EFC 18: Da Gaucho vs Llorent PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Kamil Gadzhiev (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Rex Riley (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Gadzhiev
vs
Riley

193 cm
24
279 lbs
5 - 6 - 0

200 cm
26
245 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

Good takedowns
Brawler
Good chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter fighter
Can Moonwalk

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 5 - 6 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Kamil Gadzhiev!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Rex Riley!
The judges for this bout are Steven Brown, Donald Grub and James Ackerman.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Gadzhiev shoots in but doesn't get the takedown

and Riley counters into the clinch. Nicely done.

Riley successfully pulls guard.
Gadzhiev is stalling in the full guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Riley managing to control the position.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Horrible takedown attempt by Riley or perhaps it was just good defense by Gadzhiev, which made it look bad.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Gadzhiev shoots in and bounces Riley off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
Riley looking to sweep using the butterfly guard but Gadzhiev puts pay to that idea as he passes nicely into half guard.
Gadzhiev wants to pass to mount but Riley is defending the position.
Gadzhiev is thwarting Riley's attempts to control the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gadzhiev passes the half guard and he's now in mount! Big trouble for Riley!
Riley is working to get back to half guard.
Gadzhiev wants to take his opponent's back but Riley doesn't allow it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Riley bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done!
Gadzhiev trying to keep a closed guard but Riley is proving a slippery customer.
Riley trying to control the position from guard on top but Gadzhiev is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Gadzhiev wants to sweep here but Riley controlling him for the moment.

Gadzhiev is active off his back here, looking for submissions.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Riley loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Gadzhiev manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!

Riley tries to improve his position but Gadzhiev has taken his back! Gadzhiev has a choke - it's sunk in pretty tight... Will Riley tap? No... maybe... yes! He's tapped! Gadzhiev pushes Riley away and gets up to celebrate with his corner!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:40 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Kamil Gadzhiev!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
29%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between David Carlsson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Niklas Bromholm (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Carlsson
vs
Bromholm

193 cm
30
197 lbs
14 - 9 - 0

191 cm
25
193 lbs
3 - 3 - 0

Good takedowns
Brawler
Experienced

Good takedowns
Brawler
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 14 - 9 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, David Carlsson!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Niklas Bromholm!
The judges for this bout are Colin Fotheringham, Donald Grub and James Glass.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Bromholm tries to clinch up.
Bromholm shoots in but no luck this time.

Bromholm shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
Bromholm thows a huge punch but Carlsson dodges it nicely.
Carlsson trying to control but Bromholm postures up.
Carlsson gets full guard.

Carlsson has an active guard here but Bromholm has managed to pass into half guard.

Bromholm is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Carlsson is just riding it out for now. Bromholm eventually gives up the hold.
Bromholm works his way into full mount!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bromholm can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Carlsson is looking to escape.
Bromholm misses with a series of strikes from mount. He'll no doubt be working on his ground and pound when he gets back to the gym.
Bromholm lands with some strikes.
Bromholm is still in mount, landing shots to his trapped opponent. Carlsson can't stay in a position like this for much longer.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bromholm tries to control but Carlsson wriggling away.
Bromholm sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.
Bromholm trying to control but Carlsson is having none of it.

The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Bromholm goes for an armbar but Carlsson turns quickly into his guard - lovely anticipation from Carlsson.
Carlsson trying to control but Bromholm is working from the bottom.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Carlsson won't allow Bromholm to sweep him here.
Bromholm keeping moving, preventing Carlsson from controlling successfully.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Carlsson shoots in for a takedown but Bromholm shows good takedown defense.
Bromholm tries a head kick but it misses.
Bromholm shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Carlsson but Carlsson pushes him off and we're back to square one.

Bromholm throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Carlsson was covering up waiting for the punch and Bromholm finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Bromholm looking to pass the guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Carlsson manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Bromholm manages to get himself to full guard.
Bromholm controls Carlsson momentarily but Carlsson frees himself.
Carlsson working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Carlsson controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Bromholm not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Carlsson accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Carlsson tries to free his leg and advance position but Bromholm is retaining full guard.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.

Carlsson got a little sloppy there for a moment and Bromholm has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Carlsson has managed to get both his arms back between Bromholm's legs - danger averted.
Bromholm looks winded!
Carlsson content to stall in guard here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Niklas Bromholm dominated that 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.

Carlsson instigates a clinch.

Carlsson manages to break the clinch.
David Carlsson is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

Carlsson moves into range and clinches up with Bromholm.

Carlsson pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Carlsson has a takedown stuffed.
Bromholm shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Carlsson as he jumps to the side.

Carlsson shoots in and gets a takedown into Bromholm's guard.
Bromholm looking to control.
Carlsson wants to control from the top but Bromholm keeps moving.
Bromholm is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Carlsson is controlling him.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bromholm throws a couple of weedy looking strikes off his back.
Bromholm 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.
Bromholm working a defensive guard here.
Bromholm wants to sweep but no luck.
Bromholm is breathing heavily.
Carlsson trying to control the position from guard on top but Bromholm is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

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

Carlsson is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Bromholm's half guard.
Bromholm keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Bromholm tries to roll over but Carlsson keeps him under control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ground and pound from Carlsson.

Carlsson is working for a kimura but Bromholm is defending it quite comfortably.
Carlsson controlling the action here.
Carlsson is keeping good posture, landing some 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!
Carlsson wants to take a breather but Bromholm is having none of it.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Bromholm wants to control but Carlsson is keeping busy.
Carlsson prevents Bromholm from standing back up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bromholm wants to improve his position but Carlsson is controlling well.
Carlsson is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
Carlsson seems to have a rather negative gameplan on the ground. He seems keen to just score the takedown and hold down Bromholm for as long as he can get away with.

David Carlsson has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.
Bromholm misses with a double jab.
Bromholm displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Carlsson.

Carlsson gets caught napping as Bromholm dives in and scores a takedown. Carlsson manages to retain guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Carlsson had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Bromholm defends it easily.
Carlsson is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Bromholm tries to free his leg and advance position but Carlsson is retaining full guard.
Bromholm postures up.
Carlsson keeping moving, preventing Bromholm from controlling successfully.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.
Bromholm won't allow Carlsson to get back to his feet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

David Carlsson dominated that second round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!

Carlsson tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Bromholm swivels and escapes.
Bromholm tries to close the distance and clinch but Carlsson swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Bromholm tries to clinch there but Carlsson circles away.
Carlsson avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Good shot there by Carlsson.

Carlsson decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
Bromholm is trying to stand up here but Carlsson is controlling him well.
Carlsson works his way into side control.
Carlsson wants to control but Bromholm is keeping him busy.
Bromholm is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Carlsson's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
Bromholm preventing any damage for now, controlling his opponent's head.
Bromholm takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Carlsson works his way into full mount!
Bromholm tries to hold on but Carlsson postures up.
Bromholm tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Carlsson trying to control but Bromholm is having none of it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bromholm tries to hold on but Carlsson postures up.
Carlsson with good strikes from the mount here!
Bromholm tries to reverse the position but Carlsson maintains control.
Carlsson tries to control but Bromholm wriggling away.
Bromholm is looking to get to half guard.
Carlsson landing shots from mount.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Carlsson lands with some vicious ground and pound - can Bromholm hang on?
Bromholm stops Carlsson from taking his back. Still, being mounted isn't any better.
David Carlsson overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Carlsson throws some wild stikes that Bromholm manages to avoid easily.
Bromholm is trying desperately to improve position.
Carlsson avoids the attempt from Bromholm to control.
Carlsson landing strikes from the mount and Bromholm is in trouble!

Carlsson has hold of Bromholm's left arm, perhaps looking for a submission. The two fighters tussle over control of the isolated limb and Bromholm manages to get his arm back to his side and away from danger.
Carlsson looking to control but Bromholm is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Carlsson with the ground and pound from mount.
Carlsson wants to take his opponent's back but Bromholm doesn't allow it.
Bromholm is squirming around, avoiding Carlsson's attempts to control the action.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Bromholm is looking to get to half guard.
Carlsson tries to control but Bromholm wriggling away.

And that's the end of the fight!
David Carlsson showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Carlsson 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 Colin Fotheringham scores the fight 29:28
Judge Donald Grub scores the fight 29:28
Judge James Glass scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... David Carlsson!
A victorious David Carlsson thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
62%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Jack Frost (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Lotney Fratelli (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Lotney Fratelli will no doubt be trying to keep this one on the feet, where he has a distinct advantage.

Frost
vs
Fratelli

179 cm
20
184 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

180 cm
26
180 lbs
7 - 3 - 0

Good takedowns
Basic striking
KO power

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent boxer
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Jack Frost!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Lotney Fratelli!
The judges for this bout are James Atkins, Paul Tew and James Glass.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Frost misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Frost misses with a low kick as Fratelli jumps back.
Frost keeps the fight on the outside.
Frost tries a head kick but it misses.
Fratelli misses with a jab, cross combination.
Nice body punch from Fratelli.

Frost has managed to clinch.

Frost decides to pull guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
Frost thows some rabbit punches from the bottom but they don't do any damage.
Frost is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
Fratelli is looking to stand up but Frost won't let him.
Frost wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.

Jack Frost has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.
Fratelli bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Frost's head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fratelli keeps the fight on the outside.
Frost ducks under a wild hook from Fratelli.
Fratelli misses with an uppercut.
Nice shot by Fratelli.
Frost moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Fratelli throws a looping overhand right but Frost ducks down to avoid it.
Fratelli lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Frost circles away quickly and effectively.

Fratelli moves into the clinch.
Frost prevents Fratelli from breaking the clinch.
Frost fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Frost tries to pull guard but Fratelli forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Fratelli is leaning against Frost and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.

Frost manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.
Fratelli pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Frost is keeping the position for now.
Frost wants to stand and escape but Fratelli is having none of it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Fratelli wants to get up but he can't break Frost's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Frost pulls Fratelli in close to prevent any damage.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Frost tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Frost thows a body shot but no joy.

Fratelli moves into the clinch.
Stalling in the clinch from Frost.

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

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Fratelli scores with a jab.
Fratelli jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Fratelli tries to bum rush Frost with a series of wild strikes but Frost uses good footwork to avoid the assault.

Frost closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Fratelli quickly recovers to half guard.

Frost is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Frost frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Frost with shots to the head and body - Fratelli looks very uncomfortable down there.
Fratelli really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Frost. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Frost unloads with some shots from mount but Fratelli bucks and avoids them well.
Frost can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Fratelli is looking to escape.
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Frost cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Fratelli is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Frost controlling the pace for now.
Fratelli is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Frost throwing sloppy strikes here. Perhaps if he tightened up his striking from such a dominant position, he'd be able to finish easier.
Frost cracks Fratelli with a nasty head shot there - the crowd let out an audible gasp there, as the noise reverberated around the arena.
Frost looking to control and managing it successfully.
Frost won't let Fratelli get back to his feet... He wants to keep the fight where it is for now.
Frost unloading with bombs!
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Frost dominating with strikes here.
Frost throwing sloppy strikes, which aren't doing any damage.
BOOM! Frost connects with a massive shot to the dome!
Frost trying to control but he's not successful this time.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jack Frost dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

A telegraphed right hand from Fratelli misses the target.
Fratelli scores with a jab.
Fratelli swings and misses with a hook to the body.

Frost scores with a takedown into Fratelli's guard.

Frost stands up from Fratelli's guard - Frost perhaps looking for a knockout.
Fratelli moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.

Frost scores with a takedown into Fratelli's guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Frost trying to control but Fratelli is working from the bottom.
Frost 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.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fratelli is looking to stand back up but Frost counters by passing into half guard. Oops... bit sloppy there by Fratelli.
Fratelli avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Frost.
Frost is pressing down on Fratelli's thigh, looking to free his foot. Fratelli is holding on for now.

Frost is looking for a kimura here.
Frost is nestled in close to Fratelli, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Frost is keen to just control but Fratelli is a slippery customer.
Frost 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.

Frost decides he's had enough of the ground and stands up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Fratelli misses with a hook

and Frost counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Frost stalling.
Frost is looking to advance position but Fratelli won't allow it.
Frost stops Fratelli from getting back to his feet.
Frost scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Frost controlling the action here.

Frost stands up from half guard.
Fratelli fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Fratelli darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Fratelli moves out of range of the body kick.

Frost shoots in and bounces Fratelli off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
Frost wants to control from the top but Fratelli keeps moving.

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

Frost gets to his feet. Fratelli looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Fratelli thows a body shot but no joy.
Fratelli keeps the fight on the outside.
Frost throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Frost throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Good shot there by Fratelli.
Fratelli misses with a wild combination.
Lotney Fratelli seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Frost is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Fratelli's half guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!

Frost decides he's had enough of the ground and stands up.
Fratelli lands with a hook. Frost tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Fratelli tests Frost's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Frost is looking to clinch but Fratelli is avoiding it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jack Frost dominated that second round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. And we move into the final round!

Fratelli tries to clinch but Frost moves away

and Frost counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Frost.
Fratelli working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Frost.
Frost trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Frost advances position into side control!
Fratelli is looking to regain half guard here but Frost keeps moving and retains side control.

Frost stands up and beckons Fratelli to his feet.
Fratelli scores with a one two! Frost had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Frost uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Fratelli.

Frost gets a double leg takedown into Fratelli's guard.
Fratelli wants to stand and escape but Frost is having none of it.
Frost is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Fratelli takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

Fratelli is working an open guard so Frost takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fratelli takes a swing at Frost's ribcage but misses.
Fratelli tries to clinch there but Frost circles away.
Frost throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.

Frost throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Fratelli tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Frost is in Fratelli's guard.
Fratelli wants to get back to his feet but Frost is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Frost loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Frost wants to control from the top but Fratelli keeps moving.
Frost forces his way into half guard.
Fratelli is trying to stand.
Frost trying to control the pace.
Frost has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Frost decides to return to a standing position.

Frost shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Frost showed some decent athleticism there.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Frost prevents Fratelli from improving his position.
Frost is trying to control the action in half guard but Fratelli is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Frost keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
Jack Frost overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Fratelli is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Fratelli is refusing to be controlled, as Frost sits in half guard.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Jack Frost wasn't doing enough on the ground.

Frost feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Frost stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Fratelli swivels though and keeps the full guard.

Frost stands and steps away. Fratelli gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.
Lotney Fratelli is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

Frost shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Fratelli is trying to defend but Frost finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
Frost is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Fratelli can do to turn this around?
Frost missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Frost controlling the pace.
Frost is looking to take a break and control but Fratelli is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Well, if Frost 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.
Fratelli tries to kick Frost off but Frost keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Jack Frost has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.

Frost bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Frost has had enough of the ground for now and decides to stand.
Fratelli takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Lotney Fratelli has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

Frost shoots in and gets a takedown into Fratelli's guard.
Frost advances to half guard.
Frost works his way into side control.
A lull in the action here as Frost stalls from top position.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Frost lands a knee to the body and follows it up with some ground and pound to the head. That will wear Fratelli down.

And that's the end of the fight!
Jack Frost showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Frost, 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 James Atkins scores the fight 30:27
Judge Paul Tew scores the fight 30:27
Judge James Glass scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jack Frost!
During a confident post fight interview, Jack Frost 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
78%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Islam Muranov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Pekka Vanntinen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Islam Muranov could well score a knockout today. He has the power to get to Pekka Vanntinen's chin.

Muranov
vs
Vanntinen

170 cm
25
138 lbs
5 - 2 - 1

171 cm
20
140 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

Good wrestling
Counter fighter
KO power

BJJ Brown Belt
Basic striking
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 2 - 1, fighting out of St Petersburg, Islam Muranov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Pekka Vanntinen!
The judges for this bout are James Atkins, Donald Grub and Phil Schofield.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Muranov avoids the body shot from Vanntinen.
Vanntinen wants to clinch but Muranov slips to the side

and Muranov counters with a single leg into guard. Vanntinen didn't expect that.
Muranov is pushing down on Vanntinen's leg trying to pass to half guard. Vanntinen is fighting to maintain full guard but Muranov has managed to sneak the leg through.
Vanntinen wants to get back to his feet.
Vanntinen is using up a lot of energy trying to get back to his feet. Perhaps he should improve his position first.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Muranov knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Vanntinen on the ground.

Muranov is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Vanntinen is just riding it out for now. Muranov eventually gives up the hold.
Muranov prevents Vanntinen from standing back up.

Muranov is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Vanntinen pushes Muranov off looking to stand but Muranov dives back in and keeps control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Muranov with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.

Muranov is trying to work for a kimura but Vanntinen is defending well.

Muranov is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Muranov is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
Vanntinen pushes Muranov off looking to stand but Muranov dives back in and keeps control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Muranov is working for a submission of some sort.

Muranov is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Vanntinen sees it coming and defends easily.
Muranov prevents Vanntinen from standing back up.
Muranov is nestled in close to Vanntinen, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Well, if Muranov 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.
Muranov prevents Vanntinen from standing back up.
Vanntinen looks winded!

Muranov 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.
Muranov looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Vanntinen with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Muranov landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Muranov trying to control the action but Vanntinen is working from the bottom.
Muranov looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Vanntinen has hold of Muranov's hands but Muranov slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Vanntinen wants to get back to his feet.
Muranov is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
Vanntinen is looking to escape.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Muranov is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Vanntinen pushes Muranov off but Muranov dives into side control.

Muranov is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Vanntinen has escaped the position, nice work there.
Muranov working the body and head with strikes.
Vanntinen tries to escape but Muranov is in control.
This has been an exciting period of action!

Muranov wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Vanntinen, who protects the arm well.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Muranov is working to tighten his grip on Vanntinen's neck. He's isolated an arm and is working for an arm triangle. Vanntinen has recognised the danger and is trying to turn with the submission but Muranov is really squeezing tight and eventually Vanntinen passes out! Muranov breaks the hold and jumps onto the cage to celebrate! Submission of the night, I'd say!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:56 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Arm Triangle). Islam Muranov!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
40%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Niklas Backstrom (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ross Peerson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Peerson has chosen Good Feeling as his entrance music. Ross Peerson will no doubt be trying to keep this one on the feet, where he has a distinct advantage.

Backstrom
vs
Peerson

183 cm
26
154 lbs
13 - 5 - 0

170 cm
27
150 lbs
4 - 0 - 0

Good takedowns
Counter fighter
Experienced

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Likes musicals

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 13 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Niklas Backstrom!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Ross Peerson!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Bishop, Sam Margolis and James Atkins.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Peerson falls off balance throwing a combination

and Backstrom counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Backstrom.
Backstrom tries to free his leg and advance position but Peerson is retaining full guard.
Backstrom trying to control the position from guard on top but Peerson is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Backstrom pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Peerson is keeping the position for now.
Backstrom passes into half guard.
Peerson keeping control of the position.

Backstrom is working for a submission of some sort.

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

Backstrom 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.
Peerson wants to get back to full guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Backstrom wants to control but Peerson is keeping him busy.
Backstrom controlling the action here.
Peerson keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Peerson is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.

Backstrom is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Peerson doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Backstrom.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Backstrom winds up and cracks Peerson with a swinging punch to the side of the head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Backstrom seems to be working for a kimura but Peerson defends the submission attempt.

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

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Backstrom content to control rather than advance.
Backstrom is trying to control the action in half guard but Peerson is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.

Backstrom is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Peerson is trying to stand back up but Backstrom is controlling him
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Niklas Backstrom dominated that 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.

Peerson throws a leg kick but Backstrom sees it coming and moves out of range.
Peerson throws a right and a left that Backstrom avoids nicely.
Backstrom avoids a punch combination nicely.
Peerson tries to bum rush Backstrom with a series of wild strikes but Backstrom uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Peerson fails with a takedown attempt.
Peerson throws the kick towards the body but Backstrom avoids it.
Backstrom avoids a punch combination nicely.
Peerson pivots, looking for a leg kick but Backstrom is out of range and Peerson settles back down.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Peerson doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Backstrom counters with a left and a right that stings Peerson.
Peerson throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped

and Backstrom counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Backstrom.
Backstrom looking to sit in guard and control but Peerson gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Peerson trying to control the position from guard on top but Backstrom is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Backstrom is trying to keep Peerson in close.

Backstrom had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Peerson defends it easily.

Backstrom working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Peerson doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Peerson manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Peerson landing with the ground and pound.

Backstrom has his foot on Peerson's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Peerson works his way back into a safe position though.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Backstrom is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Peerson is aware though and is defending well.

Peerson got a little sloppy there for a moment and Backstrom has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Peerson has managed to get both his arms back between Backstrom's legs - danger averted.
Peerson throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Backstrom not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.

Peerson decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Backstrom, up you get!
Peerson lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Backstrom circles away quickly and effectively.
Peerson misses with a double jab
and Backstrom counters with a series of strikes. Peerson will be more careful next time no doubt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Peerson throws a series of punches but Backstrom avoids them all with ease.
Peerson falls off balance throwing a combination

and Backstrom counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Peerson!
Backstrom moves into full mount!
Peerson really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Backstrom. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Backstrom moves to the back position.

Peerson is staying cool under pressure, defending well against the rear naked choke attempt from his opponent.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Backstrom not allowing Peerson to control his hands.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Peerson tries to break free.

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

Backstrom is working hard for the rear naked choke here.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!

Backstrom patiently working for the choke. Which fighter will keep their nerve here?
Backstrom is throwing punches to the body, looking to soften Peerson up.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Niklas Backstrom 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. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Backstrom changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Peerson tries to avoid it but Backstrom manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Peerson to the ground. Peerson escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.

Peerson moves into the clinch.
Peerson stalling against the cage.
Backstrom is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Peerson gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.

Peerson breaks from the clinch.
Peerson misses with a double jab.
The fight stays on the outside here - Peerson looks like he's thinking about clinching though.

Peerson instigates a clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Backstrom jumps guard but Peerson stands there with Backstrom around his waist. Backstrom gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Niklas Backstrom. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Peerson breaks from the clinch.
Peerson lands a nice hook to Backstrom's body. Backstrom takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
A combination from Peerson does no damage.
Backstrom avoids the body shot from Peerson.
Peerson throws a series of punches but Backstrom avoids them all with ease.
Peerson will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Good leg kick by Peerson there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Ross Peerson seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Peerson tries to bum rush Backstrom with a series of wild strikes but Backstrom uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Peerson misses with a combination

and Backstrom counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Backstrom throwing strikes from guard but Peerson blocks nicely.
Backstrom controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Peerson is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Backstrom wants to pass the guard but Peerson is keeping the position.
Backstrom passes easily into side control. Nice work.
Peerson stops Backstrom from passing to mount.

Backstrom is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Peerson knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Backstrom wants to control for a moment but Peerson uses the opportunity to move back to half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Peerson wants to control but Backstrom is keeping busy and won't allow it.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Backstrom seems to be trying to get a kimura but instead Peerson has recovered full guard.
Niklas Backstrom overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Peerson throws a couple of weedy looking strikes off his back.
Ross Peerson has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Niklas Backstrom is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Backstrom is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Peerson is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Peerson has escaped and now he's on top!

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Ross Peerson.
I think Backstrom has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Daniel Bishop scores the fight 30:28
Judge Sam Margolis scores the fight 29:28
Judge James Atkins scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Niklas Backstrom!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
45%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Nikola Veljanovski (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Rafael Almeida (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Nikola Veljanovski has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Veljanovski
vs
Almeida

182 cm
27
222 lbs
20 - 9 - 0

191 cm
30
195 lbs
12 - 10 - 0

Good wrestling
Basic striking
Experienced

Good takedowns
Solid Muay Thai
Knockout power

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the light heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 20 - 9 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Nikola Veljanovski!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 12 - 10 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Rafael Almeida!
The judges for this bout are Colin Fotheringham, Phil Schofield and James Ackerman.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Veljanovski has a takedown stuffed.
Almeida moves in looking to clinch but Veljanovski pushes him off.
Veljanovski darts in looking for a takedown but Almeida gets double underhooks and turns Veljanovski into the cage.
Almeida has Veljanovski pressed against the cage, preventing Veljanovski from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Almeida is trying to maintain a safe position but Veljanovski gets an underhook and turns Almeida into the cage.
Still in the clinch, Veljanovski scores with a nice short uppercut.

It looks like Rafael Almeida has been cut.
Veljanovski keeps control of Almeida as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Veljanovski just leaning against Almeida, taking a breather.
Almeida has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Almeida is trying to break the clinch but Veljanovski is controlling him.
Almeida tries to circle away but Veljanovski has him pinned against the cage.
Veljanovski has Almeida pressed against the cage, preventing Almeida from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Veljanovski pressing his opponent against the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Veljanovski makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Veljanovski tries to break the clinch but Almeida is controlling the position.
Almeida wants to get back to striking at distance but Veljanovski won't allow it.
Veljanovski controlling the action here for a moment.
Almeida is trying to break free.
Veljanovski stalling the fight.
Veljanovski lands a body shot.
Veljanovski misses with the head strike.
Veljanovski stalling the fight.
Veljanovski seems to have come into the fight with the intention of avoiding any damage in the clinch, rather than actually showing any aggression.
Veljanovski wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Almeida has him pressed against the cage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Veljanovski is looking to break free of the clinch but Almeida has double underhooks.

Veljanovski manages to break the clinch.
Horrible takedown attempt by Veljanovski or perhaps it was just good defense by Almeida, which made it look bad.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Nikola Veljanovski. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Veljanovski changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Almeida tries to avoid it but Veljanovski manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Almeida to the ground. Almeida escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.

Veljanovski fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Almeida, pushing him back against the cage.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Almeida is looking to break free of the clinch but Veljanovski has double underhooks.
Almeida is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Veljanovski keeps control of Almeida as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Almeida is trying to break free.
Veljanovski softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Almeida is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Almeida is trying to break the clinch but Veljanovski is controlling him.
Veljanovski misses with the head strike.
Almeida takes a shot to the head.
Veljanovski keeps control of Almeida as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Veljanovski tries a body shot but Almeida blocks it.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Veljanovski with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Almeida has Veljanovski pressed against the cage, preventing Veljanovski from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Almeida struggles to land a body shot inside as Veljanovski controls his hands.
Veljanovski lands an uppercut.
Veljanovski misses with the head strike.
Veljanovski misses with a short punch on the inside.
Veljanovski digs a right hand into Almeida's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Almeida's gas tank.
Veljanovski slowing the pace effectively.
Almeida wants to break the clinch but can't.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Veljanovski wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Veljanovski is trying to break the clinch but Almeida has him pressed against the cage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Nikola Veljanovski dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Rafael Almeida's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Veljanovski shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Almeida sprawls well. Almeida wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Veljanovski gets slowly back to his feet.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Almeida!

Veljanovski closes the distance and clinches.
Almeida tries to circle away but Veljanovski has him pinned against the cage.
Veljanovski is looking to break free of the clinch but Almeida has double underhooks.
Almeida is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
A bit of stalling here from Veljanovski.
Almeida can't break the clinch.
Veljanovski scores with a hook to the body.
Veljanovski lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Veljanovski wants to get back to striking at distance but Almeida won't allow it.
Almeida working hard to break the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Veljanovski manages to break the clinch.
Veljanovski pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Almeida displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Veljanovski throws out the jab.
Veljanovski tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Almeida manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Almeida goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Veljanovski wants to clinch up but Almeida keeps it at a distance.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Veljanovski.
Veljanovski fails with the takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Nikola Veljanovski. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Veljanovski tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Almeida defends well and Veljanovski ends up having to push Almeida into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Veljanovski tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Almeida tries to break free but Veljanovski pushes him back against the cage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Almeida blocking some punches.

Almeida breaks from the clinch.
Veljanovski with a poor takedown
and Almeida counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Almeida leaves Veljanovski with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.

Veljanovski gets a clinch.
Veljanovski lands a shot to the body.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Veljanovski stalling in the clinch.
Veljanovski looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Veljanovski has Almeida pressed against the cage.
Almeida has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Almeida tries to break free but Veljanovski pushes him back against the cage.
Veljanovski is struggling to control the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Veljanovski prevents Almeida from breaking the clinch.
Almeida is trying to force a seperation but Veljanovski has the dominant position.
Veljanovski displaying some good clinch control by pressing Almeida up against the cage.
Veljanovski gets a warning from the ref for wasting time.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Nikola Veljanovski.
Almeida stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Almeida wants it to stay on the feet.
Almeida connects with an inside leg kick.
Veljanovski doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Almeida counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Veljanovski tries to clinch but Almeida moves out of range.
Veljanovski shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Veljanovski darts in looking for a takedown but Almeida gets double underhooks and turns Veljanovski into the cage.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Almeida looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Veljanovski wants to get back to striking at distance but Almeida won't allow it.
Veljanovski is trying to break free.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Almeida stalling in the clinch but Veljanovski improves position.
Veljanovski holding his opponent close, against the cage.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Veljanovski doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Nikola Veljanovski dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Rafael Almeida's cut.
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.

A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Veljanovski.
Almeida rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Veljanovski moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Almeida throws a wild combination but nothing lands.

Veljanovski rushes Almeida and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Almeida trying to stall but Veljanovski improves his position.
Veljanovski prevents Almeida from breaking the clinch.
Almeida wants to stall.
Almeida has had enough of the clinch but Veljanovski keeps him there for the moment.
A frustrated look appears on Veljanovski's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Almeida can't break the clinch.
Veljanovski lands a left hand that snaps the head of Almeida backwards.
Veljanovski taking a break, stalling in the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Almeida manages to break the clinch.
Veljanovski throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Almeida's waist but Almeida gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Veljanovski off to one side.
Veljanovski looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Almeida is fending him off so far but Veljanovski persists. Nope, Almeida circles away and we're back to standing.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Nikola Veljanovski. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Veljanovski looks for a takedown but Almeida sprawls well.
Almeida stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Almeida wants it to stay on the feet.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Veljanovski misses with a takedown attempt - Almeida sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Almeida stuns Veljanovski with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Veljanovski fails with the takedown
and Almeida counters with a nice kick to the body.
Almeida tries to close the distance and clinch but Veljanovski swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Nice sprawl there from Almeida as Veljanovski shoots in.
Rafael Almeida seems to be getting the better of the standup.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Veljanovski will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Almeida tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Veljanovski manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Veljanovski throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Nikola Veljanovski is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Veljanovski takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Veljanovski misses with a takedown attempt
and Almeida cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Almeida moves in looking to clinch but Veljanovski pushes him off.
Veljanovski shoots in looking for a takedown but Almeida manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Veljanovski's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Almeida wants to clinch.
Almeida tries to close the distance and clinch but Veljanovski swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Veljanovski shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Almeida with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Nice uppercut lands for Almeida. That snapped Veljanovski's head back.
Almeida slaps away a takedown attempt from Veljanovski, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Almeida stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Almeida wants it to stay on the feet.
Veljanovski walks forward, straight into a front kick from Almeida.
Danga de danga de dang - Almeida scores with a four punch combination!
Almeida connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Veljanovski takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Veljanovski misses with a takedown
and Almeida counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Almeida clobbers Veljanovski with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Almeida connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Veljanovski's hands.
Nikola Veljanovski seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Sloppy strikes from Almeida. Those never looked like landing.
Veljanovski goes for a double leg but Almeida avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Almeida continues to drive forward.
Almeida looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Veljanovski can't find room to land a body shot as Almeida controls the action.
Veljanovski tries to work over Almeida's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Almeida wants to get back to striking at distance but Veljanovski won't allow it.
Veljanovski is looking to break free of the clinch but Almeida has double underhooks.
Almeida blocking some punches.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Almeida is looking to break free of the clinch but Veljanovski has double underhooks.
Almeida trying to land knees to the body.
Almeida blocking some punches.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Rafael Almeida really dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Rafael Almeida's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Veljanovski looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Almeida lands a jab to the head.
Veljanovski has a takedown stuffed.
Veljanovski tries for a takedown but Almeida sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Nikola Veljanovski. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Almeida doesn't manage to clinch there - Veljanovski circles away.

Veljanovski throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Almeida tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Veljanovski is in Almeida's guard.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.
Veljanovski wants to control from the top but Almeida keeps moving.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Veljanovski accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Veljanovski wants to pass the guard but Almeida is keeping the position.
Veljanovski looking to sit in guard and control but Almeida gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Veljanovski working a defensive guard but Almeida manages to pass into side control anyway.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
A control attempt from Veljanovski but he's now mounted!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Veljanovski is working to get back to half guard.

Almeida stands up from the dominant position. He obviously fancies his chances standing.
Veljanovski shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Almeida counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Veljanovski shoots in and drives through. Almeida sprawls well.

Veljanovski drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Almeida sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Veljanovski is trying to advance to mount but he's lost his balance and Almeida reverses the position - he's now on top in Veljanovski's guard.

Veljanovski is edging up against the cage. He's using the cage to get back to his feet. Nice work there - the fighters are clinched.
A frustrated look appears on Almeida's face as he tries to break the clinch.
A frustrated look appears on Veljanovski's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Almeida has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Veljanovski has a couple of punches blocked by Almeida.
Veljanovski misses with a short punch on the inside.
A short right from Veljanovski on the inside.
Almeida tries to break free but Veljanovski pushes him back against the cage.
Veljanovski is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Veljanovski is pushing Almeida up against the cage, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.
Almeida tries to break the clinch but Veljanovski is controlling the position.
Veljanovski holding his opponent close, against the cage.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Almeida tries to break free but Veljanovski pushes him back against the cage.
Veljanovski tries to break the clinch but Almeida is controlling the position.
A frustrated look appears on Almeida's face as he tries to break the clinch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Nikola Veljanovski had his way with Rafael Almeida in that round.
The cut man is working on Rafael Almeida's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Almeida keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Veljanovski tries to clinch up.
Almeida misses with a jab, cross combination.
Veljanovski is looking to clinch.
The fight stays on the outside here - Veljanovski looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Almeida misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.

Veljanovski dives in and scores a takedown into Almeida's guard.
Almeida keeping moving, preventing Veljanovski from controlling successfully.
Veljanovski throws an elbow that misses. Almeida uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Veljanovski's guard. Nice move by Almeida!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Veljanovski has a closed guard, preventing Almeida from standing up.
Almeida is using up a lot of energy trying to get back to his feet. Perhaps he should improve his position first.
Veljanovski wants to improve his position but instead Almeida has moved into half guard.
Veljanovski trying to control from the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Veljanovski wants to improve his position but Almeida is controlling well.
Veljanovski trying to hold on to Almeida's head to control him but Almeida postures up.

We're going to have a standup here because Nikola Veljanovski wasn't active enough for the referee's liking.
Veljanovski tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Veljanovski fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Almeida avoids it really well and circles away.
Veljanovski tries to clinch but Almeida is having none of it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Veljanovski shoots in looking for a takedown but Almeida manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Veljanovski's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Nikola Veljanovski. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Veljanovski tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Almeida manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Almeida tries to close the distance and clinch but Veljanovski swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Veljanovski shoots in and drives through. Almeida sprawls well.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - a gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
Almeida throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Veljanovski tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Almeida swivels and escapes.
Almeida stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Almeida wants it to stay on the feet.
A nice inside leg kick there by Almeida. That's going to slow Veljanovski down.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Almeida. Veljanovski shrugs it off though.
Veljanovski swats away the attempt to clinch by Almeida.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Almeida stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Almeida wants it to stay on the feet.
Veljanovski fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Almeida tries to clinch up.
Veljanovski shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Almeida defends it nicely.
Veljanovski swats away the attempt to clinch by Almeida.
Rafael Almeida has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Almeida throws a nice looking combination but Veljanovski bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Veljanovski misses with a takedown
and Almeida counters with a nice low kick that buckles Veljanovski's knee momentarily.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Nikola Veljanovski.
I think Veljanovski has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Colin Fotheringham scores the fight 49:46
Judge Phil Schofield scores the fight 49:47
Judge James Ackerman scores the fight 48:47

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Nikola Veljanovski!
Nikola Veljanovski is the new light heavyweight champion!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
79%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Murad Tsekunov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Tom Hammer (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Tsekunov
vs
Hammer

172 cm
26
142 lbs
6 - 2 - 0

165 cm
28
157 lbs
7 - 2 - 0

Good wrestling
Basic striking
Experienced

Powerful takedowns
Basic striking
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the featherweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 2 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Murad Tsekunov!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Tom Hammer!
The judges for this bout are Sam Margolis, James Glass and Paul Tew.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Tsekunov gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.

Tsekunov has hold of one of Hammer's legs. Hammer is fighting the takedown attempt but Tsekunov gets the trip and lands the takedown into guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
Tsekunov wants to stand but Hammer has a closed guard, so he can't escape.
Hammer is adopting a defensive guard.
Tsekunov would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.
Tsekunov knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Hammer on the ground.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Hammer is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Tsekunov is aware though and is defending well.
Tsekunov is looking to stand up but Hammer won't let him.
Tsekunov trying desperately to get back to his feet here but he's not having any joy at all. He's going to tire himself out if he's not careful.
Tsekunov has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Tsekunov stopping the sweep attempt from Hammer.
Tsekunov wanted to stand there but Hammer had control of the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hammer controls Tsekunov momentarily but Tsekunov frees himself.
Tsekunov trying to stand up but can't free himself from Hammer's guard.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Tsekunov throws a shot from downtown. Hammer moves away and avoids it.
Hammer swings for the body but Tsekunov moves out of range.
Tsekunov swings for the body but Hammer moves out of range.
Hammer is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Tsekunov throws an overhand right that lands on Hammer's shoulder, as Hammer tries to avoid the shot.
Tsekunov tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.

Tsekunov instigates a clinch.
Hammer is working for takedown but Tsekunov is calmly controlling the position for now.
Hammer is trying to force a seperation but Tsekunov has the dominant position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hammer is working for takedown but Tsekunov is calmly controlling the position for now.
Hammer taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Hammer is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Tsekunov gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Murad Tsekunov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Tom Hammer.

Tsekunov has clasped his hands together around Hammer's back... aaand, he's got a takedown into side control. Nicely done.
Tsekunov wants to stand but Hammer has his arm trapped.
Hammer tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Tsekunov wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hammer wants to control but Tsekunov postures up.
Tsekunov wants to stand but Hammer is controlling his arm.
Hammer tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Tsekunov wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Tsekunov wants to stand but Hammer is controlling his arm.
Hammer is looking to reverse the position.
Tsekunov wants to stand but Hammer is controlling his arm.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Tsekunov is breathing heavily.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Hammer is trying to control Tsekunov's posture but Tsekunov avoids it.
Hammer is looking to regain half guard here but Tsekunov keeps moving and retains side control.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Murad Tsekunov dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Hammer tries to close the distance and clinch but Tsekunov swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Hammer is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Hammer tries to score a power double leg takedown but Tsekunov sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Hammer somewhat.
Hammer tries to clinch

and Tsekunov counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Tsekunov is looking to stand up but Hammer won't let him.

Tsekunov avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Hammer is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Tsekunov trying to stand up but can't free himself from Hammer's guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Hammer not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Tsekunov tries to clinch up

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

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tsekunov has Hammer pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Hammer manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.

Hammer has dropped down and is working for a takedown. Tsekunov is trying to keep an underhook but Hammer manages to get the takedown into half guard.
Hammer takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
Hammer throws a big elbow that misses, also allowing Tsekunov to regain full guard.
Hammer loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Hammer working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Hammer looking to pass the guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Tsekunov avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hammer postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Hammer sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Tsekunov's guard.
Hammer is trying to control the action in half guard but Tsekunov is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Tsekunov on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Tsekunov tries to get out of the position.
Tsekunov won't allow Hammer to pass to mount.
Tsekunov regains full guard, whilst avoiding punches from Hammer.
Hammer wants to control from the top but Tsekunov keeps moving.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.
Hammer throws a strike but Tsekunov rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
Tsekunov wants to get up but he can't break Hammer's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Hammer is trying to control the position but Tsekunov postures up.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Tom Hammer showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Hammer displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Tsekunov throws out the jab.

Tsekunov has managed to clinch.

Tsekunov has Hammer pressed up against the cage. He's trying to work for a single leg takedown. Tsekunov pulls back from the cage and twists to the side, sending Hammer tumbling to the mat - Tsekunov dives into Hammer's guard.
Tsekunov is looking to stand up but Hammer won't let him.

Hammer had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Tsekunov defends it easily.

Hammer had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Tsekunov defends it easily.
Tsekunov wants to stand but Hammer is controlling his posture from full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Hammer looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Tsekunov wants to get up but he can't break Hammer's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
Hammer has his hands on Tsekunov's head, controlling the position.
Hammer tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Tsekunov wants to stand but Hammer has a closed guard, so he can't escape.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.
Hammer wants to sweep but no luck.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up, due to lack of activity on the part of Murad Tsekunov.
Tsekunov throws an off balance right hand
and Hammer counters with a nice body shot.
Tsekunov throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Hammer swats away the attempt to clinch by Tsekunov.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hammer defending well as Tsekunov loads up on a big left hand.

Hammer darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
Hammer throwing shots but Tsekunov is blocking nicely.
Hammer wants to pass the guard but Tsekunov is defending well.
Tsekunov regains full guard, whilst avoiding punches from Hammer.
Tsekunov keeping moving, preventing Hammer from controlling successfully.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tsekunov working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Hammer.
Hammer trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Hammer trying to pass the guard. He's being very persistent here but Tsekunov manages to land a sweep and now he's on top!
Tsekunov trying to stand up but can't free himself from Hammer's guard.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Hammer is looking to stand up but Tsekunov isn't so interested in that idea.
Hammer looking to control.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close third round but Tom Hammer just about did enough to take it.
That's time! Back to the action!

The fight stays on the outside here - Hammer looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Tsekunov misses with an attempted mid kick.
Nice sprawl there from Tsekunov as Hammer shoots in.

Tsekunov has closed the distance and engaged Hammer in a clinch.
Hammer is working for takedown but Tsekunov is calmly controlling the position for now.
Tsekunov gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Hammer.
Murad Tsekunov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Tom Hammer.
Tsekunov prevents the takedown attempt.
Hammer is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hammer wants to take the fight to the mat but Tsekunov manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Tsekunov stops a takedown attempt from Hammer.
Tsekunov is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Hammer is trying to break free.

Hammer escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Hammer fails with the takedown.

Tsekunov closes the distance and clinches.
Hammer tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Tsekunov avoids it.
Hammer tries for a takedown. No joy.

Tsekunov has clasped his hands together around Hammer's back... aaand, he's got a takedown into side control. Nicely done.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tsekunov tries to get to his feet but he's trapped momentarily.
Hammer is positioning himself to get back to half guard.

Tsekunov decides to stand up, so the ref orders Hammer to his feet.
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!

Hammer closes the distance and clinches.

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

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hammer 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.
Tsekunov wants to stand but Hammer is controlling his posture from full guard.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Hammer lands a couple of shots from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hammer controlling the position.
Hammer is trying to control the position but Tsekunov postures up.
Tsekunov wants to stand but Hammer has a closed guard, so he can't escape.
Hammer looking to hit a scissor sweep but Tsekunov is one step ahead there.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Tsekunov tries to close the distance and clinch up but Hammer swats him away and circles back towards the center.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
A telegraphed right hand from Tsekunov misses the target.
Tsekunov is looking to take this fight into the clinch.

Tsekunov darts in and clinches Hammer up against the cage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Murad Tsekunov had his way with Tom Hammer in that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Tsekunov tries to clinch there but Hammer circles away.
Hammer takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.

Tsekunov clinches with his opponent.
Tsekunov blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Hammer is trying to drag Tsekunov to the mat but Tsekunov just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Tsekunov is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Hammer wants a takedown.
Murad Tsekunov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Tom Hammer.
Tsekunov prevents a takedown attempt there.
Hammer wants a takedown.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tsekunov prevents a body shot from Hammer.

Tsekunov works for the underhooks and manages to get a trip takedown into guard.
Tsekunov wants to stand and escape but instead Hammer has hit a sweep and he's now on top in guard.
Hammer trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Hammer trying to control the position from guard on top but Tsekunov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Hammer with a flurry of punches that miss.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tsekunov keeping moving, preventing Hammer from controlling successfully.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.
Hammer is pushing down on Tsekunov's leg trying to pass to half guard. Tsekunov is fighting to maintain full guard but Hammer has managed to sneak the leg through.
Tsekunov keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Hammer throwing shots but Tsekunov is blocking nicely.
Hammer working to pass to mount. He's got his hand pressing down on Tsekunov's thigh. Tsekunov counters though and makes it back to full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tsekunov wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - a gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Hammer accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Hammer is looking to work some ground and pound but Tsekunov has wrist control.
Murad Tsekunov overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Tsekunov keeping moving, preventing Hammer from controlling successfully.
Tsekunov looking to hit a scissor sweep but Hammer is one step ahead there.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tsekunov working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Hammer.
Hammer wants to control from the top but Tsekunov keeps moving.
Hammer might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Tsekunov haven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.

OK we're going to have a standup here. Tom Hammer hasn't been effective enough on the ground and the referee wants a restart.
Tsekunov is looking to clinch.
Tsekunov misses with an uppercut.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Tom Hammer.
I think Hammer has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Sam Margolis scores the fight 47:48
Judge James Glass scores the fight 47:48
Judge Paul Tew scores the fight 47:48

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Tom Hammer!
Tom Hammer is the new featherweight champion!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
68%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between David Haggstrom (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Mikko Hovimaki (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). David Haggstrom has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Haggstrom
vs
Hovimaki

183 cm
25
154 lbs
5 - 1 - 0

178 cm
24
163 lbs
13 - 5 - 0

Good takedowns
Counter fighter
Good chin

Good wrestler
Decent boxing
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, David Haggstrom!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 13 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Mikko Hovimaki!
The judges for this bout are Andrew Berry, James Atkins and Chris Edwards.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
We've got one fighter who appears to only be looking to counter and the other not looking particularly aggressive either, so we could be in for a dull fight.
Haggstrom gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Haggstrom shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Hovimaki sprawls well. Hovimaki wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Haggstrom gets slowly back to his feet.
Both fighters are looking to counter, which isn't making for the most exciting fight in the world.
Haggstrom shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
letting Hovimaki counter with a right hand.
Haggstrom closes this distance looking for a takedown but Hovimaki circles away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for David Haggstrom. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Hovimaki throws an overhand right that lands on Haggstrom's shoulder, as Haggstrom tries to avoid the shot.
Haggstrom misses with a takedown attempt
and Hovimaki counters with a nice uppercut.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hovimaki throws a hook but Haggstrom avoids it easily.
Haggstrom closes this distance looking for a takedown but Hovimaki circles away.
A big left from Hovimaki misses.
Hovimaki punishes Haggstrom's body with a nice straight punch.
Hovimaki throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Hovimaki misses with a straight left.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hovimaki throws a lazy right hand but Haggstrom sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Haggstrom looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Haggstrom takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Haggstrom keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Hovimaki.
Haggstrom uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Hovimaki.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hovimaki defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Haggstrom.
Haggstrom moves away from the strike by Hovimaki.
Hovimaki might want to mix his strikes up a bit more. He's just going for head shots at the moment and that can become a bit predictable.
Hovimaki defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Haggstrom.
A punch lands to the side of Haggstrom 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Hovimaki lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Haggstrom fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hovimaki slaps away a takedown attempt from Haggstrom, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Haggstrom steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Hovimaki.
Hovimaki throws a hook but Haggstrom blocks it.
Haggstrom walks into a straight right hand from Hovimaki.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Haggstrom is trying hard to land a takedown here. Hovimaki sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
A swing and a miss from Hovimaki.
Mikko Hovimaki seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Haggstrom fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Hovimaki scores with a sloppy right hand. Haggstrom should have avoided that one.
Hovimaki thows a left - swing and a miss!
A swing and a miss from Hovimaki.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hovimaki stuffs the takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for David Haggstrom. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Haggstrom fails with the takedown.
Mikko Hovimaki seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Haggstrom walks into a left hand.
Hovimaki darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Haggstrom shoots in but no luck this time.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Haggstrom fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Haggstrom tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Hovimaki swivels and escapes.
Haggstrom tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Hovimaki swivels and escapes.
Hovimaki lands a nice hook to Haggstrom's body. Haggstrom takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Hovimaki scores with a crisp jab that stopped Haggstrom in his tracks.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Haggstrom steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Hovimaki.
Hovimaki throws a looping overhand right but Haggstrom ducks down to avoid it.
A swing and a miss from Hovimaki.
Haggstrom takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Haggstrom darts in looking for a takedown but Hovimaki gets double underhooks and turns Haggstrom into the cage.

Hovimaki breaks from the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Haggstrom takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Haggstrom tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Hovimaki manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Hovimaki with a nice cross.
Haggstrom uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Hovimaki.
Haggstrom slips a straight right by Hovimaki.
Hovimaki pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mikko Hovimaki showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Haggstrom shoots for a takedown but Hovimaki saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Hovimaki throws a jab but it's blocked by Haggstrom.

Haggstrom looking to score a takedown here. Hovimaki is defending well but Haggstrom drives through and ends up in Hovimaki's guard.
Haggstrom missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Hovimaki keeping moving, preventing Haggstrom from controlling successfully.
Haggstrom is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Hovimaki is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.

That's one minute gone in the round.

The ref stands the fighters back up because David Haggstrom just wasn't active enough.
Hovimaki jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Hovimaki keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Haggstrom misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hovimaki listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Haggstrom fails with the takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for David Haggstrom. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Haggstrom with a lazy takedown attempt
and Hovimaki connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Hovimaki with a hook.
Hovimaki scores with a shot to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Haggstrom fails with a takedown attempt.
Haggstrom ducks under a wild hook from Hovimaki.
Haggstrom bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Haggstrom shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Haggstrom takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hovimaki looks to land a right hand but Haggstrom moved out of range.
Haggstrom takes one to the side of the head.
Hovimaki scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Haggstrom doesn't seem bothered though.
Nice defenses there by Haggstrom.
Hovimaki moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mikko Hovimaki really dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Hovimaki connects with a right hand. Haggstrom shakes it off.
Haggstrom slips under a jab.
Nice sprawl there from Hovimaki as Haggstrom shoots in.
Hovimaki misses the jab.
Hovimaki jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Hovimaki stuns Haggstrom with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hovimaki's jab looks to have found its range, popping Haggstrom under the eye.
Hovimaki lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Haggstrom walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Haggstrom shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Hovimaki counters with a stiff right hand.
Hovimaki cracks Haggstrom with a good jab.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Haggstrom slips a straight right by Hovimaki.
Hovimaki cracks Haggstrom with an open hand slap.
Haggstrom with a lazy takedown attempt
and Hovimaki counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for David Haggstrom. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Hovimaki throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Haggstrom sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Haggstrom looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Haggstrom shoots in but no luck this time.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hovimaki with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Haggstrom moves out of range as Hovimaki strikes.
Haggstrom fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Haggstrom with a lazy takedown attempt
and Hovimaki counters with a nice uppercut.
Hovimaki throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hovimaki cracks Haggstrom with an open hand slap.
Haggstrom dives in and grabs Hovimaki's left leg, looking for a takedown. Hovimaki pushes down on Haggstrom's head and hops out.
Hovimaki throws a jab when Haggstrom was well out of range.
Haggstrom ducks right into an uppercut from Hovimaki.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Haggstrom doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Hovimaki connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mikko Hovimaki dominated that fourth round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Haggstrom takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Haggstrom closes this distance looking for a takedown but Hovimaki circles away.
Hovimaki fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Haggstrom shoots for a takedown but Hovimaki saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Nice defenses there by Haggstrom.
Haggstrom moves forwards but Hovimaki connects with a nice, crisp jab.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hovimaki scores with a punch to the head.
Hovimaki misses with an uppercut.
Hovimaki looks to throw the jab but Haggstrom is out of range.
Hovimaki misses with an uppercut. Haggstrom saw that one coming.
Haggstrom gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Hovimaki counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for David Haggstrom. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Haggstrom changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Hovimaki tries to avoid it but Haggstrom manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Hovimaki to the ground. Hovimaki escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Haggstrom has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Haggstrom there as he acknowledges the shot.
Hovimaki lands with a right hand.
Hovimaki jabs Haggstrom to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Haggstrom doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Hovimaki lands a really nice looking cross but Haggstrom seems unphased.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Haggstrom shoots in looking for a takedown. Hovimaki tries to sprawl out of it but Haggstrom keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Hovimaki manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Hovimaki stuns Haggstrom with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Mikko Hovimaki is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Haggstrom takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Haggstrom takes one to the chin there.
Haggstrom misses with a takedown
and Hovimaki counters with a left to the body.
Haggstrom looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Haggstrom misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Haggstrom shoots and misses
and Hovimaki counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Haggstrom moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.

And that's the end of the fight!
Mikko Hovimaki comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Hovimaki winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Andrew Berry scores the fight 45:50
Judge James Atkins scores the fight 45:50
Judge Chris Edwards scores the fight 45:50

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Mikko Hovimaki!
Mikko Hovimaki is the new lightweight champion!
After the fight, Mikko Hovimaki was humble in paying tribute to his opponent but made it clear he wants to go on to bigger and better things. It seemed to go down well with the crowd who cheered him loudly.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
37%

Main event

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Bruno Da Gaucho (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Abner Llorent (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Abner Llorent has the power to score a knockout today if he connects clean with Bruno Da Gaucho's chin.

Da Gaucho
vs
Llorent

168 cm
26
141 lbs
17 - 2 - 0

176 cm
20
143 lbs
5 - 0 - 0

Good takedowns
Counter fighter
Experienced

Good takedowns
Brawler
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the bantamweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 17 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Bruno Da Gaucho!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Abner Llorent!
The judges for this bout are Richard Clark, Paul Tew and Donald Grub.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Da Gaucho connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Llorent throws a jab but it's blocked by Da Gaucho.
Llorent has his takedown stuffed

and Da Gaucho counters by clinching up.
Da Gaucho drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Da Gaucho gets underhooks to prevent Llorent's takedown attempt.
Da Gaucho gets underhooks to prevent Llorent's takedown attempt.
Bruno Da Gaucho has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Abner Llorent.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Da Gaucho is trying to trip Llorent. He has hold of a leg but Llorent is hopping around, keeping his balance for the moment. Da Gaucho persists though and gets the takedown into guard.
Da Gaucho seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.

Llorent has his foot on Da Gaucho's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Da Gaucho works his way back into a safe position though.
Llorent looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Llorent being controlled here, momentarily.
Llorent keeping full guard, as Da Gaucho tries to pass.

Llorent is looking for a triangle but Da Gaucho pushes his legs off easily.
Da Gaucho is looking to work some ground and pound but Llorent has wrist control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Da Gaucho looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Llorent keeping moving, preventing Da Gaucho from controlling successfully.
Da Gaucho's corner is telling him to maintain position.

The ref stands the fighters back up because Bruno Da Gaucho just wasn't active enough.

Da Gaucho gets the takedown into side control.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Da Gaucho is looking to take a break and control but Llorent is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Llorent is trying to improve his position.
Llorent sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Da Gaucho winds up and cracks Llorent with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Still in half guard, Da Gaucho seems content to control.
Llorent avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Da Gaucho.
Da Gaucho is thwarting Llorent's attempts to control the position.
Llorent is refusing to be controlled, as Da Gaucho sits in half guard.

Da Gaucho is looking for a kimura here.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Da Gaucho in particular looking to stall.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Da Gaucho 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.

Llorent is looking to regain full guard. He's left an arm up in the air though and Da Gaucho has latched onto it... Big trouble! Da Gaucho pivots for an armbar - it's in tight and it Llorent is tapping in no time flat! Great counter grappling there from Da Gaucho!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:31 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Bruno Da Gaucho!
Bruno Da Gaucho retains his bantamweight title!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
34%

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