LMMA 11: Demarce vs Strickland PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Carl Draiman (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Mohammad Al Nasser (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Draiman
vs
Al Nasser

178 cm
28
187 lbs
10 - 4 - 1

178 cm
30
190 lbs
11 - 21 - 1

BJJ Purple Belt
Basic striking
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 10 - 4 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Carl Draiman!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 11 - 21 - 1, fighting out of St Petersburg, Mohammad Al Nasser!
The judges for this bout are Vladimir Khabensky, Sergei Dronov and Konstantin Menshow.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Al Nasser blocks a head kick by Draiman.
Al Nasser closes the distance and clinches up with Draiman, looking for a takedown. Al Nasser pushes Draiman against the cage but Draiman circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Draiman moves in looking to clinch but Al Nasser pushes him off.
Draiman throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.

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

Al Nasser tries for a kimura but Draiman is defending well.
Draiman manages to work his way to half guard, despite Al Nasser's best efforts.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Draiman trying to control but Al Nasser postures up.

Al Nasser is looking for a kimura here.
Draiman has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Al Nasser is working away from the top position though.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Draiman is positioning himself well to prevent Al Nasser advancing to mount.
Draiman is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Al Nasser sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Draiman defending well though.
Draiman tries to strike from the bottom but it doesn't land.
Draiman misses with some strikes from the bottom.
Draiman trying to control but Al Nasser postures up.
Al Nasser wants to pass to mount but Draiman is defending the position.
Al Nasser thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Draiman's head.
Draiman keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Draiman is trying to control but can't.

Al Nasser 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.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Al Nasser is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Draiman is trying to get back to full guard.
Draiman is controlling Al Nasser's trapped leg to prevent Al Nasser from advancing to side control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Draiman misses with some strikes from the bottom.
Draiman tries to roll over but Al Nasser keeps him under control.
Draiman keeps control of the position for the meantime.
Al Nasser blocks the strikes from Draiman.

Al Nasser is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Draiman has managed to free his arm - good work.
Draiman regains full guard. Nicely done.
Draiman is trying to keep Al Nasser in close.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Draiman is adopting a defensive guard.
Al Nasser postures up in Draiman's guard and throws a big left but Draiman blocks it.
Al Nasser postures up.
Draiman trying to strike from the bottom but really, it's not the best position to be doing that from!
Draiman controls Al Nasser momentarily but Al Nasser frees himself.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Al Nasser trying to control the position from guard on top but Draiman is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Draiman is trying to control the position but Al Nasser postures up.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Draiman tries to close the distance and clinch up but Al Nasser swats him away and circles back towards the center.
A swing and a miss from Draiman.
Al Nasser dives in for a single leg takedown but Draiman sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.

Al Nasser pulls guard.
Al Nasser throws some sloppy strikes off his back.
Draiman trying to stand up but can't free himself from Al Nasser's guard.
Al Nasser tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Draiman trying to stand up but can't free himself from Al Nasser's guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Draiman postures up.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.
Draiman wants to stand but Al Nasser is controlling his posture from full guard.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Al Nasser closes this distance looking for a takedown but Draiman circles away.
Al Nasser with a lazy takedown attempt

and Draiman moves into the clinch.
Carl Draiman has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Mohammad Al Nasser.
Al Nasser wants a takedown but no success here.

Draiman lands a takedown into guard.
Draiman wants to stand but Al Nasser is controlling his posture from full guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Carl Draiman overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Draiman stopping the sweep attempt from Al Nasser.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Draiman wants to stand but Al Nasser is controlling his posture from full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Al Nasser trying to control the position here.

Carl Draiman has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.
Al Nasser shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Draiman as he avoids it easily.
Al Nasser closes the distance and clinches up with Draiman, looking for a takedown. Al Nasser pushes Draiman against the cage but Draiman circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
The fight stays on the outside here - Al Nasser looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Al Nasser has his takedown stuffed

and Draiman holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.

Draiman jumps guard and drags Al Nasser to the mat. He's obviously going to be looking for submissions off his back.
Draiman preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Draiman is trying to control the position but Al Nasser postures up.
Draiman looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Draiman keeping moving, preventing Al Nasser from controlling successfully.
Draiman is trying to hold Al Nasser in close to prevent damage but Al Nasser has managed to pass into half guard.
Al Nasser throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Al Nasser is thwarting Draiman's attempts to control the position.

Al Nasser has hold of the far side arm. He's working for the Kimura, can Draiman defend it? Al Nasser steps over the head and cranks it - Draiman is tapping out! That was textbook stuff right there - nice submission victory for Al Nasser!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:36 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Mohammad Al Nasser!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
33%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Frank Austin (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Alex MacDonald (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Alex MacDonald will no doubt be trying to keep this one on the feet, where he has a distinct advantage.

Austin
vs
MacDonald

169 cm
20
145 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

175 cm
25
153 lbs
0 - 7 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Likes comics

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Solid 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 - 1 - 0, fighting out of London, Frank Austin!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 7 - 0, fighting out of London, Alex MacDonald!
The judges for this bout are Aleksei Zolotukhin, Illya Tyunina and Dmitry Maklakov.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
MacDonald tries to clinch

and Austin counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for MacDonald!
MacDonald parries the strikes from Austin easily there. Austin is wary of posturing up too much because it might enable MacDonald to escape.
MacDonald is trying to improve his position.
Austin controls the position from side control.
MacDonald struggling a bit here.
Austin moving around in side mount but really he's just happy to control for now.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Frank Austin has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.
MacDonald tries to clinch up but Austin circles away and keeps his distance.

MacDonald gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Austin throwing strikes from guard but MacDonald blocks nicely.
Austin is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.
Austin sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed MacDonald's guard.
Austin perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Frank Austin has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.
No luck for Austin with that takedown attempt.
MacDonald fails in his attempt to clinch.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
MacDonald tries to clinch up

and Austin counters with a takedown into side control.
MacDonald is looking to reverse the position.
Austin controlling the position from side mount.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Austin has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Austin moves into full mount!
Austin controlling his opponent.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
MacDonald is desperately trying to improve his position but Austin has a good base and remains in mount.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
MacDonald taking shots to the head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Frank Austin dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Austin dives in for a single leg takedown but MacDonald sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.

Austin successfully pulls guard.

Austin is looking for a triangle but MacDonald pushes his legs off easily.

Austin throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.

Austin working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. MacDonald doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. MacDonald manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Austin wants to stand and escape but MacDonald is having none of it.
Austin throwing strikes off his back to little effect.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Austin is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. MacDonald is aware though and is defending well.
Austin is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst MacDonald is controlling him.
MacDonald pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Austin is keeping the position for now.
MacDonald wants to control from the top but Austin keeps moving.
MacDonald looking to sit in guard and control but Austin gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Austin looking to pass the guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Austin controls the pace of the fight for a moment.

The ref stands the fighters back up, due to lack of action by Alex MacDonald.
Nice sprawl there from MacDonald as Austin shoots in.
Alex MacDonald seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
MacDonald moves in looking to clinch but Austin pushes him off.

Austin is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in MacDonald's half guard.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
MacDonald is trying to get back to full guard.
Austin is figuring out what he wants to do next.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Austin tries to pass the half guard into mount. MacDonald knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Frank Austin has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.
MacDonald tries to clinch up.
Austin circles away from the clinch attempt

and Austin moves into the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Austin is trying to trip MacDonald. He has hold of a leg but MacDonald is hopping around, keeping his balance for the moment. Austin persists though and gets the takedown into guard.
Austin controlling from the top position.
MacDonald looking to control.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Frank Austin 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. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Austin circles away from the clinch attempt

and Austin counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Austin slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.

Frank Austin has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.
Nice takedown defense from MacDonald. No joy for Austin on that attempt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
MacDonald tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Austin manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
MacDonald doesn't manage to clinch there - Austin circles away.
Austin dives in for a single leg takedown but MacDonald sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
MacDonald lands a good knee to the midsection. Austin won't want to take too many of those.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Austin tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. MacDonald smiles and moves away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Frank Austin. That's going to take a lot out of him.
MacDonald tries to clinch there but Austin circles away.
MacDonald fails in his attempt to clinch.
MacDonald is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Alex MacDonald is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
MacDonald tries to clinch up

and Austin counters with a single leg into guard. MacDonald didn't expect that.
MacDonald wants to stand but Austin is controlling the position.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Austin advances to half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
MacDonald throws a strike from the bottom but Austin passes into side control!
MacDonald being controlled for a moment.
MacDonald is trying to work for a sweep but Austin has mounted him!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Austin controlling the pace for now.
MacDonald is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Austin content just to control the position here.
MacDonald regains half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
MacDonald trying to keep hold of his opponent's head but Austin manages to pass to mount!
MacDonald is wriggling around trying to escape.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Austin controlling the pace for now.
Alex MacDonald has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Frank Austin is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

And that's the end of the fight!
Frank Austin showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Austin, 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 Aleksei Zolotukhin scores the fight 30:27
Judge Illya Tyunina scores the fight 30:27
Judge Dmitry Maklakov scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Frank Austin!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
42%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Jose Dantas (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Rene Croix (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The crowd seem to be enjoying Croix's choice of entrance music: Edith Piaf - Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien. Jose Dantas has the edge in experience - let's see if he can make that count tonight.

Dantas
vs
Croix

163 cm
25
139 lbs
5 - 1 - 0

170 cm
25
140 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Brawler
Granite chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Tends to cut

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 5 - 1 - 0, fighting out of London, Jose Dantas!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Rene Croix!
The judges for this bout are Aleksandr Martynov, Vladimir Khabensky and Fedor Mirinova.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Croix connects with a nice looking jab.
Croix lands a front kick.
Croix goes for a high kick. It partially lands.

Croix gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Croix misses with a punch to the body.
A short left from Croix.
Dantas wants to take the fight to the mat but Croix manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Croix lands an uppercut.
Croix pushes Dantas back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Croix with a knee to the head.
Dantas takes a shot to the head.
A short body shot lands from Croix as the two fighters clinch.
Dantas is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Croix is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Croix softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Croix working Dantas over with knees to the body.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Dantas being controlled against the cage.
Dantas has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Croix after a bit of a struggle.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jose Dantas. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Dantas tries for a takedown but Croix manages to get underhooks.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Croix lands with a left to the head.
Dantas's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Croix is working Dantas over against the cage.
Croix lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Dantas.
Croix lands a shot to the body.
Dantas wants to break free but Croix has control.
Croix dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.
Croix lands an elbow inside.
Croix lands a hook to the side of the head.
Dantas is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Croix pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Nice elbow from Croix.
Croix's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.
A left hand lands to the body for Croix.
Croix lands a damaging elbow.
Croix lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Croix lands a shot to the body.
Croix lands on the inside with an uppercut.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Croix is trying to maintain a safe position but Dantas gets an underhook and turns Croix into the cage.
Dantas takes a knee to the side of the body.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Croix escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Dantas tries to score a power double leg takedown but Croix sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Dantas somewhat.
Dantas is breathing heavily.
Croix throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.

Croix closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Croix lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Croix lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Croix trying to stall but Dantas improves his position.
A short right from Croix on the inside.
A knee to the head by Croix.
Croix is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Croix is working for takedown but Dantas is calmly controlling the position for now.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nice elbow from Croix.
Croix lands a hook to the side of the head.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Croix.
Croix lands a shot to the body.
Croix landing knees to the head.
Dantas goes for a takedown attempt but Croix pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Nice body kick from Croix.
Croix misses with a head kick.
Dantas fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Croix lands a head kick. Dantas smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
Dantas darts in looking for a takedown but Croix gets double underhooks and turns Dantas into the cage.
Croix is defending well against a takedown attempt.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Croix scores with a nice hook to the head.
Croix softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Croix lands a body shot.
Croix connects with a nasty looking knee right to Dantas's face.
Dantas tries to break the clinch but Croix is controlling the position.
Dantas drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Croix gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Croix gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Dantas.
Croix makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Croix lands an uppercut.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Croix.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Dantas has Croix pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Croix manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Croix works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Dantas looking for a takedown.
Croix stalls.
Croix lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Rene Croix 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.

Croix gets a clinch.
Croix prevents a takedown attempt there.
A short uppercut from Croix.
Dantas has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Croix after a bit of a struggle.

Croix breaks the clinch.
Croix lands a high kick!
Croix connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Croix is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Horrible takedown by Dantas or perhaps it was just good defense by Croix which made him look bad.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jose Dantas. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Croix goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Croix scores with a head kick. Dantas tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.
Dantas stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Croix.
Croix throws a front kick that sends Dantas stumbling back into the cage.
Dantas has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Croix.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Croix lands with a kick to the temple. Dantas shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
That kick from Croix tenderised Dantas's leg. Dantas is trying to keep his angry face on.
Croix throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.
Dantas shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Croix defends it nicely.

Croix moves into the clinch.
Croix digs a right hand into Dantas's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Dantas's gas tank.

Croix breaks from the clinch.
Croix scores with a nice body kick.
Croix delivers a nice body kick.
Dantas takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.
Croix keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Croix has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Dantas takes one on the button.
Jose Dantas is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Croix rushes Dantas and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.

Croix manages to break the clinch.
Dantas takes a head kick and keeps coming.

Dantas is rocked!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Both fighters circling slowly here as the pace drops. Hopefully one of them does someth.. OOOHHHH!!!! Croix throws an absolute beast of a head kick! Dantas is done! He's out cold, twisted and contorted up against the cage! Wow!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:24 of round 2, we have a winner by way of KO (Head Kick). Rene Croix!
During a confident post fight interview, Rene Croix thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
92%

Main event

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Ryan Demarce (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Sean Strickland (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Sean Strickland has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Demarce
vs
Strickland

188 cm
24
191 lbs
8 - 1 - 0

188 cm
20
192 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

Good wrestling
Counter fighter
KO power

Good takedowns
Brawler
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the middleweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 8 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Ryan Demarce!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Sean Strickland!
The judges for this bout are Igor Prikhodko, Aleksandr Martynov and Valeri Chadov.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Demarce closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Strickland to the mat! Strickland manages to get full guard.
Demarce wants to pass the guard but Strickland is keeping the position.
Demarce stopping the sweep attempt from Strickland.
Demarce content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Strickland working a defensive guard here.
Strickland keeping moving, preventing Demarce from controlling successfully.
Demarce tries to free his leg and advance position but Strickland is retaining full guard.
Demarce wants to control from the top but Strickland keeps moving.
Demarce postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Demarce throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Strickland works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Strickland avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Demarce throwing strikes from guard but Strickland blocks nicely.
Demarce working some strikes from top position.
Strickland keeping moving, preventing Demarce from controlling successfully.
Demarce pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Strickland is keeping the position for now.

Strickland is looking for a triangle here but Demarce uses the submission attempt to pass into side control.
Demarce working away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Demarce lands a decent elbow from side control.
Demarce landing with strikes to the head and body from side control.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Strickland tries to improve position but can't.
Demarce has control of an arm but Strickland manages to advance to Demarce's back!
Demarce has his hands over his head blocking the strikes from Strickland.
Demarce manages to reverse the position and now he's in Strickland's guard. Nice work there by Demarce.
Demarce is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Strickland looks winded!
Demarce scoring with some ground and pound.
Demarce pushing down on Strickland's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Demarce is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
Demarce throwing shots but Strickland is blocking nicely.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Demarce is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
Ground and pound from Demarce.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Strickland can do anything to dispel that myth.
Demarce keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
Demarce looks to score some points with some ground and pound.

Demarce is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
The fighters are battling for position here. Strickland manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Demarce landing with the ground and pound.
Strickland keeping moving, preventing Demarce from controlling successfully.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Demarce lands a couple of digs.
Demarce passes Strickland's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!

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

Demarce is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Strickland defends it well.
Strickland won't allow Demarce to pass to mount.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!

Demarce seems to be looking for submissions.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ryan Demarce dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Strickland darts in and clinches Demarce up against the cage.

Demarce gets the body lock takedown. After a quick scramble, Strickland regains guard.
Ryan Demarce overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Demarce is working Strickland over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Demarce is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Strickland is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Demarce is controlling him.
Strickland trying to keep a closed guard but Demarce is proving a slippery customer.
Demarce is working Strickland over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Demarce with a nice head shot there.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Strickland utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Demarce content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Demarce trying to control but Strickland is working from the bottom.

Demarce drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Demarce jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Demarce forces his way into half guard.
Demarce blocks the strikes from Strickland.
Demarce looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Strickland with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Strickland is trying to get back to full guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Strickland is breathing heavily.
Strickland is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Demarce scores with a couple of nice shots.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Demarce content to control rather than advance.
Demarce winds up and cracks Strickland with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Demarce is looking to take a break and control but Strickland is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Strickland on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Strickland is looking to control Demarce's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Strickland avoid being mounted?

Demarce is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Strickland defends it well.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Demarce takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Demarce seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Strickland does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.

Demarce is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Strickland sees it coming and defends easily.
Demarce has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Demarce is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Demarce connects with a nice short shot to Strickland's temple.
Demarce trying to control from half guard but Strickland is working away.
Demarce is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
Demarce uses his free foot to push down on Strickland's thigh. Eventually he works his other foot free and he's advanced to mount - this is trouble for Strickland.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Demarce has his opponent pinned against the cage, landing some nasty ground and pound that is really making a bit of a mess out of Strickland's face.
The referee warns Strickland that he has to improve his position here as he takes two more clean shots to the head.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Demarce raining down shots from the mount!
Demarce prevents Strickland from getting the reversal.
Demarce fakes a shot to the body and cracks his opponent in the head. Nice ground and pound there!
Demarce looking to control and managing it successfully.
Demarce lands with some strikes.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Demarce landing strikes, looking to finish!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ryan Demarce 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.

Strickland gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily

and Demarce counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Demarce sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Strickland's guard.
Demarce is looking to take a break and control but Strickland is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Well, if Demarce is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait.
Strickland avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Demarce.
Strickland takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Demarce connects with a nice short shot to Strickland's temple.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Demarce working Strickland over with strikes.
Demarce lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Demarce wants to control but Strickland is keeping him busy.
Demarce is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Demarce is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
Demarce seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.

Demarce is looking for a kimura but Strickland is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Demarce to get the leverage.
Strickland is looking to improve his position.
Strickland is trying to maintain the position but Demarce is very close to passing his half guard.
Demarce trying to pass the guard but Strickland defending well.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Demarce slips a nice elbow through Strickland's hands, connecting with Strickland's forehead.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Demarce is thwarting Strickland's attempts to control the position.
Demarce is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Strickland can do to turn this around?

Demarce is looking for a kimura but Strickland is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Demarce to get the leverage.
Demarce seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Strickland does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Demarce not doing much here.
Strickland is in trouble now - Demarce has advanced to mount!
Demarce takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Demarce landing punches.
Demarce avoids the attempt from Strickland to control.
Demarce with shots to the head and body - Strickland looks very uncomfortable down there.
Demarce putting on the heat here with some good ground and pound!
Strickland is trying to escape the mount.
Demarce scoring with strikes but Strickland is staying in there.
Demarce trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Demarce looking to finish Strickland with some ground and pound. This is bad for Strickland!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Demarce working to secure an arm triangle but it's not happening for him just yet.
Demarce landing strikes from the mount.
Demarce dominating with strikes here.

Strickland is rocked!
Demarce postures up and connects with a big shot that has rocked Strickland badly. He's trying desperately to grab hold of Demarce around the waist but Demarce pushes him off and unloads with more strikes, forcing the referee to jump in and save him! Demarce is the winner by TKO! Demarce jumps onto the cage and shouts into the camera. "We did it momma!"

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:53 of round 3, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Ryan Demarce!
Ryan Demarce retains his middleweight title!