Pohaku VII - Bad Trip PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between chuck Bain (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Dwayne Johnson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). chuck Bain has a significant reach advantage - let's see if he can make it count.

Bain
vs
Johnson

198 cm
18
275 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

185 cm
22
260 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Solid boxing
KO power

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent boxing
Granite chin

Alpha-Omega
Alpha-Omega

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, chuck Bain!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Dwayne Johnson!
The judges for this bout are , and .

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
No joy there for Bain, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Bain connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
A combination from Bain does no damage.
Bain lands a two punch combo.
Bain scores with a decent looking hook.
Bain rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Johnson moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Bain paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Johnson is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Bain tries to bum rush Johnson with a series of wild strikes but Johnson uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Johnson tries to clinch up but Bain circles away and keeps his distance.
Johnson closes the distance and clinches up with Bain, looking for a takedown. Johnson pushes Bain against the cage but Bain circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Johnson misses with a double jab
and Bain counters with a one-two to the body.
Johnson looks gassed!
Bain stuffs the takedown attempt from Johnson. Johnson gets slowly back to his feet.
Ohhhhh! A huge head kick from Bain! Johnson is out on his feet! Bain rushes in and throws more strikes. The ref is looking closely - Johnson is covering up but the punishment is just too much and the ref steps in to stop the fight! Johnson is staring into space, just thankful that the beatdown has ended. Brutal finish.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:51 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). chuck Bain!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
100%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Tulsa McLean (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Monroe Banks (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Banks has chosen Iceman By Lloyd Banks as his entrance music. Tulsa McLean could well score a knockout today. He has the power to get to Monroe Banks's chin.

McLean
vs
Banks

193 cm
22
291 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

193 cm
22
280 lbs
3 - 2 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Solid boxing
Very strong

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
Tends to cut

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the super heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Tulsa McLean!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Monroe Banks!
The judges for this bout are , and .

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Banks clinches up with McLean and pushes him back against the cage.
Banks goes for a takedown attempt but McLean pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
McLean throws a left that rocks Banks and follows with a right that sends him tumbling to the canvas! McLean dives into side control, looking to finish! Can Banks regain composure!

It looks like Monroe Banks has been cut.
Banks is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Banks manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Banks sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. McLean defending well though.
Banks thows a huge punch but McLean dodges it nicely.
McLean blocking the ground and pound attempt from Banks.
McLean keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
McLean wants to get back to his feet.

Banks is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. McLean doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Banks.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Banks tries to clinch up.

That's one minute gone in the round.

McLean drives through and clinches with Banks against the cage.
Banks pushes McLean back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Banks wants a takedown.
McLean wants a takedown but no success here.

McLean pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
McLean will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
McLean keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.

Banks closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Banks lands in his opponent's guard.
McLean looking to sweep using the butterfly guard but Banks puts pay to that idea as he passes nicely into half guard.
Banks is tying to control. McLean wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
McLean has hold of Banks's hands but Banks slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.

McLean makes some distance and scrambles quickly back to his feet. Nice work!
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Banks closes the distance and clinches up with McLean, looking for a takedown. Banks pushes McLean against the cage but McLean circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Tulsa McLean has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Monroe Banks.
Banks looks gassed!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
McLean misses with a double jab.
Banks is looking to clinch but McLean is avoiding it.
McLean swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
McLean misses with a jab, cross combination.
McLean will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Banks takes a jab right on the kisser.
McLean lands a jab to the head.
Banks misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Banks dodges the punch combination from McLean.
McLean tries for a takedown but Banks circles away easily
and Banks counters with a two punch combo.
McLean misses with a combination

and Banks counters by clinching up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Banks creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Banks lands a knee to the body.
McLean can't break the clinch.
McLean wants to get back to striking at distance but Banks won't allow it.
A knee to the head by Banks.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Banks.
Banks has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. McLean is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
McLean is trying to break free.
Banks is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but McLean is keeping busy.
McLean is trying to break free.
Banks has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. McLean avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
McLean tries to break the clinch but Banks is controlling the position.
McLean wants to get back to striking at distance but Banks won't allow it.
Banks tries to work over McLean's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
McLean wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
McLean wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
McLean wants to break the clinch but can't.

McLean breaks from the clinch.
McLean misses with a double jab

and Banks decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in McLean's guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
McLean trying to keep a closed guard but Banks is proving a slippery customer.
Banks distracts McLean with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Banks preventing the sweep.
Banks stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. McLean swivels though and keeps the full guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
McLean keeping moving, preventing Banks from controlling successfully.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

McLean has his foot on Banks's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Banks works his way back into a safe position though.
McLean 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.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Tulsa McLean will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Monroe Banks's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

McLean swinging wilding here.
Banks wants to clinch.
McLean throws a combination that misses

and Banks counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Banks.
Banks wants to pass the guard but McLean is keeping the position.
Banks postures up in McLean's guard and throws a big left but McLean blocks it.
McLean wants to sweep but no luck.
Banks lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
McLean keeping moving, preventing Banks from controlling successfully.

McLean had isolated an arm as going for an omaplata. Banks is defending the submission well but is in a very vulnerable position. McLean Is leaning forward trying to finish the omaplata but decides to abandon it, and take Banks's back instead.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
McLean has the hooks in. Banks is trying to push off one leg but he has to do so cautiously to avoid being submitted.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Banks trying to control the action but McLean just sinks the hooks in.
McLean lands a shot to the head.
Banks tries to escape the position.
Banks is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.

McLean looking for the RNC.
Banks turns into McLean and is now in his guard.
Banks trying to control the position from guard on top but McLean is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
McLean keeping full guard, as Banks tries to pass.
McLean is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Banks postures up in McLean's guard and throws a big left but McLean blocks it.
Banks must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
McLean manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
Banks is wriggling around trying to escape.

McLean has control of Banks's right arm, working for a kimura. It's a bit of a token attempt though and Banks regains control of the situation pretty easily.
Banks regains half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

McLean is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Banks is just riding it out for now. McLean eventually gives up the hold.
Banks tries to get to full guard but McLean has control of the leg.
Banks tries to kick McLean off but McLean keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Banks is looking to improve his position.

McLean decides to stand and escape the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Banks tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but McLean paws at him with a jab and circles away.
McLean throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Banks counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Tulsa McLean is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
McLean lands a two punch combo.
McLean dips to his left and cracks Banks with an uppercut!

That has opened up Monroe Banks's cut even more.
McLean throws a shot to the body.
The fight stays on the outside here - McLean looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
McLean misses with a double jab

and Banks counters by clinching up.
McLean wants to get back to striking at distance but Banks won't allow it.
Banks lands a body shot in the clinch.
Banks keeps control of McLean as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
McLean wants to break free but Banks has control.
Banks lands a right hand.
Banks gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
McLean wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Banks has him pressed against the cage.
Banks content to slow the pace in the clinch.
McLean managing to block the knees to the body from Banks.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Tulsa McLean dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Monroe Banks's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

McLean lands a nice hook to Banks's body. Banks takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
McLean lands a glancing blow to the side of Banks's head.
McLean tries to clinch but Banks is having none of it.
McLean misses with a leg kick

and Banks counters with a nice double leg into side control. McLean won't be happy with that.
McLean gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.
Banks prevents McLean from standing back up.
Banks is looking to take a break and control but McLean is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
McLean trying to control from the bottom.
McLean is looking for a sweep. Banks is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Banks is trying to work for a kimura but McLean is defending well.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
McLean fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
McLean stuffs the takedown.

McLean rushes Banks and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
McLean tries to break the clinch but Banks is controlling the position.
Banks drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
McLean wants to break the clinch but can't.
McLean wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
McLean tries to break the clinch but Banks is controlling the position.
McLean gets through Banks's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.

Banks breaks the clinch.
Banks doesn't manage to clinch there - McLean circles away.
McLean scores with a three punch combo!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A right-left combo lands from McLean.
McLean looks for a takedown but Banks sprawls well.
McLean throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped

and Banks counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Banks tries to free his leg and advance position but McLean is retaining full guard.
Banks throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as McLean works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
McLean is looking to stand up but Banks isn't so interested in that idea.

McLean looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Banks scoring with some ground and pound.

McLean manages to escape and get back to his feet.
McLean uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Banks has time to react.
McLean throws a left and a right that both miss

and Banks counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Banks really doesn't want to stay on the ground with McLean. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Banks landing with the ground and pound.
McLean is trying to control the position but Banks postures up.
Banks wanted to stand there but McLean had control of the position.
Banks trying to control the position from guard on top but McLean is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
McLean wants to sweep here but Banks controlling him for the moment.
McLean is working hard here to advance position.
Banks passes into half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
McLean tries to roll over but Banks keeps him under control.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Banks ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Tulsa McLean seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
McLean misses with a combination

and Banks counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Banks.
McLean is trying to keep Banks in close.
Banks postures up and lands a big shot to McLean's brow.
Banks would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Banks looking to pass the guard.

McLean pushes Banks off and scrambles back to his feet.

And that's the end of the fight!
Monroe Banks comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think McLean 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 Andi Peters scores the fight 29:28
Judge Gordon Ramsey scores the fight 29:28
Judge Frank Skinner scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Tulsa McLean!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
100%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Osama Laden (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Noah Fuller (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Chooooooooon! I think Laden might be my favorite fighter, now he's come out to The Pilgrim Road. The key to victory for Osama Laden has got to be keeping the fight on the feet.

Laden
vs
Fuller

188 cm
22
299 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

205 cm
20
300 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the super heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Osama Laden!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Noah Fuller!
The judges for this bout are , and .

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Fuller missing with a left hand there. Laden was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Fuller shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
A big left from Laden misses.
Laden waving his hands out infront of him, looking to distract Fuller.

Fuller closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Fuller lands in his opponent's guard.
Laden wants to stand up but Fuller is controlling him.
Fuller stopping the sweep attempt from Laden.
Laden wants to get back to his feet but Fuller is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Fuller stands and throws Laden's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Laden wants to get back to his feet but Fuller drags him back down.

Fuller tries for a kimura but Laden is defending well.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fuller tries to move to mount but Laden blocks the move with his legs.
Fuller is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Laden is looking to work his way out of this bad position but Fuller is controlling him well.

Fuller is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Laden knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Fuller looks gassed!
Laden is looking to work his way out of this bad position but Fuller is controlling him well.
Laden knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Fuller on the ground.

Fuller is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Laden knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Laden wants to get back to his feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Fuller wants to clinch up but Laden keeps it at a distance.
Fuller misses with a takedown attempt - Laden sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Fuller fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Osama Laden has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Noah Fuller.
Laden motions for Fuller to come forward. Laden throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Laden cracks Fuller with a big right hand that sends him to the floor! Fuller looks wobbly but he's sprung back up to his feet straight away… can Laden finish him?

It looks like Noah Fuller has been cut.
Laden circles and sees the opportunity to plant his feet and throw a really nice straight left hand that drops Fuller to the canvas! Fuller doesn't know where he is but he's trying to survive - Laden keeps piling on the pressure and forces the referee to step in! This one is aaaaaall over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:41 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Osama Laden!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
65%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Sten Persson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Andre Thornton (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Sten Persson has the edge in experience - let's see if he can make that count tonight.

Persson
vs
Thornton

200 cm
20
250 lbs
1 - 3 - 0

190 cm
19
262 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Solid boxing
Big heart

BJJ White Belt
Decent boxing
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Sten Persson!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Andre Thornton!
The judges for this bout are , and .

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Persson is looking to clinch.
Persson throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Thornton's waist but Thornton gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Persson off to one side.
Andre Thornton seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Persson steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Thornton.
Jab from Thornton.
Thornton throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Thornton tries to close the distance and clinch but Persson swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.

Persson moves into range and clinches up with Thornton.
Persson tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Thornton smiles and moves away.
Nice sprawl there from Persson as Thornton shoots in.
Thornton throws a hook but Persson avoids it easily.
Thornton with a jab.
Thornton throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Persson sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Thornton is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Persson.
Thornton looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Persson will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Sten Persson. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Thornton misses with a straight right.
Persson fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Persson shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Thornton as he avoids it easily.
Persson fails with a takedown attempt from distance.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Persson shoots in for a takedown but Thornton shows good takedown defense.
Persson uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Thornton.

Persson closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Persson trying to control from half guard but Thornton is working away.
Persson looks to score some points with some ground and pound.

Persson is looking for a kimura here.
Persson is breathing heavily.
Thornton is trying to stand.
Persson missing with the ground and pound from half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Thornton controlling the leg, holding on to half guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Persson sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Thornton defending well though.
Persson throwing shots but Thornton is blocking nicely.
Thornton should think about turning a few of those tyres round his middle into muscle if he wants people to take him seriously as an athlete.
Persson is pressing down on Thornton's thigh, looking to free his foot. Thornton is holding on for now.
Persson prevents Thornton from standing back up.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Thornton fails with an attempt to clinch.
Persson keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Persson uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Thornton.
Thornton misses with a takedown

and Persson counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Persson.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Persson postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Thornton preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Persson wants to pass the guard but Thornton is keeping the position.
Thornton preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Persson trying to control but Thornton is working from the bottom.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.

Persson drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Persson jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Persson tries to free his leg and advance position but Thornton is retaining full guard.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
A big left from Thornton misses.
Thornton doesn't manage to clinch there - Persson circles away.
Thornton throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
A big right from Thornton misses.
Thornton might want to mix his strikes up a bit more. He's just going for head shots at the moment and that can become a bit predictable.
Persson moves away from the strike by Thornton.
Thornton tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Persson counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Thornton scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
Thornton throws a hook but Persson blocks it.
Good shot there by Thornton.
Persson looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Sten Persson will probably get the nod.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Thornton throws a series of strikes that have Persson backpedaling.
Thornton misses with the combination.

Persson shoots in and bounces Thornton off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
Persson postures up in Thornton's guard and throws a big left but Thornton blocks it.
Persson passes easily into side control. Nice work.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
What's Thornton going to do here then? He's in a bit of a pickle.
Persson is looking to take a break and control but Thornton is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Persson is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Thornton has escaped the position, nice work there.
Thornton avoids any damage from the ground and pound of Persson.

Persson is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Thornton is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Persson working the ground and pound but he's contacting the mat, not the fighter.
Persson sitting in side control, looking to soften his opponent up with elbows and hammerfists but Thornton is avoiding damage well and looking to escape the position.
Persson lands a knee to the body and a forearm to the face.
Thornton really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Persson. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.

Persson stands up and beckons Thornton to his feet.

Thornton moves into range and clinches up with Persson.

Persson escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Thornton shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Persson as he jumps to the side.
Persson showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Thornton.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Thornton tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Persson paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Thornton dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Thornton tries to close the distance and clinch but Persson swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Persson slips a jab and a cross from Thornton.
Thornton throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Thornton throws a right hand that Persson ducks under and follows up with a left that Persson also avoids with ease.
Persson fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Persson shoots in and drives through. Thornton sprawls well.
Thornton darts in trying to clinch

and Persson counters with a shoot takedown. Thornton fights it but they end up in guard.
Persson postures up.
Persson passes into half guard.
Thornton tries to kick Persson off but Persson keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Sten Persson overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Persson wants to work for an arm triangle but Thornton is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.

Persson is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.

Persson is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Thornton defends it well.
Persson thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Thornton's head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Sten Persson dominated that second round.
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. Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Thornton misses with a takedown

and Persson decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Thornton's guard.
Persson thows a big elbow that misses.
Thornton utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Persson slips nicely into half guard.
Thornton tries to roll over but Persson keeps him under control.
Persson looks to land a strike but Thornton avoids it nicely and regains full guard.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Thornton keeping moving, preventing Persson from controlling successfully.
Persson preventing the sweep.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Persson trying to control but Thornton is working from the bottom.
Thornton looking for a sweep. Not yet Thornton, not yet.
Persson slips nicely into half guard.
Persson sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Thornton defending well though.
Thornton blocking the ground and pound attempt from Persson.
Persson scoring with strikes to the body and head.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Thornton can do anything to dispel that myth.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Persson working Thornton over with strikes.
Persson not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Persson looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Thornton with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Thornton is trying to stand back up but Persson is controlling him
Persson throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Persson wants to take a breather but Thornton is having none of it.
Persson thows a huge punch but Thornton dodges it nicely.
Persson trying to control the pace.
Andre Thornton has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Persson slips a nice elbow through Thornton's hands, connecting with Thornton's forehead.
Sten Persson is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Persson has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Persson is controlling the pace.
Thornton is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Thornton misses with some strikes from the bottom.
Persson throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Persson looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.

And that's the end of the fight!
Sten Persson showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Persson, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 Andi Peters scores the fight 30:28
Judge Gordon Ramsey scores the fight 30:27
Judge Frank Skinner scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Sten Persson!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
55%

Main event

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Resial Nine (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Hank Mir (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Nine
vs
Mir

195 cm
22
270 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

196 cm
20
264 lbs
4 - 0 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Basic striking
Very quick

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter striker
Granite chin

The Fire Inside

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 4 rounds, for the heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Resial Nine!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Hank Mir!
The judges for this bout are , and .

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Nine shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Mir's guard.
Nine tries to free his leg and advance position but Mir is retaining full guard.
Nine is working hard here to advance position.
Nine works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Nine throwing shots but Mir is blocking nicely.
Mir is looking to improve his position.
Nine is looking to pass the guard... He's managed it - he's now in full mount!
Nine could do with loosing a few pounds - he looks very soft around the mid section, to put it politely.
Mir tries to reverse the position but Nine maintains control.
Nine fails to advance to Mir's back.
Nine trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Mir keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
Nine controlling his opponent.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mir is squirming around, avoiding Nine's attempts to control the action.
Nine takes his opponent's back. Perhaps a chance to lock up a rear naked choke here.
Mir is defending well here and trying to improve his position.
Mir rolls and manages to get back to half guard. Nicely done.
Nine blocks the strikes from Mir.
Mir is trying to get back to full guard.
Nine tries to pass to full mount but Mir defends it.
Nine seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Mir does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Nine passes to full mount!

Nine has control of Mir's right arm, working for a kimura. It's a bit of a token attempt though and Mir regains control of the situation pretty easily.
Mir really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
Nine misses with a series of strikes from mount. He'll no doubt be working on his ground and pound when he gets back to the gym.
Mir manages to regain half guard. Good work.
Mir gets full guard.
Mir is trying to control the position from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nine not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.

Mir has his foot on Nine's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Nine works his way back into a safe position though.
Mir manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Nine manages to get himself to full guard.
Nine pulls Mir in close to prevent any damage.
Nine wants to sweep but no luck.
Mir looking to pass the guard.
Mir trying to control but Nine is working from the bottom.

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

Mir has gone for a leg lock! Nine slips out almost immediately though and dives into Mir's guard.
Mir looks gassed!
Mir is trying to hold Nine in close to prevent damage but Nine has managed to pass into half guard.
Nine is looking to advance position but Mir won't allow it.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Mir looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Nine is pressing down on Mir's thigh, looking to free his foot. Mir is holding on for now.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Nine wants to lay and pray for a moment but Mir keeps working.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Resial Nine dominated that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Mir doesn't succeed with the takedown

and Nine counters with a shoot takedown. Mir fights it but they end up in guard.
Nine pushes down on Mir's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Nine is tying to control. Mir wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Nine tries to pass to full mount but Mir defends it.
Nine seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Mir does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Mir tries to get to full guard but Nine has control of the leg.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Nine wants to free his trapped foot but Mir is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Nine works his foot free and advances to mount.
Nine fails to move to back control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nine can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Mir is looking to escape.
Mir tries to lock up and control but Nine gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Mir sneaks a leg under to get to half guard.
Nine is looking to stall here but Mir recovers full guard.
Mir trying to strike off his back.

Mir is looking for a triangle but Nine pushes his legs off easily.
Nine passes easily into side control. Nice work.
Mir regains half guard.
Mir is breathing heavily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nine is pressing down on Mir's thigh, looking to free his foot. Mir is holding on for now.
Mir is staying active underneath Nine, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Nine is looking to advance position but Mir won't allow it.
Nine moves into full mount! Mir won't be happy about that!
Mir is trying desperately to improve position.

Nine has control of Mir's right arm, working for a kimura. It's a bit of a token attempt though and Mir regains control of the situation pretty easily.
Nine tries to control but Mir wriggling away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mir tries to reverse the position but Nine maintains control.
Nine punching from mount but Mir doing a good job of avoiding damage.
Mir is squirming around, avoiding Nine's attempts to control the action.

Nine goes for an armbar but he's not got it… Mir turns into him and now he's in Nine's guard.
Mir loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Mir looking to sit in guard and control but Nine gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Mir doesn't do any damage with a couple of strikes from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Nine stopping the sweep attempt from Mir.
Mir keeping full guard, as Nine tries to pass.
Mir bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Nine's guard.

Nine looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.

Nine looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Mir trying to control but Nine is working from the bottom.
Mir loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Resial Nine dominated that second round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Nine doesn't succeed with the takedown

and Mir counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
Mir wants to take a breather but Nine is having none of it.

Mir is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Mir wants to free his trapped foot but Nine is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Mir is thwarting Nine's attempts to control the position.
Mir missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Nine slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Nine is trying to keep Mir in close.

That's one minute gone in the round.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Mir fails with the takedown

and Nine counters with a takedown into full mount! That could mean trouble for Mir!
Mir takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

Nine jumps to side control looking for an arm triangle but Mir manages to avoid the submission attempt.
Nine lands a nice forearm strike.
Nine trying to control the position but Mir is working away.
Mir manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.
Nine is looking to take a break and control but Mir is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Mir gets back to full guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nine advances to half guard.
Nine working over Mir with some ground and pound. Mir looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Mir trying to hold on to Nine's head to control him but Nine postures up.
Nine is looking to pass Mir's guard but actually Mir recovers to full guard.
Nine preventing the sweep.
Mir keeping full guard, as Nine tries to pass.
Nine is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
Nine won't allow Mir to sweep him here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nine looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Mir is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
Mir wants to sweep but no luck.
Nine wants to control from the top but Mir keeps moving.
Nine won't allow Mir to sweep him here.
Mir keeping full guard, as Nine tries to pass.
Nine trying to control the position from guard on top but Mir is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Nine fails with the takedown

and Mir counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nine wants to improve his position but Mir is controlling well.
Mir wants to take a breather but Nine is having none of it.
Mir throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Resial Nine overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Mir wants to control but Nine is keeping him busy.
Nine regains full guard. Nicely done.
Mir wants to control from the top but Nine keeps moving.
Mir is looking to advance position but Nine has hit a scissor sweep - now he's on top in mount!
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Mir is squirming around, avoiding Nine's attempts to control the action.
Nine lands a big shot there that rocks Mir but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close third round but Hank Mir just about did enough to take it.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! This is the final round!

Nine throws a jab when Mir was well out of range.

Nine looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Mir keeping moving, preventing Nine from controlling successfully.
Nine stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Mir swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Mir looking for a sweep. Not yet Mir, not yet.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Mir working for a triangle but Nine defends it easily.
Mir wants to sweep here but Nine controlling him for the moment.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nine trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Mir is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Mir preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Nine misses with a takedown attempt

and Mir counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Mir.

Nine looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Nine keeping full guard, as Mir tries to pass.

Mir postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Nine is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Mir, into his guard.

Mir escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Nine gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Nine is stalling in the full guard.
Resial Nine is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mir trying to control the position.
Nine controlling from the top position.
Nine wants to control from the top but Mir keeps moving.
Nine works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Nine blocks the strikes from Mir.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nine works his way into side control.
The referee tells the fighters to keep busy.
Nine has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.
Mir tries to bench press Nine off him but Nine keeps the position.
Hank Mir has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Nine 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 Mir's shoulder. That is not cool.
Nine's ground tactics aren't going to win him many fans. Let's hope he's got fireworks for us if he gets back to his feet because he's not doing much on the ground.
Mir tries to get back to half guard but can't.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
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.
The referee tells the fighters to keep busy.
You can see the frustration on Mir's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Mir is looking for a sweep.
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.

The referee stands the fighters back up. Resial Nine just wasn't active enough from the dominant position.

Nine scores with a takedown into Mir's guard.
Nine is stalling in the full guard.

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

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Andi Peters scores the fight 39:37
Judge Gordon Ramsey scores the fight 39:37
Judge Frank Skinner scores the fight 39:37

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Resial Nine!
Resial Nine retains his heavyweight title!