POWERS 57 PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Luigi Bates (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Repa Tiitti (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Tiitti has chosen AC/DC Back in Black as his entrance music. Fingers crossed for an exciting fight - I'm sure both fighters are looking for a nice under the table bonus!

Bates
vs
Tiitti

178 cm
27
177 lbs
10 - 8 - 0

182 cm
28
175 lbs
5 - 7 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
World class boxer
Good gas tank

Zenith Nutrition (160q/225$)

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 10 - 8 - 0, fighting out of London, Luigi Bates!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Repa Tiitti!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Franklin, Frank Dennis and Stewart Dunkirk.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Bates swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Tiitti counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Bates throws a big shot that misses.
A jab from Bates misses.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Bates.
Bates misses with a looping left.
Bates looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Bates misses with a body shot.
Tiitti unleashes a big counter combination but Bates bobs and weaves and avoids any damage.
Bates walks into a left hand.
Tiitti lands a nice looking body shot.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Bates misses with a left hand
and Tiitti counters with a stiff right hand.
Bates throws a jab but it's blocked by Tiitti.
Bates throws a right hand that misses
and Tiitti counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Bates thinking.
Bates misses with an uppercut
and Tiitti counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tiitti misses with a wild combination.
Nice sprawl there from Tiitti as Bates shoots in.
Bates scores with a hook to the body. Tiitti takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
A jab lands there for Bates.
Tiitti misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.

Tiitti gets tackled into the cage by Bates. Bates maintains the clinch.

Bates escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Bates misses with an uppercut
and Bates takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Bates stuns Tiitti with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.

Tiitti shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Bates napping and manages to drive through into side control!
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Tiitti wants to stand but Bates is controlling his arm.
Tiitti is looking to take a break and control but Bates is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tiitti tries to get to his feet but he's trapped momentarily.
Bates tries to improve position but can't.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Bates manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.
Tiitti prevents Bates from improving his position.
Bates wants to control but Tiitti is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Bates is looking to improve his position.
Tiitti is trying to control the action in half guard but Bates is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Bates is looking to control Tiitti's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Bates avoid being mounted?
Tiitti missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Tiitti in particular looking to stall.
Bates avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Tiitti.
Tiitti prevents Bates from improving his position.
Tiitti misses with a head shot. Bates uses the momentum to regain guard.

Tiitti got a little sloppy there for a moment and Bates has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Tiitti has managed to get both his arms back between Bates's legs - danger averted.
Tiitti wants to stand and escape but instead Bates has hit a sweep and he's now on top in guard.

Tiitti wants to get back to his feet but Bates is in a dominant position and won't allow it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Bates trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Bates trying to control but Tiitti is working from the bottom.
Tiitti really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Bates. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.

Bates drops back looking for a leg! Tiitti is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Tiitti manages to kick Bates off! Bates jumps back into Tiitti's guard.
Bates won't allow Tiitti to sweep him here.
Bates stands and throws Tiitti's legs to the side, diving into side control.

Bates wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Tiitti, who protects the arm well.

Bates working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Repa Tiitti 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.

Tiitti throws a head kick that misses.
Tiitti swinging wildly here.
Bates misses with a body shot.
Bates looks to land a left hand but Tiitti moved out of range nicely.
Repa Tiitti is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
A swing and a miss from Bates.
Tiitti fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Bates looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
A big right from Bates misses.
Tiitti unleashes a big counter combination but Bates bobs and weaves and avoids any damage.
Bates catches Tiitti with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Tiitti tries a head kick but it misses.
Bates fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Jab by Bates.
Bates throws a sloppy body shot
and Tiitti counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Tiitti fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Tiitti misses with a few strikes there.
Bates throws an overhand right that lands on Tiitti's shoulder, as Tiitti tries to avoid the shot.
Tiitti avoids the body shot from Bates.
Tiitti misses with the combination.
Tiitti misses with a body shot.
Bates avoids a punch combination nicely.
Tiitti has been the more effective fighter overall so far.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Good standup being displayed there by Bates as he connects with a hook.
Bates swings for the body but Tiitti moves out of range.
Bates moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Tiitti takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Tiitti throws a combination. Bates tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Bates tries to score a power double leg takedown but Tiitti sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Bates somewhat.
Bates scores with a decent looking hook.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tiitti misses with a body shot.
Bates throws a shot from downtown. Tiitti moves away and avoids it.
Tiitti throws out a counter right but Bates avoids it with no problem.
Bates scores with a jab to the body.
Tiitti slips under a jab from Bates.
Tiitti looks to score with a jab to the body but Bates is just out of range.
Bates bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Tiitti's head backwards.
Decent striking displayed by Bates there.
Bates jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Bates fails with a takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Luigi Bates. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Bates rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Tiitti counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tiitti takes a swing at Bates's ribcage but misses.
Bates with a poor takedown
and Tiitti counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
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!
Tiitti is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Tiitti displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Bates throws out the jab.
Bates misses with a hook to the body
and Tiitti counters with a series of strikes. Bates will be more careful next time no doubt.
Nice uppercut there from Bates.
Tiitti slips under a jab from Bates.
Bates misses with a left hand
and Tiitti counters with a series of strikes. Bates will be more careful next time no doubt.
Bates waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Tiitti.
Bates shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Tiitti but Tiitti pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Tiitti throws a counter combo.
Nice body punch from Tiitti.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Repa Tiitti will probably get the nod - 10:9.
That's time! Back to the action! And we move into the final round!

Bates misses with a body shot
and Tiitti counters with a two punch combo.
Tiitti uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Bates.
A left and a right from Tiitti both land. Nice combination.
Tiitti swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Bates throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Bates showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Tiitti.
Repa Tiitti seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Tiitti takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Tiitti tries to bum rush Bates with a series of wild strikes but Bates uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Tiitti thuds a left hand into Bates's body.
Luigi Bates seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Tiitti slips a jab from Bates.
Tiitti throws a counter combo.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tiitti displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Bates throws out the jab.
Tiitti lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.
Tiitti throws a one two combo.
Bates thows a left - swing and a miss!
Tiitti has worked on his takedown defense in the runup to this fight and it is paying off so far.
Tiitti ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Bates has a takedown stuffed.
Tiitti is looking for the big counter here.
Bates throws a big shot that misses.
Tiitti scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Tiitti bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Tiitti slips under a jab.
Bates punishes Tiitti's body with a nice straight punch.
Luigi Bates has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bates throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Tiitti sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Jab, jab by Bates - just one landing.
Bates wants to clinch
and Tiitti counters with a series of strikes. Bates will be more careful next time no doubt.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Bates dives in for a single leg takedown but Tiitti sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Tiitti scores with a nice looking left hook and follows it up with an uppercut!
Tiitti takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.

Bates throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Tiitti tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Bates is in Tiitti's guard.
Bates tries to free his leg and advance position but Tiitti is retaining full guard.
Tiitti is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Tiitti content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Bates actively working from the bottom here.
Tiitti working over Bates with some ground and pound. Bates looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.

Bates looking for submissions off his back.
Tiitti tries to stand but his arm is trapped.
Tiitti thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Bates's head.
Repa Tiitti is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Bates is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Tiitti's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Tiitti's back!

Bates has the rear naked choke here! This is very bad for Tiitti! Can he survive? No! He's out! Bates gets to his feet and celebrates with his cornermen. He looks absolutely delighted. In the post fight interviews he takes time to thank his parents and everyone who has believed in him from the start. How sweet.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:18 of round 3, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Luigi Bates!
Our winner, Luigi Bates, made sure he spent some time buttering up the crowd during his post fight interview, which will no doubt bring him a few more fans.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
71%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Tetsuya Shiroo (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Leo Sonnen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Shiroo's ring entrance music is that housewives' favourite, The Gazette / Filth In The Beauty. Sonnen has chosen Scream Aim Fire as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. Tetsuya Shiroo has a significant reach advantage - let's see if he can make it count.

Shiroo
vs
Sonnen

204 cm
28
265 lbs
19 - 8 - 0

178 cm
27
261 lbs
10 - 9 - 1

Abu Dhabi Champ
World class boxer
Cardio machine

Olympic wrestler
Lethal high kicks
Good gas tank

King of Fists

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 19 - 8 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Tetsuya Shiroo!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 10 - 9 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Leo Sonnen!
The judges for this bout are Gwen Towbar, Stewart Dunkirk and Alan Glass.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Sonnen fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Sonnen moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.

It looks like Tetsuya Shiroo has been cut.
Sonnen has been working on his striking defense in training and it's paying off as Shiroo is landing a low percentage of strikes.

Sonnen drives through with a takedown into Shiroo's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
Sonnen makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Sonnen trying to control but Shiroo is working from the bottom.
Sonnen postures up in Shiroo's guard and throws a big left but Shiroo blocks it.
Sonnen lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Shiroo pulls Sonnen in close to prevent any damage.
Shiroo controls Sonnen momentarily but Sonnen frees himself.
Sonnen scoring with punches to the head and body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Shiroo looking to hit a scissor sweep but Sonnen is one step ahead there.
Shiroo is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Sonnen wants to get back to full guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Sonnen works his way to full guard. Good work.
Sonnen managing to control the position.
Sonnen looking to hit a scissor sweep but Shiroo is one step ahead there.
Shiroo trying to control the position from guard on top but Sonnen is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Shiroo advances to half guard.
Sonnen trying to hold on to Shiroo's head to control him but Shiroo postures up.
Shiroo looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Sonnen is trying to get back to full guard.

Shiroo seems to be looking for submissions.
Sonnen trying to control from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sonnen is looking to improve his position.
Shiroo wants to pass the guard but Sonnen is defending well.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Shiroo seems to be looking for submissions.
Sonnen moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Sonnen wants to sweep here but Shiroo controlling him for the moment.
Sonnen trying to punch from his back but it's not doing any damage.
Sonnen lands a couple of decent looking body shots there.
Shiroo tries to free his leg and advance position but Sonnen is retaining full guard.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Shiroo throws a head kick but Sonnen moves out of range.
Sonnen fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Shiroo manages to avoid it.
Leo Sonnen seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Shiroo avoids the body shot from Sonnen.
Shiroo tries to counter by clinching up but Sonnen breaks away and moves out of range.
A looping hook to the body misses from Shiroo. Sonnen does a little dance to reset his feet.
Shiroo takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Shiroo uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Sonnen.
Shiroo moves out of range of the body kick from Sonnen.
Sonnen misses the shot to the body.
Sonnen misses with a straight right.
A low kick from Sonnen is predictable there
and Shiroo counters with an inside leg kick.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Shiroo feints and as Sonnen raises his hands in defense, Shiroo changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Shiroo pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Sonnen is keeping the position for now.
Shiroo won't allow Sonnen to sweep him here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Leo Sonnen dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Tetsuya Shiroo'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.

Good exchange - Shiroo coming out on top.
Sonnen jabs Shiroo right on the nose. Shiroo blinks but takes it well.
Shiroo tries to clinch up but Sonnen circles away and keeps his distance.
Sonnen darts in looking for a takedown but Shiroo gets double underhooks and turns Sonnen into the cage.
A lazy body kick from Sonnen
and Shiroo counters with a stiff right hand.
Sonnen lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Shiroo rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Sonnen moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Sonnen is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Sonnen darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Shiroo keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Shiroo appeared to be looking to counter that last move with a leg kick.
Sonnen slips a jab from Shiroo.
Shiroo slips a jab and a cross from Sonnen.
A slow jab from Sonnen misses its intended target.
Sonnen displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Shiroo throws out the jab.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Sonnen throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Shiroo finishes the little exchange by landing a big kick to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sonnen throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.
Shiroo throws a hook but Sonnen avoids it easily.
Sonnen misses with a telegraphed body shot
and Shiroo counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Sonnen bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Shiroo shoots in and drives through. Sonnen sprawls well.
Sonnen fails with a takedown attempt.
Good leg kick by Sonnen there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.

Sonnen scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Sonnen is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Shiroo has escaped the position, nice work there.
Shiroo sneaks back into half guard.
Shiroo wants to get back to full guard.
Sonnen has been the more effective fighter overall so far.

Shiroo looking for submissions off his back.
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!
Shiroo wants to control but Sonnen is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Sonnen is pressing down on Shiroo's thigh, looking to free his foot. Shiroo is holding on for now.
Shiroo is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sonnen wants to free his trapped foot but Shiroo is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Sonnen throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.

Shiroo actively working from the bottom here.
Shiroo won't allow Sonnen to pass to mount.
Shiroo wants to improve his position but Sonnen is controlling well.
Shiroo is holding on to half guard well.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Shiroo tries to get to full guard but Sonnen has control of the leg.
Sonnen throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Sonnen sitting and controlling from the half guard.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Sonnen lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Shiroo at a distance.
Sonnen stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Sonnen wants it to stay on the feet.
Sonnen tries to land a leg kick but Shiroo saw it coming and moves away.
A thudding body kick lands there by Sonnen!
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Sonnen throws a right and a left that both miss.
Shiroo wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch.
Shiroo blocks a jab.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Leo Sonnen showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Tetsuya Shiroo's cut.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

Shiroo lands a front kick.
Shiroo finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Sonnen takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Leo Sonnen seems to be getting the better of the standup.

Shiroo takes the fight into the clinch.
Shiroo lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Shiroo lands a right hand.
Sonnen is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Shiroo misses with the head strike.
Shiroo gets underhooks to prevent Sonnen's takedown attempt.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Shiroo lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Shiroo lands with a short shot to the head.
Sonnen is trying to stall.
Shiroo goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Sonnen trying to stall but Shiroo improves his position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sonnen taking a breather.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Shiroo.
Sonnen taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Sonnen stalls.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Leo Sonnen.
Shiroo thuds his shin into the meat of Sonnen's side.
Sonnen takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Sonnen looks to score with a jab to the body but Shiroo is just out of range.
Sonnen lands a slapping body shot.
Shiroo jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Sonnen throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
A slapping leg kick lands for Shiroo.
Sonnen looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Shiroo uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Sonnen.
Sonnen will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Tetsuya Shiroo has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lazy left from Shiroo finds it's target.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Shiroo gets caught napping as Sonnen dives in and scores a takedown. Shiroo manages to retain guard.
Sonnen working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Shiroo's head.
Sonnen trying to control the position from guard on top but Shiroo is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Shiroo is trying to keep Sonnen in close.
Shiroo pulls Sonnen in close to prevent any damage.

Shiroo is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sonnen trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Shiroo keeping moving, preventing Sonnen from controlling successfully.

Shiroo has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Sonnen can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Leo Sonnen is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Shiroo keeping moving, preventing Sonnen from controlling successfully.
Shiroo tries to land a sweep but no joy.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Sonnen wants to control from the top but Shiroo keeps moving.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Shiroo will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Sonnen is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Shiroo rather than just go for the knockout.
Sonnen swings for the body but Shiroo moves out of range.
Sonnen with a nice cross.
Shiroo checks a low kick from Sonnen.
Shiroo shoots and misses
and Sonnen counters with a two punch combo.
Sonnen with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Shiroo scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Sonnen doesn't seem bothered though.
Sloppy strikes from Sonnen. Those never looked like landing.
Sonnen throws a big shot that misses.
It appears Shiroo was looking to counter with a kick there.

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 Tetsuya Shiroo.
I think Sonnen 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 Gwen Towbar scores the fight 28:29
Judge Stewart Dunkirk scores the fight 27:30
Judge Alan Glass scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Leo Sonnen!
During a confident post fight interview, Leo Sonnen thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.
The defeated Tetsuya Shiroo had this to say: 'I was prepared to die in this cage tonight. The opponent was the better man today but I will be back stronger.'.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
42%

Main event

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Alex Morrow (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Carl Sheppards (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Morrow comes to the cage accompanied by Final Countdown. This should be a great matchup!

Morrow
vs
Sheppards

162 cm
28
159 lbs
13 - 8 - 0

181 cm
29
159 lbs
21 - 14 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
World class boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

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 - 8 - 0, fighting out of New York, Alex Morrow!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 21 - 14 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Carl Sheppards!
The judges for this bout are Wesley Smith, Chris Downing and Tiny Johnson.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Sheppards tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Morrow connects with a solid leg kick.
Alex Morrow seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
A slow jab from Sheppards misses its intended target.
Morrow was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
We can't be sure of the tactics at this early stage but we have heard that Sheppards has been working on his takedowns a lot in the buildup to the fight and we can only assume he's going to look to take this to the mat.
Morrow fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Sheppards.
Sheppards misses with a hook.
A lazy left from Sheppards finds it's target.

Morrow moves into the clinch successfully.
Morrow tries to work over Sheppards's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Morrow fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Sheppards is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Sheppards.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sheppards tries to break the clinch but Morrow is controlling the position.
A shot in the inside from Morrow.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
Sheppards jumps guard but Morrow turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sheppards trying to control the position but instead, Morrow has worked for underhooks and has pushed Sheppards into the cage.
Sheppards prevents a body shot from Morrow.

Morrow breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Sheppards avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Good standup being displayed there by Morrow as he connects with a hook.
Morrow swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Sheppards looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Sheppards swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Morrow.
Sheppards misses the shot to the body.
Morrow connects with a leg kick. Sheppards looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
A looping hook to the body misses from Morrow. Sheppards does a little dance to reset his feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Morrow moves into the clinch.
Sheppards wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Sheppards stalls.
Sheppards controlling the action here for a moment.
Sheppards blocks a body shot from Morrow.
A nice left hand lands by Morrow.
Morrow works on Sheppards's body with a couple of short punches.
Morrow avoiding damage.

Sheppards breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Morrow waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Sheppards.
Sheppards tests Morrow's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Morrow tries to bum rush Sheppards with a series of wild strikes but Sheppards uses good footwork to avoid the assault.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Morrow with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Morrow throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Sheppards now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
Sheppards throws an off balance right hand
and Morrow counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Morrow keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Morrow appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
Morrow thuds a mid kick into his opponent's body. That will wear on Sheppards if he has to take too many more of those.
Morrow ducks under a wild hook from Sheppards.
Sheppards looks to throw the jab but Morrow is out of range.
A swing and a miss from Sheppards.
Morrow goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Sheppards missing with a left hand there. Morrow was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Sheppards throws a big shot that misses.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sheppards misses with a wild body shot.
Morrow cracks Sheppards with a good jab.

It looks like Carl Sheppards has been cut.
A swing and a miss from Sheppards.
Morrow steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Sheppards.
Morrow feints and then cracks Sheppards's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Sheppards down.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Morrow scores with a jab.
Sheppards throws a series of punches but Morrow avoids them all with ease.

Morrow has Sheppards up against the cage in a clinch.
Sheppards wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Morrow lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Morrow misses with a body punch.
Sheppards is trying to break free.
Morrow misses with a punch to the body.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Alex Morrow dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Carl Sheppards's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Morrow is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Morrow fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
A swing and a miss from Morrow.
Morrow scores with a nice strike.
Morrow doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Morrow lands with a kick to the ribs.
Morrow throws a low kick but Sheppards moves out of range easily.
Sheppards stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Morrow.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Morrow scores with a jab.
Morrow swinging wildly here.
Nice body kick there by Morrow.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sheppards is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Morrow.
Morrow attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Sheppards! But no joy.
Morrow lands with a thumping leg kick.
Morrow avoids a punch combination nicely.
Sheppards swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Morrow jinks towards his opponent looking like he wants to counter with a mid kick but doesn't commit.
Morrow is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Sheppards can do to turn this around?
Morrow misses with a low kick as Sheppards jumps back.
Sheppards is looking for the big counter here.
Sheppards misses with a hook to the body
and Morrow finishes the little exchange by landing a big kick to the body.
Morrow walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Sheppards checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Sheppards! But no joy.
Morrow looks for the body kick but Sheppards saw that one coming.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Morrow.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Morrow avoids a lazy jab quite easily.

Morrow drives through and clinches with Sheppards against the cage.
Morrow tries to throw a body punch but Sheppards avoids it by throwing Morrow back against the cage.
Nice body punch from Morrow - that landed with a thud.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Sheppards fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Sheppards trying to control the position but instead, Morrow has worked for underhooks and has pushed Sheppards into the cage.
Sheppards makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Sheppards blocks an uppercut.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Morrow can't find room to land a body shot as Sheppards controls the action.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sheppards throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Sheppards's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Sheppards is trying to maintain a safe position but Morrow gets an underhook and turns Sheppards into the cage.
Stalling in the clinch from Sheppards.
Morrow tries to work over Sheppards's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Morrow keeps control of Sheppards as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Sheppards is pushing Morrow up against the cage, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.
Sheppards avoiding damage.
Morrow tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
The pace slowing considerably in the clinch, as Morrow takes a break from that fighting nonsense to think about the finer things in life.
Sheppards content to slow the pace in the clinch.
Sheppards blocks a body shot from Morrow.
Sheppards blocking some punches.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sheppards has Morrow pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Morrow manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Morrow tries to work over Sheppards's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Sheppards is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Morrow to keep the fight standing.
Alex Morrow has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Carl Sheppards.
Sheppards is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Morrow tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Morrow lands a shoulder strike.
Sheppards jumps guard but Morrow stands there with Sheppards around his waist. Sheppards gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Sheppards has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Morrow lands a nice uppercut.
Sheppards has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Morrow avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Morrow stalling against the cage.
Alex Morrow has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Morrow tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Alex Morrow dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Carl Sheppards's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Sheppards throws an off balance right hand
and Morrow counters with a nice body kick.
Morrow connects with a leg kick. Sheppards looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Morrow on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Morrow comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Sheppards throws out a loose jab but Morrow uses good head movement to avoid it.
Morrow lands a nice looking kick to the body. Sheppards takes a step back to recover.
Sheppards takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Morrow lands a nice looking kick to the body. Sheppards takes a step back to recover.
Morrow wants to clinch but Sheppards slips to the side
and Sheppards counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Morrow swings away with a body shot that misses
letting Sheppards counter with a right hand.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Morrow fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Morrow is looking to clinch but Sheppards is avoiding it.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Sheppards! But no joy.
Sheppards misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Some wild striking there from Morrow.
Sheppards misses the shot to the body.
Morrow tries to clinch up.
A cross from Morrow lands.
Sheppards loads up on a big right hand but Morrow slips the punch.
Morrow tries to close the distance and clinch but Sheppards swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Sheppards swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Morrow counters with a nice leg kick.
Morrow fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Sheppards.
Sheppards has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from Morrow.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A shot to the body from Morrow misses
and Sheppards counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Alex Morrow is winning the standup battle so far.
Morrow fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Sheppards misses with an uppercut. Morrow saw that one coming.
Morrow swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.
Morrow bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Sheppards's head backwards.
Morrow thuds a left hand into Sheppards's body.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Sheppards looks to score with a jab to the body but Morrow is just out of range.
Sheppards lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
Morrow ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Sheppards moves away.
Sheppards moves out of range as Morrow throws a body kick.

Morrow moves into the clinch.
Morrow working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Morrow digs a right hand underneath Sheppards's ribcage. Sheppards let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Carl Sheppards has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sheppards has Morrow pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Morrow manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Sheppards is looking to break free of the clinch but Morrow has double underhooks.
Morrow stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
Sheppards is trying to stall.
Morrow tries to throw a body punch but Sheppards avoids it by throwing Morrow back against the cage.
Alex Morrow is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Sheppards is looking to control Morrow's arms but Morrow gets an underhook and turns him. Now Sheppards has his back to the cage.
Morrow slowing the pace effectively.
Sheppards holding his opponent close, against the cage.
Morrow lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Sheppards stalling.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Morrow tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Sheppards's elbow.
Sheppards looking to stall.
Sheppards misses with some punches.
Sheppards tries to break the clinch but Morrow is controlling the position.
Morrow lands a nice shot to the body.
Morrow lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Morrow effectively controlling the action here.
Sheppards tries to break free but Morrow pushes him back against the cage.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Sheppards.
Sheppards misses with a punch on the inside.
Morrow doesn't land with the attempted body shot.

And that's the end of the fight!
Alex Morrow showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Morrow 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 Wesley Smith scores the fight 30:27
Judge Chris Downing scores the fight 30:27
Judge Tiny Johnson scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Alex Morrow!
An out of breath Alex Morrow thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.