CT 10 PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Curtis Tate Jr (ranked 6523 p4p, 636 weight class) and Will Thomas (ranked 24841 p4p, 704 weight class). Curtis Tate Jr has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Tate Jr
vs
Thomas

180 cm
25
215 lbs
2 - 0 - 1

180 cm
18
212 lbs
2 - 7 - 1

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Granite chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Knockout power

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 - 0 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Curtis Tate Jr!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 7 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Will Thomas!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Franklin, Alan Glass and Gwen Towbar.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Tate Jr has taken the fight to the clinch.
Tate Jr prevents the takedown attempt.
Thomas wants to stall.
Thomas throws an elbow but it misses.
Thomas is working for a takedown up against the ropes. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Tate Jr tries to pull guard but Thomas won't allow it.
Tate Jr throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Thomas blocks it with crossed arms.
Thomas is looking to control Tate Jr's arms but Tate Jr gets an underhook and turns him. Now Thomas has his back to the ropes.

Thomas's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Tate Jr is trying hard to land a takedown here. Thomas sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Thomas fails in his attempt to clinch.
Thomas tries to clinch but Tate Jr moves out of range.
Thomas is trying hard to land a takedown here. Tate Jr sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Curtis Tate Jr has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Will Thomas.
Thomas wants to clinch up but Tate Jr keeps it at a distance.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Tate Jr clinches up against the ropes.

Tate Jr escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Thomas closes the distance and clinches up with Tate Jr, looking for a takedown. Thomas pushes Tate Jr against the ropes but Tate Jr circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Thomas is looking to clinch but Tate Jr is avoiding it.
Tate Jr scores with a jab to the body.

Tate Jr lands a big head kick that sends Thomas tumbling to the mat! Tate Jr takes a step backwards and waves Thomas back to his feet - he wants the finish!

It looks like Will Thomas has been cut.
Thomas tries for a takedown but Tate Jr sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
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!
Tate Jr misses with an attempted mid kick.
Thomas on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Tate Jr tries for a takedown but Thomas sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Thomas tries to counter by closing the distance.
Tate Jr fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Thomas shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Tate Jr as he jumps to the side.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Thomas fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Tate Jr definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Thomas looks winded!
Thomas looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Tate Jr uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Thomas.
Thomas throws a head kick that misses.
Tate Jr throws a nice inside leg kick.
A head kick misses from Tate Jr.

Tate Jr has Thomas up against the ropes in a clinch.
Tate Jr changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Thomas fights it off and pushes away nicely.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Tate Jr has Thomas up against the ropes in a clinch.
Thomas is looking to control Tate Jr's arms but Tate Jr gets an underhook and turns him. Now Thomas has his back to the ropes.
Thomas is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the ropes.
Tate Jr could do with losing a few pounds - he looks very soft around the mid section, to put it politely.
Tate Jr content to slow the pace in the clinch.

Thomas gets control of Tate Jr's arms and successfully pulls guard. Thomas will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.
Thomas looking to control.
Tate Jr sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Thomas working a defensive guard here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tate Jr is looking to work some ground and pound but Thomas has wrist control.
Thomas working a defensive guard here.
Tate Jr throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Thomas works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Tate Jr looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Thomas tries to land a sweep but no joy.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Curtis Tate Jr dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Will Thomas's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Horrible takedown attempt by Thomas or perhaps it was just good defense by Tate Jr, which made it look bad.
Tate Jr misses with a takedown
and Thomas counters with a leg kick.
Thomas pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Tate Jr throws a big counter combination but Thomas scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Nice takedown defense from Thomas. No joy for Tate Jr on that attempt.
Tate Jr leaves Thomas with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Tate Jr shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Thomas pinned against the ropes. Thomas gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Curtis Tate Jr. That's going to take a lot out of him.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Thomas clinches up against the ropes.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Tate Jr manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.
Tate Jr has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Thomas trying to control the position from guard on top but Tate Jr is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Tate Jr controls Thomas momentarily but Thomas frees himself.
Tate Jr tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Thomas trying to control the position from guard on top but Tate Jr is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Thomas engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Tate Jr looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Thomas won't allow Tate Jr to get back to his feet.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Thomas misses with a hook. Tate Jr ducked under it nicely.
Curtis Tate Jr is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Tate Jr throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Thomas's waist but Thomas gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Tate Jr off to one side.
Tate Jr tries to clinch there but Thomas circles away.
Thomas buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Tate Jr takes a swing at Thomas's ribcage but misses.
Tate Jr slaps away a takedown attempt from Thomas, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Tate Jr shoots in looking for a takedown. Thomas tries to sprawl out of it but Tate Jr keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the ropes. Thomas manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tate Jr displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Thomas.
Thomas is trying hard to land a takedown here. Tate Jr sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Tate Jr fails to land the takedown.
Tate Jr misses with a wild body shot.
Horrible takedown attempt by Tate Jr or perhaps it was just good defense by Thomas, which made it look bad.
Thomas fails with an attempt to clinch.
Tate Jr tries to counter with a takedown but Thomas is quick to defend against it.
Tate Jr steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Thomas.
Tate Jr is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Thomas.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tate Jr keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Thomas.
Thomas uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Tate Jr.
Tate Jr shoots in but Thomas avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Tate Jr shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Thomas as he avoids it easily.
Tate Jr is looking to wear down Thomas with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Tate Jr scores with a nice one two combo and darts back out of range to avoid anything coming in the opposite direction.

Tate Jr shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in side control! That's better than Tate Jr was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Thomas is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Tate Jr off and has taken his back!
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Thomas is persistently looking for the submission but Tate Jr is defending it well.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.

Thomas is working hard for the rear naked choke here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Will Thomas showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Will Thomas's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! And we move into the final round!

Tate Jr tries to score a power double leg takedown but Thomas sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Tate Jr somewhat.
Thomas tries to counter by closing the distance.
Thomas defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Tate Jr.
Thomas shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Tate Jr sprawls well. Tate Jr wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Thomas gets slowly back to his feet.
Curtis Tate Jr is winning the standup battle so far.
Good exchange - Tate Jr coming out on top.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Thomas is looking to clinch.
Danga de danga de dang - Thomas scores with a four punch combination!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tate Jr fails with an attempt to clinch.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Tate Jr.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Curtis Tate Jr. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Tate Jr pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Thomas steps in looking to clinch after the strikes miss from Tate Jr.
Tate Jr tries to clinch up.
Thomas shoots in but no luck this time.
Thomas closes this distance looking for a takedown but Tate Jr circles away.
Thomas tries to clinch up against the ropes, rushing in to close the distance. Tate Jr manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Thomas swats away the attempt to clinch by Tate Jr.
Thomas throws a counter combo.

Thomas gets tackled into the ropes by Tate Jr. Tate Jr maintains the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tate Jr tries to throw a body punch but Thomas avoids it by throwing Tate Jr back against the ropes.

Tate Jr manages to break the clinch.
Thomas lands with an uppercut that bounces Tate Jr off the ropes and back into range.
Nice shot by Tate Jr.

Tate Jr closes the distance and clinches.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Thomas lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Thomas lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Thomas tries a knee to the head but Tate Jr blocks it.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Tate Jr manages to break the clinch.
Thomas works Tate Jr's body with a nice hook.
Tate Jr tries to close the distance and clinch up against the ropes but Thomas paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Thomas replies with a solid counter kick to the body but Tate Jr blocks it well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Thomas is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Tate Jr tries to close the distance and clinch but Thomas swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Tate Jr fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Thomas.
Tate Jr scores with a nice right hand.
Thomas is trying hard to land a takedown here. Tate Jr sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Tate Jr 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.
Thomas shoots for a takedown but Tate Jr saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Tate Jr throws a big counter combination but Thomas scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Thomas takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Thomas shoots in for a double leg but Tate Jr sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Tate Jr is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Thomas can do to turn this around?
Tate Jr tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Thomas swivels and escapes.
Thomas takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tate Jr changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Thomas tries to avoid it but Tate Jr manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Thomas to the ground. Thomas escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Tate Jr stuffs the takedown.
The fight stays on the outside here - Thomas looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Thomas takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
Tate Jr lands a nice shot to the body.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Tate Jr throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Thomas's waist but Thomas gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Tate Jr off to one side.
Thomas is looking to slow Tate Jr down with leg kicks.
Thomas tries to close the distance and clinch but Tate Jr swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.

Tate Jr moves into range and clinches up with Thomas.

And that's the end of the fight!
Curtis Tate Jr showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Tate Jr 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 Daniel Franklin scores the fight 29:28
Judge Alan Glass scores the fight 29:28
Judge Gwen Towbar scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Curtis Tate Jr!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
39%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Helge Fossmo (ranked 8378 p4p, 523 weight class) and Randell Miranda (ranked 22933 p4p, 549 weight class). Fossmo's entrance music is Helge Fossmo predikar. A fine choice. Helge Fossmo has a significant reach advantage - let's see if he can make it count.

Fossmo
vs
Miranda

203 cm
48
286 lbs
34 - 14 - 0

179 cm
21
165 lbs
1 - 7 - 0

Good wrestling
Solid boxing
Good chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Knockout power

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 34 - 14 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Helge Fossmo!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Randell Miranda!
The judges for this bout are Cecil Peabody, Wesley Smith and Frank Dennis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A punch combination from Miranda misses.
Fossmo moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Miranda throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Fossmo.
An attempted straight right counter from Fossmo misses the target.
Miranda swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
letting Fossmo counter with a right hand.

Miranda gets caught flat footed, as Fossmo shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Fossmo throwing strikes from guard but Miranda blocks nicely.
Fossmo engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Fossmo has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Fossmo'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.
Fossmo definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Fossmo drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Miranda manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Fossmo has Miranda in his guard.

Fossmo is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Miranda must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.

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

Fossmo is actively looking for submissions from his back. He's worked himself a little space on the bottom and seems to be going for a triangle. No, he's switched into an armbar! That was slick! Miranda rolls with it to try and escape but Fossmo cranks on the arm and Miranda is forced to tap out! This one is aaaaaaaaall over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:55 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Helge Fossmo!
Helge Fossmo retains his heavyweight title!
After winning the bout, Helge Fossmo thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
43%

Main event

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Michael Grundmann (ranked 4678 p4p, 559 weight class) and Tommy Tate (ranked 24721 p4p, 755 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the ring.

Grundmann
vs
Tate

180 cm
27
180 lbs
5 - 5 - 0

180 cm
19
212 lbs
1 - 9 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Basic striking
Cardio machine

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Solid 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 5 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Michael Grundmann!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 9 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Tommy Tate !
The judges for this bout are Daniel Franklin, Stewart Dunkirk and Chris Downing.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Grundmann fails to land the takedown.

Grundmann shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
Tate wants to get back to full guard.
Grundmann is trying to control the action in half guard but Tate is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.

Grundmann is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Tate has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Grundmann is working away from the top position though.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Grundmann is looking for a kimura here.
Tate is not content to let Grundmann control the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tate wants to get back to his feet.

Grundmann is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.

Grundmann is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Tate sees it coming and defends easily.
Tate is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Grundmann is pressing down on Tate 's thigh, looking to free his foot. Tate is holding on for now.

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

Grundmann is working for a submission of some sort.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Grundmann sitting and controlling from the half guard.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.

Grundmann is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Tate defends it well.

Tate is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Grundmann pulls his head out easily.

Grundmann is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Grundmann wants to control but Tate is keeping him busy.
Tate is trying to stand up here but Grundmann is controlling him well.

Grundmann is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Grundmann wants to take a breather but Tate is having none of it.
Well, if Grundmann 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.
Grundmann is pressing down on Tate 's thigh, looking to free his foot. Tate is holding on for now.
Grundmann is looking to take a break and control but Tate is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.

Grundmann is working for a submission of some sort.

Grundmann is working for a kimura but Tate is defending it quite comfortably.

Grundmann 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.

Grundmann is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Tate has managed to free his arm - good work.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Michael Grundmann dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Grundmann blocks a low kick nicely.
Grundmann attempts a counter takedown but Tate avoids it well and moves away.

Grundmann moves into the clinch.
Grundmann changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Tate fights it off and pushes away nicely.

Grundmann drives through with a takedown into guard.
Grundmann trying to control but Tate is working from the bottom.
Grundmann stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Tate swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Tate should think about turning a few of those tyres round his middle into muscle if he wants people to take him seriously as an athlete.
Tate wants to sweep but no luck.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Grundmann passes into half guard.
Tate is looking to improve his position.

Grundmann is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Grundmann is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Tate really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Grundmann. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.

Grundmann trying to work for an americana but Tate has managed to regain full guard.
Grundmann slips nicely into half guard.
Grundmann seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.
Tate is refusing to be controlled, as Grundmann sits in half guard.

Grundmann is working for a submission here. He's got hold of the far side arm and he's looking for a kimura. He's cranking on the arm and he's got it! Tate is tapping out! Ouch, that looked like it hurt!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:58 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Michael Grundmann!
An out of breath Michael Grundmann thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.