LMMA 8: Richards vs Ognka PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Rene Croix (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Steven Flecher (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Croix comes into the arena with Edith Piaf - Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien blaring out of the sound system. I can't wait for this one - let's get the fighter introductions out of the way and get this one started!

Croix
vs
Flecher

170 cm
25
140 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

175 cm
25
152 lbs
2 - 2 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Cuts easily

Good takedowns
Brawler
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Rene Croix!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 2 - 0, fighting out of London, Steven Flecher!
The judges for this bout are John Roberts, Dean Styles and Columbo Gatti.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Croix gets a clinch.
Flecher fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Croix throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Flechers head.
Croix lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Flecher backwards.
Croix stalling against the cage.
Croix comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Croix lands an elbow that stopped Flecher in his tracks for a moment.
Croix taking a breather.
Flecher is trying to maintain a safe position but Croix gets an underhook and turns Flecher into the cage.
Croix lands a body shot.
Croix misses with a knee strike.
Croix has a couple of punches blocked by Flecher.
Croix lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Croix working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Croix lands a left hand that snaps the head of Flecher backwards.
Nice body punch from Croix.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Croix using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Flecher has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Flecher tries to break the clinch but Croix is controlling the position.
Croix lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Flecher backwards.
Croix scores a nice knee to the body.
Flecher trying to stall but Croix improves his position.
Croix just leaning against Flecher, taking a breather.
Croix scores with a shoulder strike.
A left hand lands to the body for Croix.
Croix scores with a shot to the side of Flecher's head.
Croix scores with a nice hook to the head.
Croix lands with a left to the head.

Croix pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
A big left from Croix misses.

Flecher tries to keep at a distance but Croix has taken the fight into the clinch.
Croix scores with a nice hook to the head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A nice right hand lands inside from Croix.
Croix with a knee to the head.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Croix creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.

Croix breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Flecher is trying hard to land a takedown here. Croix sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Flecher bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
Croix is positioning himself to get back to half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Flecher controls the position.
Croix knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Flecher on the ground.
Croix is looking to regain half guard here but Flecher keeps moving and retains side control.
Croix dodges the ground and pound from Flecher.
Flecher is looking to take a break and control but Croix is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

Steven Flecher has forced the referee to step in and restart the fight on the feet.
Flecher moves out of range of the body kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Flecher takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Flecher sees a low kick coming and goes to check it, but it's actually a body kick and it thuds into his unprotected ribs.
Rene Croix seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Croix throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Croix swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Croix is breathing heavily.
Flecher is looking to clinch but Croix is avoiding it.
Croix throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Croix throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.
Croix goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.

Croix drives through and clinches with Flecher against the cage.
Flecher blocks a punch to the side of the head.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Croix scores with a hook to the body.
Croix tries to land a knee to the head but Flecher blocks with his arms.
Croix stalling against the cage.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Flecher takes a shot to the head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Croix tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Flecher manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Croix.
Croix throws out a powerful jab.
Flecher blocks a head kick by Croix.
Croix swats away the attempt to clinch by Flecher.
Croix keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Flecher avoids the head kick by Croix.
Croix throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Flecher.
Flecher has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Croix.

Croix moves into the clinch successfully.
Croix has Flecher pressed against the cage.
Croix misses with the head strike.
Croix lands with a short punch from the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Croix manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
Flecher's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Croix tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Flecher's elbow.
Croix scores with a nice hook to the head.
Croix throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Flecher blocks it with crossed arms.
Croix stalls.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Croix tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Croix lands a good knee to the midsection. Flecher won't want to take too many of those.
Flecher can't get the takedown.
Croix swings wildly with an uppercut but Flecher uses good head movement to avoid it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Flecher tries to work over Croix's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
A head punch on the inside from Croix fails to land.
Flecher tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Croix just stands there and leans against the cage.
Rene Croix has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Steven Flecher.
Flecher takes a shot to the head.
Croix throws a punch but it's blocked by Flecher.
Flecher wants to take the fight to the mat but Croix manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Croix scores with a shot to the side of Flecher's head.
Croix has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Flecher after a bit of a struggle.
Croix lands with a light punch inside.
Croix scores with a nice hook to the head.
Croix is struggling to control the position.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Croix prevents the takedown attempt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Croix lands an uppercut.
Flecher tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Flecher takes a knee to the side of the body.
Croix is looking for a takedown.
Flecher being controlled against the cage.
Flecher blocks an elbow strike.
Croix taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Croix lands a shoulder strike.
Croix works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Croix tries a body shot but Flecher blocks it.
Croix prevents Flecher from breaking the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Croix digs a right hand into Flecher's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Flecher's gas tank.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Flecher.
Rene Croix has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Flecher blocks an uppercut.
A bit of stalling here from Croix.
A right handed body shot lands from Croix.
Croix misses with a knee to the head.
Flecher jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Croix walks away with a smile on his face. Flecher gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Flecher throws a sloppy head kick and Croix moves out of range easily.
Croix throws a mid kick that lands with a slap.
Croix misses with a leg kick.

Croix closes the distance and clinches.
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!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Nice body punch from Croix.
Flecher's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Croix is trying to stall.
Flecher tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Rene Croix dominated that second 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. This is the final round!

Croix throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.
Croix misses with a head kick.

Croix forces Flecher back against the cage and clinches.
Croix lands with a short shot to the head.
Croix lands with a light punch inside.
Croix throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Flechers head.
Flecher tries to stall but Croix uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Croix pushes Flecher back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Croix lands a right hand.
Flecher is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Croix is defending well.
Croix misses with a knee to the head.
Flecher looking for a takedown.
Croix makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
A short uppercut from Croix.
Flecher blocks a body shot from Croix.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Croix's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Steven Flecher is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Croix wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Flecher closes the distance and clinches up with Croix, looking for a takedown. Flecher pushes Croix against the cage but Croix circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Rene Croix has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Steven Flecher.
Croix throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
Flecher keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Croix chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Croix throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Croix tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Croix misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Croix looks to land a body kick but Flecher moved away.
Flecher fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Flecher tries to clinch up but Croix circles away and keeps his distance.

Croix fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Flecher, pushing him back against the cage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Flecher tries to pull guard but Croix forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Flecher working hard to break the clinch.
Flecher tries to score a body lock takedown but Croix shows good agility there to stay on his feet.

Croix has Flecher pressed up against the cage. He's trying to work for a single leg takedown. Croix pulls back from the cage and twists to the side, sending Flecher tumbling to the mat - Croix dives into Flecher's guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Croix throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Flecher works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Croix throws a big right hand that misses.
Croix throws a strike but Flecher rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
Croix is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Croix is looking to sweep but instead, Flecher has passed into half guard.
Flecher trying to control from half guard but Croix is working away.
Croix wants to get back to full guard but Flecher has passed into side control.
Rene Croix is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Flecher throws a knee to the body but it doesn't do much damage.
Flecher throws a strike aimed at the side of Croix's head but Croix avoids it well.

Flecher looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Croix is trying to control Flecher's posture but Flecher avoids it.

And that's the end of the fight!
Rene Croix showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Croix, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge John Roberts scores the fight 30:27
Judge Dean Styles scores the fight 30:27
Judge Columbo Gatti scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Rene Croix!
A very excited looking Rene Croix made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
48%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Reggie Coleman (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Bartlomiej Bartnicki (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Well, I have no idea who's going to take this one!

Coleman
vs
Bartnicki

188 cm
29
228 lbs
15 - 4 - 0

185 cm
25
245 lbs
5 - 5 - 1

Good wrestling
Basic striking
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Counter fighter
Knockout power

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 15 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Reggie Coleman!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 5 - 1, fighting out of London, Bartlomiej Bartnicki!
The judges for this bout are Reed Andrews, Dean Styles and Franklyn Lucas.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A jab from Bartnicki misses.
Bartnicki blocks a leg kick.
Coleman doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Bartnicki connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.

Coleman darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
Coleman has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.
Bartnicki wants to get back to his feet.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Coleman in particular looking to stall.
Coleman missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Coleman missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bartnicki regains full guard, whilst avoiding punches from Coleman.
Coleman wants to control from the top but Bartnicki keeps moving.
Bartnicki is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Coleman is controlling him.
Bartnicki preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Coleman passes Bartnicki's right leg, so he's now in half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Coleman with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
Coleman sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Bartnicki defending well though.
Coleman takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Coleman controlling the action here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

The ref stands the fighters back up because Reggie Coleman just wasn't active enough.

Coleman shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Bartnicki manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
Bartnicki is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Coleman pushing down on Bartnicki's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Coleman wants to control but Bartnicki is keeping him busy.
Bartnicki blocking the ground and pound attempt from Coleman.
Coleman wants to free his trapped foot but Bartnicki is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Bartnicki wants to stand back up but Coleman manages to pass into side control.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Coleman trying to control the position but Bartnicki is working away.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Reggie Coleman dominated that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Coleman throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Coleman misses with a takedown attempt - Bartnicki sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Bartnicki misses with a hook

and Coleman counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Coleman.
Coleman won't allow Bartnicki to get back to his feet.
Coleman is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Bartnicki keeping moving, preventing Coleman from controlling successfully.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
Bartnicki wants to get back to his feet but Coleman is in a dominant position and won't allow it.

That's one minute gone in the round.

The ref stands the fighters back up because Reggie Coleman just wasn't active enough.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Coleman.
Coleman gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Bartnicki connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Reggie Coleman. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Coleman has his takedown stuffed
and Bartnicki counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Bartnicki throws the left hand but Coleman avoids the punch easily.
Coleman throws a head kick but Bartnicki moves out of range.
Reggie Coleman seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Coleman fails to land the takedown.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Coleman misses with a two punch combination.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Coleman with a poor takedown
and Bartnicki connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Coleman uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Bartnicki.

Coleman shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
Coleman with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.

Coleman is looking for submissions but instead, Bartnicki has regained full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Coleman wants to control from the top but Bartnicki keeps moving.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Coleman accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Bartnicki wants to stand but Coleman is controlling the position.
Reggie Coleman overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.
Coleman missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Coleman wants to pass the guard but Bartnicki is keeping the position.
Coleman looking to sit in guard and control but Bartnicki gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Coleman is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.

The ref stands the fighters back up because Reggie Coleman just wasn't active enough.
Coleman misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Reggie Coleman dominated that second round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. This is the final round!

Coleman fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Nice takedown defense from Bartnicki. No joy for Coleman on that attempt.
Coleman fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Bartnicki manages to avoid it.

Coleman shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in side control! That's better than Coleman was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
Bartnicki tries to escape but Coleman is in control.

Coleman is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Bartnicki has escaped the position, nice work there.
Bartnicki wants to get back to his feet.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Bartnicki can do anything to dispel that myth.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bartnicki is trying to escape the position but Coleman is controlling the position.
Bartnicki parries the strikes from Coleman easily there. Coleman is wary of posturing up too much because it might enable Bartnicki to escape.
Coleman throwing shots but missing, from side control.
Bartnicki wants to get back to his feet but Coleman is dominant here and he's now got Bartnicki's back!
Bartnicki is very frustrated here, being controlled quite effectively by Coleman.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bartnicki is trying to stand back up.

Coleman has his hand under the chin of his opponent looking for the choke. He's nearly got it! This one could be all over! But no, Bartnicki has freed his hand and lives to survive another… well, another couple of seconds at least!
Coleman throws a big right hand but he misses and hits the mat. Ouch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Coleman is working for the rear naked choke. He has one arm under the chin but Bartnicki has hold of the other arm. A bit of a stalemate here.
Bartnicki is trying to get back to his feet but Coleman has full control of the position and if anything, Bartnicki has just worked his way into a worse spot.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Bartnicki covering up well under a series of strikes from Coleman.

Coleman patiently working for the choke. Which fighter will keep their nerve here?
Coleman throwing sloppy strikes.
Coleman somehow managing to miss with a strike from the back.
Bartnicki is trying to get back to his feet but he's not managed it yet.

Coleman is looking for a choke. Bartnicki gets to his feet with his opponent on his back and slams him to the mat. Bartnicki manages to squirm out of the attempted choke and turns into his opponent's guard.
Bartlomiej Bartnicki has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Reggie Coleman is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Bartnicki would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.

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

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Reed Andrews scores the fight 30:27
Judge Dean Styles scores the fight 30:27
Judge Franklyn Lucas scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Reggie Coleman!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
25%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Eugene Carl Alexander Burns (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Mohammad Al Nasser (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Mohammad Al Nasser will no doubt be trying to keep this one on the feet, where he has a distinct advantage.

Carl Alexander Burns
vs
Al Nasser

170 cm
29
197 lbs
13 - 5 - 0

178 cm
29
190 lbs
10 - 20 - 1

Good wrestling
Counter fighter
Experienced

Good takedowns
Basic striking
Knockout power

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 13 - 5 - 0, fighting out of London, Eugene Carl Alexander Burns!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 10 - 20 - 1, fighting out of St Petersburg, Mohammad Al Nasser!
The judges for this bout are Steve Montenegro, Jonathan Paton and Russell Pearce.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Burns drives through with a takedown into guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.
Burns preventing the sweep.
Al Nasser doesn't do any damage with a couple of strikes from the bottom.
Burns trying to control the position from guard on top but Al Nasser is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Al Nasser not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Burns won't allow Al Nasser to sweep him here.
Burns has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Burns controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Burns's ground tactics aren't going to win him many fans. Let's hope he's got fireworks for us if he gets back to his feet because he's not doing much on the ground.

We're going to have a standup here because Eugene Carl Alexander Burns wasn't active enough for the referee's liking.
Al Nasser moves away from the strike by Burns.
Al Nasser with a poor takedown

and Burns counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Burns not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
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.
Burns postures up.
Al Nasser looking for a sweep. Not yet Al Nasser, not yet.
Al Nasser striking off his back but it's not causing Burns any problems.
Al Nasser looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Burns passes Al Nasser's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Burns with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.

Burns is looking for a kimura here.
Burns takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
Al Nasser is looking to improve his position.

Burns is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Al Nasser has managed to free his arm - good work.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Burns passes to side control.

Burns is trying to get an arm triangle but Al Nasser is defending well.

Burns tries for a kimura but Al Nasser is defending well.
Al Nasser striking from the bottom but nothing landed.
Burns is looking to take a break and control but Al Nasser is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Al Nasser is trying to work for a sweep but Burns has mounted him!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Burns fails to move to back control.
Burns sends his fist crashing into the mat - the crowd let out a collective ooooooh. Let's hope he's not broken it!
Burns looking to finish with strikes here!
Burns throwing strikes here but Al Nasser is writhing around nicely and avoiding any serious damage.

Burns looking to secure an arm triangle but Al Nasser defends it well.
Burns controlling the pace for now.
Burns can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Al Nasser is looking to escape.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Al Nasser tries to control Burns's body but Burns pushes him off. Al Nasser squirms to his side and now Burns has his back!
Al Nasser turns into Burns and is now in his guard.
Al Nasser is looking to stand up but Burns won't let him.

Burns is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Al Nasser prevents Burns from getting back to his feet.
Burns has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Burns is trying to keep Al Nasser in close.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Eugene Carl Alexander Burns dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Al Nasser misses with a takedown

and Burns counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Al Nasser!
Al Nasser is trying to get back to half guard.
The strikes coming from Burns are missing the target in this wave of attacks.

Burns tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Burns working away.

Burns goes for an armbar! This could be all over! Wait, no, Al Nasser rolls with the submission and now he's on top in Burns's guard! Nice work there by Al Nasser!

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

That's one minute gone in the round.
Al Nasser would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.

Burns had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Al Nasser defends it easily.

Burns is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Burns not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Al Nasser throws a big right hand that misses.
Al Nasser wants to stand but Burns has a closed guard, so he can't escape.
Al Nasser trying to control the position from guard on top but Burns is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Burns is looking for a triangle but Al Nasser pushes his legs off easily.

Burns is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Al Nasser is aware though and is defending well.
Al Nasser trying to stand up but can't free himself from Burns's guard.

Burns looks to be working for a triangle here. Oh, it looks like he might have it! Al Nasser has picked Burns up and slammed him! Burns can't keep hold of the triangle and Al Nasser manages to pass to side control!
Al Nasser tries to get to his feet but he's trapped momentarily.

Al Nasser decides to take the fight back to the feet.
Al Nasser with a poor takedown

and Burns counters with a shoot takedown. Al Nasser fights it but they end up in guard.
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!

Burns drops back, looking for a kneebar! Al Nasser looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Al Nasser looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Al Nasser!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Burns is looking to regain half guard here but Al Nasser keeps moving and retains side control.
Burns struggling a bit here.
Al Nasser wants to stand but Burns is controlling his arm.
Burns is trying to get back to half guard.
Al Nasser wants to stand but Burns is controlling his arm.
Burns struggling a bit here.
Burns has one of Al Nasser's arms on lockdown, trying to prevent him from doing any damage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Burns is looking to reverse the position.
Al Nasser with the ground and pound but Burns regains half guard under the barage of strikes.
Burns wants to get back to full guard.
Al Nasser wants to get back to his feet.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Al Nasser thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Burns's head.

Burns looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Burns trying to control but Al Nasser postures up.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Eugene Carl Alexander Burns dominated that second round.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action. This is the final round!

Al Nasser gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily

so Burns counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Al Nasser thows some rabbit punches from the bottom but they don't do any damage.
Al Nasser keeping moving, preventing Burns from controlling successfully.
Burns trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Burns sitting in guard here, content to control.
Al Nasser controls Burns momentarily but Burns frees himself.
Eugene Carl Alexander Burns overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Burns looking to control the position here, rather than advance.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up, due to lack of activity on the part of Eugene Carl Alexander Burns.
Al Nasser looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Burns is fending him off so far but Al Nasser persists. Nope, Burns circles away and we're back to standing.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Al Nasser with a lazy takedown attempt

and Burns counters with a takedown into side control.
Eugene Carl Alexander Burns has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Mohammad Al Nasser.

Burns looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Al Nasser is not content to let Burns control the position.
Al Nasser wants to control but Burns postures up.
Burns blocks the strikes from Al Nasser.

Burns is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Al Nasser knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.

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

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Al Nasser gets back to half guard.
Al Nasser trying to control here.

Al Nasser is defending against the submission attempts here by Burns.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Burns content to control rather than advance.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Burns not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Burns controlling the pace.

Burns is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Al Nasser defends it well.
Al Nasser gets back to full guard.
Al Nasser wants to hit a switch here but Burns passes into full mount! Oh no, disaster for Al Nasser there!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Burns tries to control but Al Nasser wriggling away.
Al Nasser is trying to escape the mount.
Burns throws some wild stikes that Al Nasser manages to avoid easily.
Mohammad Al Nasser 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.
Al Nasser is working to get back to half guard.
Burns fails to advance to Al Nasser's back.

And that's the end of the fight!
Eugene Carl Alexander Burns showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Burns, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Steve Montenegro scores the fight 30:27
Judge Jonathan Paton scores the fight 30:27
Judge Russell Pearce scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Eugene Carl Alexander Burns!
A determined Eugene Carl Alexander Burns didn't want to dwell on this fight in his post fight interview. Instead he was more keen to state he wants a title shot. Let's see if he gets it!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
61%

Main event

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Ben Richards (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ongka Ongka (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Richards's ring entrance music is that housewives' favourite, Kevin Rudolf - In the City. Ongka has chosen Abebe as his entrance music. Ongka Ongka will no doubt be looking to use his reach advantage to good effect.

Richards
vs
Ongka

180 cm
31
229 lbs
10 - 4 - 0

201 cm
24
266 lbs
17 - 4 - 0

Good wrestling
Solid boxing
Big right hand

Good takedowns
Basic striking
Determined

Firebird Designs - 10% Laundry commission

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 10 - 4 - 0, fighting out of New York, Ben Richards!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 17 - 4 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Ongka Ongka!
The judges for this bout are Chad Campbell, Jonathan Paton and Joseph Jones.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Ongka shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Richards manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
Ongka wants to control from the top but Richards keeps moving.

Ongka drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Richards dives on top into guard.
Richards trying to control but Ongka is working from the bottom.

Ongka looking for submissions from the bottom but instead Richards passes into half guard.
Ongka is trying to control but can't.

Richards is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Richards working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ongka wants to improve his position but Richards is controlling well.
Ongka throws a strike from the bottom but Richards passes into side control!
You can see the frustration on Ongka's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Richards lands a knee to the body and a forearm to the face.
Ongka looking for a sweep but Richards has passed into full mount! Oh no!
Ongka is wriggling around trying to escape.
Richards content just to control the position here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Richards tries to control but Ongka wriggling away.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Ongka wants to use the cage to get back to his feet here.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Ongka is trying to escape the mount.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Richards lands with some vicious ground and pound - can Ongka hang on?
Richards is landing with some decent strikes but Ongka is trying to advance his position so the referee is letting the fight continue.
Richards landing punches.
Richards punishing his opponent with strikes.
Richards controlling his opponent.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Ongka is looking to get to half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Richards lands an elbow that was bordering on illegal but the referee lets it go with a warning.
Richards fakes a shot to the body and cracks his opponent in the head. Nice ground and pound there!
Richards trying to control but Ongka is having none of it.
Richards lands a heavy elbow.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Ongka is trying to reverse the position but instead Richards has taken his back - oops!

Richards is working hard for the rear naked choke here.
Richards just keeping the dominant position. He can't wait too long though, otherwise the referee will stand them back up.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ben Richards 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.

Ongka ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Richards moves away.
Ongka just misses with a punch to the body.
Ongka fails with the takedown

and Richards counters by clinching up.
Ongka drops down looking for an ankle pick but Richards pulls his leg out and moves away.
Ongka fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Ben Richards has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ongka Ongka.
Ongka throws a shot from downtown. Richards moves away and avoids it.

Richards shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Richards slows the pace down in half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Richards is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Ben Richards overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

Ongka is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Richards pulls his head out easily.
Ongka is looking to improve his position.
Richards slows the pace down in half guard.

Ongka is defending against the submission attempts here by Richards.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Richards prevents Ongka from standing back up.

Richards is trying to work for a kimura but Ongka is defending well.
Richards lands with a punch from half guard.
Richards prevents Ongka from standing back up.
Richards wants to pass to mount but Ongka is defending the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ongka tries to get to full guard but Richards has control of the leg.
Ongka on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.

Richards is trying to work for a kimura but Ongka is defending well.
Richards missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.

Richards is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Ongka doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Richards.
Ongka moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ongka will have to put a bit more behind his punches if he's going to do any damage from this position.
Richards tries to free his leg and advance position but Ongka is retaining full guard.
Richards won't allow Ongka to sweep him here.
Ongka can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Richards controls the pace.
Richards has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.

Ongka is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Richards is aware though and is defending well.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Richards postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Ongka not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ben Richards dominated that second round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Richards looking to score a takedown here. Ongka is defending well but Richards drives through and ends up in Ongka's guard.
Richards content to stall in guard here.
Richards preventing the sweep.
Ongka being controlled here, momentarily.

The ref stands the fighters back up because Ben Richards just wasn't active enough.
Ongka doesn't succeed with the takedown

and Richards counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Richards.
Ongka is looking to break free of the clinch but Richards has double underhooks.

Richards is working on a single leg takedown against the cage. Ongka can't fight it off and eventually Richards manages to take the fight to the floor. Ongka looks annoyed but at least he's managed to land in guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Richards lands a couple of decent looking shots.

Ongka escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Richards gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Ongka is trying to keep Richards in close.
Richards throws an elbow that misses. Ongka uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Richards's guard. Nice move by Ongka!
Ongka prevents Richards from getting back to his feet.
Ongka with a flurry of punches that miss.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Richards wants to sweep but no luck.
Ongka keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Richards's head.
Ongka throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Richards is adopting a defensive guard.
Ongka looking to pass the guard.
Richards is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Ongka is looking to escape.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ongka wants to improve his position but Richards is controlling well.
Richards tries to pass the half guard into mount. Ongka knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Ongka wants to improve his position but Richards is controlling well.
Richards prevents Ongka from standing back up.
Richards tries to pass the half guard into mount. Ongka knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Richards throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Richards 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.
Ongka is looking to control Richards's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Ongka avoid being mounted?
Ongka is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
It really doesn't seem like the step up in weight is hurting Richards here at all. He's more than holding his own against the bigger man.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Richards trying to control the pace.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ben Richards clearly takes that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Ongka misses with a right hand

and Richards counters by clinching up.

Richards breaks from the clinch.

Ongka gets caught napping as Richards dives in and scores a takedown. Ongka manages to retain guard.
Ongka wants to stand and escape but Richards is having none of it.

Ongka is looking for a triangle but Richards pushes his legs off easily.
Ongka tries to strike from the bottom.
Richards works over Ongka with some ground and pound from guard.
Richards working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Ongka's head.
Ongka manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Richards manages to get himself to full guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.

Richards is edging up against the cage. He's using the cage to get back to his feet. Nice work there - the fighters are clinched.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Richards manages to break the clinch.
Ongka misses with a body shot.
Richards dives in and grabs Ongka's left leg, looking for a takedown. Ongka pushes down on Richards's head and hops out.

Richards feints and as Ongka raises his hands in defense, Richards changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Ongka bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Richards's guard.
Ongka trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Ongka trying to control but Richards is working from the bottom.
Richards tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Richards keeping moving, preventing Ongka from controlling successfully.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ongka looking to pass the guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Richards looking for a guillotine here but Ongka defends easily.
Richards is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Richards keeping full guard, as Ongka tries to pass.
Ongka prevents Richards from getting back to his feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ongka wants to control from the top but Richards keeps moving.
Richards is looking to stand up but Ongka isn't so interested in that idea.
Ongka trying to control but Richards is working from the bottom.
Richards might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.

The ref stands the fighters back up, due to lack of action by Ongka Ongka.
Ongka looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Richards is fending him off so far but Ongka persists. Nope, Richards circles away and we're back to standing.
Ongka throws a sloppy body shot

and Richards counters with a nice double leg into guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Richards is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Ongka working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Richards.
Richards makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Ongka tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Richards prevents Ongka from getting back to his feet.
Ongka is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Richards controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Richards pushing down on Ongka's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Richards wants to free his trapped foot but Ongka is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Richards drops an elbow to the side of Ongka's head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ben Richards had his way with Ongka Ongka in that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! This is the final round!

Ongka shoots in for a takedown but Richards shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Ongka Ongka seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Ongka tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Richards defends well and Ongka ends up having to push Richards into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.

Richards has Ongka pressed up against the cage. He's trying to work for a single leg takedown. Richards pulls back from the cage and twists to the side, sending Ongka tumbling to the mat - Richards dives into Ongka's guard.
Ongka can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Richards controls the pace.
Richards wants to control from the top but Ongka keeps moving.

Ongka looking for submissions from the bottom but instead Richards passes into half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Richards passes the half guard and he's now in mount! Big trouble for Ongka!
Richards raining down shots from the mount!
Ongka wants to improve position but instead he's given up his back.
Ongka wants to escape the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Richards looking for the choke from the back.
Richards wants to control but Ongka is keeping busy.

Richards looking for the RNC.
Ongka breaks Richards's hooks off and manages to turn into his guard.
Ongka is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Ongka avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Ongka is looking to work some ground and pound but Richards has wrist control.
Richards is pulling down on Ongka's head. It's preventing any offense from Ongka, at least for the moment.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ongka trying to control the position from guard on top but Richards is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Richards looking to hit a scissor sweep but Ongka is one step ahead there.
Richards is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Ongka can do to turn this around?
Ongka postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Richards keeping full guard, as Ongka tries to pass.
Ongka throws a strike but Richards rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ongka is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Richards is controlling him.
Ongka tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Richards's corner is telling him to maintain position.

Ongka looking for submissions from the bottom but instead Richards passes into side control.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Richards taking a break here but Ongka is having none of it and regains half guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
Ben Richards showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Richards, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Chad Campbell scores the fight 50:45
Judge Jonathan Paton scores the fight 50:45
Judge Joseph Jones scores the fight 50:45

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Ben Richards!
Ben Richards retains his heavyweight title!
Ben Richards really struggled to get his t-shirt on before his hand was raised. Making sure that HGH Nutrients Q160 Tycoons Best Quality supps logo gets some air time is pretty tricky when you're all sweaty.