POWER 72 PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Cung Lee (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Simon Phoenix (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Lee's entrance music is Warrior's Theme. A fine choice. 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.

Lee
vs
Phoenix

185 cm
29
219 lbs
18 - 8 - 1

195 cm
26
275 lbs
6 - 9 - 0

Good wrestling
World class MT
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank

Fatty's

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 18 - 8 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Cung Lee!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 9 - 0, fighting out of New York, Simon Phoenix!
The judges for this bout are Wesley Smith, Chris Downing and Robert Twigg.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Phoenix throws a leg kick but Lee sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Phoenix throws a hook to the side of Lee's head but Lee sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Lee misses with a looping right.
Lee lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Phoenix misses with a jab to the body
and Lee counters with a nice uppercut.
Phoenix cracks a nice hook into Lee's ribs.
Phoenix throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Lee on the side of the head.
Phoenix misses with a lunging right hand

and Lee moves into the clinch.
Lee throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Phoenixs head.
Lee blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Phoenix swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Phoenix lands a left hand that snaps the head of Lee backwards.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Phoenix.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Phoenix blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Phoenix throws a head punch that misses.
Lee blocks a body shot from Phoenix.
Lee just leaning against Phoenix, taking a breather.
Lee blocks an uppercut.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lee scores with a nice hook to the head.
Phoenix blocks an uppercut.
Phoenix tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Phoenix goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Lee throws a head punch that misses.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Lee.
Phoenix displaying some good clinch control by pressing Lee up against the cage.
Phoenix blocking some punches.
Phoenix tries to work over Lee's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Lee gets through Phoenix's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
I was talking to Lee's coach per-fight and he was telling me that they'd been working on the clinch in the runup to this fight.
Lee throws a head punch that misses.
A short left from Lee.
Phoenix misses with a hook to the ribs.
Stalling in the clinch from Lee.
Lee lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Phoenix lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Lee or not.
Phoenix blocks a couple of punches on the inside.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Phoenix working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Lee lands a left hand.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Phoenix misses with a punch on the inside.
Lee misses with a punch on the inside.
Lee works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
A right handed body shot lands from Lee.
Lee throws a punch but it's blocked by Phoenix.
Phoenix misses with a punch on the inside.
Lee blocks a body shot from Phoenix.
Phoenix swings wildly with an uppercut but Lee uses good head movement to avoid it.
Phoenix misses with a punch on the inside.
Lee misses with some punches.
Phoenix tries a body shot but Lee blocks it.
Lee blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Phoenix tries to throw a body punch but Lee avoids it by throwing Phoenix back against the cage.
A right hand to the body from Phoenix.
Nice body punch from Lee - that landed with a thud.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A nice right hand lands inside from Phoenix.
A short body shot lands from Lee as the two fighters clinch.
A short right from Lee.
Phoenix tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Lee's elbow.
Lee gets through Phoenix's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Lee scores with a hook to the body.
Lee blocks a body shot from Phoenix.
Lee scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Phoenix tries to throw a body punch but Lee avoids it by throwing Phoenix back against the cage.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Lee.
Phoenix blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Lee tries a body shot but Phoenix blocks it.
Lee effectively controlling the action here.
Lee lands a left hand that snaps the head of Phoenix backwards.
Lee lands a nice uppercut.
Phoenix fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
The referee calls for Lee to work.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Lee lands a left hand that snaps the head of Phoenix backwards.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
A short right from Phoenix.
Phoenix lands a right hand that snaps the head of Lee backwards.
Phoenix blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
A head punch on the inside from Phoenix fails to land.
Phoenix misses with a punch on the inside.
Lee lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Lee can't find room to land a body shot as Phoenix controls the action.
Lee digs a right hand underneath Phoenix's ribcage. Phoenix let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Lee is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
A nice left hand lands by Phoenix.
Phoenix prevents a body shot from Lee.
Lee leaning against his opponent.
Phoenix swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Lee swings wildly with an uppercut but Phoenix uses good head movement to avoid it.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Lee throws a punch but it's blocked by Phoenix.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Cung Lee dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Phoenix misses with a left hand

and Lee counters by clinching up.
Lee blocking some punches.
Phoenix throws a head punch that misses.
Phoenix can't find room to land a body shot as Lee controls the action.
Lee tries to stall but Phoenix uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Phoenix has a couple of punches blocked by Lee.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Lee.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Lee.
Phoenix's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Phoenix tries to throw a body punch but Lee avoids it by throwing Phoenix back against the cage.
It really doesn't seem like the step up in weight is hurting Lee here at all. He's more than holding his own against the bigger man.
A nice left hand lands by Phoenix.
Phoenix lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Phoenix scores with a shoulder strike.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Phoenix throws a punch but it's blocked by Lee.
Lee misses with the head strike.
Phoenix misses with a short punch on the inside.
Phoenix fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Phoenix misses with a short punch on the inside.
Lee tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Phoenix blocking some punches.
A nice right hand lands inside from Lee.
Phoenix blocking some punches.
Phoenix swings away with an uppercut that misses.
A short right from Phoenix.
Phoenix misses with a hook to the ribs.
Lee lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Lee displaying some good clinch control by pressing Phoenix up against the cage.
A nice left hand lands by Phoenix.
Lee fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Phoenix lands a left hand.
Lee lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Phoenix misses with a punch to the body.
Phoenix tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Lee's elbow.
Phoenix lands a left hand.
Phoenix softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.

That's two 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!
Lee gets through Phoenix's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Phoenix can't find room to land a body shot as Lee controls the action.
Lee scores with a shoulder strike.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Lee.
Phoenix working aggressively here.
Lee blocks a body shot from Phoenix.
Phoenix blocks an uppercut.
Lee stalling in the clinch.
Lee doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Phoenix struggles to land a body shot inside as Lee controls his hands.
Lee working aggressively here.
Lee working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Phoenix misses with a punch on the inside.
Phoenix tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Lee's elbow.
Phoenix softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Lee pushes Phoenix back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Lee misses with a hook to the ribs.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Phoenix misses with a punch to the body.
Phoenix swings away with an uppercut that misses.
A short uppercut from Lee.
Lee leaning his opponent against the cage.
A short right from Phoenix.
Lee stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Phoenix misses with some punches.
Phoenix tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Phoenix misses with a punch on the inside.
Lee lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Phoenix swings wildly with an uppercut but Lee uses good head movement to avoid it.
Phoenix swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Phoenix misses with a hook from the clinch.
The referee calls for Phoenix to work.
Phoenix takes a shot to the head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A head punch on the inside from Phoenix fails to land.
Lee fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Phoenix misses with a short punch on the inside.
Phoenix blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Lee has a couple of punches blocked by Phoenix.
Lee throws a head punch that misses.
Lee misses with a short punch on the inside.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Lee blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Phoenix has a couple of punches blocked by Lee.
Phoenix misses with the head strike.
Phoenix tries to work over Lee's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Lee lands with a right to the head.
A short right from Phoenix on the inside.
Phoenix swings away with an uppercut that misses.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Phoenix.
Lee misses with a body punch.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Simon Phoenix will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

Phoenix does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Phoenix takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards.
Lee avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Lee blocks the body kick.
Lee connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Lee throws out a loose jab but Phoenix uses good head movement to avoid it.
A looping hook to the body misses from Phoenix. Lee does a little dance to reset his feet.
Lee takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Lee takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Lee keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Lee tries to counter by clinching up but Phoenix breaks away and moves out of range.
Jab by Phoenix.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A slow jab from Lee misses its intended target.
The fight stays on the outside here - Lee looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Phoenix takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Phoenix misses with a hook. Lee ducked under it nicely.
Lee explodes with a nice body kick and back out of range. Nice work.
Phoenix tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Phoenix swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Lee wants to clinch up but Phoenix keeps it at a distance.
Phoenix misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Lee throws a big counter combination but Phoenix scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Phoenix misses with a wild body shot.
A looping hook to the body misses from Phoenix. Lee does a little dance to reset his feet.
Phoenix takes a swing at Lee's ribcage but misses.
Lee fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Lee tries to clinch but Phoenix moves out of range.
Phoenix lands a nice looking kick to the body. Lee takes a step back to recover.
Lee blocks a head kick by Phoenix.
Lee seem to be loading up, looking for a big counter.
Phoenix misses with a body punch
and Lee counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Lee forces Phoenix back against the cage and clinches.
Nice body punch from Lee - that landed with a thud.
Phoenix tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Lee's elbow.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Phoenix lands a hook that snaps the head of Lee backwards.
A short right from Phoenix.
Lee lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Phoenix backwards.
A short left from Lee.
Phoenix presses Lee against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Lee lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Phoenix backwards.
Lee lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Phoenix swings wildly with an uppercut but Lee uses good head movement to avoid it.
Lee lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Lee stalling in the clinch but Phoenix improves position.
Lee misses with a hook from the clinch.
Phoenix lands a right hand that snaps the head of Lee backwards.
Phoenix throws a head punch that misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Phoenix misses with a punch to the body.
Lee blocks an uppercut.
Lee lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Phoenix backwards.
Phoenix looking to slow down the pace here.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Phoenix.
A short right from Phoenix.
Lee lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Phoenix backwards.
A short right from Lee on the inside.
Lee tries to work over Phoenix's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Phoenix being controlled against the cage.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Lee as Phoenix tries to tie him up.
Phoenix misses with some punches.
Phoenix misses with some punches.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Phoenix misses with a punch to the body.
A head punch on the inside from Phoenix fails to land.
Lee lands a hook to the side of the head.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Phoenix.
Phoenix misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Phoenix prevents a body shot from Lee.
Phoenix goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Phoenix misses with a punch to the body.
Phoenix misses with a punch on the inside.
Lee digs a right hand underneath Phoenix's ribcage. Phoenix let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Phoenix takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Lee misses with some punches.
Phoenix has a couple of punches blocked by Lee.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Lee.
Phoenix swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Lee lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Phoenix.
Lee swings wildly with an uppercut but Phoenix uses good head movement to avoid it.
Phoenix misses with a hook to the ribs.

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 Cung Lee.
I think Lee has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Wesley Smith scores the fight 29:28
Judge Chris Downing scores the fight 29:28
Judge Robert Twigg scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Cung Lee!
During a confident post fight interview, Cung Lee thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
64%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Henson Benderson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Mana Festation (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Benderson comes to the cage accompanied by The Time is Now. I don't know about you partner, but I'm pumped for this one!

Benderson
vs
Festation

168 cm
24
148 lbs
9 - 3 - 0

166 cm
25
139 lbs
9 - 2 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Great elbows
Cardio machine

Decent wrestler
World class MT
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 9 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Henson Benderson!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Mana Festation!
The judges for this bout are Cecil Peabody, Tiny Johnson and Wesley Smith.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Benderson takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Benderson throws a hook but Festation avoids it easily.
Festation counters with a body kick.
Benderson misses with a looping right.
Benderson cracks Festation with a right hand to the side of the head.
The fight stays on the outside here - Benderson looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Benderson throws a jab when Festation was well out of range.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Benderson.
Festation is loading up here, looking for a big counter of his own.
Festation looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.

Benderson moves into the clinch.
The pace slowing considerably in the clinch, as Benderson takes a break from that fighting nonsense to think about the finer things in life.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Benderson content to slow the pace in the clinch.
The crowd are getting pretty annoyed with Benderson for his constant stalling in the clinch and are voicing their displeasure.
Benderson misses with a knee strike.
Benderson stalling against the cage.
Benderson with an attempt at a knee that misses.
We've been informed that Festation has been sparring a lot of Muay Thai in the buildup to this fight so let's see if that has an impact on the result.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Benderson misses with a knee strike.
Benderson tries to land a knee to the head but Festation blocks with his arms.
Festation misses with a punch to the body.
Benderson takes a shot to the head.
Benderson'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.
Benderson looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Benderson is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Festation pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Benderson tries to land a knee to the head but Festation blocks with his arms.
Benderson misses with a knee strike.
Festation has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Benderson is struggling to control the position.
Benderson misses with a knee to the head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A right hook to the body lands for Festation.
Festation stalling.
Festation tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Our sources have told us that Benderson has been working on his elbows in the gym.
The pace slowing considerably in the clinch, as Benderson takes a break from that fighting nonsense to think about the finer things in life.
Benderson lands a knee to the head.
Benderson tries to land a knee to the head but Festation blocks with his arms.
Benderson wants to stall.
Festation has had enough of the clinch but Benderson keeps him there for the moment.
Festation is trying to push Benderson away but Benderson has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Benderson with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Festation misses with a body punch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Benderson leaning his opponent against the cage.
With the fighters up against the cage, Benderson throws an elbow but misses.
Nice body punch from Festation - that landed with a thud.

Festation escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Festation misses with the body kick
and Festation takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Festation defending well as Benderson loads up on a big left hand.
Benderson scores with a hook.

Festation gets tackled into the cage by Benderson. Benderson maintains the clinch.
Benderson tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Festation managing to block the knees to the body from Benderson.

Festation manages to break the clinch.
Crunch! Festation slams his shin into Benderson's torso.
Festation motions for Benderson to come forward. Festation throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Festation feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Benderson's calf.
Benderson walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Festation throws an off balance right hand
and Benderson counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Festation pushes Benderson away with a front kick.
Festation swings widly with a right hand
and Benderson connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
A thudding body kick lands there by Festation!
Benderson misses with a wild combination.
Benderson throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Festation dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Benderson. That did some damage!
Festation takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Benderson pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Festation looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Benderson swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Festation uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Benderson.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Festation ducks under a wild hook from Benderson.
Benderson tries to close the distance and clinch but Festation swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Festation thuds his shin into the meat of Benderson's side.
Festation misses with an attempted mid kick.
Benderson has a takedown stuffed.
A jab from Benderson misses.
Benderson scores with a punch to the head.
Benderson misses with a left hand
and Festation counters with a nice kick to the body.
Benderson tries a head kick but it misses.
Festation misses with the body kick
and Benderson counters with a nice uppercut.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A solid body kick from Festation.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Festation checks a leg kick.
Festation misses with a kick to the body.

Benderson moves into the clinch.
Benderson pressing his opponent against the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Benderson stalling the fight.
The pace slowing considerably in the clinch, as Benderson takes a break from that fighting nonsense to think about the finer things in life.
Benderson with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Benderson lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Benderson throws a knee to the head but misses.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Festation as Benderson tries to tie him up.
Benderson landing knees to the head.
Benderson tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Festation avoids it.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.

Festation manages to break the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Festation blocks a jab.
Festation moves out of range of the body kick.
A little jabbing left from Festation on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Benderson takes a head kick and keeps coming.
Festation scores with a nice body kick.
Nice uppercut there from Festation.
Mana Festation is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Festation lands with a thumping leg kick.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Benderson blocks a leg kick.
Festation takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
A slow jab from Benderson misses its intended target.
Festation throws a body kick that misses.
Benderson on the wrong end of a kick to the body.
Benderson swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Benderson throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Festation looks for the body kick but Benderson saw that one coming.
A nice inside leg kick there by Festation. That's going to slow Benderson down.
Benderson takes a body kick right on the floating rib. Ouchie.
Benderson rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Festation moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Festation throws a push kick but Benderson slaps the foot to one side.
Festation throws a body kick that misses.
Benderson throws a big counter combination but Festation scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Festation throws a head kick that misses.
Festation connects with a solid leg kick.
Festation throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
A solid body kick from Festation.
Festation pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Festation lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Benderson circles away quickly and effectively.
Benderson fails to land with a series of punches.
Benderson tries to clinch but fails miserably
and Festation counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Festation moves out of range as Benderson strikes.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Festation throws a leg kick which misses Benderson's front leg but catches the back leg as Benderson tries to avoid it.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Benderson avoids the body shot from Festation.
An inside leg kick from Festation misses.
Benderson sees a low kick coming and goes to check it, but it's actually a body kick and it thuds into his unprotected ribs.
Festation misses with an attempted mid kick.
Benderson is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Benderson blocks a head kick by Festation.
Benderson takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Benderson scores with the left hand. Festation knows he should have avoided that one.
Benderson throws a head kick but Festation moves out of range.
Mana Festation seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Festation misses with the combination.
Benderson is looking for a counter combo.
Benderson dodges the punch combination from Festation.
That kick from Festation tenderised Benderson's leg. Benderson is trying to keep his angry face on.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Benderson misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Benderson tries to clinch up.
Benderson takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Benderson tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Festation paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Festation lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.
Festation ducks under a wild hook from Benderson.
Festation appeared to try and counter that last move with a leg kick.
Benderson will be looking to protect his midsection after taking some solid kicks to the body.
Festation feints and then cracks Benderson's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Benderson down.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Festation, right into the meat.
Benderson wants to slow Festation down by chopping away at his legs.
Festation misses with a body kick.

Benderson has Festation up against the cage in a clinch.
Benderson stalling against the cage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Festation letting Benderson take a breather here.
Benderson trying to stall but Festation improves his position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Benderson throws a knee to the head but misses.
Benderson throws a knee to the head but misses.
Benderson trying to land knees to the body.
Benderson is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Festation is defending well.
Festation working hard to break the clinch.
Benderson is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Festation is defending well for now.
Benderson looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Festation wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Benderson has him pressed against the cage.
Benderson lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Festation backwards.
Festation wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Festation tries a body shot but Benderson blocks it.
Benderson with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Festation blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Knees in the clinch landing for Benderson.
Benderson taking a breather.
Benderson tries to stall but Festation uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Maybe Benderson would be better served going for some more strikes rather than trying to control so much.
Benderson blocking some punches.
Benderson stalls.

Festation escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
A head kick misses from Festation.
Festation tries a low kick but Benderson avoids it.
Benderson throws a head kick that misses.
Festation looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Festation lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Benderson on the wrong end of a kick to the body.
Festation explodes with a nice body kick and back out of range. Nice work.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Festation wants to land a leg kick but Benderson is out of range.
Festation lands a nice leg kick that just misses Benderson's sensitive parts.
Benderson stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Festation.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Festation lands where it shouldn't have, right in the... well, you know what he did? He kicked him in the penis. He's injured, injured bad. The referee sends both fighters to their corners and Benderson has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Benderson and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Benderson swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Festation throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
Benderson walks forward, straight into a front kick from Festation.
Festation throws a head kick that Benderson semi-blocks.
Festation lands with a straight right. Benderson didn't see that one coming.
Festation stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Benderson.
A looping hook to the body misses from Festation. Benderson does a little dance to reset his feet.
Festation scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
An inside leg kick from Festation misses.
A nice leg kick lands there from Festation.
Benderson tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Benderson is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Festation.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Benderson misses with a body punch
and Festation counters with a nice body kick.
Festation lands with a kick to the temple. Benderson shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
Benderson loads up on a big right hand but Festation slips the punch.
Festation connects with a body shot.
Festation is looking to land body kicks.
Benderson pivots, looking for a leg kick but Festation is out of range and Benderson settles back down.
Benderson avoids a kick to the body.
Festation moves forwards but Benderson connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Festation moves out of range as Benderson strikes.
A head kick by Festation misses
and Benderson counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Festation connects with a solid leg kick.
Benderson misses with a looping right.
Festation throws a counter combo.
Festation keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.

And that's the end of the fight!
Mana Festation comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Festation 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 Cecil Peabody scores the fight 28:29
Judge Tiny Johnson scores the fight 28:29
Judge Wesley Smith scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Mana Festation!
Henson Benderson was interviewed post fight and said 'Damn...'.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
55%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Eagle Loveladdy (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and John Swanson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Loveladdy comes to the cage accompanied by Snoop Lion - Here Comes The King!. Swanson has chosen The Devil You Know as his entrance music. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Loveladdy
vs
Swanson

191 cm
29
209 lbs
22 - 4 - 0

184 cm
27
208 lbs
14 - 11 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Olympic wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank

Venom Combat Sports

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 22 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Eagle Loveladdy!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 14 - 11 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, John Swanson!
The judges for this bout are Chris Downing, Cecil Peabody and George Francis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Swanson throws a body shot but no joy.
It looked like Loveladdy was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.
Swanson scores with a shot to the body.
Swanson tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Loveladdy throws a quick counter kick to the body but Swanson avoids it.
Loveladdy has been working on his boxing with his coaches at Broken Halo's -Temple of Illumination in the buildup to the fight.
Swanson lands a leg kick that knocks Loveladdy off balance momentarily.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Swanson.
Loveladdy seem to be loading up, looking for a big counter.
Swanson finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Swanson changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Loveladdy looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Loveladdy is trying to control Swanson's posture but Swanson avoids it.
Loveladdy pushes Swanson away and creates a bit of space to escape. He's almost out here... but no, Swanson gets a good hold of his legs and remains firmly in side control.
Loveladdy keeps Swanson under control for a moment.
Loveladdy is trying to stand back up. He's worked his way up against the cage but Swanson has just dragged him back down to the mat.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Swanson working away.
Loveladdy is looking for a sweep.
An elbow from Swanson crashes against the mat.
Swanson throws an elbow but Loveladdy slips to the side and avoids it well.
Loveladdy is trying to buck Swanson off.
Loveladdy wants to control but Swanson postures up.
Loveladdy is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Swanson working the head with strikes.
Loveladdy is not content to let Swanson control the position.
Loveladdy wants to control but Swanson postures up.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Swanson working the ground and pound but he's contacting the mat, not the fighter.
Loveladdy struggling a bit here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Loveladdy is trying to get back to half guard.
Loveladdy stuck in half guard on the bottom here.
Swanson throws a knee to the body but it doesn't do much damage.
Loveladdy manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.
Loveladdy is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Swanson scores with a couple of nice shots.
Swanson trying to control the pace.
Loveladdy is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Loveladdy moves into full guard.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Swanson's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Loveladdy keeping moving, preventing Swanson from controlling successfully.
Swanson works over Loveladdy with some ground and pound from guard.
Loveladdy is trying to hold Swanson in close to prevent damage but Swanson has managed to pass into half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Swanson throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Loveladdy wants to get back to full guard.
Loveladdy preventing any damage for now, controlling his opponent's head.
Swanson has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Swanson missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Swanson landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Swanson takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Loveladdy wants to get back to full guard.
Swanson looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
Loveladdy is looking to improve his position.
Swanson wants to take a breather but Loveladdy is having none of it.
Loveladdy blocking the ground and pound attempt from Swanson.
Loveladdy wants to get back to full guard.
Loveladdy wants to get back to his feet.
Swanson sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Loveladdy defending well though.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Swanson is trying to control the action in half guard but Loveladdy is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Loveladdy trying to control but Swanson postures up.
Loveladdy blocking the ground and pound attempt from Swanson.
Loveladdy trying to hold on to Swanson's head to control him but Swanson postures up.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
Swanson working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
Swanson thows a huge punch but Loveladdy dodges it nicely.
Loveladdy has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Swanson is working away from the top position though.
Swanson frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Swanson is in the full mount, landing strikes.
Swanson cracks Loveladdy with a nasty head shot there - the crowd let out an audible gasp there, as the noise reverberated around the arena.
Loveladdy tries to hold on but Swanson postures up.
Loveladdy is desperately trying to improve his position but Swanson has a good base and remains in mount.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Swanson thows a leg kick but Loveladdy checks it
and Loveladdy counters with a nice low kick that buckles Swanson's knee momentarily.
A jab from Swanson misses.
Swanson tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Loveladdy defends well and Swanson ends up having to push Loveladdy into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Loveladdy appears to be looking for a big counter.
Swanson shoots in for a takedown but Loveladdy shows good takedown defense.
Loveladdy swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.
Swanson misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Loveladdy.
Loveladdy throws a big counter combination but Swanson scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Swanson throws a low kick but Loveladdy moves out of range easily.
Loveladdy is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Swanson.
Nice shot by Swanson.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Swanson missing with a left hand there. Loveladdy was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Swanson tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Loveladdy was well out of range. Poor timing from Swanson.
Loveladdy looked to counter that last move with a leg kick but didn't pull the trigger.
Swanson is trying hard to land a takedown here. Loveladdy sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
It looked like Loveladdy was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.
Eagle Loveladdy has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of John Swanson.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Swanson shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Loveladdy as he avoids it easily.
As Swanson backs away, Loveladdy returns fire with a leg kick that just misses.
Swanson with a lazy takedown attempt
and Loveladdy counters with a head kick.
Loveladdy slaps away a takedown attempt from Swanson, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Swanson throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Loveladdy sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Loveladdy appears to be looking for a big counter.
Swanson throws a wild body kick that Loveladdy sees coming a mile off.
Loveladdy was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.

Swanson shoots in for a takedown and gets it.

Loveladdy has managed to escape just enough to sneak back to his feet but Swanson is on him like a limpet, forcing Loveladdy back against the cage.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Swanson tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Loveladdy's elbow.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Swanson can't find room to land a body shot as Loveladdy controls the action.

Loveladdy breaks the clinch.
Swanson changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Loveladdy tries to avoid it but Swanson manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Loveladdy to the ground. Loveladdy escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Loveladdy went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.

Swanson closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Swanson landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Loveladdy has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Swanson is working away from the top position though.
John Swanson has got the better of the ground game so far.
Loveladdy is controlling Swanson's trapped leg to prevent Swanson from advancing to side control.
Swanson winds up and cracks Loveladdy with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Swanson drops an elbow to the side of Loveladdy's head.
Swanson thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Loveladdy is trying to get back to full guard.
Loveladdy avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Swanson.
Loveladdy keeping control of the leg, stopping his opponent passing to mount.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Loveladdy keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Loveladdy wants to improve his position but Swanson is controlling well.
Swanson scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Ground and pound from Swanson.
Loveladdy keeping control of the position.
Loveladdy is looking to control Swanson's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Loveladdy avoid being mounted?
Swanson seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Loveladdy is trying to control but can't.
Loveladdy avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Swanson.
Swanson is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
Loveladdy is trying to maintain the position but Swanson is very close to passing his half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Loveladdy looks like he's trying to stand up.
Loveladdy works his way to full guard. Good work.
Loveladdy is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Swanson with a flurry of punches that miss.
Loveladdy is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Swanson makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Swanson tries to free his leg and advance position but Loveladdy is retaining full guard.
Swanson throwing strikes from guard but Loveladdy blocks nicely.
Loveladdy wants to sweep here but Swanson controlling him for the moment.
Swanson postures up in Loveladdy's guard and throws a big left but Loveladdy blocks it.
Swanson stops Loveladdy from standing up.
Loveladdy trying to control the position.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but John Swanson will probably get the nod - 10:9.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!

Swanson misses with an uppercut
and Loveladdy counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Loveladdy has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Swanson finds it's way round the side to connect with Loveladdy's head.
Swanson lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.

Loveladdy is rocked!
Swanson ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Swanson thumps Loveladdy with a low kick.
An inside leg kick lands from Swanson.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Swanson misses with a takedown attempt
letting Loveladdy counter with a right hand.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Swanson.
A clash of legs there as Loveladdy blocks the low kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Swanson ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Swanson lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Loveladdy moves out of range as Swanson throws a body kick.
Loveladdy checks the leg kick.
Swanson shoots and misses
and Loveladdy counters with a lovely straight right hand!

It looks like John Swanson has been cut.
Swanson rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Loveladdy counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Swanson cracks Loveladdy with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Swanson throws a body shot but no joy.
Loveladdy throws a big counter combination but Swanson scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Swanson swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Loveladdy feinted there with a counter leg kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A slapping leg kick lands for Swanson.
Swanson shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Loveladdy as he avoids it easily.
As Swanson backs away, Loveladdy returns fire with a leg kick that just misses.
Eagle Loveladdy has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of John Swanson.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Swanson.
Loveladdy appeared to be looking to counter that last move with a leg kick.
Eagle Loveladdy has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Swanson misses with a takedown
letting Loveladdy counter with a right hand.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Swanson throws a leg kick but Loveladdy moved away.
Loveladdy throws a big counter combination but Swanson scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Eagle Loveladdy is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Swanson throws a sloppy body shot
and Loveladdy counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Swanson shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Loveladdy as he jumps to the side.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Swanson throws a predictable looking body shot
and Loveladdy counters with a one-two to the body.
A low kick from Swanson misses
and Loveladdy counters with a leg kick.
Swanson takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
A jab from Swanson misses.
As Swanson backs away, Loveladdy returns fire with a leg kick that just misses.
Swanson connects with a body shot that sends Loveladdy's belly button to the back.
Swanson lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
A jab from Swanson finds it's way through Loveladdy's defenses.
Swanson tries to score a power double leg takedown but Loveladdy sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Swanson somewhat.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Swanson has a takedown stuffed.

Swanson shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Loveladdy's guard.
Both fighters have adopted an aggressive gameplan on the ground!
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Swanson stands up over Loveladdy, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Loveladdy manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Swanson manages to get himself to full guard.

Swanson is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Loveladdy stopping the sweep attempt from Swanson.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to John Swanson.
Well Swanson has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Chris Downing scores the fight 27:30
Judge Cecil Peabody scores the fight 27:30
Judge George Francis scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... John Swanson!
John Swanson was full of energy after the big win and talked about how he thinks he can do big things in this sport. The crowd were appreciative of his determination to succeed.

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 Charles Carlyle (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Alex Morrow (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Morrow is bouncing up and down as he enters the arena, backed by Final Countdown. Charles Carlyle has a significant reach advantage - let's see if he can make it count.

Carlyle
vs
Morrow

177 cm
29
153 lbs
15 - 6 - 0

162 cm
30
159 lbs
14 - 9 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
World class boxer
Granite chin

Excellent grappler
World class MT
Good gas tank

REAR NAKED CHOKE NUTRITION

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 15 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Charles Carlyle!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 14 - 9 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Alex Morrow!
The judges for this bout are Gwen Towbar, George Francis and Chris Downing.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Morrow misses with a hook.
Morrow takes a swing at Carlyle's ribcage but misses.
Carlyle throws a nice looking combination but Morrow bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Carlyle shoots for a takedown but Morrow saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
No luck for Carlyle with that takedown attempt.

Carlyle throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Morrow tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Carlyle is in Morrow's guard.
Carlyle looking to pass the guard.
Carlyle throws an elbow that misses. Morrow uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Carlyle's guard. Nice move by Morrow!

The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Carlyle is looking to sweep but instead, Morrow has passed into half guard.
Morrow wants to pass the guard but Carlyle is defending well.
We've been hearing good reports from Carlyle's training camp. Apparently he has been rolling around with some good quality BJJ practitioners and has been sharpening his skills. Let's see if that has an impact on the fight today.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Morrow sitting and controlling from the half guard.
Morrow wants to pass the guard but Carlyle is defending well.
Morrow tries to stand but can't do so whilst Carlyle controls his leg.
Morrow stalling.

That's two 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.
Carlyle is trying to get back to full guard.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Morrow in particular looking to stall.
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.
Carlyle moves into full guard.
Morrow sitting in guard, not really doing much.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Carlyle seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
Morrow sitting in guard here, content to control.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Carlyle 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.

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.
Morrow connects with a body shot.
Morrow misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Morrow wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Morrow thuds his shin into the meat of Carlyle's side.
Carlyle shoots in but Morrow avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Morrow replies with a solid counter kick to the body but Carlyle blocks it well.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Charles Carlyle. That's going to take a lot out of him.
A punch combination from Morrow misses.
Morrow chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Morrow tries to clinch there but Carlyle circles away.
Carlyle misses with a series of wild punches.
Morrow counters with a body kick.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Morrow feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Carlyle's calf.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Alex Morrow dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Morrow throws a body shot but no joy.
Carlyle feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Morrow's calf.
Morrow rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Carlyle counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Alex Morrow seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Carlyle doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Morrow counters with a nice body shot.

Carlyle tries to keep at a distance but Morrow has taken the fight into the clinch.
Carlyle looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Morrow lands a body shot in the clinch.
A left hand lands to the body for Carlyle.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Carlyle blocks a body shot from Morrow.
Carlyle swings wildly with an uppercut but Morrow uses good head movement to avoid it.
Carlyle is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Morrow is defending well for now.
Morrow looking to stall.
Morrow lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Carlyle backwards.
Morrow has been the more effective fighter overall so far.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Carlyle taking a breather.
Carlyle misses with a hook from the clinch.
Morrow leaning against his opponent.
Carlyle swings wildly with an uppercut but Morrow uses good head movement to avoid it.
Morrow blocks a body shot from Carlyle.
Carlyle struggles to land a body shot inside as Morrow controls his hands.
Carlyle lands with a light punch inside.
Carlyle misses with an elbow over the top.
Carlyle misses with a hook to the ribs.
Carlyle lands a hook to the side of the head.
A head punch on the inside from Carlyle fails to land.
Carlyle tries a body shot but Morrow blocks it.
Carlyle blocks an uppercut.
Morrow is stalling here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Carlyle lands a left hand.
Carlyle scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Morrow tries to work over Carlyle's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Morrow throws a punch but it's blocked by Carlyle.
Morrow tries to work over Carlyle's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Morrow misses with a hook from the clinch.
Carlyle blocks a body shot from Morrow.
Morrow struggles to land a body shot inside as Carlyle controls his hands.
Morrow is working Carlyle over against the cage.
Carlyle misses with a punch on the inside.
Carlyle misses with a short punch on the inside.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Carlyle trying to land knees to the body.
Carlyle misses with a short punch on the inside.
Carlyle misses with a short punch on the inside.
Carlyle creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Morrow's defenses.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Carlyle.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Morrow goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Carlyle holding his opponent close, against the cage.
Morrow tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Morrow wants to stall.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Carlyle creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Morrow lands a left hand.
Morrow wants to stall.
Carlyle misses with an elbow strike.
Carlyle misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Carlyle swings wildly with an uppercut but Morrow uses good head movement to avoid it.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Morrow.

Carlyle breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Carlyle fails with a takedown attempt.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Carlyle darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Alex Morrow is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Carlyle misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Morrow.
Morrow lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Carlyle at a distance.
Nice sprawl there from Morrow as Carlyle shoots in.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Charles Carlyle. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Carlyle shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Morrow but Morrow pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Morrow throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Morrow dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Morrow takes a shot to the body in his stride.
A solid leg kick lands there for Morrow.
Carlyle has a takedown stuffed.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Carlyle on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Morrow. Morrow obviously looking to wear him down.
Carlyle on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Morrow throws a leg kick which misses Carlyle's front leg but catches the back leg as Carlyle tries to avoid it.

Carlyle gets the takedown into side control.
Morrow managing to avoid any damage from the strikes thrown by Carlyle.

Carlyle tries for a kimura but Morrow is defending well.
Morrow is trying to control Carlyle's posture but Carlyle avoids it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Morrow throws Carlyle to one side and escapes!
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Carlyle ducks under a wild hook from Morrow.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Carlyle scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
Carlyle darts in looking for a takedown but Morrow gets double underhooks and turns Carlyle into the cage.
Nice sprawl there from Morrow as Carlyle shoots in.
Morrow throws a jab when Carlyle was well out of range.
Carlyle swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Carlyle looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Morrow turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Carlyle dodges the punch combination from Morrow.
A jab from Carlyle misses.
Morrow scores with a nice one two combo and darts back out of range to avoid anything coming in the opposite direction.
Carlyle shoots in and drives through. Morrow sprawls well.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Charles Carlyle. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Carlyle shoots in and drives through. Morrow sprawls well.
Alex Morrow seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Morrow ducks under a wild hook from Carlyle.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Carlyle lands with a nice body punch.

Morrow gets in close and instigates a clinch.
A short left from Morrow.
Carlyle pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the cage.
Charles Carlyle has scored more points in the clinch so far.
A nice left hand lands by Carlyle.
Morrow has a couple of punches blocked by Carlyle.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Carlyle creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Carlyle blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Morrow avoids the elbow strike from Carlyle, against the cage.
Carlyle throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Carlyle misses with some punches.

Carlyle manages to break the clinch.
Carlyle misses with a hook
and Morrow counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Carlyle throws a right and a left that Morrow avoids nicely.
Morrow connects with a crisp jab.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Morrow attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Morrow throws a quick inside leg kick.
Morrow changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
A combination from Carlyle does no damage.
Morrow lands with a thumping leg kick.
Morrow wants to clinch up but Carlyle keeps it at a distance.
Carlyle was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Carlyle walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Carlyle fails with a takedown attempt.
Morrow connects with a body shot.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A jab from Morrow does it's job there.
Carlyle tries for a takedown but Morrow circles away easily
and Morrow counters with a one-two to the body.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Morrow throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Carlyle takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Carlyle shoots in for a double leg but Morrow sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.

Morrow has Carlyle up against the cage in a clinch.
Morrow lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Carlyle or not.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Morrow.
A head punch on the inside from Morrow fails to land.
Carlyle tries to throw a body punch but Morrow avoids it by throwing Carlyle back against the cage.
A short body shot lands from Morrow as the two fighters clinch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Alex Morrow really dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

A thudding body kick lands there by Morrow!
Morrow connects with an inside leg kick.
Carlyle fails miserably with a takedown attempt.

Morrow clinches.

Morrow breaks from the clinch.
Morrow ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Morrow looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Morrow misses with a hook
and Carlyle counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Morrow thinking.
Carlyle is trying hard to land a takedown here. Morrow sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Carlyle takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Morrow tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Carlyle was well out of range. Poor timing from Morrow.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Carlyle bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Morrow's head backwards.
Carlyle showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Morrow.
Carlyle tries for a takedown but Morrow sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Charles Carlyle. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Carlyle scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
Morrow pushes Carlyle off looking to stand but Carlyle dives back in and keeps control.
Carlyle scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Morrow is concentrating on defense, preventing Carlyle from advancing position.

Carlyle wants to work for an arm triangle but Morrow is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Morrow wants to get back to his feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Morrow trying to control from the bottom.

Carlyle seems to be looking for submissions.
Carlyle is just content to waste time from the top position. Morrow takes advantage of the situation and regains full guard.

Morrow has managed to wall walk up one of the corner posts to get back to his feet. Carlyle is pushing him up against the cage, looking to control the position.
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 tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Carlyle is trying to maintain a safe position but Morrow gets an underhook and turns Carlyle into the cage.
Morrow avoids a wild elbow strike from Carlyle.
Morrow avoids the elbow strike from Carlyle, against the cage.
Carlyle lands an elbow just above Morrow 's eye.
Morrow swings wildly with an uppercut but Carlyle uses good head movement to avoid it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Morrow lands a body shot in the clinch.
Morrow tries a body shot but Carlyle blocks it.
Carlyle lands an uppercut.
Carlyle is trying to break the clinch but Morrow is controlling him.
Carlyle swings wildly with an uppercut but Morrow uses good head movement to avoid it.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Morrow.
Morrow lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Carlyle has a couple of punches blocked by Morrow.
Morrow doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Morrow blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Carlyle.
Carlyle swings away with an uppercut that misses.

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

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Morrow throws a nice looking combination but Carlyle bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Carlyle on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Morrow misses with a body kick.
Morrow bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
Morrow stuffs the takedown.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Carlyle fails with a takedown attempt.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Morrow looks to score with a jab to the body but Carlyle is just out of range.
Morrow slips a jab and a cross from Carlyle.
Morrow throws a body shot but no joy.
Carlyle takes one on the chin but seems OK.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Alex Morrow dominated that fourth round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

Morrow lands a really nice looking cross but Carlyle seems unphased.
Morrow throws a series of punches but Carlyle moves out of range.
Carlyle tries to score a power double leg takedown but Morrow sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Carlyle somewhat.
Morrow steps in looking to clinch after the strikes miss from Carlyle.
Morrow throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Carlyle shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Morrow pinned against the cage. Morrow gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A good leg kick by Morrow.
Carlyle is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Carlyle gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily

and Morrow counters by moving into the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Charles Carlyle. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Morrow misses with a body punch.
Carlyle lands a left hand.
Carlyle dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.
Morrow doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Carlyle just misses with a elbow thrown towards Morrow's brow.
Carlyle misses with the head strike.
Carlyle misses with some punches.
A short left from Carlyle.
Carlyle is leaning against Morrow and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Carlyle misses with a short punch on the inside.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Carlyle just misses with a elbow thrown towards Morrow's brow.
Carlyle working aggressively here.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Carlyle creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Charles Carlyle has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Carlyle trying to land knees to the body.
A head punch on the inside from Carlyle fails to land.
Morrow lands a body punch.
Morrow pushes Carlyle back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Morrow lands a right hand.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Carlyle.
Carlyle lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Morrow backwards.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Stalling in the clinch from Carlyle.
Carlyle working aggressively here.
Morrow cracks Carlyle with a nice body shot.
Morrow lands with a light punch inside.
Carlyle looking to slow down the pace here.
Carlyle tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Morrow can't find room to land a body shot as Carlyle controls the action.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A shot in the inside from Carlyle.
Morrow works on Carlyle's body with a couple of short punches.
Morrow tries a body shot but Carlyle blocks it.
Morrow has Carlyle pressed against the cage, preventing Carlyle from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
A short right from Morrow.
Morrow lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Carlyle or not.
Morrow taking a breather.
Morrow pushes Carlyle back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Alex Morrow is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Morrow tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Carlyle has a couple of punches blocked by Morrow.
Carlyle throws a punch but it's blocked by Morrow.
Carlyle working aggressively here.
Come on Carlyle - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A right hand to the body from Carlyle.
Morrow misses with a punch on the inside.
Carlyle lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Carlyle creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Carlyle with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Carlyle misses with an elbow strike.
Carlyle misses with a hook from the clinch.
Carlyle goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
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!
Carlyle misses with a hook from the clinch.
Morrow avoiding damage as Carlyle throws knees to the body.
Carlyle tries to circle away but Morrow has him pinned against the cage.

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 Charles Carlyle.
I think Morrow has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Gwen Towbar scores the fight 47:48
Judge George Francis scores the fight 47:48
Judge Chris Downing scores the fight 47:48

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Alex Morrow!
Alex Morrow is the new lightweight champion!
Alex Morrow seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.