MMANIAK 15 - No judges! PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Junior Dos Santos (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Dan Lowe (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both these guys have really solid chins. Will we see a standup war or will they both decide that a knockout is unlikely and try to win the fight elsewhere?

Dos Santos
vs
Lowe

196 cm
21
187 lbs
5 - 1 - 0

214 cm
23
149 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Counter fighter
Granite chin

BJJ Purple Belt
Basic striking
Solid chin

Sully's Bar & Grill

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 5 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Junior Dos Santos!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Dan Lowe!
The judges for this bout are James Atkins, Steven Brown and Andrew Berry.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Lowe shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Dos Santos's guard.

Lowe looking to improve position, pressing down on Dos Santos's thigh with his hand. Dos Santos seems to be working to lock up a guilotine though... is Lowe paying attention? Apparently not! He's locked it up tight! Lowe's face has turned purple! Will he tap? Will he! YES! He's tapped! Dos Santos picked his opening and made it count! Great finish!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:18 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Guillotine). Junior Dos Santos!
Junior Dos Santos decided to hype himself up post fight. It was going well but he went on about it a bit too long and the crowd turned on him a little.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
100%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Hector Davis (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Asko Vilenius (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Hector Davis had a look across the cage there at his opponent. He definitely means business

Davis
vs
Vilenius

170 cm
27
200 lbs
10 - 7 - 1

193 cm
37
272 lbs
32 - 21 - 0

Great wrestler
Great elbows
Cardio machine

Olympic wrestler
World class boxer
Granite chin

MayheM sportswear

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 10 - 7 - 1, fighting out of Amsterdam, Hector Davis!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 32 - 21 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Asko Vilenius!
The judges for this bout are Steven Brown, Richard Clark and Andrew Berry.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Davis.
Davis defending well as Vilenius loads up on a big left hand.
Vilenius swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Vilenius tries to bum rush Davis with a series of wild strikes but Davis uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Vilenius stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Nice shot by Vilenius.

It looks like Hector Davis has been cut.
Davis 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.
Vilenius throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Vilenius keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Davis changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Vilenius tries to avoid it but Davis manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Vilenius to the ground. Vilenius escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Davis drops his hands momentarily and Vilenius takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Vilenius misses the shot to the body.
Vilenius connects with a jab.
Vilenius throws an off balance right hand

and Davis counters with a shoot takedown. Vilenius fights it but they end up in guard.
Vilenius looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Vilenius pulls Davis in close to his closed guard and prevents Davis from doing any damage or advancing position.
Davis wants to control from the top but Vilenius keeps moving.
Vilenius wants to sweep but no luck.
Davis is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Davis preventing the sweep.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Davis trying to control but Vilenius is working from the bottom.
Vilenius tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Vilenius controls Davis momentarily but Davis frees himself.
Davis passes Vilenius's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Still in half guard, Davis seems content to control.
Vilenius wants to get back to full guard.
Davis stalling.
Vilenius gets back to full guard.
Davis won't allow Vilenius to sweep him here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Davis looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Vilenius wants to stand but Davis is controlling the position.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Vilenius has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Davis fails to land the takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Hector Davis. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Vilenius looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Davis slips under a jab.
Vilenius is using his reach advantage to land shots from outside his opponent's range.
Vilenius swings for the body but Davis moves out of range.
Davis feinted with a counter takedown.
Vilenius misses with a wild combination.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Vilenius misses the shot to the body.
Davis tries to counter with a takedown but Vilenius is quick to defend against it.
Asko Vilenius seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Vilenius cracks Davis with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Vilenius lands a nice hook to Davis's body. Davis takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Vilenius looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Vilenius lands an overhand right.
Davis shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Vilenius counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Vilenius leaves Davis with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
It seemed like Vilenius was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Vilenius throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Davis's waist but Davis gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Vilenius off to one side.
Vilenius scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
Davis avoids the body shot from Vilenius.
Davis shoots in but Vilenius avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Vilenius works the jab nicely.

Vilenius fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Davis sprawls well initially but Vilenius persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Vilenius lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Davis is looking for a sweep. Vilenius is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Davis keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Vilenius thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Davis's head.
The fighters are battling for position here. Davis manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Davis wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Vilenius postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Davis is on top in guard.

Davis with a flurry of punches that miss.
Davis wants to control from the top but Vilenius keeps moving.
Davis controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Vilenius looking for a sweep. Not yet Vilenius, not yet.
Davis won't allow Vilenius to get back to his feet.
Vilenius bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Davis's guard.

Davis is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Davis is working hard here to advance position.
Davis wants to control but instead he gets his guard passed and Vilenius is now in half guard.
Davis is trying to get back to full guard.
Vilenius missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Davis avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Vilenius.
Davis controlling the leg, holding on to half guard.
Davis is trying to get back to full guard.
Vilenius throwing shots but Davis is blocking nicely.
In the pre-fight buildup videos we saw Vilenius working his ground and pound in the gym. He isn't landing a great percentage of his ground strikes so far though.
Vilenius lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Davis is trying to get back to full guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Vilenius throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Vilenius looks to land a strike but Davis avoids it nicely and regains full guard.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Vilenius accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Vilenius postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Davis is trying to control the position but Vilenius postures up.
Davis being controlled here, momentarily.
Davis keeping moving, preventing Vilenius from controlling successfully.
Davis controls Vilenius momentarily but Vilenius frees himself.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Vilenius lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Vilenius is looking to work some ground and pound but Davis has wrist control.
Davis lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Asko Vilenius dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Hector Davis's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Davis takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Vilenius stuffs the takedown.
Vilenius dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Davis.
Vilenius fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Davis looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Davis takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Vilenius misses the shot to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Vilenius cracks Davis with an open hand slap.
Vilenius swings for the body but Davis moves out of range.
Davis takes one on the button.
Vilenius throws a hook but Davis blocks it.
Davis changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Vilenius dips to his left and cracks Davis with an uppercut!

Hector Davis's cut is getting worse.

Vilenius is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Davis's half guard.
Davis trying to hold on to Vilenius's head to control him but Vilenius postures up.
The fighters are battling for position here. Davis manages to regain full guard. Nice work.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Davis is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Davis is keen to just control but Vilenius is a slippery customer.
Vilenius wants to improve his position but Davis is controlling well.
Vilenius is refusing to be controlled, as Davis sits in half guard.
Vilenius trying to control here.
Still in half guard, Davis seems content to control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Vilenius is defending against the submission attempts here by Davis.
Vilenius is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Davis lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Davis prevents Vilenius from improving his position.
Davis perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.
Vilenius regains full guard. Nicely done.
Davis is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Vilenius manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Davis manages to get himself to full guard.

Vilenius must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Vilenius trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Davis trying to control the position.
Vilenius wants to control from the top but Davis keeps moving.
Davis trying to keep a closed guard but Vilenius is proving a slippery customer.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Vilenius lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Davis preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Vilenius in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Davis is trying to keep Vilenius in close.
Asko Vilenius has got the better of the ground game so far.
Davis keeping moving, preventing Vilenius from controlling successfully.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Davis controls Vilenius momentarily but Vilenius frees himself.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Vilenius tries to bum rush Davis with a series of wild strikes but Davis uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Davis has his takedown stuffed
and Vilenius counters with a left to the body.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Hector Davis. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Davis keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Donk. Vilenius catches Davis right on the button with a cross.
Vilenius connects with a body shot that sends Davis's belly button to the back.
Vilenius misses with a hook. Davis ducked under it nicely.
Vilenius swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Asko Vilenius seems to be getting the better of the standup.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Vilenius lands a really nice looking cross but Davis seems unphased.

Hector Davis's cut is bleeding quite badly. He's got to try and protect it.
Vilenius displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Davis.
A telegraphed right hand from Vilenius misses the target.
A big left from Vilenius misses.
Vilenius lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
Vilenius throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Vilenius misses the shot to the body.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
A left lands for Vilenius.

Davis is rocked!

Vilenius changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Davis looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Oh Davis is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
Vilenius in side control here. He's dropped a big elbow there and Davis looks hurt! Oh, he is hurt! Vilenius turns on the heat and pounds him out for a TKO victory! Good killer instinct there!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 8:29 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Asko Vilenius! Asko Vilenius retains his heavyweight title!
Our winner, Asko Vilenius, 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
30%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Sakazuki Akainu (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Zbigniew Ciosek (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Akainu
vs
Ciosek

188 cm
26
280 lbs
10 - 5 - 1

220 cm
47
277 lbs
32 - 32 - 1

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

BJJ Purple Belt
World class MT
Powerful

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 10 - 5 - 1, fighting out of Tokyo, Sakazuki Akainu!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 32 - 32 - 1, fighting out of London, Zbigniew Ciosek!
The judges for this bout are Sam Margolis, William Gold and Donald Grub.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Akainu checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Ciosek connects with a single shot there.
Ciosek misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Akainu.
Akainu checks the leg kick nicely there.
Ciosek tries to close the distance and clinch up but Akainu swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Ciosek looks to score with a jab to the body but Akainu is just out of range.
As Ciosek backs away, Akainu returns fire with a leg kick that just misses.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Ciosek.
Ciosek misses with a few strikes there.
Akainu dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Ciosek. That did some damage!
Akainu thows a left - swing and a miss!
Akainu throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Ciosek swings and misses with a shot to the body
and Akainu counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Ciosek swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Ciosek throws a body punch but Akainu moves out of range.
Donk. Ciosek catches Akainu right on the button with a cross.
Ciosek misses with a body shot.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Akainu throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Akainu thumps Ciosek with a low kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Akainu lands a nice leg kick that just misses Ciosek's sensitive parts.
Ciosek connects with a right hand. Akainu shakes it off.
Ciosek throws a right and a left that Akainu avoids nicely.
Akainu throws out a leg kick but Ciosek moves out of range and Akainu only half commits.
Ciosek misses with a leg kick.
Akainu fires out a quick counter leg kick but Ciosek just manages to avoid it.
Akainu throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Akainu throws a wild body kick that Ciosek sees coming a mile off.
Akainu throws a nice outside leg kick.
Akainu wants to slow Ciosek down by chopping away at his legs.
Akainu pushes Ciosek away with a front kick.
Akainu throws a head kick but Ciosek moves out of range.
That kick from Ciosek tenderised Akainu's leg. Akainu is trying to keep his angry face on.
Ciosek takes a swing at Akainu's ribcage but misses.
Ciosek moves out of range as Akainu throws a body kick.
Ciosek displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Akainu throws out the jab.
Akainu fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Ciosek throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Ciosek has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Akainu.
Ciosek displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Akainu throws out the jab.
A jab lands there for Akainu.
A slow jab from Akainu misses its intended target.
Akainu throws a hook but Ciosek blocks it.
Ciosek 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.
Sakazuki Akainu seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Akainu takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Ciosek lands a jab.
A left and a right from Ciosek both land. Nice combination.
Ciosek throws a good cross that connects.
Ciosek misses with a leg kick.
A big left from Ciosek misses.
Ciosek misses with a hook.
Ciosek moves in looking to clinch but Akainu pushes him off.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ciosek throws a big shot that misses.

Ciosek pushes Akainu up against the cage in a clinch.
Akainu working aggressively here.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Akainu pressing his opponent against the cage.
A nice left hand lands by Akainu.
A nice right hand lands inside from Akainu.
Ciosek is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Akainu misses with a short punch on the inside.
Akainu makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Akainu lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Ciosek backwards.

It looks like Zbigniew Ciosek has been cut.
Akainu lands with a left to the head.
Akainu lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Ciosek has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ciosek is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Akainu scores with a shot to the side of Ciosek's head.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Ciosek has a couple of punches blocked by Akainu.
Akainu's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.
Ciosek pushes off an throws an elbow but Akainu leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
Akainu makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Akainu pushes Ciosek back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Ciosek looking to throw knees to the head but Akainu is blocking nicely.
Ciosek lands a shoulder strike.
Ciosek misses with a punch on the inside.
Akainu pushes Ciosek back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.

That has opened up Zbigniew Ciosek's cut even more.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Ciosek.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Akainu.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
A short right from Akainu.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Akainu blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Akainu slowing the pace effectively.
Akainu's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Akainu lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Akainu makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
A short body shot lands from Akainu as the two fighters clinch.
Ciosek looks winded!
Ciosek blocking some punches.
Akainu lands on the inside with an uppercut.
A nice left hand lands by Akainu.

The cut above Zbigniew Ciosek's eye is starting to cause him problems now.
A right hand to the body from Akainu.
Akainu lands a right hand.
Akainu lands a nice uppercut.
Ciosek has been looking to improve his clinch game in recent weeks. Akainu seems to have the measure of him in the clinch so far, so let's see if Ciosek can turn it around.
Akainu lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Akainu lands a big left hand right to the temple and Ciosek goes down!

Ciosek is rocked!

Zbigniew Ciosek's cut is absolute horrible now. This looks like something out of a horror film with blood covering both fighters.

Akainu is working for a submission of some sort.
Ciosek is still in real trouble! Can Akainu finish him?
Ground and pound from Akainu.

The referee calls the doctor in to look at Zbigniew Ciosek's cut. Oh no, the doctor has called an end to the bout!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 6:39 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Cut). Sakazuki Akainu!
A very excited looking Sakazuki Akainu made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
40%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Maksymilian Gracie (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and James Ross (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Gracie comes to the cage accompanied by Blur - Song 2. Ross comes into a darkened arena with his song building. warrior kicks in, the lights come on and the crowd goes wild! What a showman! Well, I have no idea who's going to take this one!

Gracie
vs
Ross

194 cm
27
236 lbs
10 - 5 - 1

210 cm
27
251 lbs
5 - 5 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent boxing
Solid chin

THE END 32
Sydney Fight Gear

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 10 - 5 - 1, fighting out of London, Maksymilian Gracie!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 5 - 0, fighting out of London, James Ross!
The judges for this bout are Donald Grub, Chris Edwards and Andrew Berry.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Good shot there by Gracie.
Gracie lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
We can't be sure of the tactics at this early stage but we have heard that Ross 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.
Gracie lands with a nice body punch.
Gracie scores with a jab.
Ross on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Ross misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Gracie.
Ross showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Gracie.
Ross takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Gracie throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Gracie throws a body shot but no joy.
Ross throws out a counter right but Gracie avoids it with no problem.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gracie lands with a good body shot.
Ross takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Gracie circles and sees the opportunity to plant his feet and throw a really nice straight left hand that drops Ross to the canvas! Ross doesn't know where he is but he's trying to survive - Gracie keeps piling on the pressure and forces the referee to step in! This one is aaaaaall over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:21 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Maksymilian Gracie!
A victorious Maksymilian Gracie 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
61%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Brandon Couture (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Tommy Lotus (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Couture comes to the cage accompanied by Mama said knock you out. Lotus comes into a darkened arena with his song building. Eye of the tiger kicks in, the lights come on and the crowd goes wild! What a showman! 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.

Couture
vs
Lotus

175 cm
49
174 lbs
57 - 38 - 2

186 cm
49
172 lbs
32 - 43 - 2

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 57 - 38 - 2, fighting out of London, Brandon Couture!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 32 - 43 - 2, fighting out of London, Tommy Lotus!
The judges for this bout are Richard Clark, James Atkins and Phil Schofield.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Lotus gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Brandon Couture seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Lotus changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Lotus doesn't manage to clinch there - Couture circles away.

Lotus closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Couture quickly recovers to half guard.
Couture pushes Lotus off but Lotus dives into side control.
Couture is putting a lot of effort into getting back to his feet here.
Couture is looking to get back to his feet here but Lotus is keeping cool and he's managed to take Couture's back.

Lotus has his hand under the chin of his opponent looking for the choke. He's nearly got it! This one could be all over! But no, Couture has freed his hand and lives to survive another… well, another couple of seconds at least!
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Lotus is looking to control Couture but Couture is wriggling around and keeping busy.
Couture is trying to stand back up.

Couture manages to stand up with Lotus still on his back. Eventually Lotus drops to his feet and we're back in the standing position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lotus ducks under a wild hook from Couture.
Lotus tries to counter with a clinch but Couture shakes him off and moves away.
Couture throws a jab when Lotus was well out of range.
Lotus darts in looking for a takedown but Couture gets double underhooks and turns Lotus into the cage.
Lotus shoots in looking for a takedown but Couture manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Lotus's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.

Lotus closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Couture's guard.

Couture wriggles free and stands up.
Brandon Couture is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Horrible takedown attempt by Lotus or perhaps it was just good defense by Couture, which made it look bad.
Lotus looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Brandon Couture has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Tommy Lotus.
Couture stuffs the takedown attempt from Lotus. Lotus gets slowly back to his feet.
Lotus fails in his attempt to clinch.
Couture misses with an uppercut.
Lotus throws a head kick but Couture moves out of range.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Lotus moves away from the strike by Couture.
Lotus dives in for a single leg takedown but Couture sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Lotus moves away from the strike by Couture.

Lotus darts in and clinches Couture up against the cage.
Couture scores with a shot to the side of Lotus's head.
Couture has Lotus pressed against the cage, preventing Lotus from circling away and getting back to striking at range.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Lotus is trying to break the clinch but Couture has him pressed against the cage.

Couture breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.

Lotus moves into the clinch successfully.
Lotus is looking to break free of the clinch but Couture has double underhooks.
Lotus tries to break the clinch but Couture is controlling the position.
Lotus blocks a couple of punches on the inside.

Lotus escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Lotus shoots in but Couture avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Lotus keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Couture.
Couture swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Lotus.
Lotus shoots in for a takedown but Couture shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
The fighters circling - Couture throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Couture throws a sloppy head kick and Lotus moves out of range easily.

Lotus gets a double leg takedown into Couture's guard.
Lotus looks winded!
Couture wants to stand up but Lotus is controlling him.
Lotus trying to control but Couture is working from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lotus is pushing down on Couture's leg trying to pass to half guard. Couture is fighting to maintain full guard but Lotus has managed to sneak the leg through.
Lotus passes to full mount!
Lotus controlling the pace for now.
Lotus won't let Couture get back to his feet... He wants to keep the fight where it is for now.

Lotus is standing up, even though he is in mount.
Lotus dives in for a single leg takedown but Couture sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Couture throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Lotus tries to counter by closing the distance.
Lotus moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.
Couture throws a sloppy head kick

and Lotus counters with a nice double leg into half guard.

Lotus postures up and decides to stand up, from the half guard. The ref calls for Couture to stand up.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Couture avoids the head kick by Lotus.
Lotus closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Lotus keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Lotus shoots in for a takedown but Couture shows good takedown defense.
Lotus moves out of range as Couture strikes.
Nice defenses there by Lotus.
Couture avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
The fighters circling - Couture throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Lotus wants to counter with a clinch but Couture pushes him away.
Couture throws a head kick but Lotus moves out of range.

Lotus feints and as Couture raises his hands in defense, Lotus changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Couture is looking to stand back up... there's a bit of a scramble and Lotus dives into side control.

Lotus working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.

Lotus thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
Couture is trying to buck Lotus off.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Lotus works to advance to full mount. Couture defends for a few seconds but eventually he succumbs.
Lotus tries to control but Couture wriggling away.

Lotus stands up from mount. Strange move.
Lotus displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Couture throws out the jab.
Couture throws an overhand right that lands on Lotus's shoulder, as Lotus tries to avoid the shot.
Couture misses with an uppercut. Lotus saw that one coming.
A slow jab from Couture misses its intended target.

Couture gets caught flat footed, as Lotus shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.

Couture scrambles and gets back to his feet.
Couture misses with an uppercut. Lotus saw that one coming.

Lotus shoots in and bounces Couture off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.

Couture is scooting his butt against the cage and has managed to get back to his feet. Lotus presses him back against the cage, presumably looking to take the fight back to the mat.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
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!
Couture throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Lotuss head.

Couture manages to break the clinch.
Donk. Lotus catches Couture right on the button with a cross.
Lotus is looking to clinch.
Lotus on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Lotus throws a front kick aimed at Couture's knee but Couture avoids it well.
A head kick misses from Couture.
Lotus throws a series of strikes that have Couture backpedaling.
Couture lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Couture misses with a head kick.
Lotus misses with an attempted mid kick.
Lotus fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Couture circles away from the clinch attempt.
Couture blocks a head kick by Lotus.
Lotus moves away from the strike by Couture.
Lotus shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Couture but Couture pushes him off and we're back to square one.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.

Lotus decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.

Couture kicks off Lotus and gets to his feet.
Couture is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Lotus.
Lotus looks like he wanted to counter with a high kick but didn't throw it.
Couture avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Lotus has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Couture finds it's way round the side to connect with Lotus's head.
Couture misses with a left hand
letting Lotus counter with a right hand.
Lotus steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Couture.
Couture avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Lotus shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Couture but Couture pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Lotus uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Couture.
Couture connects with a crisp jab.
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!
Lotus attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
The fight stays on the outside here - Lotus looks like he's thinking about clinching though.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Lotus slips under a jab.

Lotus closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Lotus lands in his opponent's guard.
Couture is wriggling around but Lotus manages to pass to half guard.

Couture is trying to stand up here but Lotus is controlling him well.
Lotus is taking a breather. Couture says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.
Couture might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.

Lotus is looking for a kimura here.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Lotus decides to stand up and try his luck on the feet.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Lotus ducks under a wild hook from Couture.
Lotus is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Couture with a body shot.
Lotus uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Couture.
Couture throws a hook to the side of Lotus's head but Lotus sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.

Lotus feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.
Lotus is pushing down on Couture's leg trying to pass to half guard. Couture is fighting to maintain full guard but Lotus has managed to sneak the leg through.
Couture wants to get back to his feet.
Lotus not doing much here.
Lotus wants to take a breather but Couture is having none of it.
Couture wants to get back to his feet.
Couture trying desperately to get back to his feet here but he's not having any joy at all. He's going to tire himself out if he's not careful.
Lotus content to control rather than advance.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Lotus is looking to clinch.
Lotus closes the distance and clinches up with Couture, looking for a takedown. Lotus pushes Couture against the cage but Couture circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Lotus dives in for a single leg takedown but Couture sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Lotus ducks under a wild hook from Couture.
Nice sprawl there from Couture as Lotus shoots in.
Brandon Couture has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Tommy Lotus.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Lotus.
Couture lifts his leg as if looking to counter with a high kick.
Couture misses with an uppercut.
Lotus misses the jab.
Couture throws a big shot that misses.
Brandon Couture is winning the standup battle so far.
Lotus has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Couture finds it's way round the side to connect with Lotus's head.
Couture has not gone for a single takedown so far in this fight, which seems like a very strange tactic when you consider that he has the superior wrestling and BJJ.
Lotus moves out of range of the strikes.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Horrible takedown attempt by Lotus or perhaps it was just good defense by Couture, which made it look bad.
Couture throws an overhand right that lands on Lotus's shoulder, as Lotus tries to avoid the shot.
Lotus shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Couture sprawls well. Couture wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Lotus gets slowly back to his feet.
Lotus is breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lotus moves out of range as Couture strikes.
Couture with a nice cross.
Couture throws a looping overhand right but Lotus ducks down to avoid it.
Lotus fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Couture misses with an uppercut. Lotus saw that one coming.
Couture throws a lazy right hand but Lotus sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Jab, jab by Couture - just one landing.
Lotus staying out of range there.
Some bone on bone action there as Couture checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Couture jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Lotus is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Lotus wants to clinch.
Couture misses the jab.
Couture uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Lotus shoots for a double leg takedown but Couture sprawls well. He's pushed Lotus's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Couture throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Lotus's head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Couture takes one on the button.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Lotus tries to clinch up.
A telegraphed right hand from Couture misses the target.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Lotus.
An attempted straight right counter from Couture misses the target.
Couture steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Lotus. That one must have hurt.
Couture's jab looks to have found its range, popping Lotus under the eye.
Couture misses with a head kick.
Lotus ducks under a wild hook from Couture.
Couture displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Lotus.
Lotus closes the distance and clinches up with Couture, looking for a takedown. Lotus pushes Couture against the cage but Couture circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Couture throws a counter high kick but Lotus was just alert enough to avoid it.
Couture misses with a hook.
Lotus on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Couture misses with a hook.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lotus takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Couture lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Couture takes a head kick and keeps coming.
Couture keeps the fight on the outside.
Couture throws a head kick but Lotus moves out of range.

Couture gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.

Couture uses the cage to get back to his feet.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Lotus shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Couture sprawls well. Couture wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Lotus gets slowly back to his feet.
Lotus just manages to avoid a counter high kick fromCouture.
Lotus shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Couture but Couture pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Couture jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Couture is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.
Lotus ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Lotus explodes with a nice body kick and back out of range. Nice work.
Lotus steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Couture.
Lotus tries to clinch up but Couture circles away and keeps his distance.
Couture is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Lotus can do to turn this around?

Lotus shoots in and bounces Couture off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
Couture is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Lotus is controlling him.
Lotus trying to control the position from guard on top but Couture is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Lotus stands and steps away. Couture gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.
Couture swats away the attempt to clinch by Lotus.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Lotus lands a jab to the nose.
Nice takedown defense from Couture. No joy for Lotus on that attempt.
Lotus avoids the head kick by Couture.
Lotus shoots in but no luck this time.
No luck for Lotus with that takedown attempt.
Lotus keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Couture.
Couture tries a head kick but it misses.
Lotus thinks about the counter body kick.
Lotus shoots in but no luck this time.
Lotus takes one to the chin there.
Lotus uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Couture.
Couture swings widly with a right hand
and Lotus counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Lotus shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Couture defends it nicely.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Lotus takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Lotus shoots in but no luck this time.
Lotus throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Tommy Lotus is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Couture misses with a straight left.
Lotus fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Good shot there by Couture.
Lotus goes for a double leg but Couture avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Couture continues to drive forward.
Couture goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Couture throws a shot from downtown. Lotus moves away and avoids it.
Lotus changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Lotus darts in looking for a takedown but Couture gets double underhooks and turns Lotus into the cage.
Couture defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Lotus.
Couture is looking to counter punch.
Couture throws a hook but Lotus avoids it easily.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Lotus moves out of range of the strikes.
Lotus blocks a jab.
Lotus tries to close the distance and clinch up but Couture swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Couture throws a jab when Lotus was well out of range.
Lotus fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Lotus misses with a body kick.
A slow jab from Couture misses its intended target.
Couture swings widly with a right hand
and Lotus counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Lotus tries to close the distance and clinch up but Couture swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Lotus tries to close the distance and clinch but Couture swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Lotus moves away from the strike by Couture.
A slow jab from Couture misses its intended target.

Lotus dives in and scores a takedown into Couture's guard.
Lotus pushing down on Couture's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.

Lotus is working for a submission of some sort.

Lotus is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Couture doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Lotus.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Lotus tries to pass to full mount but Couture defends it.

Couture kicks off Lotus and gets to his feet.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Couture misses with an uppercut.
The fight stays on the outside here - Lotus looks like he's thinking about clinching though.

Couture gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.

Couture has butterfly guard. He's looking to stand up here. He pushes Lotus off him and springs to his feet nicely. The crowd applauds.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Couture misses the jab.

Lotus closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Couture did well to prevent Lotus getting side control.

Couture has managed to escape just enough to sneak back to his feet but Lotus is on him like a limpet, forcing Couture back against the cage.
Couture gets through Lotus's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Lotus working hard to break the clinch.
Couture lands a hook that snaps the head of Lotus backwards.
Couture scores with a nice hook to the head.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Lotus working hard to break the clinch.
Lotus has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Lotus looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.

Couture breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Lotus throws a leg kick but Couture sees it coming and moves out of range.

Lotus closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.

Lotus has hold of Couture's arm. He's looking for a kimura. Couture seems comfortable defending it but Lotus has shifted his position slighty and is cranking on the arm! Couture is real pain and he's forced to tap out! Couture is disgusted with himself for not defending it better but Lotus couldn't care less - he's delighted!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 9:55 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Tommy Lotus!
An out of breath Tommy Lotus thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
73%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Carlos Strikes (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Tiago Mendez (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Mendez has chosen Trap Door as his entrance music. Both fighters will be looking to make this an exciting fight for the fans, I'm sure!

Strikes
vs
Mendez

186 cm
47
180 lbs
39 - 36 - 2

184 cm
49
180 lbs
37 - 32 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

BJJ Brown Belt
Excellent MT
Determined

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 39 - 36 - 2, fighting out of London, Carlos Strikes!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 37 - 32 - 0, fighting out of London, Tiago Mendez!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Bishop, Richard Clark and Chris Edwards.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Mendez misses with a takedown

and Strikes counters with a crisp one two that drops Mendez! Strikes thinks about following him to the mat for a moment but instead steps back and waves Mendez to his feet! Mendez is in big trouble!

Mendez is rocked!

Strikes gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Strikes stops a takedown attempt from Mendez.

Strikes escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
A kick lands to the mid section there for Strikes.
Mendez fails to land the takedown.
Carlos Strikes has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Tiago Mendez.
Mendez misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Strikes is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Mendez shoots in looking for a takedown. Strikes tries to sprawl out of it but Mendez keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Strikes manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Mendez looks for a takedown but Strikes sprawls well.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Strikes misses the shot to the body.

Mendez closes the distance and clinches.

Strikes manages to break the clinch.
Mendez darts in looking for a takedown but Strikes gets double underhooks and turns Mendez into the cage.
Strikes feinted with a counter takedown.
Mendez moves out of range of the leg kick from Strikes.
Strikes throws a leg kick but Mendez moved away.

Strikes gets tackled into the cage by Mendez. Mendez maintains the clinch.

Strikes's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.

Strikes closes the distance and clinches.

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

Strikes forces Mendez back against the cage and clinches.
Strikes putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Mendez in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Mendez lands a hook that snaps the head of Strikes backwards.

Strikes's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mendez takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Strikes throws a head kick but Mendez moves out of range.
A head kick misses from Strikes.
Mendez doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.

Mendez shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Mendez showed some decent athleticism there.
Strikes works his way to full guard. Good work.
Strikes has a closed guard, preventing Mendez from standing up.

Strikes is looking for a triangle but Mendez pushes his legs off easily.
Mendez stops Strikes from standing up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Strikes is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Mendez trying to control the position from guard on top but Strikes is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Mendez postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Strikes is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Mendez, into his guard.

Strikes slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Mendez working a defensive guard here.

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.
Strikes throwing strikes but missing.
Strikes has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Strikes preventing the sweep.
Strikes controls from within his opponent's guard.

Mendez throws his legs up looking for a submission but Strikes uses it to pass to side control.
You can see the frustration on Mendez's face as Strikes controls the position.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Mendez is looking to regain half guard here but Strikes keeps moving and retains side control.

Strikes decides to stand up, so the ref orders Mendez to his feet.
A combination from Mendez does no damage.
Strikes tries to clinch up but Mendez circles away and keeps his distance.
No joy there for Strikes, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Strikes throws a series of punches but Mendez avoids them all with ease.
Mendez blocks a low kick nicely.
Strikes misses with a head kick.

Mendez clinches up against the cage.
Mendez is working for takedown but Strikes is calmly controlling the position for now.

Strikes pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Mendez takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Mendez tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Strikes swivels and escapes.
A nice combination there by Mendez.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Strikes keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.

Strikes instigates a clinch.
Strikes lands a shot to the body.
A bit of stalling here from Strikes.
Mendez is trying to force a seperation but Strikes has the dominant position.

Strikes breaks the clinch.
Strikes looks for a takedown but Mendez sprawls well.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.

Strikes closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.

Strikes's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Strikes fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Mendez throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Strikes fails with an attempt to clinch.
Strikes wants to clinch up but Mendez keeps it at a distance.
Mendez fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Strikes avoids it really well and circles away.
Strikes tries to counter by clinching up but Mendez breaks away and moves out of range.
Mendez leaves Strikes with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.

Mendez forces Strikes back against the cage and clinches.

Strikes manages to break the clinch.
Mendez shoots for a takedown but Strikes saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Mendez misses with a head kick.
Nice sprawl there from Mendez as Strikes shoots in.
Mendez misses with a head kick.
Strikes slaps away a takedown attempt from Mendez, before circling back to the center of the mat.

Strikes moves into the clinch successfully.
A left hand lands to the body for Strikes.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Mendez is trying to maintain a safe position but Strikes gets an underhook and turns Mendez into the cage.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Strikes.
Mendez blocks an elbow strike from Strikes.
Strikes tries to land a knee to the head but Mendez blocks with his arms.

Strikes breaks the clinch.
Mendez stuffs the takedown attempt from Strikes. Strikes gets slowly back to his feet.

Mendez clinches with his opponent.
Strikes stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
Strikes lands a nice elbow.

It looks like Tiago Mendez has been cut.
Strikes tries a knee to the head but Mendez blocks it.
Strikes works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Carlos Strikes dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Tiago Mendez'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.

A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Mendez.

Mendez closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Strikes's guard.
Strikes keeping moving, preventing Mendez from controlling successfully.
Strikes has his hands on Mendez's head, controlling the position.

Strikes has managed to wall walk up one of the corner posts to get back to his feet. Mendez is pushing him up against the cage, looking to control the position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Strikes blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Strikes slowing the pace effectively.

Strikes breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Strikes shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Mendez sprawls well. Mendez wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Strikes gets slowly back to his feet.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Strikes is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Mendez is defending well for now.
Mendez blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Mendez tries for a takedown but Strikes manages to get underhooks.
Strikes tries to work over Mendez's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Strikes missing with knees to the body.

Strikes manages to break the clinch.
Carlos Strikes seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Strikes tries to score a power double leg takedown but Mendez sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Strikes somewhat.
Carlos Strikes is winning the standup battle so far.

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

Strikes escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Strikes avoids the head kick by Mendez.
Strikes was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Mendez shoots in looking for a takedown but Strikes manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Mendez's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Strikes has been working on his balance at London MMA Club, so perhaps that has help him stuff some of the takedown attempts by Mendez.
Carlos Strikes has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Tiago Mendez.

Mendez has managed to clinch.
Mendez tries to break the clinch but Strikes is controlling the position.
Mendez takes a shot to the head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Strikes escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Mendez blocks the body kick.
Strikes tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Strikes fails with the takedown
and Mendez counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Nice sprawl there from Mendez as Strikes shoots in.
Mendez looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Strikes misses with a double jab

and Mendez holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Strikes misses with a hook to the ribs.
Mendez has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Strikes avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.

Strikes manages to break the clinch.

Strikes pushes Mendez up against the cage in a clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mendez tries to pull guard but Strikes holds him up against the cage and eventually Mendez drops back down to his feet.

Strikes escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.

Mendez has taken the fight to the clinch.

Strikes manages to break the clinch.

Strikes drives through and clinches with Mendez against the cage.
Strikes controlling the action here for a moment.
Mendez throws a punch but it's blocked by Strikes.
A short body shot lands from Strikes as the two fighters clinch.
Strikes is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Mendez can do to turn this around?
Strikes holding his opponent close, against the cage.
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!
Mendez jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Strikes walks away with a smile on his face. Mendez gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.

That's five minutes gone in the round.

Strikes closes the distance and pushes Mendez back into the cage.
Mendez wants to get back to striking at distance but Strikes won't allow it.
Mendez is trying to drag Strikes to the mat but Strikes just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Mendez landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Mendez content to slow the pace in the clinch.
Mendez changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Strikes fights it off and pushes away nicely.

Strikes shoots in and bounces Mendez off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
Mendez is breathing heavily.

Strikes avoids a guillotine attempt easily.

That's six minutes gone in the round.

Strikes stands and steps away. Mendez gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.
Mendez tries for a takedown but Strikes circles away easily
and Strikes cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.

Strikes shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in side control! That's better than Strikes was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
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!
Strikes is pausing for a moment. What's he doing? It looks like he's clearing his nose. Oh dude! He's shot a load of snot all down Mendez's shoulder. That is not cool.
Carlos Strikes overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

Strikes decides to stand back up.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Mendez connects with a high kick.
Mendez blocks a head kick by Strikes.
Mendez throws a lazy uppercut
and Strikes counters with a left and a right that stings Mendez.
Mendez keeps the fight on the outside.
Mendez tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Strikes pivots, looking for a leg kick but Mendez is out of range and Strikes settles back down.
Strikes throws a leg kick but Mendez checks it.
Carlos Strikes is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

Mendez darts in and clinches Strikes up against the cage.

Mendez manages to break the clinch.
Strikes lands the left hand.
Mendez stuffs the takedown.

Mendez throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Strikes was covering up waiting for the punch and Mendez finishes the takedown easily into guard.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Strikes is pulling down on Mendez's head. It's preventing any offense from Mendez, at least for the moment.
Strikes continues to stall.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
More hug and hope from Strikes.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Strikes has a closed guard, preventing Mendez from standing up.
Mendez works over Strikes with some ground and pound from guard.
Mendez content to stall in guard here.
Strikes keeping full guard, as Mendez tries to pass.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Strikes scores with a one two! Mendez had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Carlos Strikes dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Tiago Mendez's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!

Strikes stuffs the takedown.
Mendez throws a hard body shot but it just misses.

Mendez takes the fight into the clinch.
Strikes lands a left hand that snaps the head of Mendez backwards.
Mendez has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Strikes is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Carlos Strikes has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Strikes prevents a takedown attempt there.
Carlos Strikes has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Tiago Mendez.
Mendez is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Strikes breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Strikes slips a jab and a cross from Mendez.

Strikes rushes Mendez and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Mendez takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Mendez working hard to break the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Strikes with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Come on Strikes - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
Mendez has had enough of the clinch but Strikes keeps him there for the moment.

Strikes breaks from the clinch.

Strikes closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
Strikes is looking to take a break and control but Mendez is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Mendez tries to bench press Strikes off him but Strikes keeps the position.
Mendez is trying to control Strikes's posture but Strikes avoids it.
Mendez tries to control but end up mounted... ooooh, that's bad.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Strikes gets to his feet and calls his opponent to stand. Here come the fireworks!

Strikes pushes Mendez up against the cage in a clinch.

Strikes breaks from the clinch.
Strikes shoots in for a double leg but Mendez sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Mendez unleashes a big counter combination but Strikes bobs and weaves and avoids any damage.
Mendez goes for a double leg but Strikes avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Strikes continues to drive forward.
Strikes wants to clinch up but Mendez keeps it at a distance.
Strikes pulls out of a head kick attempt.
A little jabbing left from Mendez on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
This has been an exciting period of action!

Mendez closes the distance and clinches.
Strikes is pressed up against the cage. Mendez has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Strikes down to the mat. Strikes avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.

Strikes closes the distance and clinches.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Strikes breaks the clinch.
Strikes fails to land the takedown.
Mendez tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Mendez fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Strikes avoids it really well and circles away.
Mendez shoots in looking for a takedown but Strikes manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Mendez's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Mendez tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Strikes lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
Mendez blocks a head kick by Strikes.
Mendez with the counter takedown but Strikes avoids it easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Strikes closes the distance and clinches up with Mendez, looking for a takedown. Strikes pushes Mendez against the cage but Mendez circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Strikes backing away here, and Mendez unleashes a leg kick that just misses.

Mendez fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Strikes, pushing him back against the cage.
Strikes lands an uppercut.
Mendez is looking for a takedown.
Mendez tries to pull guard but Strikes won't allow it.
Strikes misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Mendez.
Mendez leaning his opponent against the cage.
Strikes trying to land knees to the body.
Strikes pushes Mendez back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.

Strikes manages to break the clinch.
This has been an exciting period of action!

Mendez pushes Strikes up against the cage in a clinch.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Mendez is trying to force a seperation but Strikes has the dominant position.
Mendez managing to block the knees to the body from Strikes.
Mendez blocks an elbow strike.
Strikes tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Strikes lands a body shot.
Strikes displaying some good clinch control by pressing Mendez up against the cage.
Mendez is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Strikes stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
Mendez prevents a body shot from Strikes.

Strikes escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.

That's six minutes gone in the round.

Mendez forces Strikes back against the cage and clinches.
Mendez is working for takedown but Strikes is calmly controlling the position for now.
Strikes leaning against his opponent.

Strikes pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Mendez crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Strikes - the referee stops the clock and Mendez gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Strikes. Mendez manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
Mendez swats away the attempt to clinch by Strikes.
Mendez lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.

Mendez clinches up against the cage.
Strikes misses with an elbow over the top.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Mendez is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Strikes lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Mendez backwards.
Mendez drops down looking for an ankle pick but Strikes pulls his leg out and moves away.
Mendez tries for a takedown but Strikes sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.

Strikes closes the distance and pushes Mendez back into the cage.

Strikes breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Strikes tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Mendez manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.

Strikes has managed to clinch.

Strikes pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Strikes throws a sloppy head kick and Mendez moves out of range easily.
Strikes looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Strikes shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Strikes tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Mendez defends well and Strikes ends up having to push Mendez into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Mendez circles away from the clinch attempt.
Strikes moves out of range of the body kick from Mendez.
Strikes fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Mendez connects with a leg kick. Strikes looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Strikes fails with a takedown attempt.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.

Strikes closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Mendez wants to get back to full guard.
Tiago Mendez has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Strikes keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
Mendez gets full guard.

Strikes looking to improve position, pressing down on Mendez's thigh with his hand. Mendez seems to be working to lock up a guilotine though... is Strikes paying attention? Apparently not! He's locked it up tight! Strikes's face has turned purple! Will he tap? Will he! YES! He's tapped! Mendez picked his opening and made it count! Great finish!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 9:54 of round 3, we have a winner by way of Submission (Guillotine). Tiago Mendez!
Our winner, Tiago Mendez, 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
55%

Main event

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Nick Hay (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Buvaisar Hamidovich Saitiev (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The crowd giving both fighters a great reception on their way into the arena. That's good to see.

Hay
vs
Hamidovich Saitiev

178 cm
28
181 lbs
12 - 2 - 1

183 cm
33
185 lbs
16 - 12 - 1

Good wrestling
Lethal high kicks
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Basic striking
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 12 - 2 - 1, fighting out of Helsinki, Nick Hay!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 16 - 12 - 1, fighting out of St Petersburg, Buvaisar Hamidovich Saitiev!
The judges for this bout are Chris Edwards, William Gold and Colin Fotheringham.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A swing and a miss from Hamidovich Saitiev.
Hay tries to clinch but Hamidovich Saitiev is having none of it.

Hay lands a left and a right that send Hamidovich Saitiev crashing to the mat, dazed. Hay thinks about following him to the mat but decides to wave him back up to his feet!

Hay closes the distance and clinches.
Hay using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Hamidovich Saitiev has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
With the fighters up against the cage, Hay throws an elbow but misses.
Hay prevents the takedown attempt.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Hay misses with an elbow strike.
Hay is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Hamidovich Saitiev tries for a takedown. No joy.
Nick Hay has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Buvaisar Hamidovich Saitiev.
Hay gets through Hamidovich Saitiev's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.

Hay turns his back and goes for a hip toss. It's a bit messy but it gets the job done and Hay manages to end up in side control.

Hay decides to take the fight back to the feet.
We've been told by Hay's head coaches at Tycoon Gym that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Hamidovich Saitiev closes this distance looking for a takedown but Hay circles away.
Hamidovich Saitiev has done a lot of speed work in the buildup to this fight.
Hamidovich Saitiev misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Hay lands a jab and follows it up with a massive straight that knocks Hamidovich Saitiev out cold! Hamidovich Saitiev is crumpled in the corner, his head only propped up by the cage! That's one for the organiziational promos right there! Wow, what a finish!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:59 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punches). Nick Hay!