BKCC 43 PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Mike Yu (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and David Backstrom (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Yu kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is Die Antwoord - Enter The Ninja. Backstrom has chosen Girl I Love as his entrance music. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Yu
vs
Backstrom

179 cm
27
184 lbs
6 - 4 - 0

182 cm
22
186 lbs
7 - 5 - 1

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent boxer
Very strong

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent MT
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 4 - 0, fighting out of London, Mike Yu!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 5 - 1, fighting out of London, David Backstrom!
The judges for this bout are Colin Fotheringham, James Glass and James Atkins.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Yu closes the distance and clinches.
Yu can't break the clinch.
Backstrom looking for a takedown.

Yu's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Backstrom on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.

Backstrom shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Oh and he's advanced to full mount straight away.
Yu is trying to get to the cage to help him get back to his feet.
Yu holding onto his opponent's waist for dear life, as Backstrom tries to land some strikes to get him to release his grip.
Backstrom throwing shots from mount but they're not landing.
Backstrom throwing strikes here but Yu is writhing around nicely and avoiding any serious damage.
Yu is squirming around, avoiding Backstrom's attempts to control the action.
Poor strikes thrown by Backstrom there. More accuracy and less frantic strikes would help!
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Backstrom cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Backstrom trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Backstrom punching from mount but Yu doing a good job of avoiding damage.
Backstrom is still in mount, landing shots to his trapped opponent. Yu can't stay in a position like this for much longer.
Backstrom throws an elbow from mount that misses. Lucky escape for Yu because Backstrom loaded up on that one.
Backstrom lands a shot to the body, followed up by a shot to the exposed head of his trapped opponent.
Backstrom throwing strikes here but Yu is writhing around nicely and avoiding any serious damage.
Yu wriggling around on the bottom manages to avoid the strikes thrown by Backstrom.
Backstrom throws some wild stikes that Yu manages to avoid easily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Backstrom punching from mount but Yu doing a good job of avoiding damage.
Yu is trying to get to the cage to help him get back to his feet.
Backstrom with shots to the head and body - Yu looks very uncomfortable down there.
Yu is trying to escape but when you're mounted that's not too easy.
Backstrom throwing shots from mount but they're not landing.
Backstrom throws an elbow from mount that misses. Lucky escape for Yu because Backstrom loaded up on that one.
Backstrom unloads with some shots from mount but Yu bucks and avoids them well.
Backstrom looking to ground and pound but Yu is blocking nicely.
Yu is breathing heavily.

Yu bucks up and throws Backstrom to the side - he's got back to his feet. Great escape!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Backstrom feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Yus jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Backstrom misses with a head kick.

Yu looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
Yu not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Backstrom has hold of Yu's hands but Yu slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Backstrom avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Yu.
Backstrom is doing well to control the position and prevent Yu from advancing to side control.
Yu wants to lay and pray for a moment but Backstrom keeps working.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
It looks like Yu is going to stand back up.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Backstrom makes some distance and scrambles quickly back to his feet. Nice work!

Yu moves into the clinch.
Yu changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Backstrom fights it off and pushes away nicely.

Yu moves into the clinch.
Backstrom misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Yu.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Yu on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Yu avoiding damage.
Yu has a couple of punches blocked by Backstrom.
Yu lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Backstrom backwards.
Nice elbow from Yu.
Backstrom tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Yu just stands there and leans against the cage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

David Backstrom dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Yu takes a head kick and shrugs it off.

It looks like Mike Yu has been cut.

Yu has taken the fight to the clinch.
Backstrom is trying to stall.
Yu lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Yu lands with a right to the head.

Backstrom breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Backstrom throws a right and a left that both miss.

Yu gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Yu is pressed up against the cage. Backstrom has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Yu down to the mat. Yu avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Mike Yu is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Backstrom tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Yu moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Yu rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Backstrom moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Yu throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.

Backstrom tries to keep at a distance but Yu has taken the fight into the clinch.
Backstrom blocks an elbow strike.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Backstrom misses with a hook to the ribs.
Yu is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Backstrom gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Yu keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Backstrom's efforts to push away.
Yu lands with a left to the head.
Backstrom utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Backstrom wants to break free but Yu has control.
Yu lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Yu lands a right hand that snaps the head of Backstrom backwards.
Yu is trying to stall.
Backstrom takes an elbow to the forehead.

Yu breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.

Yu has managed to clinch.
Yu lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Backstrom backwards.
Backstrom is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Yu pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Backstrom has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Yu is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Mike Yu has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of David Backstrom.
Yu throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Backstroms head.
Yu scores with a shot to the side of Backstrom's head.
Backstrom looking to slow down the pace here.
Yu throws an elbow but it misses.
Backstrom has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Backstrom goes for a takedown in the clinch but Yu prevents it.
A short right from Yu on the inside.
Backstrom prevents the takedown attempt.
Backstrom blocks the elbow strike.
Backstrom prevents a takedown attempt there.

Backstrom pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Yu moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Backstrom misses with a body kick.
Yu chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Backstrom can pounce on him.
Backstrom tries to clinch up

and Yu moves into the clinch.
Backstrom wants a takedown.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
Backstrom blocks an elbow strike from Yu.
Yu lands an elbow inside that Backstrom shrugs off.

Backstrom breaks from the clinch.
Yu takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Nice jab there from Yu.
Yu fails to land with a series of punches.
Backstrom lands a nice looking kick to the body. Yu takes a step back to recover.

Yu moves into range and clinches up with Backstrom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Yu wants a takedown.

Backstrom pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Backstrom throws a sloppy head kick and Yu moves out of range easily.
A head kick by Backstrom misses

and Yu counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Yu stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Backstrom swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Yu loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Yu throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Yu passes into half guard.
Backstrom wants to get back to his feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Yu wants to work for an arm triangle but Backstrom is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Yu stops Backstrom from getting back to his feet.
Yu not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Yu thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Backstrom's head.

Yu is trying to work for a kimura but Backstrom is defending well.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Yu not landing any meaningful shots this time.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mike Yu dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Mike Yu'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. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Yu jabs away that one connects to the head of his opponent.
Backstrom shoots in looking for a takedown but Yu manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Backstrom's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.

Yu has taken the fight to the clinch.
Still in the clinch, Yu scores with a nice short uppercut.
Yu lands a right hand.

Backstrom breaks from the clinch.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Yu!

It looks like David Backstrom has been cut.

Backstrom tries to keep at a distance but Yu has taken the fight into the clinch.
Yu is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
A left hand lands to the body for Yu.
Yu stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Yu lands with a left to the head.
Yu lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Backstrom backwards.
Yu lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Yu lands a left hand that snaps the head of Backstrom backwards.
A short body shot lands from Yu as the two fighters clinch.

Yu pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Backstrom's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Backstrom missing with knees to the body.
Yu goes for a takedown attempt but Backstrom pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.

Yu has managed to clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Yu lands an elbow that stopped Backstrom in his tracks for a moment.
Knees in the clinch landing for Backstrom.
Yu pushes Backstrom back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Backstrom avoids a wild elbow strike from Yu.
Backstrom tries to break free but Yu pushes him back against the cage.
Yu throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Backstrom being controlled against the cage.
Backstrom managing to block the knees to the body from Yu.

Backstrom manages to break the clinch.
Backstrom throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.

Yu gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Backstrom tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Yu avoids it.
Yu lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Backstrom backwards.
Yu lands a left hand.
Yu lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Yu gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Backstrom.
Yu lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Yu creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Backstrom's defenses.

Backstrom gets a nice trip takedown into half guard.
Backstrom thows a huge punch but Yu dodges it nicely.
Yu is staying active underneath Backstrom, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Yu keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Backstrom throwing shots but Yu is blocking nicely.
Yu wants to get back to his feet.
Backstrom missing with the ground and pound from half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Backstrom is trying to control the action in half guard but Yu is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Backstrom thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Yu's head.
Yu is trying to stand back up but Backstrom is controlling him
Yu blocking the ground and pound attempt from Backstrom.
Backstrom working over Yu with some ground and pound. Yu looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Yu wants to get back to his feet.
Backstrom thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Yu's head.
Backstrom thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Yu wants to get back to his feet.

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.
Yu has hold of Backstrom's hands but Backstrom slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.

Backstrom seems to be looking for submissions.
Backstrom is keen to just control but Yu is a slippery customer.
Yu looks like he's trying to stand up.
Backstrom wants to lay and pray for a moment but Yu keeps working.
David Backstrom has got the better of the ground game so far.
Backstrom throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.

And that's the end of the fight!
Mike Yu showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Yu 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 Colin Fotheringham scores the fight 29:28
Judge James Glass scores the fight 29:28
Judge James Atkins scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Mike Yu!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
66%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Jonny Beano (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Brandan Kirwan (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both these guys have really solid chins. Will we see a standup war or will they both decide that a knockout is unlikely and try to win the fight elsewhere?

Beano
vs
Kirwan

162 cm
27
155 lbs
5 - 3 - 0

174 cm
20
171 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
Granite chin

Powerful takedowns
Basic striking
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 3 - 0, fighting out of London, Jonny Beano!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of London, Brandan Kirwan!
The judges for this bout are Paul Tew, Richard Clark and James Ackerman.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Beano fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Kirwan sprawls well initially but Beano persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Beano is trying to control the action in half guard but Kirwan is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Kirwan tries to roll over but Beano keeps him under control.
Kirwan trying to hold on to Beano's head to control him but Beano postures up.
Kirwan is looking to improve his position.

Beano 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.
Kirwan is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.

Beano is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Kirwan gets full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kirwan trying to control the position.

Kirwan working for a triangle but Beano defends it easily.
Beano wants to control from the top but Kirwan keeps moving.
Beano pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Kirwan is keeping the position for now.
Kirwan trying to control the position.

The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Kirwan throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Kirwan looking for a sweep. Not yet Kirwan, not yet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kirwan is trying to control the position but Beano postures up.
Beano knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Kirwan on the ground.
Beano postures up in Kirwan's guard and throws a big left but Kirwan blocks it.

Beano 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.
Beano throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.

Kirwan is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Beano defends well.

Kirwan isolates an arm and boxes in a triangle. Beano stacks Kirwan on his neck as he steps over and passes to the side. He's now in a much more dominant position where he can look to do some serious damage. Nice move by Beano!
Kirwan is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Beano off and has taken his back!
Beano trying to control but he's just got himself in more trouble.
Beano is in a bad position, trying to hold on for dear life but he is really struggling to maintain any sort of control.
Beano might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.

Kirwan is working the back position looking for the choke. Oh, he's slid into an armbar! Beautiful transition and Beano taps out! Fantastic Jiu Jitsu from Kirwan.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:04 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Brandan Kirwan!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
51%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between William McGregor (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Gustavo Ramirez (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Ramirez has chosen White Wizzard - Gates Of Gehenna as his entrance music. Buckle up people - heeeeeeeeeere we go!

McGregor
vs
Ramirez

184 cm
27
192 lbs
7 - 9 - 0

188 cm
21
195 lbs
4 - 0 - 0

Decent wrestler
Solid boxing
KO power

BJJ Brown Belt
Brawler
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 7 - 9 - 0, fighting out of London, William McGregor!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Gustavo Ramirez!
The judges for this bout are Colin Fotheringham, Andrew Berry and James Ackerman.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Ramirez shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
Ramirez wants to control from the top but McGregor keeps moving.
McGregor wants to get back to his feet but Ramirez passes into half guard.
McGregor wants to improve his position but Ramirez is controlling well.
Ramirez thows a huge punch but McGregor dodges it nicely.
McGregor keeping control of the leg, stopping his opponent passing to mount.
Ramirez trying to control the action but McGregor is working from the bottom.
Ramirez seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.
McGregor wants to get back to full guard.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.

McGregor makes some distance and scrambles quickly back to his feet. Nice work!

Ramirez bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.

Ramirez is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but McGregor is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
McGregor on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if McGregor tries to get out of the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ramirez misses with an attempted head punch from side control.
Ramirez wants to control but McGregor is keeping him busy.
McGregor wants to get back to his feet.

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

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:41 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Americana). Gustavo Ramirez!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
69%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Luis Suarez (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Tobias Flynn (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!

Suarez
vs
Flynn

190 cm
26
185 lbs
1 - 3 - 0

167 cm
20
185 lbs
0 - 2 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Cuts easily

BJJ White Belt
Brawler
Determined

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 1 - 3 - 0, fighting out of London, Luis Suarez!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 2 - 0, fighting out of London, Tobias Flynn!
The judges for this bout are James Atkins, James Glass and Daniel Bishop.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Flynn misses with a takedown

and Suarez counters with a nice double leg into side control. Flynn won't be happy with that.

Suarez in side control, working for a kimura. He's got hold of an arm and he's torquing it... Flynn is tapping! That's the end of the fight!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:25 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Luis Suarez!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
97%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Mt Bot (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Dean Smedley (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The key to victory for Mt Bot has got to be keeping the fight on the feet.

Bot
vs
Smedley

177 cm
26
185 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

180 cm
24
188 lbs
3 - 6 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Self confident

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter striker
Granite 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 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of London, Mt Bot!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 6 - 0, fighting out of London, Dean Smedley!
The judges for this bout are Chris Edwards, Donald Grub and Daniel Bishop.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Smedley throws a series of punches but Bot avoids them all with ease.
Bot lands with a nice body kick.
Bot with a lazy takedown attempt
and Smedley counters with a one-two to the body.
Bot has his takedown stuffed
and Smedley comes in over the top with a devastating right hand! Bot stumbles back against the cage, looking to regain his senses but Smedley is on him like rabid pit bull! Bot slumps to the ground under a storm of punches and this fight is over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:18 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Dean Smedley!

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 light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Mark Thomas (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Taylor Tibbs (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The key to victory for Mark Thomas has got to be keeping the fight on the feet.

Thomas
vs
Tibbs

200 cm
22
214 lbs
6 - 9 - 0

195 cm
26
205 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Experienced

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
Granite chin

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 6 - 9 - 0, fighting out of London, Mark Thomas!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of London, Taylor Tibbs!
The judges for this bout are Sam Margolis, William Gold and Paul Tew.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Tibbs with a lazy takedown attempt

so Thomas counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Thomas throwing strikes from guard but Tibbs blocks nicely.
Tibbs seems keen to control Thomas's posture.
Thomas throws and elbow that misses. Tibbs uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Thomas's guard. Nice move by Tibbs!
Tibbs missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.

Thomas pushes Tibbs off and gets back to his feet.
Tibbs has his takedown stuffed
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.

Thomas closes the distance and pushes Tibbs back into the cage.
Thomas lands an elbow inside.
Thomas landing knees to the head.

It looks like Taylor Tibbs has been cut.

Thomas has moved round to his opponent's back and is looking for a suplex! Oh snap! He's tossed Tibbs clear over his head and slammed him to the mat!
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Thomas lands an elbow to the side of the head.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Thomas is remaining active here, looking for the choke. The more discerning members of the crowd will appreciate his efforts.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Can Tibbs hold on?! Thomas is landing more strikes to his hapless foe.
Thomas throws strikes from the back but Tibbs rolls nicely and manages to end up in full guard. Nice work by Tibbs.
Thomas throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Tibbs works some decent striking defense from the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Thomas postures up in Tibbs's guard and throws a big left but Tibbs blocks it.
Thomas preventing the sweep.
Thomas throws a strike but Tibbs rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Thomas keeping moving, preventing Tibbs from controlling successfully.
Thomas looking for a sweep. Not yet Thomas, not yet.
Tibbs advances to half guard.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!

Tibbs is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.

Tibbs seems to be looking for submissions.

Tibbs is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

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

Tibbs is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Thomas is just riding it out for now. Tibbs eventually gives up the hold.
Thomas is looking to improve his position.
Tibbs passes to full mount!
Tibbs prevents Thomas from getting the reversal.
Thomas is breathing heavily.

Tibbs working for a guillotine from mount but Thomas is in no mood to give up.

Tibbs has hold of Thomas's left arm, perhaps looking for a submission. The two fighters tussle over control of the isolated limb and Thomas manages to get his arm back to his side and away from danger.
Thomas wants to use the cage to get back to his feet here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Tibbs throws some shoulder strikes here and then postures up. Oh, he's gone for an armbar! Thomas has his hands clasped together but Tibbs breaks the hold and Thomas is forced to tap! This one is aaaaaaaaaaall over! That was lightning fast by Tibbs!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:43 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Taylor Tibbs!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
75%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between John Brahms (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Jakub Berdowski (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both these guys have really solid chins. Will we see a standup war or will they both decide that a knockout is unlikely and try to win the fight elsewhere?

Brahms
vs
Berdowski

197 cm
18
215 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

184 cm
19
203 lbs
1 - 2 - 1

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Good chin

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter striker
Granite chin

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 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, John Brahms!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 2 - 1, fighting out of London, Jakub Berdowski!
The judges for this bout are Sam Margolis, Chris Edwards and William Gold.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Berdowski takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Brahms throws a series of strikes that have Berdowski backpedaling.
Brahms lands a jab-cross combination.
Brahms tries to clinch but Berdowski is having none of it.
Brahms connects with the punch.
Brahms stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
John Brahms seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Brahms has Berdowski up against the cage in a clinch.
Brahms is working Berdowski over against the cage.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Brahms pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Berdowski misses with a takedown
and Brahms connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Brahms tries to grapple but his opponent circles

and Berdowski counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Brahms will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Berdowski looking to pass the guard.
Berdowski being controlled here momentarily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Berdowski tries to free his leg and advance position but Brahms is retaining full guard.

Berdowski drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Brahms manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Berdowski has Brahms in his guard.

Berdowski looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.

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

Berdowski has thrown up a leg looking for a triangle. Brahms doesn't defend quickly enough and Berdowski has managed to lock this one up! Can Brahms escape?! NO! He's tapping out! Damn, that was a quick submission - congrats to Berdowski on a fantastic submission victory.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:01 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle). Jakub Berdowski!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
69%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Stick Lee (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Stick Lee has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Rogerio Nogueira
vs
Lee

187 cm
27
205 lbs
5 - 3 - 0

180 cm
20
215 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Solid boxing
Experienced

Good takedowns
Basic striking
Heavy handed

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 5 - 3 - 0, fighting out of London, Antonio Rogerio Nogueira!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of London, Stick Lee!
The judges for this bout are James Ackerman, Donald Grub and Daniel Bishop.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Nogueira moves out of range as Lee strikes.
Nogueira tries to clinch up.
Nogueira lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
Lee misses with a hook. Nogueira ducked under it nicely.
Lee throws a lazy uppercut
and Nogueira counters with a three punch combo that has Lee backing up. Lee nods at Nogueira to acknowledge the strikes.
Lee circles away from the clinch attempt

and Lee counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Lee postures up in Nogueira's guard and throws a big left but Nogueira blocks it.

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

Lee drops back looking for a leg! Nogueira is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Nogueira manages to kick Lee off! Lee jumps back into Nogueira's guard.
Nogueira is looking to stand up but Lee isn't so interested in that idea.
Nogueira avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lee tries to free his leg and advance position but Nogueira is retaining full guard.

Nogueira looking for a guillotine here but Lee defends easily.
Lee trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Lee won't allow Nogueira to sweep him here.
Lee passes into half guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Lee passes the half guard and he's now in mount! Big trouble for Nogueira!

Lee looking to secure an arm triangle but Nogueira defends it well.

Nogueira defends a decent attempt at a guillotine from Lee.

Lee has isolated one of Nogueira's arms. Nogueira looking to fight him off but Lee twists into an armbar. It's tight... Will he tap?? YES, he's tapped! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:05 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Stick Lee!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
69%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Triston Baal (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Mark David (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). David has chosen Eluveitie - Calling The Rain as his entrance music. These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Baal
vs
David

190 cm
30
270 lbs
19 - 9 - 0

201 cm
26
279 lbs
13 - 8 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Very strong

Good wrestler
World class boxer
Heavy handed

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 19 - 9 - 0, fighting out of London, Triston Baal!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 13 - 8 - 0, fighting out of London, Mark David!
The judges for this bout are James Atkins, Richard Clark and James Glass.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
David is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Baal rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and David counters with a left and a right that stings Baal.
Triston Baal seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Baal moves out of range of the strikes.
Baal throws a combination that misses
and David counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Baal throws an off balance right hand
and David counters with a left to the body.
Baal throws a right hand that misses
and David counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Baal throws a left and a right that both miss
and David counters with a straight right hand.
Baal misses with a lunging right hand
and David counters with a one-two to the body.
Baal misses with a right hand
and David counters with a nice uppercut.
David misses with an uppercut.
Baal lands a straight punch to the body, keeping David at a distance.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Baal throws a predictable looking body shot
and David counters with a two punch combo.
David is using his reach advantage to land shots from outside his opponent's range.
David misses with a lunging right hand
and Baal counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps David thinking.
Baal misses with a hook
and David counters with a nice uppercut.

That's one minute gone in the round.
David lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Baal circles away quickly and effectively.
David lands a right hook to the body.
Baal throws a lazy uppercut
and David counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Baal rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and David connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Baal is really struggling to find his range with his punches. David's reach advantage is clearly causing him problems.
Baal throws a poor cross that misses
and David cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Baal takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Baal misses with a right hand
and David makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Baal throws a poor cross that misses
and David counters with a straight right hand.
David lands a body shot.
Good exchange - Baal coming out on top.
David throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Baal throws a right hand that misses
enabling David to counter with a crisp jab.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Baal throws a poor cross that misses
and David counters with a series of strikes. Baal will be more careful next time no doubt.
Baal with a poor takedown
and David counters with a stiff right hand.
Baal throws a lazy uppercut
enabling David to counter with a crisp jab.
Baal rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and David counters with a one-two to the body.
David pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Baal misses with a telegraphed body shot
and David counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Baal throws a left and a right that both miss
enabling David to counter with a crisp jab.
David throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
Baal is breathing heavily.
Baal takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Baal with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling David to score with a decent uppercut.
Baal shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
letting David counter with a right hand.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nice jab there from David.
Baal slips under a jab from David.
David has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
David lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
David connects with a body shot.
Baal throws a combination that misses
and David counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
David is working the combinations to good effect here.
Baal throws an ugly left hook that misses
and David counters with a stiff right hand.
David misses with an uppercut.
David's corner calls for a 1, 2 combination and David duly obliges.
David lands a jab-cross combination.
This has been an exciting period of action!
David misses with a head kick.
Baal throws a predictable looking body shot
and David cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Baal throws an off balance right hand
and David counters with a body kick that brings a smile to the face of both fighters.
David stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
David throws a hook to the side of Baal's head but Baal sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
David smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
David goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
David scores with a nice right hand.
Baal falls off balance throwing a combination
and David counters with a stiff right hand.
Baal throws an ugly left hook that misses
and David counters with a left and a right that stings Baal.
Baal throws an off balance right hand
and David counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Baal with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling David to score with a decent uppercut.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Baal staying out of range there.
David takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Baal scores with a one two! David had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mark David dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

David shuffles to his left behind two crisp jabs. Baal eats them both and turns towards David to reposition himself and eats a stinging right hand-left hook combo.
We are yet to see a takedown attempt from David in the fight. On paper you would think he is the more dominant ground fighter so let's see if these unusual tactics pay off.
Baal throws an ugly left hook that misses
and David counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Baal throws an off balance right hand
and David connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Baal throws a lazy uppercut
and David counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Baal looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Baal moves out of range as David strikes.
David connects with a body shot that sends Baal's belly button to the back.
Baal throws a lazy uppercut
and David cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Baal misses with an uppercut
and David counters with a nice body kick.
Baal throws a lazy uppercut
and David counters with a stiff right hand.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Baal misses with a left hand
and David counters with a nice uppercut.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Baal swings and misses with a shot to the body
and David counters with a stiff right hand.
Baal misses with a lunging right hand
and David counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Baal misses the body punch
and David counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Baal thinking.

That's one minute gone in the round.
David dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
David lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Baal at a distance.
A jab from David finds it's way through Baal's defenses.
Baal is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.
Baal closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
David scores with a nice right hand.
Baal walks into a stiff left hand from David.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Baal misses with a right hand
and David finishes the little exchange by landing a big kick to the body.
David bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Baal's head backwards.
David scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
David misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Mark David is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
David stuns Baal with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
David connects with a right hand. Baal shakes it off.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
David connects with a jab.
David bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Baal's head.
David moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
David throws a hook to the side of Baal's head but Baal sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Baal misses with an uppercut
enabling David to counter with a crisp jab.
David lands a nice shot to the body.
Baal throws a right hand that misses
and David counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
David scores with a nice strike.
David connects with a crisp jab.
David lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Baal backs up against the cage.
David throws a 1-2 combo that connects squarely on Baal's jaw, knocking him onto his back! David dives in looking to finish as Baal flails his arms in a desperate attempt to block David's strikes! David is raining down hammerfists and the ref stops it! Baal's desperate flailing just didn't constitute intelligent defence. Some people will probably question the ref's decision but Baal was definitely hurt and the ref saved him from taking unnecessary punishment. A fighter's safety is paramount in this sport.

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

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
100%

Main event

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Glen McDonald (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Vitor Belfort (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). McDonald's entrance music is Kanye West - Stronger. A fine choice. Belfort comes into a darkened arena with his song building. Delinquent Habits - Tres Delinquentes kicks in, the lights come on and the crowd goes wild! What a showman! Vitor Belfort has the eye of the tiger tonight.

McDonald
vs
Belfort

180 cm
26
199 lbs
16 - 13 - 1

183 cm
22
223 lbs
4 - 0 - 0

Good wrestling
Solid boxing
Very strong

ADCC Champion
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

Australian Xtreme - 159 Energy + Stamina!

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 16 - 13 - 1, fighting out of London, Glen McDonald!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Vitor Belfort!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Bishop, James Glass and Sam Margolis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
McDonald shoots and misses
and Belfort counters with a nice body shot.

McDonald scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
McDonald throws a knee to the body but it doesn't do much damage.
Belfort is looking for a sweep.

McDonald tries for a kimura but Belfort is defending well.
Belfort can't do much from the bottom here.
Belfort regains half guard.

McDonald seems to be looking for submissions.

Belfort is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but McDonald pulls his head out easily.
Belfort is trying is best to control the position here.

McDonald 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.

McDonald is looking for a kimura here.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's one minute gone in the round.
McDonald not landing any meaningful shots this time.

McDonald is trying to work for a kimura but Belfort is defending well.
McDonald thows a huge punch but Belfort dodges it nicely.

McDonald is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Belfort defends it well.
McDonald not landing any meaningful shots this time.

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.

McDonald is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.

McDonald is looking for a kimura here.

McDonald is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
McDonald missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.

McDonald is working for a submission of some sort.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

McDonald seems to be working for a kimura but Belfort defends the submission attempt.

McDonald seems to be looking for submissions.
Belfort moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

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

Belfort thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Belfort slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

McDonald is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Belfort stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. McDonald swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Belfort with a flurry of punches that miss.
Belfort trying to control but McDonald is working from the bottom.
Belfort is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.

McDonald working away from the bottom but not quite defensive enough there because Belfort has passed into half guard!
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
McDonald tries to get to full guard but Belfort has control of the leg.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Vitor Belfort will probably get the nod.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

McDonald shoots and misses
enabling Belfort to counter with a crisp jab.

It looks like Glen McDonald has been cut.

McDonald decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.

McDonald is working for a submission here. He's got hold of the far side arm and he's looking for a kimura. He's cranking on the arm and he's got it! Belfort is tapping out! Ouch, that looked like it hurt!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:25 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Glen McDonald!
Glen McDonald retains his light heavyweight title!