T7#
Merchant looks to land a right hand but Donnay moved out of range.
Nice takedown defense from Merchant. No joy for Donnay on that attempt.
A looping hook to the body misses from Merchant. Donnay does a little dance to reset his feet.
Donnay lands a nice hook to Merchant's body. Merchant takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Merchant walks forward, straight into a front kick from Donnay.
Donnay throws a head kick that misses.
Merchant swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
A solid body kick from Donnay.
Merchant throws a lazy right hand but Donnay sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Merchant keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Merchant throws a jab when Donnay was well out of range.
Donnay throws the kick towards the body but Merchant avoids it.#T8#
Merchant tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Donnay defends well and Merchant ends up having to push Donnay into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Merchant is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Donnay is defending well.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Devon Merchant. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Merchant misses with a punch to the body.
Donnay stops a takedown attempt from Merchant.
Donnay doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Donnay digs a right hand underneath Merchant's ribcage. Merchant let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Merchant blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Char Donnay has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Donnay can't find room to land a body shot as Merchant controls the action. #TD2#
Donnay gets a nice trip takedown into half guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Donnay is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
Merchant is refusing to be controlled, as Donnay sits in half guard.
Donnay sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Merchant defending well though. #T9#
Donnay thows a huge punch but Merchant dodges it nicely.
Merchant wants to improve his position but Donnay is controlling well.
Merchant keeping control of the leg, stopping his opponent passing to mount.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.#SUB2#
Donnay is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Merchant sees it coming and defends easily.

And that's the end of the fight!
Char Donnay comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Merchant 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 William Peck scores the fight 29:28
Judge Robert Douchet scores the fight 29:28
Judge Trevor Gratis scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Devon Merchant!
After winning the bout, Devon Merchant thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.

Event: TOF 43
Date: Oct 07, 2023

#R1#
CleaPain tries to clinch but Merchant moves away #TD#
and Merchant counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for CleaPain!
We've been hearing that Merchant has been drilling a lot of ground and pound in training, so let's see if he get the finish.
CleaPain sneaks back into half guard.
Merchant is thwarting CleaPain's attempts to control the position.
Merchant is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
Merchant tries to pass the half guard into mount. CleaPain knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Merchant stalling.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Merchant slips a nice elbow through CleaPain's hands, connecting with CleaPain's forehead.
CleaPain is looking to improve his position.
CleaPain is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.#T1#
Merchant works his foot free and advances to mount.
CleaPain regains half guard.
Merchant wants to pass to mount but CleaPain is defending the position.
Merchant lands with a punch from half guard.
Merchant working CleaPain over with strikes.
Merchant tries to pass to full mount but CleaPain defends it.
Merchant is looking to take a break and control but CleaPain is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
CleaPain is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Merchant scores with a couple of nice shots.#ROC#CleaPain is rocked!#T2#
Merchant not doing much here.
CleaPain is still in real trouble! Can Merchant finish him?
Merchant lands a big elbow from half guard. That looks like it's hurt CleaPain quite badly. CleaPain pulls Merchant in close trying to recover. Merchant postures up and lands two really hard shots that put CleaPain on queer street! The ref takes a look and decides to call an end to the fight! Possibly an early stoppage but CleaPain doesn't seem to be complaining too much.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:22 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Devon Merchant!
A very excited looking Devon Merchant 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: TOF 33
Date: Sep 02, 2023

#R1#
Strong moves in looking to clinch but Merchant pushes him off.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Merchant! But no joy.
Merchant misses with a body shot.
Merchant looks to land a left hand but Strong moved out of range nicely.
Strong looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Merchant swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Merchant circles away from the clinch attempt. #TD2#
Merchant fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Strong sprawls well initially but Merchant persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
In the pre-fight buildup videos we saw Merchant working his ground and pound in the gym. He isn't landing a great percentage of his ground strikes so far though.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Merchant lands a nice short elbow.
Merchant has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Merchant working over Strong with some ground and pound. Strong looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Strong blocking the ground and pound attempt from Merchant.
Merchant slips a nice elbow through Strong's hands, connecting with Strong's forehead.
Strong is trying to control but can't.
Merchant 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.
Merchant missing with some ground and pound from the half guard. #T1#
Merchant not landing any meaningful shots this time.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Merchant lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Merchant landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Strong is trying to get back to full guard.
Merchant not landing any meaningful shots this time.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Merchant lands a nice short elbow.
Strong wants to get back to full guard but Merchant has mounted him!
Merchant is still in mount, landing shots to his trapped opponent. Strong can't stay in a position like this for much longer.
Strong tries to lock up and control but Merchant gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Strong knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Merchant on the ground.
Merchant tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
Merchant lands with some vicious ground and pound - can Strong hang on?#T2#
Strong tries to hold on but Merchant postures up.
The referee warns Strong that he has to improve his position here as he takes two more clean shots to the head.
Merchant lands with some strikes.
Merchant looking to ground and pound his opponent to a finish here.
Merchant drops a big elbow. That's hurt Strong! More shots from Merchant and the ref steps in! The fight is over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:40 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Devon Merchant!
An out of breath Devon Merchant thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.

Event: TOF 30
Date: Aug 13, 2023

#R1#
Merchant avoids the body shot from Dinu.
It seemed like Merchant was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Dinu lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.#CUT#It looks like Devon Merchant has been cut.
Merchant looks to score with a jab to the body but Dinu is just out of range.
Dinu throws a low kick, looking for Merchant's leg but Merchant calmly moves out of range.
Roman Dinu seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Dinu swinging wildly here.
Dinu throws a nice looking combination but Merchant bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Merchant appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Dinu ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Merchant moves away.
Dinu fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Merchant misses with a wild body shot.
Dinu uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Merchant.
Merchant looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Dinu misses with a hook #TD2#
and Merchant counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Dinu!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Dinu is trying to improve his position.
Merchant working the ground and pound.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Dinu takes a nasty elbow to the side of the head.#T1#
Merchant throws an elbow but Dinu slips to the side and avoids it well.
Merchant tries to score with some ground and pound. Dinu controls his posture well this time though and the shots don't do any damage.
A lull in the action here.
An elbow from Merchant crashes against the mat.
Merchant throws a knee to the body but it doesn't do much damage.
Merchant is putting a hurting on Dinu here, landing some big shots from side control.
Dinu taking punishment in the form of punches.
Merchant lands a nice forearm strike.
Merchant working the head with strikes.
Merchant tries to move to mount but Dinu blocks the move with his legs. #T2#
Dinu takes a couple of big shots there - the referee warns him that he has to defend himself better.
You can see the frustration on Dinu's face as Merchant controls the position.
Dinu knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Merchant on the ground.
Dinu defending against the ground and pound.
Merchant lands a decent elbow from side control.
Dinu is looking for a sweep.
Merchant controls the position.
Merchant wants to lay and pray for a moment but Dinu keeps working.
The ground and pound from Merchant seems to be hitting the mat more than his opponent.
Merchant throws an elbow but Dinu slips to the side and avoids it well.#T3#
Merchant looking to punish the body of his opponent here but Dinu is avoiding damage well.
Merchant working the ground and pound from side control.
Merchant working the ground and pound but Dinu is defending the strikes.
Merchant working the ground and pound from side control.
Dinu on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Dinu tries to get out of the position.
Merchant misses with an attempted head punch from side control.
A bit of a lull in the action. I'm sure it will pick up again soon... even if the ref has to physically pick them up and put them back on their feet.
Merchant working the ground and pound but he's contacting the mat, not the fighter.
Dinu is breathing heavily.
Merchant misses with a strike but at least he's keeping busy, looking to cause some damage - that will still help him when it comes to the judges scorecards.
Merchant scores with punches from side control.
Merchant working the ground and pound but Dinu is defending the strikes.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Merchant takes a little break here. Dinu wants to take advantage but he is being controlled well.
Dinu taking a bit of punishment here - Merchant scoring with strikes. #T4#
Merchant in side control, trying to ground and pound but not landing this time.
Merchant looks up at the clock and then as Dinu takes his cue and looks up at the clock too, Merchant smacks him right in the chops with a big elbow! How rude!
Dinu takes a nasty elbow to the side of the head.
Merchant misses with an attempted head punch from side control.
Merchant is pausing for a moment. What's he doing? It looks like he's clearing his nose. Oh dude! He's shot a load of snot all down Dinu's shoulder. That is not cool.
Merchant is putting a hurting on Dinu here, landing some big shots from side control.
Merchant cracks Dinu with a big elbow. #T5#
Merchant creates some space and throws a big elbow, but Dinu sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.
Merchant lands a nice forearm strike.
Sloppy strikes there by Merchant.
Dinu is working to avoid the ground and pound but Merchant connects with a decent elbow.
Merchant staying calm.
Merchant lands an elbow.
Merchant lands a few punches from side control.
Merchant is putting a hurting on Dinu here, landing some big shots from side control.
Merchant working the ground and pound.#T6#
Merchant working the ground and pound. #ROC2#Dinu is rocked!
Merchant scores with a big shot from side control... and another... and another! Oh Dinu is done here - save him referee! More strikes land and eventually the ref does step in and Merchant can finally stop beating on his defenseless opponent!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 6:27 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Devon Merchant!
Devon Merchant thanked the fans post fight for their support.

Event: TOF 26
Date: Jul 30, 2023

#R1#
Liars looks to score with a jab to the body but Merchant is just out of range.
Liars lands with an overhand left.
Merchant pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Liars circles away from the clinch attempt
and Liars counters with a stiff right hand.
Merchant looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Merchant throws a right hand that misses
and Liars counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Liars throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Merchant sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Liars stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Liars wants it to stay on the feet.
Merchant takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#CL2#
Merchant has managed to clinch.
Merchant is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Liars is defending well.
Liars blocks a body shot from Merchant.
Merchant tries to work over Liars's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Merchant gets through Liars's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.#T1#
Nice body punch from Merchant - that landed with a thud.
Liars misses with a hook from the clinch. #BC#
Liars escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Merchant misses the shot to the body.
Merchant shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Liars cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Christian Liars has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Devon Merchant.
Liars works over Merchant's head and body with a nice combination.
Merchant throws a body shot but no joy. #TD2#
Merchant looking to score a takedown here. Liars is defending well but Merchant drives through and ends up in Liars's guard.
Liars looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Liars has his hands on Merchant's head, controlling the position. #T2#
Merchant is working Liars over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Merchant throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Liars works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Liars wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Merchant throwing strikes but missing.
Merchant has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Merchant stopping the sweep attempt from Liars.
Liars can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Merchant controls the pace.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
Merchant connects with a couple of short punches.
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!
Liars seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
Liars knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Merchant on the ground.
Merchant postures up in Liars's guard and throws a big left but Liars blocks it.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.#T3#
Merchant in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time. #REF3#
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Liars ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Merchant moves away.
Merchant looks to score with a jab to the body but Liars is just out of range.
Merchant keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Liars.
Liars throws a hook but Merchant blocks it.
Merchant misses the jab.
Liars fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Merchant throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Liars throws a jab but it's blocked by Merchant.
Merchant misses with a hook.
Liars drops down looking for a counter takedown but Merchant sprawls and moves away.
Liars misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Liars fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Merchant manages to avoid it.
And Merchant tries to counter it with a takedown but Liars pushes his down on his head and steps out.#T4#
Merchant misses with a body shot.
Liars lands a really nice looking cross but Merchant seems unphased.
Merchant tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Liars was well out of range. Poor timing from Merchant.
Liars throws a combination that misses #TD2#
and Merchant counters with a shoot takedown. Liars fights it but they end up in guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Merchant postures up.
Merchant wants to control from the top but Liars keeps moving.
Merchant throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Liars works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Liars has momentary wrist control but Merchant slips an elbow through the middle.
Merchant wants to control from the top but Liars keeps moving.
Liars looking to sweep using the butterfly guard but Merchant puts pay to that idea as he passes nicely into half guard. #T5#
Liars trying to control here.
Merchant is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Liars is looking to escape.
Liars is looking for a sweep. Merchant is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Merchant prevents Liars from standing back up.
Liars tries to roll over but Merchant keeps him under control.
Liars on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Liars tries to get out of the position.
Liars taking some punishment here, with Merchant in his half guard. #CUT2#It looks like Christian Liars has been cut.
Merchant drops an elbow to the side of Liars's head.
Liars holds on for dear life, maintaining half guard for now.
Merchant not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Liars is pressing down on Merchant's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.#T6#
Merchant controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Liars utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Liars keeping moving, preventing Merchant from controlling successfully. #REF3#
The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
A big left from Merchant misses.
Liars ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Merchant moves away.
Liars moves out of range as Merchant strikes.
Merchant moves out of range as Liars strikes.
It seemed like Merchant was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Liars is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Merchant.
Liars waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Merchant.
Merchant uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Liars.
Merchant throws a lazy right hand but Liars sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Liars fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Merchant manages to avoid it.
Merchant will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.#T7#
Good exchange - Liars coming out on top.
Merchant walks into a jab.
Liars moves out of range of the strikes.
Liars drops down looking for a counter takedown but Merchant sprawls and moves away.
Liars will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Merchant misses with a wild body shot.
Liars is really peppering his opponent's head with punches.
Liars moves away from the strike by Merchant.
A lazy left from Merchant finds it's target.
Merchant throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Liars uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Merchant.
Liars feinted with a counter takedown.
Merchant uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Liars.
Merchant looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Merchant tries to close the distance and clinch up but Liars swats him away and circles back towards the center. #TD2#
Merchant changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Liars looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.#T8#
Liars wants to control but Merchant postures up.
Merchant wants to lay and pray for a moment but Liars keeps working.
Liars struggling a bit here.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Merchant working the head and body with strikes.
Merchant creates a bit of distance and throws down some hard shots.
Liars struggling a bit here.
Merchant trying to control the position but Liars is working away. #T9#
Merchant is working Liars over with some ground and pound from side control.
Liars struggling a bit here.
Liars takes a big shot right to the temple there but he's taken it well.
Liars stops Merchant from passing to mount.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Merchant tries to advance position but instead Liars slips a leg back in to half guard.
Liars is controlling Merchant's position as best he can from this difficult position.
Merchant throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Devon Merchant will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Christian Liars'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#
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Liars, as that shot connected.
Christian Liars seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Liars steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Merchant.
Liars misses with a two punch combination.
And Merchant tries to counter it with a takedown but Liars pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Merchant staying out of range there.
Liars avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Merchant fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Liars manages to avoid it.
Liars is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Merchant just misses with a punch to the body.
Liars is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Merchant.
Christian Liars is winning the standup battle so far.
Liars pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
And Merchant tries to counter it with a takedown but Liars pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Liars scores with a hook to the body. Merchant takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Liars swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Liars throws a lazy right hand but Merchant sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Liars cracks Merchant with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Danga de danga de dang - Liars scores with a four punch combination!#T1#
Liars lands an overhand right.
A jab from Liars misses.
A slow jab from Merchant misses its intended target.
Liars throws a hook but Merchant avoids it easily.
Liars lands with a good body shot.
Merchant misses the jab.
Liars jabs Merchant right on the nose. Merchant blinks but takes it well.
Merchant loads up on a big right hand but Liars slips the punch.
A telegraphed right hand from Merchant misses the target.
Liars jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Merchant changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Liars staying out of range there.
Merchant misses with a hook. Liars ducked under it nicely. #T2#
Merchant swings and misses with a shot to the body
letting Liars counter with a right hand.
Merchant dives in and grabs Liars's left leg, looking for a takedown. Liars pushes down on Merchant's head and hops out.
Liars throws a right hand that Merchant ducks under and follows up with a left that Merchant also avoids with ease.
Merchant moves out of range of the strikes.
Merchant shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Liars as he jumps to the side.
Liars throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
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!
Liars throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Merchant sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Merchant with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Merchant closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Liars looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Merchant is fending him off so far but Liars persists. Nope, Merchant circles away and we're back to standing.
Merchant is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
A jab from Liars misses.
Merchant is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.#T3##TD2#
Merchant manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Liars on his heels. He'll look to pass Liars's guard now, I'm sure.
Liars is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move. #REVR#
Merchant is looking for a sweep. Liars is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Liars wants to advance to full mount but Merchant doesn't think that's going to happen and regains full guard instead.
Liars postures up in Merchant's guard and throws a big left but Merchant blocks it.
Merchant managing to control the position.
Liars has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Liars postures up in Merchant's guard and throws a big left but Merchant blocks it. #T4#
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Merchant holds on and takes a little breather.
We've been hearing that Liars has been drilling a lot of ground and pound in training, so let's see if he get the finish.
Liars throwing strikes from guard but Merchant blocks nicely.
Liars pushes down on Merchant's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Liars throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage. #T5#
Merchant is not content to let Liars control the position.
Merchant avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Liars.
Liars is trying to control. Merchant wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Merchant wants to improve his position but Liars is controlling well.
Merchant blocking the ground and pound attempt from Liars.
Merchant keeps control of the position for the meantime. #REF3#
The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
A looping hook to the body misses from Liars. Merchant does a little dance to reset his feet.
Liars lands a jab to Merchant's midsection.
Merchant takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
A big left from Liars misses.
Merchant looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.#T6#
Merchant misses with an uppercut
and Liars counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Liars slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Merchant keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Liars.
Merchant ducks under a wild hook from Liars.
Liars scores with a sloppy right hand. Merchant should have avoided that one.
Liars swings for the body but Merchant moves out of range.
Liars slips a straight right by Merchant.
Merchant throws a hook but Liars blocks it.
Liars swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Liars lands with an uppercut that bounces Merchant off the cage and back into range.
Merchant takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Merchant looks for a takedown but Liars sprawls well.
A little feinted left hand from Liars on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Christian Liars has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Devon Merchant.#T7#
Merchant throws a hook to the side of Liars's head but Liars sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Merchant takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Liars fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Merchant looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.#TD2#
Merchant shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Liars manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
Liars has control of Merchant's left arm, preventing Merchant from doing any damage.
Liars avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Merchant won't allow Liars to sweep him here.
Merchant trying to control but Liars is working from the bottom. #T8#
Liars working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Merchant.
Merchant landing with the ground and pound.
Merchant preventing the sweep. #REF3#
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Merchant throws a body shot but no joy.
Liars lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Liars defending well as Merchant loads up on a big left hand.
Liars appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
Merchant on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Liars lands with a shot to the body.
Liars lunges at Merchant with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Merchant's hand. #T9#
Merchant misses the shot to the body.
Merchant swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Liars fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Merchant on the side of the head.
Merchant throws a body punch but Liars moves out of range.
Merchant digs a good hook to Liars's body.
Liars avoids the body shot from Merchant.
Merchant leaves Liars with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
A telegraphed right hand from Merchant misses the target.
Merchant throws an overhand right that lands on Liars's shoulder, as Liars tries to avoid the shot.
Merchant darts in looking for a takedown but Liars gets double underhooks and turns Merchant into the cage.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Christian Liars dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Christian Liars'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#
Liars slips a jab from Merchant.
Merchant has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Liars swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Merchant tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Liars was well out of range. Poor timing from Merchant.
Liars misses with a hook.
Liars cracks Merchant with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Liars misses with a looping left.
Liars throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Merchant bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Merchant connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Liars takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Liars connects with a body shot.
A swing and a miss from Merchant.#T1#
Liars lands a jab to Merchant's midsection.
Liars dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Merchant slips a jab from Liars.
Merchant takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Merchant ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Liars moves away.
Merchant throws a hook but Liars blocks it.
A big right from Liars misses.
Liars moves out of range as Merchant strikes.
Merchant keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Liars misses with an uppercut. Merchant saw that one coming.
Liars clobbers Merchant with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise. #T2#
Liars looks to land a left hand but Merchant moved out of range nicely.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Merchant! But no joy.
Liars scores with the left hand. Merchant knows he should have avoided that one.
Liars misses with a straight right.
Liars throws a hook but Merchant blocks it.
Merchant misses with a telegraphed body shot #TD#
and Liars decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Merchant's guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Liars postures up in Merchant's guard and throws a big left but Merchant blocks it.
Liars slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Liars wants to control from the top but Merchant keeps moving.
Merchant pulls Liars in close to prevent any damage. #T3#
Liars trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Liars throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Merchant pulls Liars in close to prevent any damage.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
Liars trying to control but Merchant is working from the bottom. #REF3#
The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Merchant throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Merchant misses with a body shot.
Merchant throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Liars takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
A slow jab from Liars misses its intended target. #T4#
Liars stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
A big right from Liars misses.
Liars lands an overhand right.
Merchant keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Liars swings widly with a right hand
and Merchant counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Merchant defending well as Liars loads up on a big left hand.
Liars misses with a right hand #TD2#
and Merchant counters with a shoot takedown. Liars fights it but they end up in guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Merchant trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Liars is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Merchant can do to turn this around?
Merchant's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Liars looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Merchant working some strikes from top position.#T5#
Merchant chips away with some ground and pound.
Merchant trying to control but Liars is working from the bottom.
Merchant won't allow Liars to sweep him here.
Merchant passes into half guard.
Merchant lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Merchant winds up and cracks Liars with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Merchant missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Liars is looking to control Merchant's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Liars avoid being mounted?#T6#
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Merchant prevents Liars from improving his position.
Liars is holding on to half guard well.
Liars has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Merchant is working away from the top position though.#REF3#
The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Merchant fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Liars manages to avoid it.
Liars swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.
Merchant throws the left hand but Liars avoids the punch easily.
Liars throws a lazy right hand but Merchant sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Liars gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Merchant.
Liars throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped #TD2#
and Merchant counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Liars wants to get back to his feet but Merchant passes into half guard. #T7##REVR#
Merchant lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Merchant is looking to take a break and control but Liars is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Liars regains full guard. Nicely done.
Liars trying to control the position here.
Merchant in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Liars wants to stand up but Merchant is controlling him. #T8#
Liars lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.#REVR#
Merchant controlling Liars's posture.
Liars throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Merchant works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Liars is looking to work some ground and pound but Merchant has wrist control.
Liars working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Merchant pulls Liars in close to prevent any damage.
Merchant wants to control but instead he gets his guard passed and Liars is now in half guard. #T9#
Liars missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Merchant wants to get back to full guard.
Merchant controlling the position for now.
Merchant is trying to control but can't.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
Merchant works his way to full guard. Good work.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Merchant holds on and takes a little breather.
Devon Merchant has got the better of the ground game so far.
Merchant is trying to control the position from the bottom. #REF3#
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.

And that's the end of the fight!
Christian Liars showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Liars 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 Gregory Folan scores the fight 30:28
Judge Ian Loll scores the fight 29:28
Judge Trevor Gratis scores the fight 29:28

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

Event: Quick Fight Championship
Date: Jan 31, 2023

#R1#
Merchant throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Merchant misses the jab.
Geisler scores with a jab to the body.
Nice uppercut there from Geisler.
Geisler fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Geisler lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Geisler misses with a few strikes there.
Geisler is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Geisler throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Merchant sees it coming and avoids it easily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Geisler uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Merchant.
A telegraphed right hand from Merchant misses the target.
It looked like Geisler wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Geisler scores with a jab to the body.#CL2#
Merchant instigates a clinch. #T1#
Stalling in the clinch from Merchant.
A head punch on the inside from Merchant fails to land.
Geisler tries a body shot but Merchant blocks it.
Geisler blocks a couple of punches on the inside. #TD2#
Merchant is working on a single leg takedown against the cage. Geisler can't fight it off and eventually Merchant manages to take the fight to the floor. Geisler looks annoyed but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Geisler wants to get back to his feet but he's too absorbed in his own little project and Merchant manages to pass to side control. #REVR#
Merchant not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Merchant has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Geisler blocking the ground and pound attempt from Merchant.
Merchant content to sit in half guard and control for a moment. #T2#
Merchant is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Merchant throwing shots but Geisler is blocking nicely.
Geisler blocking the ground and pound attempt from Merchant.
Merchant with a momentary lay and pray from half guard. #T3#
Geisler is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Merchant scores with a couple of nice shots.
Merchant not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Geisler knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Merchant on the ground.
Merchant thows a huge punch but Geisler dodges it nicely.
Merchant controlling the pace.
Geisler taking some punishment here, with Merchant in his half guard. #T4#
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Geisler is in trouble now - Merchant has advanced to mount!
Merchant cracks Geisler with a nasty head shot there - the crowd let out an audible gasp there, as the noise reverberated around the arena. #CUT2#It looks like Sven Geisler has been cut.
Merchant with shots to the head and body - Geisler looks very uncomfortable down there. #ROC2#Geisler is rocked!#CUT2#Sven Geisler's cut is getting worse.
Merchant connects with a bit shot that sees Geisler covering up! More strikes from Merchant and the referee jumps in to stop the fight! Merchant is our winner by TKO!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:42 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Devon Merchant!
A less than humble Devon Merchant misjudged his post fight interview somewhat and came across a little too arrogant whilst trying to hype up his own abilities.

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