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TWGC 18 (265lbs, D2): St Petersburg Qualifier - Round 1 PBP Commentary |
Undercard bout
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Coming up we have a heavyweight Tycoon World Grappling Championship rules bout between Bilyal Makhov (ranked 22232 p4p, 0 weight class) and Mamed Khalidov (ranked 5531 p4p, 0 weight class). Khalidov has chosen Rick Astley - Never Gonna Give You Up as his entrance music. The crowd giving both fighters a great reception on their way into the arena. That's good to see.
This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the heavyweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of London, with a TWGC record of 2 wins and 2 losses; Bilyal Makhov! And in the blue corner, fighting out of Las Vegas, with a TWGC record of 0 wins and 0 losses; Mamed Khalidov!
The judges for this bout are Konstantin Menshow, Aleksandr Martynov and Illya Tyunina.
The official calls the fighters to the middle and the contest is under way.
Makhov fails with a takedown attempt.
Khalidov has taken the fight to the clinch.
Khalidov turns his hips and lands a very nice judo throw into side control! Score +4 for clean takedown past guard: Makhov (0) vs (4) Khalidov
Makhov seems a little lost for a moment, as Khalidov dominates the positioning.
Makhov is looking to regain half guard here but Khalidov keeps moving and retains side control.
Makhov is being controlled here.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Let's hope that Khalidov has the urge to step up the pace any second now because for the last 15 or 20 seconds he's just been holding on tight.
Makhov tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Khalidov wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Makhov manages to work his way to half guard, despite Khalidov's best efforts.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Khalidov is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Makhov wants to control but Khalidov is keeping busy.
Khalidov trying to control the pace.
Makhov is trying to control but can't.
Khalidov stalling.
Makhov is trying to get back to full guard.
Makhov moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Makhov seems to have improved his submission grappling technique since last time we saw him. Let's see if he can pull off a submission.
Khalidov is stalling in the full guard.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Makhov is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Khalidov is aware though and is defending well.
Makhov looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Makhov is working hard here to advance position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Khalidov trying to control but Makhov is working from the bottom.
Makhov tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Khalidov controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Khalidov passes into half guard.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Makhov works his way to full guard. Good work.
Khalidov sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Khalidov pushes down on Makhov's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Khalidov tries to pass to full mount but Makhov defends it.
Khalidov stalling.
Khalidov prevents Makhov from improving his position.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Makhov trying to control from the bottom.
Khalidov perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.
Khalidov prevents Makhov from improving his position.
Khalidov content to control rather than advance.
Makhov wants to get back to full guard.
Makhov moves into full guard.
Khalidov is stalling in the full guard.
Khalidov works a leg free and moves into half guard.
That's five minutes gone in the round.
Khalidov controlling the pace.
Makhov is looking for a sweep. Khalidov is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Khalidov is looking to take a break and control but Makhov is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Khalidov wants to pass to mount but Makhov is defending the position.
Makhov looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Makhov is trying to maintain the position but Khalidov is very close to passing his half guard.
Khalidov wants to pass to mount but Makhov is defending the position.
That's six minutes gone in the round.
Khalidov wants to take a breather but Makhov is having none of it.
Khalidov slows the pace down in half guard.
Makhov tries to get to full guard but Khalidov has control of the leg.
Khalidov seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Makhov does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Makhov has a hand on Khalidov's thigh, trying to get back to full guard. Khalidov takes advantage of the position though and mounts him! Score +3 for passing guard: Makhov (0) vs (7) Khalidov
Khalidov controlling the position easily from mount.
Khalidov avoids the attempt from Makhov to control.
That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Makhov can't escape the position.
Makhov wants to control but Khalidov is having none of it.
Khalidov content just to control the position here.
Makhov is squirming around, avoiding Khalidov's attempts to control the action.
Khalidov content just to control the position here.
Makhov is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Makhov is wriggling around trying to escape.
That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Khalidov takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
Khalidov tries to control but Makhov wriggling away.
Khalidov looking to control and managing it successfully.
Makhov regains half guard.
Khalidov content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.
Khalidov is thwarting Makhov's attempts to control the position.
Khalidov seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Makhov does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Makhov is looking to improve his position.
Khalidov has been taking part in the yoga sessions down at Drumpf Pharmaceutical. Presumably he's going to look for a slick submission... Or maybe he's looking to avoid one.
Khalidov stalling.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Makhov trying to hold on to Khalidov's head to control him but Khalidov postures up.
Khalidov wants to lay and pray for a moment but Makhov keeps working.
Makhov is looking to improve his position.
That's ten minutes gone in the round.
Khalidov is working for a submission of some sort.
Makhov trying to control here.
Makhov looking for submissions off his back.
Khalidov controlling the action here.
It looks like Khalidov might be adopting somewhat of a lay and pray gameplan here, which I'm sure won't go down too well with the paying fans in attendance... Or the ring announcers come to think of it.
Makhov won't allow Khalidov to pass to mount.
That's eleven minutes gone in the round.
Makhov is looking to improve his position.
Makhov trying to control from the bottom.
Makhov wants to improve his position but Khalidov is controlling well.
Khalidov is looking to take a break and control but Makhov is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Khalidov might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Makhov haven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.
Makhov is trying to get back to full guard.
Khalidov is figuring out what he wants to do next.
That's twelve minutes gone in the round.
Makhov wants to control but Khalidov is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Khalidov controlling the action here.
Khalidov prevents Makhov from improving his position.
The fighters are battling for position here. Makhov manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Khalidov trying to control the position from guard on top but Makhov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Makhov manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Khalidov manages to get himself to full guard.
Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Makhov (2) vs (7) Khalidov
Makhov stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Khalidov swivels though and keeps the full guard.
That's thirteen minutes gone in the round.
Makhov trying to control but Khalidov is working from the bottom.
Khalidov looking to control.
Khalidov is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Makhov not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Makhov trying to control the position from guard on top but Khalidov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Makhov pushes down on Khalidov's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Makhov is looking to take a break and control but Khalidov is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
That's fourteen minutes gone in the round.
Khalidov desperately trying to maintain half guard.
Makhov tries to pass to full mount but Khalidov defends it.
Makhov is looking for a kimura here.
Makhov is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Khalidov sees it coming and defends easily.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Khalidov regains full guard. Nicely done.
Makhov sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Khalidov's guard.
And that's the end of the fight!
Khalidov wins on points by 7 to 2.
Mamed Khalidov decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well. |
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Undercard bout
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Coming up we have a heavyweight Tycoon World Grappling Championship rules bout between Reggie Braga (ranked 3059 p4p, 372 weight class) and Rashid Magomedov (ranked 3781 p4p, 0 weight class). Braga comes to the cage accompanied by Snake Pond. Magomedov has chosen Chris Brown - See You Again Feat. Tyga & Wiz Khalifa as his entrance music. Both fighters really staring each other down here, as Rashid Magomedov enters the cage!
This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the heavyweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of London, with a TWGC record of 0 wins and 1 losses; Reggie Braga! And in the blue corner, fighting out of Las Vegas, with a TWGC record of 0 wins and 0 losses; Rashid Magomedov!
The judges for this bout are Illya Tyunina, Fedor Mirinova and Aleksandr Martynov.
The official calls the fighters to the middle and the contest is under way.
Magomedov closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Braga quickly recovers to half guard. Score +2 for takedown into guard / half guard: Braga (0) vs (2) Magomedov
We've been hearing good reports from Braga'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.
Magomedov looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
Magomedov is trying to control. Braga wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Magomedov is trying to work for a kimura but Braga is defending well.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Magomedov is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Braga is just riding it out for now. Magomedov eventually gives up the hold.
Braga trying to control here.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Braga is looking to improve his position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Magomedov is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Braga sees it coming and defends easily.
Braga has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Magomedov is working away from the top position though.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Magomedov is keen to just control but Braga is a slippery customer.
Magomedov passes the half guard and he's now in mount! Big trouble for Braga! Score +3 for passing guard: Braga (0) vs (5) Magomedov
Magomedov working to secure an arm triangle but it's not happening for him just yet.
Magomedov goes for an armbar but he's not got it… Braga turns into him and now he's in Magomedov's guard.
Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Braga (2) vs (5) Magomedov
Magomedov has his foot on Braga's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Braga works his way back into a safe position though.
Magomedov looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Braga pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Magomedov is keeping the position for now.
Magomedov being controlled here, momentarily.
Braga trying to control the position from guard on top but Magomedov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Magomedov has his foot on Braga's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Braga works his way back into a safe position though.
Magomedov keeping moving, preventing Braga from controlling successfully.
Magomedov has his foot on Braga's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Braga works his way back into a safe position though.
Magomedov looking for a triangle here. Braga is fighting it but it looks tight! Magomedov pulls the arm across and this one won't last much longer! Nope, Braga is tapping out - this one is all over!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:46 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle Choke). Rashid Magomedov!
Rashid Magomedov tried to hype himself up post fight but didn't word it too well and it ended up with him sounding like a bit of a tool. |
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Co-main event
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Coming up we have a heavyweight Tycoon World Grappling Championship rules bout between Hemfsford Jowars (ranked 19744 p4p, 0 weight class) and Cael Schultz (ranked 22583 p4p, 0 weight class). I'm sure you'll be fascinated to know that I was talking to some pointless Z list celebrity before the fight and he thought that Cael Schultz was going to win. Let's see if he was right.
This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the heavyweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of Los Angeles, with a TWGC record of 2 wins and 4 losses; Hemfsford Jowars! And in the blue corner, fighting out of London, with a TWGC record of 1 wins and 4 losses; Cael Schultz!
The judges for this bout are Vladimir Khabensky, Viktor Lagutenko and Aleksandr Martynov.
The official calls the fighters to the middle and the contest is under way.
No luck for Jowars with that takedown attempt.
Schultz instigates a clinch.
Jowars wants a takedown but no success here.
Jowars jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Schultz walks away with a smile on his face. Jowars gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Jowars has been working on his boxing with his coaches at 3Band MMA ($500/week) in the buildup to the fight.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Hemfsford Jowars. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Schultz drives through and clinches with Jowars against the cage.
Schultz has picked Jowars up - he's going for a ride! Schultz dumps his opponent to the mat with a thud and settles into half guard. Score +2 for takedown into guard / half guard: Jowars (0) vs (2) Schultz
Schultz is trying to control the action in half guard but Jowars is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Schultz with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Schultz is looking to take a break and control but Jowars is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Jowars is looking to improve his position.
Schultz wants to lay and pray for a moment but Jowars keeps working.
Jowars is looking for a sweep. Schultz is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Schultz is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Jowars is controlling Schultz's trapped leg to prevent Schultz from advancing to side control.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Jowars is staying active underneath Schultz, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Schultz sitting and controlling from the half guard.
Jowars makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Jowars.
Schultz trying to control but Jowars is working from the bottom.
Schultz trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Schultz works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Schultz trying to mount his opponent but Jowars defends it.
Jowars tries to get to full guard but Schultz has control of the leg.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Schultz is thwarting Jowars's attempts to control the position.
Schultz is working for a kimura but Jowars is defending it quite comfortably.
Jowars is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Schultz's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Schultz's back! Score +4 for clean sweep to past guard: Jowars (4) vs (2) Schultz
A lull in the action here.
Schultz trying to control the position but Jowars manages to sink in the hooks.
Jowars slows the pace down here. Having a little breather whilst he's in a dominant position, looking to rest and regain some energy, ready to go for the finish.
Schultz trying to control but he's just got himself in more trouble.
The crowd hopeful of a finish here - Jowars's supporters are on their feet, screaming for him to go for the rear naked choke.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Jowars is looking cool and calm here, just waiting for a good opportunity to attack and finish the fight from this dominant position.
Jowars has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.
Jowars is hanging on to Schultz's back as he tries to escape.
I would not like to be Schultz right now.
Schultz is keeping busy.
Jowars keeps control of the position easily here as Schultz tries to buck him off.
Schultz is in a world of trouble here. He's outmatched on the ground here and he'd better get Jowars off his back sharpish unless he wants to be submitted.
Schultz trying to control the hands but Jowars breaks the grip.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Jowars struggling to keep hold of the position.
Jowars slows the pace down here. Having a little breather whilst he's in a dominant position, looking to rest and regain some energy, ready to go for the finish.
Jowars tries to keep control of the position but Schultz is staying busy.
Jowars has the hooks sunk in and you can see the will to fight slowly draining out of Schultz's body.
Jowars will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Jowars is looking to control Schultz but Schultz is wriggling around and keeping busy.
So, who will make the next big move? In this position it could be crucial.
Schultz is keeping busy.
That's five minutes gone in the round.
Jowars controlling well, preventing Schultz from escaping the position.
Jowars wants to control but Schultz is keeping busy.
Schultz manages to reverse the position and now he's in Jowars's guard. Nice work there by Schultz.
Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Jowars (4) vs (4) Schultz
Schultz trying to control the position from guard on top but Jowars is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Jowars is trying to control the position but Schultz postures up.
Schultz's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Jowars is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Schultz must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Schultz seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
Schultz wants to pass the guard but Jowars is keeping the position.
That's six minutes gone in the round.
Jowars is adopting a defensive guard.
Schultz sitting in guard here, content to control.
Jowars controls Schultz momentarily but Schultz frees himself.
Schultz wants to pass the guard but Jowars is keeping the position.
Schultz wants to control from the top but Jowars keeps moving.
Schultz tries to free his leg and advance position but Jowars is retaining full guard.
Schultz postures up.
Schultz content to stall in guard here.
Schultz thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Schultz stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Jowars swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Jowars is trying to keep Schultz in close.
Schultz not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Jowars is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Schultz pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Jowars is keeping the position for now.
Jowars is trying to keep Schultz in close.
Jowars wants to sweep here but Schultz controlling him for the moment.
Jowars looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Jowars's ground tactics aren't going to win him many fans. Let's hope he's got fireworks for us if he gets back to his feet because he's not doing much on the ground.
Schultz postures up.
Jowars pulls Schultz in close to his closed guard and prevents Schultz from doing any damage or advancing position.
Jowars keeping moving, preventing Schultz from controlling successfully.
Jowars trying to keep a closed guard but Schultz is proving a slippery customer.
Schultz stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Jowars swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Jowars keeping moving, preventing Schultz from controlling successfully.
Schultz stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Jowars swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Jowars is trying to control the position but Schultz postures up.
That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Schultz trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Jowars really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Schultz passes easily into side control. Nice work. Score +3 for passing guard: Jowars (4) vs (7) Schultz
Jowars is trying to improve his position.
Schultz tries for a kimura but Jowars is defending well.
Schultz trying to control the action but Jowars is working from the bottom.
Jowars is being controlled here.
Schultz trying to control the action but Jowars is working from the bottom.
Schultz is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Jowars has escaped the position, nice work there.
That's ten minutes gone in the round.
Jowars is trying to control Schultz's posture but Schultz avoids it.
Schultz working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Schultz is trying to get an arm triangle but Jowars is defending well.
Schultz tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Schultz has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
Jowars tries to bench press Schultz off him but Schultz keeps the position.
Schultz tries for a kimura but Jowars is defending well.
Jowars tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Schultz wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
That's eleven minutes gone in the round.
Schultz wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Jowars, who protects the arm well.
Jowars is not content to let Schultz control the position.
Schultz working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Schultz wants to lay and pray for a moment but Jowars keeps working.
Jowars is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Schultz off and has taken his back! Score +4 for clean sweep to past guard: Jowars (8) vs (7) Schultz
Jowars biding his time, looking for the opening.
That's twelve minutes gone in the round.
Schultz is defending well here and trying to improve his position.
Jowars is trying to stick to Schultz's back but Schultz is turning into Jowars. He's managed to reverse the position - now he's in Jowars's guard. Polite applause from the crowd in appreciation of some nice Jiu Jitsu by Schultz. Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Jowars (8) vs (9) Schultz
Jowars wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Schultz works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Jowars is controlling Schultz's position as best he can from this difficult position.
Jowars is pressing down on Schultz's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Schultz showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Jowars is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Schultz trying to control but Jowars is working from the bottom.
That's thirteen minutes gone in the round.
Jowars is trying to control the position but Schultz postures up.
Jowars keeping moving, preventing Schultz from controlling successfully.
Schultz postures up.
Schultz won't allow Jowars to sweep him here.
Jowars working a defensive guard here.
Schultz stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Jowars swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Jowars bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Schultz's guard. Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Jowars (10) vs (9) Schultz
Jowars wants to control from the top but Schultz keeps moving.
Jowars controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Schultz keeping moving, preventing Jowars from controlling successfully.
Jowars is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Schultz is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.
That's fourteen minutes gone in the round.
Jowars controlling from the top position.
Schultz working a defensive guard here.
Jowars passes Schultz's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Jowars is thwarting Schultz's attempts to control the position.
Schultz slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Schultz is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Jowars is aware though and is defending well.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Jowars stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Schultz swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Jowars sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Schultz's guard.
And that's the end of the fight!
Jowars takes the fight on points by 10 to 9. |
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Main event
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Coming up we have a heavyweight Tycoon World Grappling Championship rules bout between Blake Starks (ranked 9111 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ari Kantola (ranked 6230 p4p, 0 weight class). Starks comes to the cage accompanied by Fire Fire. Ari Kantola acknowledges the crowd's support as he enters the cage.
This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the heavyweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of London, with a TWGC record of 0 wins and 1 losses; Blake Starks! And in the blue corner, fighting out of Los Angeles, with a TWGC record of 1 wins and 2 losses; Ari Kantola!
The judges for this bout are Illya Tyunina, Konstantin Menshow and Igor Prikhodko.
The official calls the fighters to the middle and the contest is under way.
Kantola clinches.
Starks has Kantola pressed up against the cage. He's trying to work for a single leg takedown. Starks pulls back from the cage and twists to the side, sending Kantola tumbling to the mat - Starks dives into Kantola's guard. Score +2 for takedown into guard / half guard: Starks (2) vs (0) Kantola
Starks sitting in guard here, content to control.
Kantola pulls Starks in close to prevent any damage.
Kantola lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard. Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Starks (2) vs (2) Kantola
Starks escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Kantola gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Starks is controlling Kantola's posture.
Starks 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.
Kantola not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Kantola looking to pass the guard.
Kantola being controlled here momentarily.
Kantola pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Starks is keeping the position for now.
Starks wants to sweep here but Kantola controlling him for the moment.
Kantola stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Starks swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Kantola controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Starks working a defensive guard here.
Kantola trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kantola is pushing down on Starks's leg trying to pass to half guard. Starks is fighting to maintain full guard but Kantola has managed to sneak the leg through.
Kantola is taking a breather. Starks 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.
Starks has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
Kantola's corner are shouting for him to control the position and he seems happy to oblige.
Kantola prevents Starks from improving his position.
Starks trying to control here.
Kantola controlling the action here.
More stalling from Kantola.
Starks is looking to improve his position.
Kantola is taking a breather. Starks 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.
Starks wants to improve his position but Kantola is controlling well.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kantola controlling the action here.
Kantola frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount. Score +3 for passing guard: Starks (2) vs (5) Kantola
Kantola controlling the pace for now.
Starks is looking to get to half guard.
Kantola takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
Kantola trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Starks tries to reverse the position but Kantola maintains control.
Starks is squirming around, avoiding Kantola's attempts to control the action.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Starks working to try and regain half guard.
Starks tries to lock up and control but Kantola gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Starks sneaks a leg back under and regains half guard and is working straight away to try and get back to guard. He hasn't managed just yet though.
Starks is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Kantola trying to pass the guard but Starks defending well.
Kantola controlling the action here.
My spies in 3Band MMA ($500/week) inform me that Kantola has been getting involved in the gym's BJJ sparring sessions. Let's see whether that pays dividends!
Kantola trying to pass the guard but Starks defending well.
Kantola performing his best blanket impression for a moment.
Starks is in trouble now - Kantola has advanced to mount! Score +3 for passing guard: Starks (2) vs (8) Kantola
Starks sneaks a leg back under and regains half guard and is working straight away to try and get back to guard. He hasn't managed just yet though.
That's five minutes gone in the round.
Starks wants to improve his position but Kantola is controlling well.
Kantola is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
Starks trying to control here.
Kantola prevents Starks from improving his position.
Starks manages to get to full guard.
Starks had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Kantola defends it easily.
Starks seems keen to control Kantola's posture.
Kantola wants to pass the guard but Starks is keeping the position.
That's six minutes gone in the round.
Starks trying to keep a closed guard but Kantola is proving a slippery customer.
Starks pulls Kantola in close to prevent any damage.
Kantola tries to free his leg and advance position but Starks is retaining full guard.
Kantola content to stall in guard here.
Kantola pushing down on Starks's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Kantola in particular looking to stall.
Starks is trying to get back to full guard.
Kantola controlling the pace.
That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Starks is looking to control Kantola's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Starks avoid being mounted?
Starks wants to improve his position but Kantola is controlling well.
Kantola wants to lay and pray for a moment but Starks keeps working.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Kantola trying to control the pace.
Kantola passes to full mount! Score +3 for passing guard: Starks (2) vs (11) Kantola
Kantola tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Kantola wants to control the pace but Starks is squirming around nicely.
Starks tries to hold on but Kantola postures up.
Kantola controlling from mount.
Kantola prevents Starks from getting the reversal.
Starks tries to lock up and control but Kantola gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Kantola looking to control and managing it successfully.
Starks is desperately trying to improve his position but Kantola has a good base and remains in mount.
Starks regains half guard.
Kantola is looking to advance position but Starks won't allow it.
That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Kantola works his way into full mount! Score +3 for passing guard: Starks (2) vs (14) Kantola
Kantola content just to control the position here.
Starks is trying desperately to improve position.
Kantola controlling from mount.
Kantola avoids the attempt from Starks to control.
Kantola sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.
Kantola with more of the same as he continues to hold on.
That's ten minutes gone in the round.
Kantola prevents Starks from getting the reversal.
Kantola controlling from mount.
Starks has worked his way to half guard, taking advantage of Kantola's lack of action.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Kantola in particular looking to stall.
Starks is controlling Kantola's trapped leg to prevent Kantola from advancing to side control.
Kantola is looking to take a break and control but Starks is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Starks has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Kantola is working away from the top position though.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
That's eleven minutes gone in the round.
Kantola with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
Starks wants to improve his position but Kantola is controlling well.
Starks trying to control from the bottom.
Starks is trying to get back to full guard.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Kantola in particular looking to stall.
Let's hope that Kantola has the urge to step up the pace any second now because for the last 15 or 20 seconds he's just been holding on tight.
Starks wants to improve his position but Kantola is controlling well.
Kantola content to control rather than advance.
That's twelve minutes gone in the round.
Starks is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Well, if Kantola is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait.
Kantola wants to lay and pray for a moment but Starks keeps working.
Starks is trying to get back to full guard.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
Starks has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Kantola is working away from the top position though.
Kantola looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
That's thirteen minutes gone in the round.
Starks tries to get to full guard but Kantola has control of the leg.
Kantola wants to lay and pray for a moment but Starks keeps working.
Kantola looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Kantola perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.
Starks tries to roll over but Kantola keeps him under control.
Starks is controlling Kantola's trapped leg to prevent Kantola from advancing to side control.
That's fourteen minutes gone in the round.
Starks is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Kantola's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Kantola's back! Score +4 for clean sweep to past guard: Starks (6) vs (14) Kantola
Kantola is defending well here and trying to improve his position.
Kantola keeps trying to improve his position.
Kantola is keeping busy.
Kantola is really stuck here.
Starks is looking for the choke from the back position but Kantola is controlling his hands well.
You know, I was talking to some of our celebrities at ringside tonight and they were split right down the middle on who was going to win this fight.
Starks not allowing Kantola to control his hands.
You know, I was talking to some of our celebrities at ringside tonight and they were split right down the middle on who was going to win this fight.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Starks is not going to allow Kantola to sit and survive in this position.
And that's the end of the fight!
Kantola wins on points by 14 to 6.
Ari Kantola spent the whole post fight interview bigging himself up. It didn't go down that well with the fans after a while as they thought it was a bit arrogant. |
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