CFC IX - James vs. Mousasi PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Thiago Tavares (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Muricio Silva (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Chooooooooon! I think Tavares might be my favorite fighter, now he's come out to Immortal Technique - Point of No Return. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Tavares
vs
Silva

182 cm
19
177 lbs
2 - 5 - 0

188 cm
23
176 lbs
2 - 4 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
KO power

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter striker
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Thiago Tavares!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Muricio Silva!
The judges for this bout are Edson Gomes, Daniel Cesar and Emerson Jorge.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Silva looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
Tavares looks exhausted already! Oh dear, he should have come in in better shape than this!
Silva drops an elbow to the side of Tavares's head.
Silva thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.

Silva is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Silva wants to take a breather but Tavares is having none of it.
Silva not doing much here.

Silva is working for a submission of some sort.

Silva is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Silva wants to free his trapped foot but Tavares is holding on for dear life with his legs.

Silva is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.

Silva looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
Silva not doing much here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Silva passes to 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.

Silva decides to stand back up. Silva steps back and let's Tavares get back to his feet.

Silva shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in full mount! That's better than Silva was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Silva cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!
Tavares is squirming around, avoiding Silva's attempts to control the action.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Silva has control of Tavares's right arm, working for a kimura. It's a bit of a token attempt though and Tavares regains control of the situation pretty easily.
Tavares is desperately trying to get back to half guard.

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.

Silva looking for a guillotine from mount but Tavares is having none of it.
Tavares is in all sorts of trouble here.

Silva goes for an armbar but Tavares turns quickly into his guard - lovely anticipation from Tavares.

Silva looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Tavares passes into half guard.
Silva wants to control but Tavares is keeping busy.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Muricio Silva dominated that round.
That's time! Tavares's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Silva drives through and clinches with Tavares against the cage.
Tavares jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Silva walks away with a smile on his face. Tavares gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.

Silva closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Tavares to the mat! Tavares manages to get full guard.
Silva controls from within his opponent's guard.
Silva lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Silva stays in close to Tavares's body and controls the position.
Silva passes Tavares's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Tavares looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Silva slows the pace down in half guard.
Silva is trying to control the action in half guard but Tavares is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.

Tavares actively working from the bottom here.

Silva is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Silva is looking for a kimura but Tavares is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Silva to get the leverage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.

Tavares actively working from the bottom here.

Silva is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.

Tavares looking for submissions off his back.
Tavares wants to improve his position but Silva is controlling well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Still in half guard, Silva seems content to control.
Tavares is looking to improve his position.

Tavares is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Silva pulls his head out easily.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.

Silva drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Tavares tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Silva wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Silva tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Tavares tries to improve position but can't.

Silva is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Tavares has escaped the position, nice work there.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Tavares looks to move to half guard but instead Silva has passed into mount! Damn!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Muricio Silva showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Tavares fails with the takedown

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

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

Tavares escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Silva gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.

Tavares has an active guard here but Silva has managed to pass into half guard.
Silva keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Silva trying to mount his opponent but Tavares defends it.

Tavares looking for submissions from an awkward position here.

Silva seems to be working for a kimura but Tavares defends the submission attempt.

Tavares looking for submissions off his back.
Silva takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.

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.

Tavares looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Silva is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.

Tavares looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.

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

Silva changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Tavares looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.

Silva thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tavares is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.
Tavares is not content to let Silva control the position.
Tavares wants to improve his position but Silva is controlling well.
Silva looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Tavares with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Silva controlling the action here.
Silva is keen to just control but Tavares is a slippery customer.

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.

Tavares looking for submissions from an awkward position here.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.

Tavares gets a takedown into half guard.
Silva works his way to full guard. Good work.

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

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Edson Gomes scores the fight 27:30
Judge Daniel Cesar scores the fight 27:30
Judge Emerson Jorge scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Muricio Silva!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
42%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Demian Maia (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Tim Leston (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). On his way into the cage it seems that Demian Maia has been attacked by a crazed fan! It looks like it might have been the just bleed guy! Luckily Demian Maia seems to be OK! I thought that lunatic was in prison!?

Maia
vs
Leston

183 cm
22
202 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

183 cm
18
192 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
Cuts easily

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Pure Strength, 142+ for 40$

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Demian Maia!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Tim Leston!
The judges for this bout are Seu Braga, Matheus Silva and Felipe Paraventi.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Jab by Leston.

It looks like Demian Maia has been cut.
Tim Leston seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Maia closes the distance and clinches.
Leston is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Maia tries to pull guard but Leston won't allow it.
Leston has had enough of the clinch but Maia keeps him there for the moment.
Maia is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Leston pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Leston working hard to break the clinch.
Maia has Leston pressed against the cage, preventing Leston from circling away and getting back to striking at range.

Maia pulls guard effortlessly.
Maia looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Leston wants to get up but he can't break Maia's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.

Maia has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Leston can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Leston preventing the sweep.

Leston got a little sloppy there for a moment and Maia has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Leston has managed to get both his arms back between Maia's legs - danger averted.
Maia wants to sweep here but Leston controlling him for the moment.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Leston wants to stand but Maia is controlling his posture from full guard.
Leston preventing the sweep.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Maia working for a triangle but Leston defends it easily.

Maia is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Maia is breathing heavily.
Leston wanted to stand there but Maia had control of the position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Maia bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Leston's guard.

Maia drops back looking for a leg! Leston is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Leston manages to kick Maia off! Maia jumps back into Leston's guard.

Maia thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Leston is looking to stand up but Maia isn't so interested in that idea.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Maia is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Leston wants to stand up but Maia is controlling him.

Maia thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.

Leston scrambles and gets back to his feet.
Leston with a hook.
Leston circles away from the clinch attempt.
Leston ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Leston throws a series of strikes that have Maia backpedaling.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Maia slips a jab and a cross from Leston.
Leston scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
Leston lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.

Maia is rocked!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Leston lands a big uppercut and this one is all over! His foe lies motionless on the canvas - a massive one punch knockout!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:07 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Tim Leston!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
91%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Rick Bonano (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Damian Corway (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). I can't wait for this one - let's get the fighter introductions out of the way and get this one started!

Bonano
vs
Corway

188 cm
20
215 lbs
3 - 2 - 0

190 cm
22
240 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Granite chin

BJJ White Belt
Counter striker
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Rick Bonano!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Damian Corway!
The judges for this bout are Edson Gomes, Thiago Cunha and Felipe Paraventi.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Corway closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Bonano looks exhausted already! Oh dear, he should have come in in better shape than this!
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Corway lands a nice short elbow.
Corway missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Corway thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Corway thows a huge punch but Bonano dodges it nicely.
Corway throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Corway sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Bonano defending well though.
Corway is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Corway is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Corway missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Corway throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Bonano taking some punishment here, with Corway in his half guard.
Corway working the head and body with strikes.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Corway thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Bonano's head.
Bonano blocking the ground and pound attempt from Corway.
Corway lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Corway missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Bonano keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Bonano keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Corway lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Corway sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Bonano defending well though.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bonano keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Bonano keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Corway working the head and body with strikes.
Corway missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Corway not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Corway thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Bonano's head.
Corway throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Corway missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Corway thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Bonano's head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Corway not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Bonano keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Corway lands a jab to the head.
Corway lands with a nice body punch.
Corway takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Corway fails to land the takedown.

Corway closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Corway lands in his opponent's guard.
Bonano avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Corway throwing strikes but missing.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Corway postures up in Bonano's guard and throws a big left but Bonano blocks it.
Corway with a flurry of punches that miss.
Bonano avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Bonano wants to stand up but Corway is controlling him.
Corway makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Corway missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.

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

Corway drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Bonano on the wrong end of some ground and pound.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Damian Corway dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Corway blocks a head kick by Bonano.
Corway fails with a takedown attempt.

Corway drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Corway throwing strikes but missing.
Corway postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Bonano is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Corway is controlling him.
Corway in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Corway lands a couple of elbows.
Corway must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Corway landing with the ground and pound.
Corway lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Corway missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Corway loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Bonano utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Corway lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Corway with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Corway postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Corway lands a couple of decent looking shots.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Corway scoring with punches to the head and body.
Corway working some strikes from top position.
Corway throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Bonano works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Corway working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Bonano's head.
Bonano avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Corway throws a big right hand that misses.
Corway throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Bonano works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Corway stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Bonano swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Corway postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Corway throws and elbow that misses. Bonano uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Corway's guard. Nice move by Bonano!
Corway is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Bonano wanted to stand there but Corway had control of the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Damian Corway showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. This is the final round!

Corway lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Bonano backs up against the cage.
Bonano takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.

Bonano gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Corway to score an easy takedown into full guard.
Corway in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Corway throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Bonano works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Corway working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Corway is working Bonano over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Damian Corway has got the better of the ground game so far.
Corway distracts Bonano with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Corway working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Corway wants to pass the guard but Bonano is keeping the position.
Corway forces his way into half guard.
Corway scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Corway thows a huge punch but Bonano dodges it nicely.
Corway thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Bonano's head.
Corway thows a huge punch but Bonano dodges it nicely.
Bonano taking some punishment here, with Corway in his half guard.
Corway thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Corway seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Corway is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
Corway thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Corway is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
Corway drops an elbow to the side of Bonano's head.

Bonano manages to escape and get back to his feet!
Rick Bonano is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Bonano slaps away a takedown attempt from Corway, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Corway scores with a sloppy right hand. Bonano should have avoided that one.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Corway lands a really nice looking cross but Bonano seems unphased.
Corway shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Bonano as he jumps to the side.
Corway looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Bonano is fending him off so far but Corway persists. Nope, Bonano circles away and we're back to standing.
Rick Bonano has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Damian Corway.
Bonano tries to clinch there but Corway circles away.
Bonano misses with a combination

and Corway counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
Bonano keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Corway lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Corway throwing shots but Bonano is blocking nicely.
Bonano avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Corway.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Corway thows a huge punch but Bonano dodges it nicely.
Bonano avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Corway.
Corway has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Corway missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Bonano is trying to stand back up but Corway is controlling him

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

Corway gets a takedown into half guard.
Corway throwing shots but Bonano is blocking nicely.
Rick Bonano has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Corway lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Damian Corway is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Still in half guard, Corway seems content to control.

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

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Edson Gomes scores the fight 26:30
Judge Thiago Cunha scores the fight 26:30
Judge Felipe Paraventi scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Damian Corway!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
47%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Paulo Almeida (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Weiner Whipple (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Whipple comes into a darkened arena with his song building. Awesome New Metallica Song kicks in, the lights come on and the crowd goes wild! What a showman! Weiner Whipple has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Almeida
vs
Whipple

197 cm
23
255 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

194 cm
20
256 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Solid boxing
Cardio machine

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter striker
Determined

Mundo Green - World Verde

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 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Paulo Almeida!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Weiner Whipple!
The judges for this bout are Alexandre Firmino, Matheus Silva and Luis Engracia.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Almeida scores with a nice head shot.

It looks like Weiner Whipple has been cut.
Whipple walks into a jab.
Almeida cracks Whipple with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Whipple on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Almeida throws an overhand right from the outside, which connects and sends Whipple stumbling backwards into the cage! Whipple bounces back off the cage towards Almeida, who cracks him with a two punch combination that drops him to his knees! Almeida lands two more shots before the referee has chance to intervene - what a finish! Almeida celebrates with his corner as the crowd cheer loudly.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:18 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Punches). Paulo Almeida!

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 heavyweight MMA rules bout between Keith Roylance (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Bruno Rodrigues (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Roylance
vs
Rodrigues

194 cm
20
218 lbs
6 - 2 - 0

195 cm
22
250 lbs
3 - 3 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter striker
Good chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Keith Roylance!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Bruno Rodrigues!
The judges for this bout are Leandro Rodrigues, Matheus Silva and Daniel Cesar.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Rodrigues tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Roylance paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Rodrigues is looking to clinch but Roylance is avoiding it.
Rodrigues fails with an attempt to clinch.
Roylance fails miserably with a takedown attempt.

Rodrigues clinches up with Roylance and pushes him back against the cage.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Rodrigues just misses with a elbow thrown towards Roylance's brow.
Rodrigues gets underhooks to prevent Roylance's takedown attempt.
Rodrigues creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Rodrigues comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Rodrigues with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.

It looks like Keith Roylance has been cut.
Roylance blocks the elbow strike.
Rodrigues lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.

Roylance works for the underhooks and manages to get a trip takedown into guard.

Roylance drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Roylance jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Rodrigues wants to stand and escape but Roylance is having none of it.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Roylance thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.

Roylance drops back looking for a leg! Rodrigues is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Rodrigues manages to kick Roylance off! Roylance jumps back into Rodrigues's guard.
Roylance is breathing heavily.
Rodrigues wants to stand up but Roylance is controlling him.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.

Roylance looking for a takedown here - he's got it.

Rodrigues pushes Roylance off and scrambles back to his feet.
Rodrigues tries to close the distance and clinch up but Roylance swats him away and circles back towards the center.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Roylance.

Roylance tries for a kimura but Rodrigues is defending well.

Roylance is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Rodrigues knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Rodrigues wants to get back to his feet but Roylance drags him back down.
Rodrigues gives up the full mount - oops, sloppy defensive grappling there!

That's three minutes gone in the round.

The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Roylance is going olschool here, as he tries to force Rodrigues to tap using a forearm choke. This isn't 1993 though, so Rodrigues shrugs it off.
Rodrigues is looking to get back to his feet - it's going to be hard from this position.
Rodrigues really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Roylance. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Roylance forces the positional change into back control.

Roylance patiently working for the choke. Which fighter will keep their nerve here?

Rodrigues is staying cool under pressure, defending well against the rear naked choke attempt from his opponent.

Roylance looking to break Rodrigues's wrist control so he can sink in the choke. Rodrigues remaining controlled and patient though - he really has to keep calm otherwise Roylance will wrap this one up with the rear naked choke!

Rodrigues is displaying good submission defense - not really looking in danger of submitting to the rear naked choke at the moment. That could change in an instant of course if Roylance gets his way!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rodrigues controlling the position well but he knows he's in a bad position.

Roylance is staying calm and holding on to the back position, whilst working on a rear naked choke. Rodrigues is defending well though. Roylance let's go of the attempt for now.
Rodrigues holding both Roylance 's hands and preventing any damage.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Rodrigues showing good submission defense here.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Rodrigues is trying to get back to his feet but Roylance has full control of the position and if anything, Rodrigues has just worked his way into a worse spot.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Keith Roylance dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Keith Roylance's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Rodrigues misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Roylance swats away the attempt to clinch by Rodrigues.
Horrible takedown by Roylance or perhaps it was just good defense by Rodrigues which made him look bad.
Rodrigues tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Roylance paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Rodrigues tries to close the distance and clinch but Roylance swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rodrigues doesn't manage to clinch there - Roylance circles away.
Rodrigues tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Rodrigues scoring well with a low kick there.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Rodrigues pushes Roylance up against the cage in a clinch.
Roylance avoids a wild elbow strike from Rodrigues.
Rodrigues lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Roylance dodges an elbow strike from Rodrigues.
Rodrigues pushes off an throws an elbow but Roylance leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
Roylance has Rodrigues pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Rodrigues manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Rodrigues throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Rodrigues throws an elbow but it misses.
Rodrigues pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the cage.
Roylance has Rodrigues pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Rodrigues manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Keith Roylance. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Roylance looking for a takedown.
Rodrigues lands an elbow inside that Roylance shrugs off.
Roylance blocks an elbow strike.
Rodrigues is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Rodrigues lands a damaging elbow.
Rodrigues gets underhooks to prevent Roylance's takedown attempt.
Roylance has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Rodrigues is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Roylance can't get the takedown.
Rodrigues lands an elbow inside.
Roylance takes an elbow to the forehead.
Rodrigues lands an elbow just above Roylance 's eye.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Roylance dodges an elbow strike from Rodrigues.
Roylance takes a knee right on the jaw!
Rodrigues creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Rodrigues.
Roylance blocks an elbow strike from Rodrigues.
Rodrigues scores with a shoulder strike.
Roylance drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Rodrigues gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Rodrigues throws an elbow that misses.
Rodrigues with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Rodrigues throws an elbow that misses.
Rodrigues lands an elbow inside.
Roylance blocks the elbow strike.
Rodrigues throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Rodrigues looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Roylance can't get the takedown.
Rodrigues is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.
Rodrigues throws an elbow that misses.
Roylance blocks an elbow strike from Rodrigues.
Roylance blocks the elbow strike.
Roylance has Rodrigues pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Rodrigues manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Roylance changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Rodrigues fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Rodrigues connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Roylance throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Rodrigues's waist but Rodrigues gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Roylance off to one side.
Rodrigues doesn't manage to clinch there - Roylance circles away.

Rodrigues moves into the clinch successfully.
Roylance avoids the elbow strike from Rodrigues, against the cage.
Roylance is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Roylance blocks an elbow strike.
Roylance avoids the elbow strike from Rodrigues, against the cage.
Rodrigues throws an elbow but it misses.

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.
Rodrigues lands a damaging elbow.
Rodrigues gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Roylance.
Nice elbow from Rodrigues.
A bit of stalling here from Rodrigues.
Rodrigues throws an elbow that misses.
Rodrigues comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Roylance avoids a wild elbow strike from Rodrigues.
Rodrigues throws an elbow that misses.
Roylance is working for takedown but Rodrigues is calmly controlling the position for now.
Rodrigues lands a nice elbow.
Rodrigues lands an elbow just above Roylance 's eye.
Rodrigues lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Rodrigues throws an elbow that misses.
Rodrigues stops a takedown attempt from Roylance.
Rodrigues lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Roylance blocks the elbow strike.
Rodrigues prevents a takedown attempt there.
Rodrigues is trying to maintain a safe position but Roylance gets an underhook and turns Rodrigues into the cage.
Roylance takes an elbow to the temple.
Rodrigues leaning against his opponent.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Bruno Rodrigues showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Keith Roylance's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Roylance shoots in looking for a takedown. Rodrigues tries to sprawl out of it but Roylance keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Rodrigues manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Rodrigues is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Roylance avoids a punch combination nicely.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rodrigues lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Rodrigues misses with a jab, cross combination.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rodrigues is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
No luck for Rodrigues with that takedown attempt.
Rodrigues tries to clinch but Roylance is having none of it.
Rodrigues looks to land a combination but Roylance avoids it well.
Keith Roylance is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Rodrigues tries to clinch but Roylance moves out of range.
Roylance checks a leg kick.
Roylance circles away from the clinch attempt.

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.
Roylance circles away from the clinch attempt.
Roylance fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.

Rodrigues moves into the clinch.
Rodrigues throws an elbow that misses.
Rodrigues pushes off an throws an elbow but Roylance leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
Rodrigues pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the cage.
Roylance changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Rodrigues fights it off and pushes away nicely.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Keith Roylance. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Rodrigues is looking to clinch but Roylance is avoiding it.

Rodrigues closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Roylance looking for a takedown.
Roylance is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Rodrigues.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Rodrigues just misses with a elbow thrown towards Roylance's brow.
Rodrigues creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Roylance blocks the elbow strike.
Roylance drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.

Roylance has dropped down and is working for a takedown. Rodrigues is trying to keep an underhook but Roylance manages to get the takedown into half guard.
Roylance stops Rodrigues from getting back to his feet.

Rodrigues has one foot on Roylance's thigh - he pushes off and manages to get back to his feet.

Roylance scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
Roylance prevents Rodrigues from escaping the position.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Rodrigues is using up a lot of energy trying to get back to his feet. Perhaps he should improve his position first.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Roylance tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Rodrigues wants to get back to his feet but Roylance drags him back down.

Roylance has an Americana. Rodrigues didn't react quickly enough there and he's in big trouble now! He tries to squirm out but is forced to tap! Roylance is delighted and gyrates in front of the ring girls. They seem to like the attention - it'll be interesting to see if Roylance hooks up with any of them at the after show party.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:43 of round 3, we have a winner by way of Submission (Americana). Keith Roylance!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
63%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between John Botello (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and kid bengala (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Botello comes to the cage accompanied by Makin it Work. John Botello has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Botello
vs
bengala

170 cm
19
212 lbs
5 - 1 - 0

190 cm
20
205 lbs
4 - 2 - 0

Decent wrestler
Solid boxing
Very strong

BJJ Brown Belt
Brawler
Tends to cut

Syndicate Drugs

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the light heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, John Botello!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, kid bengala!
The judges for this bout are Matheus Silva, Emerson Jorge and Leandro Rodrigues.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Botello looks to land a left hand but bengala moved out of range nicely.
kid bengala seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
bengala shoots in for a takedown but Botello shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Nice cross by Botello.
bengala drops his hands momentarily and Botello takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
bengala shoots in for a takedown but Botello shows good takedown defense.
Botello leaves bengala with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
John Botello has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of kid bengala.
bengala fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Botello stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Botello wants it to stay on the feet.
Botello leaves bengala with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
bengala shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Botello but Botello pushes him off and we're back to square one.
bengala looks gassed!
Nice straight punches there by Botello. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Botello.

It looks like kid bengala has been cut.
Botello connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed bengala momentarily.

Botello drops bengala with a hook right on the temple. He thinks about going to the ground but bengala looks back up at him and smiles so Botello waves him back to his feet - he obviously thinks he can knock him out after that shot landed.

bengala is rocked!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Today's fight clock is brought to you by... OOOH that's a huge shot by Botello! bengala is in big trouble here - the ref steps in to save him and this one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:08 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). John Botello!
John Botello retains his light heavyweight title!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
92%

Main event

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Antonio James (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Mamed Mousasi (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both these fighters are unbeaten, so somebody's 0 has got to go!This should be a great matchup!

James
vs
Mousasi

191 cm
25
275 lbs
6 - 0 - 0

187 cm
25
269 lbs
7 - 0 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Solid boxing
Good chin

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Antonio James!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Mamed Mousasi!
The judges for this bout are Paulo Santos, Seu Braga and Thiago Cunha.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Mousasi misses with an uppercut.
Mousasi misses with an uppercut. James saw that one coming.
Mousasi paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Mousasi lands a jab to the head.

It looks like Antonio James has been cut.
James takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
James tries to clinch but Mousasi is having none of it.
Mousasi looks to throw the jab but James is out of range.
James goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Mousasi misses with an uppercut. James saw that one coming.
Mamed Mousasi seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Mousasi scores with a hook to the body. James takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Mousasi misses with a hook.
Mousasi jabbing away but nothing is landing.
James throws a body kick that misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nice uppercut lands for Mousasi. That snapped James's head back.
Mousasi scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. James doesn't seem bothered though.
James is breathing heavily.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
James is wiping some vaseline out of his eye. Mousasi doesn't give a rats ass about fair play and cracks him with a massive hook to the side of the head! James crumples to the floor out cold! The cornerman is going to be in James's bad books for that mishap!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:21 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Mamed Mousasi!
Mamed Mousasi is the new heavyweight champion!