IHOF 8: Mexican Standoff PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Jimmy Henderson (ranked 4643 p4p, 544 weight class) and Shane O Brien (ranked 8196 p4p, 699 weight class). Both these guys have solid standup skills and neither is particularly fantastic on the ground, so let's hope for a nice standup war!

Henderson
vs
O Brien

190 cm
25
209 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

190 cm
21
203 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Solid boxing
Granite chin

Decent wrestler
Dangerous knees
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of New York, Jimmy Henderson!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Shane O Brien !
The judges for this bout are Jonathan Paton, Bruno Lombardi and Dean Styles.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
We've got one fighter who appears to only be looking to counter and the other not looking particularly aggressive either, so we could be in for a dull fight.

O Brien gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Henderson tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. O Brien just stands there and leans against the cage.
O Brien is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
A knee to the head by O Brien .

It looks like Jimmy Henderson has been cut.
O Brien lands an elbow inside.
Henderson takes an elbow to the forehead.

Jimmy Henderson's cut is getting worse.
Henderson fails to pull guard.
O Brien landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Henderson is breathing heavily.
Henderson tries to pull guard but O Brien won't allow it.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jimmy Henderson. That's going to take a lot out of him.
O Brien lands a knee to the head.
Knees to the body from O Brien .
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
O Brien scores a nice knee to the body.
O Brien landing some nice looking knees to the body.
O Brien is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
O Brien lands an elbow just above Henderson 's eye.
O Brien lands a damaging elbow.

Jimmy Henderson's cut is bleeding quite badly. He's got to try and protect it.
O Brien connects with a knee to the head.
O Brien connects with a knee to the head.
O Brien lands a big knee! That's hurt Henderson! Oh, he's all over the place! O Brien lands another knee that sends Henderson to the floor and the referee steps in to end the fight!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:58 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Shane O Brien !

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
100%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Wade Garrett (ranked 3466 p4p, 450 weight class) and Tyga Laxx (ranked 4001 p4p, 494 weight class). Garrett comes into the arena with Chumbawamba - Tubthumping blaring out of the sound system. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Garrett
vs
Laxx

188 cm
25
218 lbs
3 - 2 - 1

189 cm
24
200 lbs
1 - 1 - 1

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent boxer
Insanely flexible

Excellent grappler
Lethal high kicks
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 2 - 1, fighting out of New York, Wade Garrett!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 1, fighting out of New York, Tyga Laxx !
The judges for this bout are Columbo Gatti, Jorge Garcia and John Kavanagh.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Garrett misses with a head kick.
Garrett throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Laxx lands a body shot.
A leg kick checked by Laxx .
Garrett throws a sloppy head kick and Laxx moves out of range easily.
Laxx moves out of range as Garrett throws a body kick.
As Garrett backs off Laxx throws a huge counter combo but Garrett manages to avoid it all.
Wade Garrett seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Garrett throws a head kick but Laxx moves out of range.
Garrett misses the shot to the body.
Garrett throws a head kick that misses.
Garrett misses with a double jab
and Laxx counters with a left to the body.
Garrett misses with a hook to the body

and Laxx counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Laxx wants to lay and pray for a moment but Garrett keeps working.
Laxx is pressing down on Garrett's thigh, looking to free his foot. Garrett is holding on for now.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Garrett tries to kick Laxx off but Laxx keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Laxx is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
Garrett won't allow Laxx to pass to mount.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.
Garrett looks like he's trying to stand up.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Garrett throws a lazy head kick

and Laxx counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
Laxx doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Garrett blocking some punches.
A nice right hand lands inside from Laxx .
Laxx misses with a punch on the inside.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Garrett looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Laxx working aggressively here.
Laxx misses with a hook to the ribs.
A head punch on the inside from Laxx fails to land.
Garrett blocks a body shot from Laxx .
Laxx misses with a hook from the clinch.
A frustrated look appears on Garrett's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Laxx swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Laxx misses with the head strike.
Laxx lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Garrett backwards.
Garrett wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Laxx tries to throw a body punch but Garrett avoids it by throwing Laxx back against the cage.
Laxx working aggressively here.
Laxx swings away with an uppercut that misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Laxx misses with a hook to the ribs.
Laxx tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Laxx lands a hook that snaps the head of Garrett backwards.
Laxx misses with some punches.
Garrett blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Laxx misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Laxx swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Laxx tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Laxx swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Laxx is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Garrett is defending well.
Garrett wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Laxx misses with some punches.
Garrett blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Laxx misses with some punches.
Laxx throws a head punch that misses.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A head punch on the inside from Laxx fails to land.
Laxx prevents Garrett from breaking the clinch.
Laxx swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Laxx keeps control of Garrett as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Garrett is trying to break the clinch but Laxx has him pressed against the cage.
Laxx swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Laxx is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Garrett pulls him back up using the underhooks.

Garrett manages to break the clinch.
Garrett throws a nice outside leg kick.
Laxx missing with a left hand there. Garrett was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Garrett tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.

Laxx moves into the clinch successfully.
Laxx lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Garrett or not.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.

Garrett breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Laxx throws a leg kick which misses Garrett's front leg but catches the back leg as Garrett tries to avoid it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

No joy there for Garrett, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Laxx works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Garrett avoids the body shot from Laxx .
Thud! ouch! good body kick from Garrett - that will leave a mark!
Laxx takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Laxx has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
A decent looking body kick lands there for Garrett.
Garrett throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Laxx stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
A slow jab from Laxx misses its intended target.
Laxx takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Wade Garrett is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Garrett throws a right hand that Laxx ducks under and follows up with a left that Laxx also avoids with ease.
Garrett moves out of range of the body kick.
Garrett throws a body kick that misses
and Laxx counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Laxx takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Wade Garrett is winning the standup battle so far.
Garrett throws a head kick but Laxx moves out of range.
Laxx throws a counter combo.
Garrett moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Garrett misses with a two punch combination.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Laxx ! But no joy.
Garrett tried to score with a low kick but Laxx checks it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A jab from Laxx finds it's way through Garrett's defenses.
Garrett rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Laxx moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Garrett throws a push kick but Laxx slaps the foot to one side.
Laxx blocks a head kick by Garrett.
A little jabbing left from Laxx on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Garrett throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Laxx with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Garrett gets off balance looking for a body kick
and Laxx counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Garrett ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Laxx moves away.
Laxx lands with a right hand.
Garrett throws a low kick but Laxx moves out of range easily.
Garrett misses with a wild body shot.
Laxx showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Garrett.
Garrett throws a right and a left that Laxx avoids nicely.
Garrett misses with a telegraphed body shot
and Laxx counters with a nice uppercut.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Laxx lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Sloppy strikes from Garrett. Those never looked like landing.
Garrett throws a body kick that misses
and Laxx makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Laxx lands with a cross.
Laxx lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Laxx scores with a decent looking hook.
Garrett takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Laxx moves out of range of the body kick from Garrett.

Laxx closes the distance and pushes Garrett back into the cage.

Garrett breaks the clinch.
Garrett misses with a hook. Laxx ducked under it nicely.
Garrett misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Laxx connects with a good right hand that stumbles Garrett. Garrett circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Laxx doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
A looping hook to the body misses from Garrett. Laxx does a little dance to reset his feet.
Laxx swings and misses with a hook to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Garrett pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Garrett throws a sloppy body shot
and Laxx counters with a straight right hand.
Garrett tries to land a body kick
and Garrett takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Garrett wants to slow Laxx down by chopping away at his legs.
Laxx moves into range and connects with a jab.
Laxx avoids the head kick by Garrett.
Laxx catches Garrett with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Garrett drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Laxx avoids the head kick by Garrett.
Garrett throws a head kick that misses.
Laxx takes a swing at Garrett's ribcage but misses.
Garrett is looking to wear down Laxx with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Garrett cracks a nice hook into Laxx 's ribs.
Garrett throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Laxx shoots for a takedown but Garrett saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Garrett appears to be looking for a big counter.
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!
Laxx misses with a wild body shot.
Garrett tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Garrett misses with a kick to the body
and Garrett takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Garrett throws a head kick that misses
and Laxx counters with a straight right hand.
Garrett gets off balance looking for a body kick
and Laxx counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Garrett doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Laxx avoids the head kick by Garrett.
Garrett tries a head kick but it misses.
Laxx dips to his left and cracks Garrett with an uppercut!
Laxx blocks a head kick by Garrett.
The fighters circle momentarily. Laxx darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Wade Garrett is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Laxx throws a right and a left that Garrett avoids nicely.
A head kick by Garrett misses

and Laxx counters by clinching up.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Laxx working aggressively here.
Laxx lands a left hand.
A shot in the inside from Laxx .

Laxx gets the body lock takedown. After a quick scramble, Garrett regains guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Tyga Laxx showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Garrett throws a head kick that misses
and Laxx counters with a nice body shot.
Garrett tries a head kick but it misses.
Garrett misses with a wild combination.
Laxx throws out a counter right but Garrett avoids it with no problem.
Garrett misses with an attempted mid kick.
Garrett tries to land a body kick
letting Laxx counter with a right hand.
Decent striking displayed by Laxx there.
Garrett looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Garrett throws a right hand that misses
and Garrett takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Garrett looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Garrett lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Laxx circles away quickly and effectively.
Laxx lands an overhand right.
Garrett swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Laxx dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Garrett throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Laxx catches Garrett napping and connects with a big right hand that sends Garrett to the canvas!

Garrett is rocked!
Laxx advances position into side control!
Oh Garrett is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Laxx taking a breather here.
Garrett bucks up and tries to throw Laxx off but instead Laxx has got his back!
Garrett knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Laxx on the ground.

Laxx is working for the choke. It looks like he might have got it... has he...? Yes! Garrett is tapping out! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:33 of round 3, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Tyga Laxx !
A relieved looking Tyga Laxx thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.
In defeat, Wade Garrett stepped up to the mic, saying 'I will be back stronger than ever!'.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
79%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Swagga Beats (ranked 4640 p4p, 490 weight class) and Ricardo Gracie (ranked 2839 p4p, 337 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Beats
vs
Gracie

165 cm
26
147 lbs
4 - 2 - 0

176 cm
22
168 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

Powerful takedowns
Basic striking
Granite chin

Excellent grappler
Brawler
Good gas tank

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 4 - 2 - 0, fighting out of New York, Swagga Beats!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Ricardo Gracie!
The judges for this bout are Eddie Farnsworth, Russell Pearce and Franklyn Lucas.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Gracie scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Beats is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Gracie's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
Gracie is keen to just control but Beats is a slippery customer.

Gracie is looking for a kimura but Beats is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Gracie to get the leverage.

Gracie 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.
Gracie takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Gracie is thwarting Beats's attempts to control the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gracie wants to lay and pray for a moment but Beats keeps working.
Beats tries to get to full guard but Gracie has control of the leg.
Gracie stalling away here and it's allowed Beats to slip out his trapped foot and regain full guard.
Gracie trying to control but Beats is working from the bottom.
Beats looking to hit a scissor sweep but Gracie is one step ahead there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Gracie trying to control but Beats is working from the bottom.

Beats looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Beats is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Gracie working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.

Gracie drops back looking for a leg! Beats is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Beats manages to kick Gracie off! Gracie jumps back into Beats's guard.

Gracie gets to his feet - Beats follows without any prompting.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Beats tries for a takedown but Gracie circles away easily

and Gracie counters by moving into the clinch.

Gracie is working on a single leg takedown against the cage. Beats can't fight it off and eventually Gracie manages to take the fight to the floor. Beats looks annoyed but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Beats might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Beats not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Gracie throws a big right hand that misses.
Gracie pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Beats is keeping the position for now.
Gracie is looking to stand up but Beats won't let him.
Gracie won't allow Beats to get back to his feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gracie wants to control from the top but Beats keeps moving.
Beats is controlling Gracie's posture.
Gracie slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Beats gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily

and Gracie counters by moving into the clinch.

Gracie manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.
Beats stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Gracie swivels though and keeps the full guard.

Gracie looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!

Beats got a little sloppy there for a moment and Gracie has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Beats has managed to get both his arms back between Gracie's legs - danger averted.
Beats stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Gracie swivels though and keeps the full guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ricardo Gracie dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Beats misses with a takedown

and Gracie decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Beats's guard.
Beats working a defensive guard here.
Beats looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Gracie trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Gracie trying to control but Beats is working from the bottom.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Gracie wants to pass the guard but Beats is keeping the position.
Beats is looking to stand up but Gracie isn't so interested in that idea.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gracie throwing strikes but missing.
Beats not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.

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

Gracie decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
Beats is trying to control but can't.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Gracie is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Beats tries to roll over but Gracie keeps him under control.

Gracie is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Gracie prevents Beats from standing back up.
Beats blocking the ground and pound attempt from Gracie.

Gracie is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Beats has managed to free his arm - good work.
Beats is trying to get back to full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Beats is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Gracie scores with a couple of nice shots.
Beats is looking for a sweep. Gracie is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

Gracie 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.
Beats wants to get back to full guard.
Gracie has been the more effective fighter overall so far.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Beats is working hard here to advance position.
Beats moves into full guard.
Gracie postures up.
Beats being controlled here, momentarily.

Gracie drops back, looking for a kneebar! Beats looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Beats looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Beats!

Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Gracie is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ricardo Gracie 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.

Gracie dives in and scores a takedown into Beats's guard.
Gracie looking to pass the guard.
Ricardo Gracie has got the better of the ground game so far.
Gracie stays in close to Beats's body and controls the position.

Beats looks to be working for a triangle here. Oh, it looks like he might have it! Gracie has picked Beats up and slammed him! Beats can't keep hold of the triangle and Gracie manages to pass to side control!

Gracie decides to stand back up.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Gracie shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Beats manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
Gracie is standing up over Beats. Beats looks to escape but Gracie dives into side control.

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

That's one minute gone in the round.
Beats tries to bench press Gracie off him but Gracie keeps the position.

Gracie working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Beats tries to buck Gracie off but Gracie is having none of it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Gracie working away.
Beats sneaks back into half guard.
Gracie wants to control but Beats is keeping him busy.

Gracie is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Beats sees it coming and defends easily.
Gracie is thwarting Beats's attempts to control the position.
Beats wants to improve his position but Gracie is controlling well.

Gracie is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Beats has managed to free his arm - good work.

Gracie 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.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Beats has his hands clasped together around Gracie's back. He's all about the action.

Gracie is looking for a kimura but Beats is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Gracie to get the leverage.
Beats has improved his flexibility recently so we will have to see if he can use that to his advantage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Beats regains full guard, whilst avoiding punches from Gracie.
Gracie passes Beats's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Beats keeping control of the position.
Beats trying to keep hold of his opponent's head but Gracie manages to pass to mount!
Beats wants to control but Gracie is having none of it.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Gracie lands a couple of nice shots there from mount.
Beats tries to get back to half guard but can't.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ricardo Gracie really dominated that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Beats tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Gracie swivels and escapes.
Beats shoots in looking for a takedown but Gracie manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Beats's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Beats misses the jab.

Beats gets caught flat footed, as Gracie shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Gracie is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.

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

Beats has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.

Gracie is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Beats trying to control the position from guard on top but Gracie is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Beats advances to half guard.
Gracie has found himself in a tricky position here. He's been working his transitions in training so let's see if he can work his way out of it.
Beats winds up and cracks Gracie with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Beats trying to control the action but Gracie is working from the bottom.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Beats in particular looking to stall.
Gracie tries to roll over but Beats keeps him under control.

Gracie is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Beats pulls his head out easily.
Beats tries to pass the half guard into mount. Gracie knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.

Beats is looking for a kimura here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Beats wants to work for an arm triangle but Gracie is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Gracie regains full guard. Nicely done.
Beats trying to control but Gracie is working from the bottom.
Beats stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Gracie swivels though and keeps the full guard.

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

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gracie bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Beats's guard.

Gracie is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Gracie wants to pass the guard but Beats is keeping the position.
Gracie postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Gracie wants to pass the guard but Beats is keeping the position.
Gracie wants to control from the top but Beats keeps moving.
Beats manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Gracie manages to get himself to full guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Gracie working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Beats doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Beats manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Beats throws a big right hand that misses.

Gracie looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.

Gracie is looking for a triangle but Beats pushes his legs off easily.
Beats engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Beats wants to control from the top but Gracie keeps moving.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ricardo Gracie dominated that fourth round.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action. This is the final round!

Beats tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Gracie swivels and escapes.

Gracie drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.

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

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

Gracie looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

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

That's one minute gone in the round.
Beats is looking to reverse the position.

Gracie tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Gracie has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
Beats is positioning himself to get back to half guard.

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

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.

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

Gracie goes for an armbar here - this could be all over! But no, Beats has escaped beautifully and is now on top in side control! Oh, that's unlucky for Gracie but great work by Beats.
Gracie prevents Beats from improving position.

Beats is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Gracie knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Gracie tries to get back to half guard but can't.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gracie looks to move to half guard but instead Beats has passed into mount! Damn!
Beats throwing sloppy strikes here. Perhaps if he tightened up his striking from such a dominant position, he'd be able to finish easier.
Gracie gets back to half guard.
Gracie moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.

Gracie working for a triangle but Beats defends it easily.
Beats throwing strikes but missing.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Beats wants to control from the top but Gracie keeps moving.

Gracie working for a triangle but Beats defends it easily.
Gracie utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Ricardo Gracie is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Beats trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Swagga Beats has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Beats in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Ricardo Gracie.
Well Gracie 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.

Judge Eddie Farnsworth scores the fight for Ricardo Gracie!
Judge Russell Pearce scores the fight for Ricardo Gracie!
Judge Franklyn Lucas scores the fight for Ricardo Gracie!

Ricardo Gracie wins by unanimous decision! Ricardo Gracie retains his lightweight title!
During a confident post fight interview, Ricardo Gracie 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
30%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Ghandi Buddha (ranked 1646 p4p, 80 weight class) and Trevor Leo (ranked 5059 p4p, 241 weight class). Trevor Leo is the more experienced fighter, so let's see if that makes a difference tonight.

Buddha
vs
Leo

169 cm
21
130 lbs
4 - 2 - 0

160 cm
29
135 lbs
7 - 2 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid boxing
KO power

Powerful takedowns
Counter fighter
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the bantamweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 4 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Ghandi Buddha!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 2 - 0, fighting out of London, Trevor Leo!
The judges for this bout are Russell Pearce, David Schapiro and John Kavanagh.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Leo takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Buddha rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Leo moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Leo is trying to avoid his opponent's strikes and get into the clinch.
A lazy left from Buddha finds it's target.
Buddha throws a series of punches but Leo moves out of range.
Leo wants to counter the offense by Buddha and move into the clinch position.
Buddha throws a right and a left that both miss.
Buddha lands a glancing blow to the side of Leo's head.
Buddha connects with a single shot there.
Leo takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Good standup being displayed there by Buddha as he connects with a hook.

Buddha drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Leo is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.
Buddha working the head and body with strikes.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Buddha thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Leo's head.
Leo is concentrating on defense, preventing Buddha from advancing position.
Let's hope that Leo 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.

Buddha is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Leo defends it well.
Buddha sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Leo defending well though.
Leo desperately trying to maintain half guard.
Buddha thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Leo's head.
Leo controlling the leg, holding on to half guard.

Leo has hold of a guillotine but he's not going to be able to crank on it really with only half guard, so it's no trouble for Buddha. Oh but Leo has got full guard now! Oh boy! This one could be over very soon! Buddha goes limp - he's gone! Leo jumps up and celebrates with the crowd - fantastic submission finish!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:57 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Guillotine). Trevor Leo!
Trevor Leo is the new bantamweight champion!
Post fight, Trevor Leo took to the microphone: 'Thank you all for coming out and supporting me it means alot. Lee tramp you fareweather champ let's fight I'm coming to you at 145 let's tango unless your scared. You've never fought a real fighter like me. Don't be scared homie.'.
Ghandi Buddha was interviewed post fight and said 'We must do this again. Rubber match. I'll prove who is the best! Leo got the best of me this time. No such luck next time.'.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
54%

Main event

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Howlin Wolf (ranked 884 p4p, 97 weight class) and Shinsuke Nakamura (ranked 7924 p4p, 613 weight class). Nakamura has chosen Shadow Of A Setting Sun as his entrance music. Both fighters will be looking to make this an exciting fight for the fans, I'm sure!

Wolf
vs
Nakamura

190 cm
23
287 lbs
5 - 4 - 0

188 cm
28
229 lbs
4 - 6 - 0

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Granite chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent knees
Granite chin

Sin City Allstars

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 5 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Howlin Wolf!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Shinsuke Nakamura!
The judges for this bout are Chad Campbell, Jonathan Paton and David Schapiro.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Nakamura on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
We've been hearing reports that Wolf has been drilling takedowns in recent sessions so let's see if that has an impact on the result of this fight.
Nakamura moves forwards but Wolf connects with a nice, crisp jab.

It looks like Shinsuke Nakamura has been cut.
Wolf jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Wolf jabbing away but nothing is landing.

Oh, that's a big right hand from Wolf and Nakamura goes tumbling to the canvas! Wolf follows him to the ground and looks to finish from half guard.

Nakamura is rocked!
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Wolf lands a big elbow from half guard. That looks like it's hurt Nakamura quite badly. Nakamura pulls Wolf in close trying to recover. Wolf postures up and lands two really hard shots that put Nakamura on queer street! The ref takes a look and decides to call an end to the fight! Possibly an early stoppage but Nakamura doesn't seem to be complaining too much.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:36 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Howlin Wolf!
Howlin Wolf seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.
Shinsuke Nakamura spoke after the fight, saying 'I'm So Sorry Fans For Lost, I Don't Know I Could Quit MMA And Head Back To WWE Or NJPW Or Train Harder Win My Next Fight For You Fans'.