BFT-387 PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Max Mega (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Seth Duplesris (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Mega comes to the cage accompanied by Black and Yellow. Well, the cameraman is lingering on a pretty young lady for a bit too long there. Keep your eyes on the prize buddy or you'll miss the fighter intros!

Mega
vs
Duplesris

168 cm
39
155 lbs
23 - 27 - 1

163 cm
32
155 lbs
17 - 27 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

BJJ Purple Belt
Decent boxing
Knockout power

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 23 - 27 - 1, fighting out of Sydney, Max Mega!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 17 - 27 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Seth Duplesris!
The judges for this bout are Steve Erwin, Summer Carpenter and Ben Watson.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Duplesris throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Duplesris throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Mega counters with a three punch combo that has Duplesris backing up. Duplesris nods at Mega to acknowledge the strikes.
Mega shoots in but Duplesris avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Duplesris lands with a straight right. Mega didn't see that one coming.
Mega misses with the combination.
Sloppy strikes from Mega. Those never looked like landing.
Duplesris looks to land a right hand but Mega moved out of range.

Duplesris gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Mega is working Duplesris over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.

Duplesris working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Mega doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Mega manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Duplesris keeping full guard, as Mega tries to pass.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Duplesris keeping moving, preventing Mega from controlling successfully.
Mega postures up.
Mega keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Duplesris's head.

Duplesris is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Duplesris is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Mega keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Duplesris's head.
Duplesris is trying to control the position from the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Mega trying to control but Duplesris is working from the bottom.
Mega trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Mega is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
Mega trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Mega 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.
Mega has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Duplesris preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Mega trying to control but Duplesris is working from the bottom.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mega takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Duplesris digs a good hook to Mega's body.
Duplesris buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Duplesris pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Mega steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Duplesris.
Mega tries for a takedown but Duplesris sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
A looping hook to the body misses from Duplesris. Mega does a little dance to reset his feet.
Mega lunges at Duplesris with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Duplesris's hand.
Mega connects with the punch.
Duplesris misses with a looping right.
Duplesris misses with a leg kick.
Mega closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Duplesris misses with an uppercut
and Duplesris takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.

Duplesris is rocked!
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Mega shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Duplesris is trying to defend but Mega finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
Duplesris is still in real trouble! Can Mega finish him?
Still in half guard, Mega seems content to control.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Mega tries to pass the half guard into mount. Duplesris knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Mega is keen to just control but Duplesris is a slippery customer.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mega is thwarting Duplesris's attempts to control the position.
Mega is nestled in close to Duplesris, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Duplesris wants to get back to full guard.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Mega lands a nice short elbow.
Mega lands a massive shot from half guard that has rocked Duplesris! More strikes land and this one is all over! Mega jumps to his feet and is applauded loudly by the crowd!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:29 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Max Mega!
Max Mega decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
44%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Sam Hades (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Khalifa Khalifa (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Hades comes to the cage accompanied by Bon Jovi: Wanted Dead Or Alive. Khalifa has chosen Habibi Ya Nour El Ain as his entrance music. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Hades
vs
Khalifa

191 cm
36
210 lbs
18 - 16 - 1

190 cm
37
197 lbs
20 - 20 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 18 - 16 - 1, fighting out of Sydney, Sam Hades!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 20 - 20 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Khalifa Khalifa!
The judges for this bout are Hugh Johnson, Ron Honeybunn and Francis DeMontford.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Hades lands a head shot.
Hades stuffs the takedown.
Khalifa throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Hades works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Hades comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Hades lands with a nice body punch.
Hades has a takedown stuffed.
A right-left combo lands from Hades.
Hades smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Khalifa fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Hades avoids it really well and circles away.
Nice cross by Hades.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Khalifa keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Hades cracks Khalifa with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Hades cracks Khalifa with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
A jab from Hades misses.
And Khalifa tries to counter it with a takedown but Hades pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Hades closes this distance looking for a takedown but Khalifa circles away.
Hades misses with a looping right.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Khalifa.
Sam Hades has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Khalifa Khalifa.
Hades throws a series of punches but Khalifa moves out of range.
Hades scores with a punch to the head.
Khalifa uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Hades.
Hades rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Khalifa moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
No luck for Hades with that takedown attempt.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Hades shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in side control! That's better than Hades was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Hades throws a knee to the body but it doesn't do much damage.
Check out the look on Hades's face as he threw that strike - that's one determined fighter!
Hades in side control, throwing shots but Khalifa defends.
Hades lands an elbow.
Khalifa is looking for a sweep.
Khalifa keeps trying to improve his position.
Khalifa avoids any damage from the ground and pound of Hades.
Hades throws an elbow but Khalifa slips to the side and avoids it well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Khalifa is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Hades throwing shots but missing, from side control.
Hades throwing strikes but missing, from side control.
Khalifa wants to control but Hades postures up.
Khalifa is trying to get back to half guard.
Hades wants to lay and pray for a moment but Khalifa keeps working.
The strikes coming from Hades are missing the target in this wave of attacks.
Hades cracks Khalifa with an elbow. That is naaassty.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hades misses with an attempted head punch from side control.
Hades working away diligently from side control. Landing strikes effectively there - that will score him some points on the judges scorecards.
Hades works a knee to the body and follows up with a nice elbow to the head.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Khalifa is trying to buck Hades off.
Hades is looking to take a break and control but Khalifa is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Hades landing strikes.
Khalifa looking for a sweep but Hades has passed into full mount! Oh no!
Khalifa tries to lock up and control but Hades gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Khalifa is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Hades dips to his left and cracks Khalifa with an uppercut!
Hades is looking light on his feet compared to last time was saw him fight.
Hades is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Khalifa can do to turn this around?
Hades is looking to clinch.
Hades cracks Khalifa with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Hades tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Khalifa is able to avoid easily.
A jab from Hades does it's job there.
Khalifa Khalifa is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Hades lands a two punch combo.

Khalifa is rocked!
Hades connects with a body shot that sends Khalifa's belly button to the back.
Khalifa is still on wobbly legs! Can Hades finish him?
Khalifa avoids a punch combination nicely.
Khalifa looks up at the clock. Bad move! Hades lands a right hand from hell, dropping Khalifa. Hades pounces and finishes the fight with a flurry of punches and elbows.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:41 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Sam Hades!
A victorious Sam Hades 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
45%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Jobert Sucaldito (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Janno Gibbs (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Gibbs has chosen Apocalypse Please as his entrance music. These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Sucaldito
vs
Gibbs

185 cm
30
190 lbs
13 - 9 - 0

185 cm
38
192 lbs
21 - 17 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

BJJ Purple Belt
Lethal high kicks
Heavy handed

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 13 - 9 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Jobert Sucaldito!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 21 - 17 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Janno Gibbs!
The judges for this bout are Francis DeMontford, Damien Edna and John Mangel.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Sucaldito fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Gibbs manages to avoid it.
Sucaldito tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.

Gibbs clinches up against the cage.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Sucaldito.
Gibbs wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Sucaldito has him pressed against the cage.
Gibbs is trying to break the clinch but Sucaldito has him pressed against the cage.

Gibbs escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Gibbs misses the shot to the body.

Gibbs has Sucaldito up against the cage in a clinch.
Sucaldito blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sucaldito trying to control the position but instead, Gibbs has worked for underhooks and has pushed Sucaldito into the cage.
Sucaldito blocking some punches.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A battle for position here, against the cage.

Gibbs pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Gibbs throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Gibbs drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Sucaldito definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Sucaldito lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Sucaldito Rushes Gibbs and starts throwing punches like they are going out of style! Gibbs is up against the cage and has nowhere to go. Sucaldito Piles on the pressure and Gibbs crumples to the floor! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:35 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Jobert Sucaldito!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
41%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Diego Brandao (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Miguel Chavez (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). This should be a great matchup!

Brandao
vs
Chavez

170 cm
29
170 lbs
13 - 6 - 0

179 cm
46
155 lbs
39 - 20 - 0

Great wrestler
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Dangerous knees
Heavy handed

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 13 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Diego Brandao!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 39 - 20 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Miguel Chavez!
The judges for this bout are Topper Green, Ben Hemmingworth and Ron Honeybunn.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Brandao has a takedown stuffed.
Brandao misses the shot to the body.
Chavez lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Chavez throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Brandao feinted with a counter takedown.
Good exchange - Chavez coming out on top.
Chavez feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Brandao's calf.
Brandao on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Chavez leaves Brandao with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Chavez throws a head kick but Brandao moves out of range.
Chavez moves into range and lands a nice body kick.
Brandao shoots in for a takedown but Chavez shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Diego Brandao. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Chavez darts in and clinches Brandao up against the cage.
Brandao's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Brandao is trying to maintain a safe position but Chavez gets an underhook and turns Brandao into the cage.
Brandao trying to control the position but instead, Chavez has worked for underhooks and has pushed Brandao into the cage.
Chavez with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Chavez pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Brandao throws a looping overhand right but Chavez ducks down to avoid it.
Chavez raises up his leg as if looking to counter with a high kick.
Brandao fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Brandao on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Brandao shoots in but Chavez avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Nice uppercut lands for Chavez. That snapped Brandao's head back.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Brandao is defended easily by Chavez.

Brandao gets a double leg takedown into Chavez's guard.
Brandao stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Chavez swivels though and keeps the full guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Brandao prevents Chavez from getting back to his feet.
Brandao postures up in Chavez's guard and throws a big left but Chavez blocks it.
Chavez is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Brandao throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Chavez works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Brandao throwing strikes but missing.
Chavez is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Brandao lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Brandao 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.
Brandao throwing strikes from guard but Chavez blocks nicely.
Brandao throwing strikes from guard but Chavez blocks nicely.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Chavez is looking to stand up but Brandao isn't so interested in that idea.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Chavez bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
Chavez ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Brandao.
Brandao doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Chavez defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Brandao.
Chavez tries to clinch but Brandao moves out of range.
Chavez wants to slow Brandao down by chopping away at his legs.
Chavez misses with a kick to the body.
Brandao misses with a takedown attempt - Chavez sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Chavez throws a front kick aimed at Brandao's knee but Brandao avoids it well.
Chavez stuffs the takedown attempt from Brandao. Brandao gets slowly back to his feet.
Miguel Chavez is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Chavez is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Brandao uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Chavez.
Brandao dives in for a single leg takedown but Chavez sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Nice sprawl there from Chavez as Brandao shoots in.
Brandao gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Chavez lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Chavez doesn't manage to clinch there - Brandao circles away.
Chavez jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Brandao has a takedown stuffed.
Chavez lands with a thumping leg kick.
Miguel Chavez seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Brandao fails to land the takedown.
A head kick from Chavez lands but Brandao takes it in his stride.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Miguel Chavez dominated that round.
That's time! Brandao's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Chavez fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Chavez has been the more effective fighter overall so far.

Chavez gets a clinch.
Brandao has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Chavez is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Brandao looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Chavez lands with a right to the head.
Chavez lands with a right to the head.
Chavez lands with a light punch inside.
Chavez using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Chavez has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Brandao on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Chavez throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Brandao blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Brandao blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Chavez comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Brandao is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Chavez creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Brandao's defenses.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Chavez swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Brandao on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Chavez keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Brandao's efforts to push away.
Chavez lands a knee to the head.
Brandao tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Chavez smiles and moves away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Diego Brandao. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Chavez cracks the inside of Brandao's front leg.
Chavez bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Brandao's head.
Brandao shoots in looking for a takedown. Chavez tries to sprawl out of it but Brandao keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Chavez manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Chavez is clearly looking to counter with head kicks.
Chavez throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Brandao.
Brandao avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Chavez throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Brandao.
Brandao shoots in but no luck this time.
Brandao fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Chavez avoids it really well and circles away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Chavez throws a nice head kick!
Chavez misses with a body kick.
Chavez takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Brandao fails with the takedown.

Brandao shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Chavez manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
Both fighters have adopted an aggressive gameplan on the ground!
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Brandao accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Chavez wants to stand but Brandao is controlling the position.
Chavez is using up a lot of energy trying to get back to his feet. Perhaps he should improve his position first.
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.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.

Brandao looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Brandao postures up in Chavez's guard and throws a big left but Chavez blocks it.
Brandao scoring with punches to the head and body.
Chavez wants to get back to his feet but Brandao is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Brandao trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Chavez has managed to wall walk up one of the corner posts to get back to his feet. Brandao is pushing him up against the cage, looking to control the position.
Brandao tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Chavez misses with a short punch on the inside.
A nice right hand lands inside from Chavez.
Brandao blocking some punches.
Chavez lands with a short shot to the head.
Chavez trying to land knees to the body.

Brandao has clasped his hands together around Chavez's back... aaand, he's got a takedown into side control. Nicely done.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Chavez tries to escape but Brandao is in control.
Brandao looking to punish the body of his opponent here but Chavez is avoiding damage well.
Chavez dodges the ground and pound from Brandao.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Miguel Chavez showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Good leg kick by Chavez there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Diego Brandao is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Chavez scores with a jab.
Brandao avoids the head kick by Chavez.
Miguel Chavez seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Chavez connects with a leg kick. Brandao looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Chavez lands a head kick!
Brandao ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Chavez throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Brandao stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Chavez.
Brandao blocks a head kick by Chavez.
Brandao half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Brandao shoots in for a double leg but Chavez sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.

Brandao gets a takedown into half guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Brandao stops Chavez from getting back to his feet.
Brandao takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Chavez tries to kick Brandao off but Brandao keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Brandao seems to be looking for submissions.
Chavez is looking to escape.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.

Brandao is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Chavez is just riding it out for now. Brandao eventually gives up the hold.
Chavez pushes Brandao off looking to stand but Brandao dives back in and keeps control.
Chavez avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Brandao.
Brandao is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
Brandao throwing shots but Chavez is blocking nicely.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.

Brandao 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.
Chavez tries to kick Brandao off but Brandao keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Chavez on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Chavez tries to kick Brandao off but Brandao keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Brandao scoring with strikes to the body and head.

Brandao is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Chavez defends it well.
Brandao is trying to control. Chavez wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Diego Brandao overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Brandao stops Chavez from getting back to his feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Brandao shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Chavez as he jumps to the side.
Chavez misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Chavez throws a nice inside leg kick.

Chavez moves into range and clinches up with Brandao.
Chavez fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Chavez unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Chavez lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Chavez misses with a knee to the head.
Chavez is trying to maintain a safe position but Brandao gets an underhook and turns Chavez into the cage.
Chavez leaning against his opponent.
Chavez trying to land knees to the body.
Brandao managing to block the knees to the body from Chavez.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Chavez lands a knee to the head.
Chavez tries to land knees in the clinch but Brandao avoids the damage to the body.
Chavez tries to stall but Brandao uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Chavez lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Chavez tries a knee to the head but Brandao blocks it.
Chavez tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Miguel Chavez seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Brandao has double underhooks and is working for a body lock takedown. He's got it. The fighters land in half guard but Chavez regains guard immediately.
Brandao chips away with some ground and pound.
Chavez is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Diego Brandao has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

And that's the end of the fight!
Miguel Chavez comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Chavez 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Topper Green scores the fight 27:30
Judge Ben Hemmingworth scores the fight 27:30
Judge Ron Honeybunn scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Miguel Chavez!
Miguel Chavez decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
51%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Leonard Washington (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Andrei Chikatilo (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Washington's entrance music is Snuffed Out by Streetlife. A fine choice. Chikatilo has chosen Black Sunshine as his entrance music. Leonard Washington looks tired to me. Hopefully he has got enough gas left in the tank to put in a good performance.

Washington
vs
Chikatilo

185 cm
43
220 lbs
25 - 22 - 0

195 cm
32
272 lbs
25 - 14 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Very quick

Good wrestler
Lethal high kicks
Good gas tank

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 25 - 22 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Leonard Washington!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 25 - 14 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Andrei Chikatilo!
The judges for this bout are Damien Edna, Hugh Johnson and Francis DeMontford.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Chikatilo shoots for a takedown but Washington saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.

Chikatilo decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
Washington wants to improve his position but Chikatilo is controlling well.
Chikatilo throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Washington desperately trying to maintain half guard.
Washington's coaches at Palazzo Paisano have been working on his defensive grappling in preparation for this fight so let's see if he can get out of this tricky position.
Washington is trying to get back to full guard.
Chikatilo is trying to control. Washington wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Washington wants to get back to full guard.
Washington is trying to maintain the position but Chikatilo is very close to passing his half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Chikatilo missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Chikatilo missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Chikatilo wants to control but Washington is keeping him busy.
Chikatilo prevents Washington from improving his position.
Chikatilo is trying to advance to mount but he's lost his balance and Washington reverses the position - he's now on top in Chikatilo's guard.
Chikatilo working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Washington.
Washington working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Chikatilo's head.
Washington lands a couple of elbows.
Chikatilo wants to sweep but no luck.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Washington missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.

Washington got a little sloppy there for a moment and Chikatilo has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Washington has managed to get both his arms back between Chikatilo's legs - danger averted.
Washington wants to control from the top but Chikatilo keeps moving.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Washington wants to get up but he can't break Chikatilo's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.

Chikatilo is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Washington scoring with punches to the head and body.

Washington is sitting in close to Chikatilo's body. Chikatilo has gone for a guillotine from the bottom. Oh damn, that looks pretty tight! Washington is panicking - it looks like this one could be all over! Yes, Washington is tapping! That was a very nice submission by Chikatilo.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:51 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Guillotine). Andrei Chikatilo!
During a confident post fight interview, Andrei Chikatilo 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
34%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Joe Kimura (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Barry Opdauhl (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Kimura kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is Seek and Destroy . Both fighters will be looking to make this an exciting fight for the fans, I'm sure!

Kimura
vs
Opdauhl

190 cm
38
270 lbs
18 - 13 - 0

210 cm
22
280 lbs
4 - 0 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Solid boxing
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Lethal high kicks
Good gas tank

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 18 - 13 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Joe Kimura!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Barry Opdauhl!
The judges for this bout are Winston Howard, Hugh Johnson and John Mangel.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Opdauhl stuffs the takedown attempt from Kimura. Kimura gets slowly back to his feet.
It seemed like Opdauhl was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
We've been hearing reports that Kimura has been drilling takedowns in recent sessions so let's see if that has an impact on the result of this fight.
Kimura misses with a straight right.
Opdauhl wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Opdauhl comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Kimura throws a right hand that misses
and Opdauhl counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Kimura looks to land a right hand but Opdauhl moved out of range.
Good exchange - Kimura coming out on top.

It looks like Barry Opdauhl has been cut.
Opdauhl bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Kimura's head.

Kimura gets the takedown into side control.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Opdauhl is trying to control Kimura's posture but Kimura avoids it.
Opdauhl is looking to regain half guard here but Kimura keeps moving and retains side control.

Kimura is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Opdauhl has escaped the position, nice work there.

That's one minute gone in the round.

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

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

Kimura goes for an armbar! This could be all over! Wait, no, Opdauhl rolls with the submission and now he's on top in Kimura's guard! Nice work there by Opdauhl!
Opdauhl postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Opdauhl wants to control from the top but Kimura keeps moving.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Kimura throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.

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

Kimura had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Opdauhl defends it easily.

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

Kimura working for a triangle but Opdauhl defends it easily.
Kimura is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

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

Kimura 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.

Kimura is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Opdauhl sees it coming and defends easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.

Opdauhl is defending against the submission attempts here by Kimura.
Kimura tries to pass to full mount but Opdauhl defends it.
Opdauhl tries to roll over but Kimura keeps him under control.

Kimura is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Opdauhl is looking to improve his position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Joe Kimura dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Barry Opdauhl's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Kimura rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Opdauhl counters with a stiff right hand.
Kimura misses with a hook
and Opdauhl counters with a body kick that stops Kimura in his tracks momentarily.
Opdauhl lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
Opdauhl connects with the punch.
Kimura throws a right hand that misses
and Opdauhl counters with a nice leg kick.
Opdauhl moves away from the strike by Kimura.
Kimura doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Opdauhl counters with a nice uppercut.
Joe Kimura seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Opdauhl lands with a straight right. Kimura didn't see that one coming.
That kick from Opdauhl tenderised Kimura's leg. Kimura is trying to keep his angry face on.
Opdauhl fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
A jab from Kimura finds it's way through Opdauhl's defenses.
Opdauhl scores with a head kick.
Both fighters circling a little - Opdauhl finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.
Opdauhl dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Opdauhl lands a jab to the head.
Joe Kimura is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kimura misses with a right hand
and Opdauhl counters with a thumping low kick.
Kimura doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Opdauhl counters with a low kick, right behind Kimura 's knee.
Opdauhl bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Kimura's head backwards.
Opdauhl is using his reach advantage to land shots from outside his opponent's range.
Opdauhl keeps Kimura at a distance using the push kick.
Opdauhl lands a nice hook to Kimura's body. Kimura takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Kimura tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Opdauhl counters with a left to the body.
Kimura takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Kimura is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Kimura throws a poor cross that misses
and Opdauhl counters with a nice body kick.
Opdauhl throws a wild combination but nothing lands.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kimura with a lazy takedown attempt
and Opdauhl counters with a kick to the head that grazes his opponent. Kimura is lucky that one didn't land flush.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Joe Kimura. That's going to take a lot out of him.
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!
Kimura swings widly with a right hand
and Opdauhl counters with a slapping leg kick.
Kimura is really struggling to find his range with his punches. Opdauhl's reach advantage is clearly causing him problems.
Opdauhl cracks the inside of Kimura's front leg.
Kimura on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Opdauhl has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Opdauhl catches Kimura with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Opdauhl with a jab.
Some wild striking there from Kimura.
Kimura falls off balance throwing a combination
and Opdauhl counters with a low kick, right behind Kimura 's knee.
Kimura tries to clinch but Opdauhl moves out of range.
Opdauhl thows a body kick. Kimura tries to catch it but that hurt him.
Opdauhl punishes Kimura's body with a nice straight punch.
Opdauhl throws a nice outside leg kick.
Barry Opdauhl seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Kimura takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Opdauhl, as that shot connected.
Kimura throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Opdauhl counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Opdauhl has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Opdauhl lands with a thumping leg kick.
Opdauhl lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Kimura is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Opdauhl will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Opdauhl uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Kimura.
Kimura misses with a left hand
and Opdauhl counters with a nice low kick that buckles Kimura's knee momentarily.
Kimura throws a lazy right hand but Opdauhl sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Kimura misses with a double jab
and Opdauhl counters with a nice kick to the body.
Barry Opdauhl is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Opdauhl jabs Kimura to the body, keeping him at a distance.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kimura takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
A jab from Opdauhl does it's job there.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Nice body punch from Opdauhl.
A jab lands there for Opdauhl.
Opdauhl scores with a nice right hand.
Opdauhl thuds a mid kick into his opponent's body. That will wear on Kimura if he has to take too many more of those.
Kimura is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.
Opdauhl scores with a nice body kick.
Both fighters circling a little - Opdauhl finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.
A nice leg kick lands there from Opdauhl.
Opdauhl ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Opdauhl fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Kimura throws a poor cross that misses
and Opdauhl cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Opdauhl.
Kimura tries to clinch up
and Opdauhl counters with a left to the body.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Barry Opdauhl showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Barry Opdauhl'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. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Opdauhl's corner calls for a 1-2. Opdauhl obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
An inside leg kick lands from Opdauhl.
Opdauhl misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Kimura misses with a hook
and Opdauhl counters with a nice uppercut.
A chopping leg kick lands by Opdauhl.
Good standup being displayed there by Opdauhl as he connects with a hook.
Kimura has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Opdauhl.
Kimura throws an off balance right hand
and Opdauhl counters with a nice kick to the body.
Opdauhl lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Opdauhl cracks Kimura with an open hand slap.
Kimura looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Kimura misses with a double jab
and Opdauhl counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Kimura tries to clinch but fails miserably
and Opdauhl counters with a nice low kick that buckles Kimura's knee momentarily.
Opdauhl connects with a looping right hand.
Kimura tries to clinch but fails miserably
enabling Opdauhl to counter with a crisp jab.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kimura fails to land the takedown.
Kimura takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Opdauhl, right into the meat.
Nice jab there from Kimura.
Donk. Opdauhl catches Kimura right on the button with a cross.
Nice body kick there by Opdauhl.
A jab lands there for Opdauhl.
Opdauhl uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Kimura.
Opdauhl scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Opdauhl scores with a nice strike.
A left lands for Opdauhl.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Kimura throws a looping overhand right but Opdauhl ducks down to avoid it.
Kimura's legs have taken a beating and he's really slowing down as a result.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Opdauhl connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Kimura throws a combination that misses
and Opdauhl counters with a good low kick that Kimura was not able to check.

A big head kick from Opdauhl and Kimura is sent sprawling to the canvas!

Kimura is rocked!
Opdauhl wants to control from the top but Kimura keeps moving.
Oh Kimura is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!

Kimura is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Opdauhl defends well.
Kimura seems to have got his legs back now.
Opdauhl sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Opdauhl working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Kimura's head.
Opdauhl showing good wrestling skills to control the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Opdauhl distracts Kimura with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.

Kimura looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Opdauhl is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Kimura might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Opdauhl lands a couple of decent looking shots.

Kimura is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Opdauhl defends well.
Opdauhl makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Kimura looking for a sweep. Not yet Kimura, not yet.

Kimura is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Opdauhl is aware though and is defending well.
Opdauhl trying to control but Kimura is working from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Kimura looking for a guillotine here but Opdauhl defends easily.
Opdauhl works over Kimura with some ground and pound from guard.

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

Kimura looks to be working for a triangle here. Oh, it looks like he might have it! Opdauhl has picked Kimura up and slammed him! Kimura can't keep hold of the triangle and Opdauhl manages to pass to side control!
Opdauhl in side control lands a nice looking series of punches and elbows.
A bit of a lull in the action. I'm sure it will pick up again soon... even if the ref has to physically pick them up and put them back on their feet.
Opdauhl lands a nice forearm strike.
Opdauhl taking a breather here.
Opdauhl lands a nice forearm strike.

And that's the end of the fight!
Barry Opdauhl comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Opdauhl 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Winston Howard scores the fight 27:29
Judge Hugh Johnson scores the fight 27:29
Judge John Mangel scores the fight 27:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Barry Opdauhl!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
60%

Main event

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Lyov Kirijenko (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Josh Howell (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Kirijenko
vs
Howell

195 cm
36
220 lbs
26 - 26 - 1

210 cm
30
223 lbs
13 - 4 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 26 - 26 - 1, fighting out of Sydney, Lyov Kirijenko!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 13 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Josh Howell!
The judges for this bout are Chris Dean, Hugh Johnson and Donatello Bradman.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Howell takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Howell's coach down at ButterflyBoxingAndFitness was telling us pre-fight that they have been working on Howell's balance. Obviously they view that as a key factor in the outcome of this fight.

Kirijenko is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Howell's half guard.
Kirijenko is pressing down on Howell's thigh, looking to free his foot. Howell is holding on for now.
Kirijenko is keen to just control but Howell is a slippery customer.
Kirijenko wants to pass to mount but Howell is defending the position.
Kirijenko definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kirijenko seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Howell does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.

That's one minute gone in the round.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
Howell really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Kirijenko. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Kirijenko thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Kirijenko swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Howell stuffs the takedown.
Kirijenko shuffles to his left behind two crisp jabs. Howell eats them both and turns towards Kirijenko to reposition himself and eats a stinging right hand-left hook combo.
Kirijenko getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Kirijenko moves out of range of the strikes.
Howell misses with a body punch
and Kirijenko counters with a straight right hand.
Kirijenko jabs at Howell's body.
Kirijenko throws a jab but it's blocked by Howell.
Kirijenko tries to clinch up.
Kirijenko with a lazy takedown attempt
and Howell counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Kirijenko thinking.

Kirijenko gets the takedown into side control.
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!
Howell sneaks back into half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Howell on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Kirijenko missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Howell controlling the position well.
Kirijenko wants to lay and pray for a moment but Howell keeps working.

Kirijenko is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Howell defends it well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kirijenko wants to pass the guard but Howell is defending well.

Kirijenko seems to be working for a kimura but Howell defends the submission attempt.
Kirijenko throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Howell keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Kirijenko throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Kirijenko thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Kirijenko trying to control the action but Howell is working from the bottom.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Kirijenko uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Howell.
It looked like Kirijenko wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Howell misses the jab.
Howell throws a right hand that misses
enabling Kirijenko to counter with a crisp jab.
Howell is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Kirijenko scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Howell stuffs the takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Lyov Kirijenko. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Howell misses with a straight left.
Kirijenko is looking for a counter combo.
Howell on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.

Kirijenko scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
Kirijenko tries to score with some ground and pound. Howell controls his posture well this time though and the shots don't do any damage.
Kirijenko lands a few punches from side control.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Lyov Kirijenko dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

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

Kirijenko is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Howell defends it well.
Kirijenko tries to pass to full mount but Howell defends it.
Kirijenko thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kirijenko 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.
Lyov Kirijenko overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Howell wants to control but Kirijenko is keeping busy.
Howell avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Kirijenko.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kirijenko is looking to stall here but Howell recovers full guard.
Howell is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Howell keeping moving, preventing Kirijenko from controlling successfully.
Kirijenko content to stall in guard here.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.
Kirijenko postures up in Howell's guard and throws a big left but Howell blocks it.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Kirijenko catches Howell with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Kirijenko throws out a loose jab but Howell uses good head movement to avoid it.
The fighters circling - Howell throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Kirijenko tried to counter with a leg kick but Howell avoided it.
Kirijenko misses with a body shot.
Kirijenko misses with the combination.
Howell misses with a jab to the body

and Kirijenko counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
Kirijenko content to control rather than advance.
Kirijenko stops Howell from getting back to his feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kirijenko throwing shots but Howell is blocking nicely.
Kirijenko trying to control the pace.
Kirijenko thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Howell's head.
Kirijenko is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Howell can do to turn this around?
Howell keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Kirijenko wants to pass the guard but Howell is defending well.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Kirijenko ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Howell moves away.
Kirijenko shoots for a takedown but Howell saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
A nice side step and Howell releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.
Some bone on bone action there as Howell checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Howell takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Kirijenko throws a left and a right that both miss
and Howell counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kirijenko jabs Howell to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Kirijenko digs a good body shot into Howell's ribs.
Howell takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Howell misses with a looping right.
Kirijenko throws a lazy uppercut
and Howell counters with a straight right hand.
Howell missing with a left hand there. Kirijenko was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Josh Howell is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Kirijenko lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Howell at a distance.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kirijenko misses with a straight left.
Howell dodges the punch combination from Kirijenko.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Howell! But no joy.
Howell defending well as Kirijenko loads up on a big left hand.
Howell lands a lovely overhand right.
Howell waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Kirijenko.
Kirijenko has a takedown stuffed.
Nice defenses there by Kirijenko.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Lyov Kirijenko dominated that second round.
That's time! Kirijenko's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

Kirijenko shoots in but no luck this time.
Kirijenko misses with a looping left.
Kirijenko just misses with a punch to the body.
Kirijenko moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Kirijenko tries for a takedown but Howell sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Lyov Kirijenko is winning the standup battle so far.
Howell ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.

Howell gets caught flat footed, as Kirijenko shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Howell keeping moving, preventing Kirijenko from controlling successfully.
Howell is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kirijenko is looking to work some ground and pound but Howell has wrist control.
Howell working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Kirijenko.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Howell can do anything to dispel that myth.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Kirijenko accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Kirijenko is pushing down on Howell's leg trying to pass to half guard. Howell is fighting to maintain full guard but Kirijenko has managed to sneak the leg through.
Kirijenko scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Kirijenko wants to free his trapped foot but Howell is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Kirijenko is trying to control. Howell wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.

Kirijenko is working for a kimura from half guard. He's really concentrating on the hold and it's allowed Howell to slip a leg under and get back to full guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Kirijenko throws a strike but Howell rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kirijenko controls Howell momentarily but Howell frees himself.

Kirijenko is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Kirijenko throws a couple of shots from the bottom but they don't land.

Kirijenko has his foot on Howell's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Howell works his way back into a safe position though.
Kirijenko is trying to control the position from the bottom.

Kirijenko is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Kirijenko is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kirijenko wants to sweep but no luck.

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

Howell got a little sloppy there for a moment and Kirijenko has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Howell has managed to get both his arms back between Kirijenko's legs - danger averted.
Kirijenko is looking to sweep but instead, Howell has passed into half guard.

Kirijenko is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Howell pulls his head out easily.
Lyov Kirijenko is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Kirijenko is pressing down on Howell's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Howell not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.

Kirijenko has an active guard here but Howell has managed to pass into half guard.
Kirijenko gets full guard.
Kirijenko is pulling down on Howell's head. It's preventing any offense from Howell, at least for the moment.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Kirijenko is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.

And that's the end of the fight!
Lyov Kirijenko showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Kirijenko 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 Chris Dean scores the fight 30:27
Judge Hugh Johnson scores the fight 30:27
Judge Donatello Bradman scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Lyov Kirijenko!
Lyov Kirijenko seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.
Josh Howell spoke after the fight, saying 'My opposition fought like a 10-year-old girl tonight. I'm not sure if I got knocked out or lost a terrible decision. My head hurts. '.