SPARTA 44 PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Bobrov Larionovich (ranked 2711 p4p, 125 weight class) and Marc Antoine Chausson (ranked 7216 p4p, 236 weight class). Marc Antoine Chausson struggled to make weight for this fight. He only made it down to 137.3lbs at the first attempt and had to take the additional two hours to make the official bout weight. Let's see how much it's taken out of him. Bobrov Larionovich has the edge in experience - let's see if he can make that count tonight.

Larionovich
vs
Antoine Chausson

164 cm
25
142 lbs
2 - 2 - 0

170 cm
25
149 lbs
0 - 2 - 0

Powerful takedowns
Basic striking
Very strong

Decent wrestler
Solid Muay Thai
Heavy handed

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 2 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Bobrov Larionovich!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 2 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Marc Antoine Chausson!
The judges for this bout are Bart Greer, Dirk Anderson and Daniel Franklin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Chausson moves away from the strike by Larionovich.
Chausson throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Larionovich looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Chausson appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
A lazy left from Chausson finds it's target.

It looks like Bobrov Larionovich has been cut.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Larionovich.
Chausson looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Larionovich takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Chausson presses Larionovich against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Larionovich blocks a body shot from Chausson.
Chausson lands a hook to the side of the head.
Larionovich fails to land with a short punch on the inside.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Chausson misses with a body punch.
Chausson has a couple of punches blocked by Larionovich.
Larionovich working aggressively here.
Larionovich misses with a hook from the clinch.
Larionovich blocks an uppercut.
Chausson throws a punch but it's blocked by Larionovich.
Chausson makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Chausson works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
A short uppercut from Chausson.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Chausson.
Larionovich fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Chausson working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Larionovich throws a punch but it's blocked by Chausson.
Nice body punch from Chausson - that landed with a thud.
Larionovich has a couple of punches blocked by Chausson.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Chausson lands a body punch.
Chausson works on Larionovich's body with a couple of short punches.
Chausson misses with a hook from the clinch.
Larionovich misses with a short punch on the inside.
Chausson gets through Larionovich's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
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!
Chausson lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Larionovich backwards.
Chausson tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Chausson softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Chausson scores with a shot to the side of Larionovich's head.
Chausson working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Larionovich wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Chausson.
Larionovich definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Larionovich takes a shot to the head.
Chausson lands a body shot.
Chausson lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Larionovich backwards.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Larionovich tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Chausson just stands there and leans against the cage.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Bobrov Larionovich. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Chausson blocks a couple of punches on the inside.

Larionovich pulls guard effortlessly.
Chausson sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Chausson trying to control the position from guard on top but Larionovich is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Chausson slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.

Chausson is sitting in close to Larionovich's body. Larionovich has gone for a guillotine from the bottom. Oh damn, that looks pretty tight! Chausson is panicking - it looks like this one could be all over! Yes, Chausson is tapping! That was a very nice submission by Larionovich.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:55 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Guillotine). Bobrov Larionovich!
A less than humble Bobrov Larionovich misjudged his post fight interview somewhat and came across a little too arrogant whilst trying to hype up his own abilities.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
46%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Marc Beaumanoir (ranked 3975 p4p, 99 weight class) and Johnny Jacobs (ranked 6068 p4p, 219 weight class). Jacobs comes into a darkened arena with his song building. up to my neck kicks in, the lights come on and the crowd goes wild! What a showman! Well, I have no idea who's going to take this one!

Beaumanoir
vs
Jacobs

190 cm
25
244 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

185 cm
26
270 lbs
3 - 4 - 0

Decent wrestler
Solid Muay Thai
Very strong

Good takedowns
Counter fighter
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the super heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Marc Beaumanoir!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 4 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Johnny Jacobs!
The judges for this bout are Peter Branson, Daniel Franklin and Sandra Marshall.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Jacobs closes the distance and clinches up with Beaumanoir, looking for a takedown. Jacobs pushes Beaumanoir against the cage but Beaumanoir circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Jacobs takes one on the button.

Beaumanoir darts in and clinches Jacobs up against the cage.
Beaumanoir throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Jacobss head.
Beaumanoir lands a body punch in the clinch.
Beaumanoir lands a body punch.

Jacobs pulls guard.

Jacobs is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Beaumanoir defends well.
Beaumanoir content to stall in guard here.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Jacobs has been taking part in the yoga sessions down at Temp Spar Gym. Presumably he's going to look for a slick submission... Or maybe he's looking to avoid one.

Jacobs is looking for a triangle but Beaumanoir pushes his legs off easily.
Beaumanoir has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.

Jacobs is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Beaumanoir defends well.
Beaumanoir knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Jacobs on the ground.
Jacobs is trying to control the position but Beaumanoir postures up.
Beaumanoir won't allow Jacobs to get back to his feet.

Jacobs escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Beaumanoir gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Beaumanoir pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Jacobs is keeping the position for now.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Jacobs escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Beaumanoir gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.

Jacobs is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Jacobs tries to strike from the bottom.

Beaumanoir avoids a guillotine attempt easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Jacobs is trying to control the position but Beaumanoir postures up.
Beaumanoir looks to be in better condition than last time we saw him fight. Obviously he's been working hard on his cardio.
Beaumanoir sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Beaumanoir pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Jacobs is keeping the position for now.

Jacobs is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Beaumanoir defends well.
Beaumanoir is stalling in the full guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Jacobs controls Beaumanoir momentarily but Beaumanoir frees himself.
Beaumanoir is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.

Jacobs had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Beaumanoir defends it easily.
Beaumanoir trying to control but Jacobs is working from the bottom.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Beaumanoir tries to free his leg and advance position but Jacobs is retaining full guard.
Beaumanoir engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Johnny Jacobs will probably get the nod.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Beaumanoir throws a jab but it's blocked by Jacobs.
Jacobs takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Beaumanoir digs a good hook to Jacobs's body.
Jacobs fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Beaumanoir avoids it really well and circles away.
Beaumanoir sizes up Jacobs with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Jacobs drives through with a takedown into guard.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Beaumanoir holds on and takes a little breather.
Beaumanoir continues to stall.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Jacobs pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Beaumanoir is keeping the position for now.

Jacobs drops back looking for a leg! Beaumanoir is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Beaumanoir manages to kick Jacobs off! Jacobs jumps back into Beaumanoir's guard.
Beaumanoir controlling the position.
Beaumanoir looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.

That's two 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.
Beaumanoir controlling the position.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Beaumanoir throws a nice looking combination but Jacobs bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Beaumanoir lands an overhand right.
Marc Beaumanoir is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Beaumanoir looks to throw the jab but Jacobs is out of range.
Beaumanoir lands a glancing blow to the side of Jacobs's head.
Jacobs moves away from the strike by Beaumanoir.
Beaumanoir scores with the left hand. Jacobs knows he should have avoided that one.
A shot to the liver by Beaumanoir. Beautiful body shot.
Jacobs will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Jacobs fails with a takedown attempt.
Marc Beaumanoir has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Johnny Jacobs.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Jacobs takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Jacobs is breathing heavily.
Beaumanoir stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Beaumanoir wants it to stay on the feet.
Beaumanoir just misses with a punch to the body.

Jacobs drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Beaumanoir looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
Johnny Jacobs has got the better of the ground game so far.
Jacobs postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Beaumanoir keeping moving, preventing Jacobs from controlling successfully.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Beaumanoir controlling Jacobs's posture.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Jacobs throws a big elbow that misses.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Beaumanoir is controlling Jacobs's posture.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
Beaumanoir is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Jacobs can do to turn this around?
Jacobs stays in close to Beaumanoir's body and controls the position.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Marc Beaumanoir dominated that second round.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

Jacobs moves forwards but Beaumanoir connects with a nice, crisp jab.

Jacobs shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Beaumanoir napping and manages to drive through into side control!
Beaumanoir is looking for a sweep.
What's Beaumanoir going to do here then? He's in a bit of a pickle.
Jacobs wants to control but Beaumanoir is keeping him busy.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Beaumanoir tries to improve position but can't.
Jacobs is looking to take a break and control but Beaumanoir is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Jacobs throws a knee to the body but it doesn't do much damage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
An elbow from Jacobs crashes against the mat.
Beaumanoir on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Beaumanoir tries to get out of the position.
Beaumanoir wants to control but Jacobs postures up.
Jacobs wants to lay and pray for a moment but Beaumanoir keeps working.
A control attempt from Beaumanoir but he's now mounted!
Beaumanoir is trying to reverse the position but instead Jacobs has taken his back - oops!
Beaumanoir tries to escape the position.
Beaumanoir is keeping busy.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Jacobs scores with punches and elbows.
Beaumanoir manages to reverse the position and now he's in Jacobs's guard. Nice work there by Beaumanoir.
Jacobs throws some sloppy strikes off his back.
Beaumanoir sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Jacobs trying to punch from his back but it's not doing any damage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Jacobs escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Beaumanoir gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Jacobs is looking to stand up but Beaumanoir isn't so interested in that idea.
Beaumanoir trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Beaumanoir not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.

Jacobs is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Beaumanoir is aware though and is defending well.

Beaumanoir is sitting in close to Jacobs's body. Jacobs has gone for a guillotine from the bottom. Oh damn, that looks pretty tight! Beaumanoir is panicking - it looks like this one could be all over! Yes, Beaumanoir is tapping! That was a very nice submission by Jacobs.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:58 of round 3, we have a winner by way of Submission (Guillotine). Johnny Jacobs!
Johnny Jacobs decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
38%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Apidej Sit Hirun (ranked 3211 p4p, 142 weight class) and Moses Pickart (ranked 7255 p4p, 237 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 Moses Pickart was going to win. Let's see if he was right.

Sit Hirun
vs
Pickart

169 cm
26
136 lbs
4 - 5 - 0

168 cm
25
141 lbs
0 - 2 - 0

Decent wrestler
Excellent MT
Granite chin

Decent wrestler
Solid Muay Thai
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 4 - 5 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Apidej Sit Hirun!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 2 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Moses Pickart!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Franklin, Dirk Anderson and Michael Johnstone.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Pickart stalks Sit Hirun and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Sit Hirun's face. Sit Hirun staggers backwards, shaken.
Pickart darts in trying to clinch
and Sit Hirun counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.

It looks like Moses Pickart has been cut.
Sit Hirun digs a good body shot into Pickart's ribs.
Sit Hirun swats away the attempt to clinch by Pickart.
Pickart throws a lazy uppercut
letting Sit Hirun counter with a right hand.

Sit Hirun closes the distance and clinches.
Nice body punch from Sit Hirun - that landed with a thud.
Sit Hirun lands a right hand.
Pickart misses with the head strike.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Sit Hirun lands a left hand that snaps the head of Pickart backwards.
Sit Hirun 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.
Pickart misses with a punch on the inside.
Pickart prevents a body shot from Sit Hirun.
Pickart doesn't land with the attempted body shot.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Pickart misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Pickart cracks Sit Hirun with a nice body shot.
Pickart blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Sit Hirun misses with a short punch on the inside.
A head punch on the inside from Sit Hirun fails to land.
Pickart lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Sit Hirun backwards.
We've been informed that Pickart has been sparring a lot of Muay Thai in the buildup to this fight so let's see if that has an impact on the result.
Sit Hirun lands with a left to the head.
Pickart tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Pickart blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Pickart tries a body shot but Sit Hirun blocks it.
Sit Hirun blocks an uppercut.
Pickart tries a body shot but Sit Hirun blocks it.
Sit Hirun misses with a short punch on the inside.
Sit Hirun misses with a punch to the body.
Pickart working aggressively here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Pickart tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Pickart struggles to land a body shot inside as Sit Hirun controls his hands.
Pickart misses with a hook to the ribs.
Pickart prevents a body shot from Sit Hirun.
Sit Hirun fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Pickart.
Pickart misses with a short punch on the inside.
Pickart misses with some punches.
Pickart lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Sit Hirun blocking some punches.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Sit Hirun.
Sit Hirun lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Pickart backwards.
Pickart throws a punch but it's blocked by Sit Hirun.
Pickart fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Pickart misses with a punch on the inside.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Pickart misses with some punches.
Pickart misses with a short punch on the inside.
Good body shot from Sit Hirun.
Sit Hirun lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Pickart backwards.
Sit Hirun has a couple of punches blocked by Pickart.
Nice body punch from Pickart.
Sit Hirun lands a right hand.
Sit Hirun blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Pickart fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Pickart lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Pickart fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Sit Hirun blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Pickart creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Sit Hirun swings wildly with an uppercut but Pickart uses good head movement to avoid it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sit Hirun blocks a body shot from Pickart.
A head punch on the inside from Pickart fails to land.
Sit Hirun working aggressively here.
Pickart fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Sit Hirun.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
A shot in the inside from Sit Hirun.
Sit Hirun scores with a nice hook to the head.
A short right from Sit Hirun on the inside.
Sit Hirun tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Pickart blocking some punches.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Pickart.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Sit Hirun.
Pickart swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Sit Hirun takes a shot to the head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Apidej Sit Hirun will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Moses Pickart's cut.
That's time! Sit Hirun's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Sit Hirun bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Pickart is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Pickart looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.

Sit Hirun moves into the clinch.
Pickart throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Sit Hiruns head.
Pickart misses with a hook from the clinch.
Pickart throws a punch but it's blocked by Sit Hirun.
Apidej Sit Hirun has scored more points in the clinch so far.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
A right hand to the body from Sit Hirun.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sit Hirun misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Pickart lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Still in the clinch, Pickart scores with a nice short uppercut.
Pickart blocking some punches.
Sit Hirun misses with a body punch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Pickart misses with some punches.
Sit Hirun throws a head punch that misses.
Pickart throws a punch but it's blocked by Sit Hirun.
Sit Hirun lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Pickart misses with a body punch.
Sit Hirun goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
A short uppercut from Pickart.
Pickart fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Sit Hirun lands with a right to the head.
Sit Hirun blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Pickart throws a punch but it's blocked by Sit Hirun.
Pickart tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Pickart fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Pickart tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Pickart scores with an uppercut up the middle.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Pickart lands a right hand.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Pickart.
Sit Hirun working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Sit Hirun tries a body shot but Pickart blocks it.
Pickart misses with a hook from the clinch.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Sit Hirun creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Sit Hirun tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Pickart struggles to land a body shot inside as Sit Hirun controls his hands.
Pickart misses with a punch on the inside.
Sit Hirun blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Pickart lands a hook to the side of the head.
Sit Hirun throws a head punch that misses.
Sit Hirun has a couple of punches blocked by Pickart.
Pickart throws a punch but it's blocked by Sit Hirun.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nice body punch from Sit Hirun - that landed with a thud.
Pickart throws a punch but it's blocked by Sit Hirun.
Sit Hirun throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Sit Hirun.
Sit Hirun tries a body shot but Pickart blocks it.
Sit Hirun tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
A body shot lands from Sit Hirun.
Sit Hirun lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Sit Hirun digs a right hand underneath Pickart's ribcage. Pickart let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Sit Hirun lands a left hand that snaps the head of Pickart backwards.
Pickart has a couple of punches blocked by Sit Hirun.
Sit Hirun fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Sit Hirun misses with a short punch on the inside.
Sit Hirun is struggling to control the position.
A head punch on the inside from Pickart fails to land.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Pickart throws a head punch that misses.
Pickart misses with a short punch on the inside.
Sit Hirun misses with a punch on the inside.
Pickart blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Sit Hirun misses with the head strike.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Pickart misses with some punches.
Sit Hirun struggles to land a body shot inside as Pickart controls his hands.
Sit Hirun lands a nice uppercut.
Sit Hirun misses with a short punch on the inside.
Pickart blocking some punches.
Sit Hirun blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Pickart swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Sit Hirun lands with a short punch from the clinch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Apidej Sit Hirun dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Moses Pickart's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. This is the final round!

Pickart closes the distance and clinches.
Sit Hirun lands a hook that snaps the head of Pickart backwards.
Pickart swings wildly with an uppercut but Sit Hirun uses good head movement to avoid it.
Pickart misses with some punches.
Pickart has a couple of punches blocked by Sit Hirun.
Sit Hirun softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Sit Hirun lands a body punch.
Sit Hirun prevents a body shot from Pickart.
Sit Hirun lands a body punch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Pickart working aggressively here.
Sit Hirun tries a body shot but Pickart blocks it.
Sit Hirun lands a body punch.
Sit Hirun blocking some punches.
Sit Hirun tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Pickart's elbow.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sit Hirun misses with a hook from the clinch.
Pickart misses with a short punch on the inside.
Pickart tries to work over Sit Hirun's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Pickart has a couple of punches blocked by Sit Hirun.
Sit Hirun tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Pickart's elbow.
A right handed body shot lands from Sit Hirun.
Pickart's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Sit Hirun misses with a punch on the inside.
Pickart can't find room to land a body shot as Sit Hirun controls the action.
Sit Hirun scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Sit Hirun can't find room to land a body shot as Pickart controls the action.
Pickart lands with a light punch inside.
Pickart pushes Sit Hirun back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Sit Hirun blocks an uppercut.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Pickart blocking some punches.
We are yet to see a takedown attempt from Pickart in the fight. On paper you would think he is the more dominant ground fighter so let's see if these unusual tactics pay off.
Pickart swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Sit Hirun lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Pickart misses with the head strike.
Sit Hirun scores with an uppercut up the middle.
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!
Sit Hirun lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Sit Hirun misses with a punch to the body.
A shot in the inside from Pickart.
Sit Hirun working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Sit Hirun working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Pickart misses with some punches.
Sit Hirun swings wildly with an uppercut but Pickart uses good head movement to avoid it.
Pickart blocks a body shot from Sit Hirun.
Pickart working aggressively here.
Moses Pickart has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Pickart doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Pickart working aggressively here.
Pickart misses with a short punch on the inside.
Sit Hirun stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
Pickart misses with a hook from the clinch.
Sit Hirun swings away with an uppercut that misses.
A nice left hand lands by Sit Hirun.
Sit Hirun blocking some punches.
Pickart misses with some punches.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Sit Hirun.
Pickart can't find room to land a body shot as Sit Hirun controls the action.
Sit Hirun tries to throw a body punch but Pickart avoids it by throwing Sit Hirun back against the cage.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Sit Hirun.
Apidej Sit Hirun is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Pickart tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Sit Hirun misses with a body punch.
Pickart has a couple of punches blocked by Sit Hirun.
Sit Hirun presses Pickart against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Pickart throws a punch but it's blocked by Sit Hirun.
Sit Hirun lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Pickart can't find room to land a body shot as Sit Hirun controls the action.
Sit Hirun blocking some punches.
Pickart struggles to land a body shot inside as Sit Hirun controls his hands.
Sit Hirun tries to throw a body punch but Pickart avoids it by throwing Sit Hirun back against the cage.
Pickart softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Sit Hirun lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Pickart throws a head punch that misses.

And that's the end of the fight!
Apidej Sit Hirun showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Sit Hirun has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 30:27
Judge Dirk Anderson scores the fight 30:28
Judge Michael Johnstone scores the fight 30:27

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

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
57%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between John Cena (ranked 2703 p4p, 333 weight class) and Amiti Speyer (ranked 3133 p4p, 373 weight class). Cena's entrance music is My Time Is Now. A fine choice. John Cena has the edge in experience - let's see if he can make that count tonight.

Cena
vs
Speyer

172 cm
26
213 lbs
4 - 4 - 0

180 cm
25
210 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

Good wrestling
Basic striking
Very quick

BJJ Blue Belt
Good kicks
Powerful

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 4 - 4 - 0, fighting out of The Island, John Cena!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Amiti Speyer!
The judges for this bout are Winston Alpacca, Peter Branson and Dirk Anderson.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Nice uppercut there from Speyer.

It looks like John Cena has been cut.
Speyer looks to score with a jab to the body but Cena is just out of range.
Speyer's coach down at Temp Spar Gym was telling us pre-fight that they have been working on Speyer's balance. Obviously they view that as a key factor in the outcome of this fight.
Speyer throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Cena's head.
Cena uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Speyer.

Cena moves into range and clinches up with Speyer.
Speyer is trying to break the clinch but Cena is controlling him.
Speyer misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Cena working aggressively here.
Speyer blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Speyer blocks a body shot from Cena.
Speyer wants to get back to striking at distance but Cena won't allow it.
Speyer blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cena prevents Speyer from breaking the clinch.
Cena prevents a body shot from Speyer.
Speyer misses with the head strike.
Cena misses with a hook to the ribs.
Cena misses with a hook from the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cena drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Cena has a couple of punches blocked by Speyer.
Cena prevents Speyer from breaking the clinch.
Speyer tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Speyer blocks a body shot from Cena.
Speyer blocks an uppercut.
Speyer working aggressively here.
Speyer prevents a body shot from Cena.
Cena struggles to land a body shot inside as Speyer controls his hands.
Speyer stops a takedown attempt from Cena.

Speyer is fighting off a takedown attempt but Cena is just too persistent for him and manages to trip Speyer to the mat. Speyer regains guard as soon as the fighters hit the mat.
Cena trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cena won't allow Speyer to sweep him here.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Speyer avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Speyer holds on and takes a little breather.
Speyer is trying to control the position but Cena postures up.
Cena postures up in Speyer's guard and throws a big left but Speyer blocks it.
Speyer bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Cena's guard.

Speyer being controlled here momentarily.
Cena tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Speyer trying to control the position from guard on top but Cena is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Cena is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Speyer is aware though and is defending well.
Speyer is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
Cena manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Speyer manages to get himself to full guard.

The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cena throws an elbow that misses. Speyer uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Cena's guard. Nice move by Speyer!

Cena has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
Cena 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.
Speyer trying to control but Cena is working from the bottom.
Cena 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.
Speyer passes easily into side control. Nice work.
Cena is trying to improve his position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The referee tells the fighters to keep busy.
Cena is trying to work for a sweep but Speyer has mounted him!
Cena is squirming around, avoiding Speyer's attempts to control the action.
Cena slips a leg in and gets back to half guard.
Cena keeps control of the position for the meantime.
Cena tries to roll over but Speyer keeps him under control.
Cena has improved his flexibility recently so we will have to see if he can use that to his advantage.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Cena gets full guard.
Speyer wants to control from the top but Cena keeps moving.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that John Cena will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on John Cena's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Cena shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Speyer manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
Speyer avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Cena being controlled here momentarily.
Cena preventing the sweep.
Cena working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Cena postures up in Speyer's guard and throws a big left but Speyer blocks it.
Cena is looking to work some ground and pound but Speyer has wrist control.
Speyer is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cena is looking for a sweep. Speyer is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Cena controlling the position well.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cena moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Cena keeping full guard, as Speyer tries to pass.
Speyer slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Cena holds on and takes a little breather.
Cena looking to hit a scissor sweep but Speyer is one step ahead there.
Cena striking off his back but it's not causing Speyer any problems.
Cena 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.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Cena controlling Speyer's posture.
Cena wants to sweep but no luck.
Cena pulls Speyer in to control the position.
Cena looking for a sweep. Not yet Cena, not yet.
Speyer is fighting to break Cena's control of his arms but Cena is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
Speyer pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Cena is keeping the position for now.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Cena holds on and takes a little breather.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Speyer throws a nice head kick!
Speyer throws a push kick but Cena slaps the foot to one side.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cena shoots in looking for a takedown but Speyer manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Cena's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Speyer bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Speyer connects with an inside leg kick.
A slow jab from Cena misses its intended target.
Speyer throws a lazy body kick

and Cena counters with a nice double leg into side control. Speyer won't be happy with that.
Speyer is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Cena misses with the ground and pound.
Check out the look on Cena's face as he threw that strike - that's one determined fighter!
Cena working the ground and pound.
Cena misses with the ground and pound.
Cena lands a nice forearm strike.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Cena scores with a couple of nice shots to the head there. The referee takes a look at Speyer to see if he's OK.
Cena creates a bit of distance and throws down some hard shots.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Speyer dodges the ground and pound from Cena.
Cena in side control, throwing shots but Speyer defends.
Speyer takes an elbow right on the bridge of the nose and winces in pain.
Cena tries to move into full mount but can't pass Speyer's legs.
Cena working the head and body with strikes.
Cena is putting a hurting on Speyer here, landing some big shots from side control.

Speyer is rocked!
The crowd goes nuts as Cena knocks Speyer out cold with a massive hammerfist! Cena Jumps to his feet and climbs on top of the cage to celebrate with the crowd!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:50 of round 2, we have a winner by way of KO (Strikes). John Cena!
A relieved looking John Cena thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
43%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Dominic Clark (ranked 3746 p4p, 161 weight class) and Alvar Rautio (ranked 2590 p4p, 120 weight class). Well, I have no idea who's going to take this one!

Clark
vs
Rautio

152 cm
25
141 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

158 cm
26
142 lbs
5 - 3 - 0

Good takedowns
Basic striking
Cuts easily

Good takedowns
Basic striking
Knockout power

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Dominic Clark!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 3 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Alvar Rautio!
The judges for this bout are Peter Branson, Dirk Anderson and Bart Greer.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A big right from Clark misses.
Clark misses with a looping right.
Rautio drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Clark defends it well.
Clark looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Rautio goes for a double leg but Clark avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Clark continues to drive forward.
Rautio scores with a nice right hand.
Rautio throws a looping overhand right but Clark ducks down to avoid it.
Clark steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Rautio.
Clark blocks a jab.
Rautio throws out a loose jab but Clark uses good head movement to avoid it.
Clark throws a lazy right hand but Rautio sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Rautio looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Clark throws the left hand but Rautio avoids the punch easily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A big right from Rautio misses.
Rautio misses with a hook. Clark ducked under it nicely.
Rautio pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Rautio staying out of range there.
Clark misses with an uppercut. Rautio saw that one coming.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rautio misses with a straight right.
Clark throws a hook but Rautio blocks it.
Rautio defending well as Clark loads up on a big left hand.
Rautio is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Clark misses with a looping left.
Rautio slips under a jab from Clark.
Rautio fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Clark avoids it really well and circles away.

Clark tries to sprawl but Rautio drives through with a takedown into half guard.
We've been hearing good reports from Clark'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.

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

Rautio is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rautio trying to mount his opponent but Clark defends it.

Clark is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Rautio pulls his head out easily.
Clark is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Rautio tries to pass to full mount but Clark defends it.
Rautio is still trying to improve position.
Clark tries to roll over but Rautio keeps him under control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Clark actively working from the bottom here.
Rautio seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.
Clark tries to get to full guard but Rautio has control of the leg.
Rautio trying to control the action but Clark is working from the bottom.
Clark won't allow Rautio to pass to mount.
Clark wants to improve his position but Rautio is controlling well.
Clark is looking to control Rautio's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Clark avoid being mounted?

Clark is defending against the submission attempts here by Rautio.

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.

Rautio is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Clark defends it well.
Rautio frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Rautio tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
Rautio wants to take his opponent's back but he's not managed it.
Rautio tries to control but Clark wriggling away.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Rautio moves into side control, trying to work for a kimura. That looks painful! Will he finish!!?? No, Clark has worked his arm free - good work by Clark!
Clark gets back to half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Rautio slips a straight right by Clark.
Clark staying out of range there.
Clark shoots for a takedown but Rautio saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.

Clark closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Rautio did well to prevent Clark getting side control.
Rautio is looking to improve his position.

Rautio is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Clark pulls his head out easily.

Clark is working for a kimura but Rautio is defending it quite comfortably.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Clark prevents Rautio from improving his position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Clark is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Rautio wants to control but Clark is keeping busy and won't allow it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rautio is refusing to be controlled, as Clark sits in half guard.

Clark seems to be working for a kimura but Rautio defends the submission attempt.

Clark wants to work for an arm triangle but Rautio is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.

Clark seems to be working for a kimura but Rautio defends the submission attempt.
Rautio wants to improve his position but Clark is controlling well.

Clark is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Rautio trying to hold on to Clark's head to control him but Clark postures up.

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.
Clark looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Rautio has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Clark is working away from the top position though.
Rautio wants to get back to full guard.

Clark is working for a kimura but Rautio is defending it quite comfortably.

Clark is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Rautio is trying to maintain the position but Clark is very close to passing his half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Clark is looking for a kimura but Rautio is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Clark to get the leverage.
Clark wants to pass the guard but Rautio is defending well.
Rautio gets full guard.
Rautio trying to control the position.

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

Rautio looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Clark sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Rautio's guard.
Rautio won't allow Clark to pass to mount.
Rautio is looking to control Clark's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Rautio avoid being mounted?

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Clark is looking for a kimura here.
Clark trying to pass the guard but Rautio defending well.

Rautio is defending against the submission attempts here by Clark.
Rautio manages to get to full guard.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!

Rautio throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Dominic Clark dominated that second round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Clark shoots in for a double leg but Rautio sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Rautio throws a hook but Clark blocks it.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Rautio.

A momentary lapse in concentration from Rautio enables Clark to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Rautio manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.
Clark preventing the sweep.

Rautio is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Rautio 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.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rautio is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Clark preventing the sweep.

Rautio is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Clark trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Clark drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Clark jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Clark passes easily into side control. Nice work.

Clark tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Clark has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
Rautio is trying to get back to half guard.
Rautio prevents Clark from moving into mount.
Rautio is looking to reverse the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rautio struggling a bit here.
Clark tries to move into full mount but can't pass Rautio's legs.
Rautio is looking for a sweep.

Clark is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Rautio knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.

Clark has an Americana. Rautio didn't react quickly enough there and he's in big trouble now! He tries to squirm out but is forced to tap! Clark is delighted and gyrates in front of the ring girls. They seem to like the attention - it'll be interesting to see if Clark hooks up with any of them at the after show party.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:41 of round 3, we have a winner by way of Submission (Americana). Dominic Clark!
Our winner, Dominic Clark, made sure he spent some time buttering up the crowd during his post fight interview, which will no doubt bring him a few more fans.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
35%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Hayate Sakurai (ranked 2051 p4p, 220 weight class) and Yahya Borta (ranked 1779 p4p, 195 weight class). Hayate Sakurai has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Sakurai
vs
Borta

166 cm
26
151 lbs
5 - 4 - 0

175 cm
25
153 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

Powerful takedowns
Basic striking
Very strong

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 4 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Hayate Sakurai!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Yahya Borta!
The judges for this bout are Michael Johnstone, Dirk Anderson and Peter Branson.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Sakurai ducks under a wild hook from Borta.
Sakurai 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.
Sakurai moves out of range as Borta strikes.
Sakurai tries to counter with a takedown but Borta is quick to defend against it.
A jab from Borta misses.
Borta listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Sakurai misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Borta.

Borta rushes Sakurai and presses him up against the cage.
Sakurai tries to pull guard but Borta holds him up against the cage and eventually Sakurai drops back down to his feet.
Sakurai is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Borta creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Sakurai's defenses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A short left from Borta.
Sakurai tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Borta smiles and moves away.
Sakurai connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Borta throws a good cross that connects.
A shot to the body from Sakurai misses
and Borta counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Sakurai connects with a looping right hand.
Sakurai closes this distance looking for a takedown but Borta circles away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Hayate Sakurai. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Sakurai swings for the body but Borta moves out of range.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Sakurai.
Borta looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Borta uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Sakurai.
Borta swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Sakurai swings and misses with a shot to the body
and Sakurai takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.

Borta fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Sakurai, pushing him back against the cage.
Borta misses with a hook to the ribs.

Sakurai manages to pull guard.

Sakurai pushes a forearm under Borta's chin to create some space. He's escaped his hips and pivoted quickly for an armbar! Can he extend the arm? Yes, Borta is tapping out! Damn, that was fast!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:59 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Hayate Sakurai!
A very excited looking Hayate Sakurai made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
53%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Vash Stampede (ranked 1708 p4p, 84 weight class) and Bekithemba Seme (ranked 1595 p4p, 76 weight class). Stampede comes to the cage accompanied by Remember The Name. Both fighters look pumped up here. Let's hope this is a good fight!

Stampede
vs
Seme

176 cm
26
140 lbs
5 - 4 - 0

174 cm
26
141 lbs
5 - 2 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent MT
Very quick

Decent wrestler
Excellent MT
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 4 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Vash Stampede!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 2 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Bekithemba Seme!
The judges for this bout are Sandra Marshall, Daniel Franklin and Bart Greer.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Seme misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Seme misses with a series of wild punches.
Stampede appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
Stampede lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Donk. Stampede catches Seme right on the button with a cross.
Stampede has been working on his boxing with his coaches at Yaw-Yan Ardigma in the buildup to the fight.
Stampede staying out of range there.
Seme takes one to the side of the head.
Stampede throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Seme sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Stampede getting the better of the striking in that exchange.

Seme is rocked!
Seme is looking to score with low kicks.
Seme fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Stampede checks it well.
Seme takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Seme is still on wobbly legs! Can Stampede finish him?
Stampede looks to land a right hand but Seme moved out of range.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Stampede lands with a right that hurts Seme. Seme looks to clinch but Stampede throws a short knee that drops Seme. This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:59 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Punch and Knee). Vash Stampede!
A very excited looking Vash Stampede made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
71%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Isayev Artemovich (ranked 886 p4p, 17 weight class) and Keiki Hale (ranked 2317 p4p, 47 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Artemovich
vs
Hale

180 cm
25
245 lbs
4 - 0 - 0

178 cm
25
260 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

Powerful takedowns
Basic striking
Very strong

Good takedowns
Basic striking
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the super heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 4 - 0 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Isayev Artemovich!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Keiki Hale!
The judges for this bout are Sandra Marshall, Santiago Holmes and Michael Johnstone.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Hale closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
Artemovich has improved his flexibility recently so we will have to see if he can use that to his advantage.
Artemovich can't do much from the bottom here.
Artemovich is looking for a sweep.
Hale looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.

Hale is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Artemovich knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Artemovich tries to improve position but can't.
Artemovich tries to control the position but he's not in luck - Hale easily slips into full mount!
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Artemovich is just holding on here. Hale manages to take his back.
You can see the frustration on Artemovich's face… He knows he is in trouble unless he improves his position sooner rather than later.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Artemovich is staying cool under pressure, defending well against the rear naked choke attempt from his opponent.

Hale working for a choke but Artemovich is defending well.
I really don't envy Artemovich right now.

Hale is looking for the choke from the back position but Artemovich is controlling his hands well.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Hale tightening his grip on Artemovich, looking for the choke.

Artemovich defending nicely against the rear naked choke attempt.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Artemovich rolls and manages to get back to half guard. Nicely done.

Hale has hold of the far side arm. He's working for the Kimura, can Artemovich defend it? Hale steps over the head and cranks it - Artemovich is tapping out! That was textbook stuff right there - nice submission victory for Hale!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:37 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Keiki Hale!
Keiki Hale is the new super heavyweight champion!
Keiki Hale decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
34%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Nick Gracie Jr (ranked 1061 p4p, 52 weight class) and Ricardo Rasgado (ranked 1861 p4p, 94 weight class). Well, I have no idea who's going to take this one!

Gracie Jr
vs
Rasgado

163 cm
26
141 lbs
6 - 3 - 0

171 cm
26
137 lbs
3 - 3 - 0

Powerful takedowns
Basic striking
Very strong

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Heavy handed

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 3 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Nick Gracie Jr!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 3 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Ricardo Rasgado!
The judges for this bout are Peter Branson, Sandra Marshall and Santiago Holmes.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Gracie Jr walks into a stiff left hand from Rasgado.
Gracie Jr swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Rasgado scores with a nice strike.

Rasgado clinches up with Gracie Jr and pushes him back against the cage.
Come on Gracie Jr - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
Gracie Jr looking to stall.
Gracie Jr tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Gracie Jr fails to pull guard.
Rasgado softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Rasgado misses with a hook from the clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rasgado throws a punch but it's blocked by Gracie Jr.
Rasgado lands with a right to the head.
Rasgado throws a punch but it's blocked by Gracie Jr.
Gracie Jr tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Nick Gracie Jr. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Gracie Jr manages to break the clinch.
Gracie Jr has been working on his boxing with his coaches at Yaw-Yan Ardigma in the buildup to the fight.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nice uppercut there from Rasgado.
Rasgado's jab looks to have found its range, popping Gracie Jr under the eye.

It looks like Nick Gracie Jr has been cut.
Gracie Jr misses with a looping left.
Gracie Jr takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.

Rasgado closes the distance and clinches.
Rasgado scores with a hook to the body.
Gracie Jr has Rasgado pressed against the cage.
Gracie Jr stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
Rasgado softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Rasgado lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Rasgado throws a punch but it's blocked by Gracie Jr.
A bit of stalling here from Rasgado.
Rasgado lands on the inside with an uppercut.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Rasgado working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gracie Jr controlling the action here for a moment.
Gracie Jr is stalling here.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Gracie Jr misses with a short punch on the inside.
Rasgado swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Rasgado lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Rasgado lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Rasgado misses with a short punch on the inside.
Rasgado misses with some punches.
Gracie Jr is trying to pull guard but Rasgado turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Gracie Jr looking to stall.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gracie Jr is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Rasgado.
Rasgado lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Gracie Jr is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.

Gracie Jr pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Gracie Jr pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Gracie Jr misses with a takedown
and Rasgado cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Gracie Jr takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Gracie Jr fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Rasgado manages to avoid it.
Rasgado looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Rasgado works Gracie Jr's body with a nice hook.
Gracie Jr takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gracie Jr takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
We've been informed that Rasgado has been working hard on his conditioning in the buildup to the fight.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Rasgado darts in and clinches Gracie Jr up against the cage.
Rasgado misses with the head strike.
Rasgado lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Gracie Jr backwards.
Gracie Jr has Rasgado pushed against the cage.
Rasgado scores with a shot to the side of Gracie Jr's head.
A short right from Rasgado.
A head punch on the inside from Rasgado fails to land.
Rasgado lands with a right to the head.
Gracie Jr content to slow the pace in the clinch.
Rasgado lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Gracie Jr avoiding damage.
Gracie Jr displaying some good clinch control by pressing Rasgado up against the cage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ricardo Rasgado dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Nick Gracie Jr's cut.
That's time! Back to the action!

Rasgado throws a lazy uppercut

and Gracie Jr counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Rasgado!
Rasgado is looking for a sweep.
Rasgado is not content to let Gracie Jr control the position.
Rasgado is trying to improve his position.
Rasgado wants to control but Gracie Jr postures up.

Gracie Jr thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.

Gracie Jr wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Rasgado, who protects the arm well.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Gracie Jr throws an elbow but Rasgado slips to the side and avoids it well.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Rasgado can do anything to dispel that myth.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rasgado is trying to control Gracie Jr's posture but Gracie Jr avoids it.

Gracie Jr tries for a kimura but Rasgado is defending well.
Gracie Jr trying to control the position but Rasgado is working away.
Rasgado is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Gracie Jr trying to control the position but Rasgado is working away.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Rasgado is trying to escape the position but Gracie Jr is controlling the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.

Gracie Jr tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Rasgado is trying to control Gracie Jr's posture but Gracie Jr avoids it.
Rasgado really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Gracie Jr. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.

Gracie Jr tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Gracie Jr has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
Rasgado is looking to regain half guard here but Gracie Jr keeps moving and retains side control.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Rasgado keeps trying to improve his position.
Rasgado is trying to control Gracie Jr's posture but Gracie Jr avoids it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rasgado is letting Gracie Jr control him for a moment.
Rasgado tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Rasgado is not content to let Gracie Jr control the position.
Nick Gracie Jr overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

Gracie Jr tries for a kimura but Rasgado is defending well.

Gracie Jr looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.

Gracie Jr thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

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

Gracie Jr tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Gracie Jr trying to control the action but Rasgado is working from the bottom.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Gracie Jr is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Rasgado knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Nick Gracie Jr dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Nick Gracie Jr's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Rasgado throws a lazy right hand but Gracie Jr sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Gracie Jr throws an overhand right that lands on Rasgado's shoulder, as Rasgado tries to avoid the shot.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Rasgado! But no joy.
Rasgado throws out a loose jab but Gracie Jr uses good head movement to avoid it.
Gracie Jr swings away with a body shot that misses
enabling Rasgado to counter with a crisp jab.
Gracie Jr jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Rasgado catches Gracie Jr with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Rasgado cracks Gracie Jr with a right hand to the side of the head.
Rasgado throws a shot from downtown. Gracie Jr moves away and avoids it.
Rasgado looks to land a left hand but Gracie Jr moved out of range nicely.
Gracie Jr tries to counter with a takedown but Rasgado is quick to defend against it.
Rasgado has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Rasgado swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Gracie Jr half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Gracie Jr looks to score with a jab to the body but Rasgado is just out of range.
Rasgado tries to clinch but Gracie Jr is having none of it.
Gracie Jr misses with a shot to the body
and Rasgado counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Rasgado misses with an uppercut.
Gracie Jr attempts a counter takedown but Rasgado avoids it well and moves away.
Gracie Jr throws a body shot but no joy.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gracie Jr gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Rasgado connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
A slow jab from Gracie Jr misses its intended target.
Rasgado stuns Gracie Jr with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Rasgado punishes Gracie Jr's body with a nice straight punch.
A big right from Rasgado misses.
Rasgado avoids the body shot from Gracie Jr.
Rasgado lands with a cross.
Gracie Jr takes a swing at Rasgado's ribcage but misses.
Rasgado scores with a nice right hand.
Rasgado throws a hook but Gracie Jr blocks it.
Gracie Jr is really struggling to find his range with his punches. Rasgado's reach advantage is clearly causing him problems.
Gracie Jr shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Rasgado but Rasgado pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Rasgado throws a jab but it's blocked by Gracie Jr.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gracie Jr steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Rasgado.
Gracie Jr ducks under a wild hook from Rasgado.
Ricardo Rasgado seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Gracie Jr swings widly with a right hand
enabling Rasgado to counter with a crisp jab.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
A jab from Rasgado finds it's way through Gracie Jr's defenses.

Gracie Jr decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
Gracie Jr trying to pass the guard but Rasgado defending well.

Gracie Jr 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.
Rasgado is looking to improve his position.
Rasgado wants to control but Gracie Jr is keeping busy and won't allow it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gracie Jr is taking a breather. Rasgado 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.
Rasgado is trying to get back to full guard.
Gracie Jr trying to control from half guard but Rasgado is working away.
Gracie Jr thows a huge punch but Rasgado dodges it nicely.

Gracie Jr is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.

Gracie Jr seems to be working for a kimura but Rasgado defends the submission attempt.
Rasgado has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Rasgado is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Rasgado trying to control from the bottom.
Rasgado is looking to improve his position.
Rasgado is in trouble now - Gracie Jr has advanced to mount!
Gracie Jr controlling his opponent.
Gracie Jr misses with a series of strikes from mount. He'll no doubt be working on his ground and pound when he gets back to the gym.

Gracie Jr is working on an americana here. Ooh, that looks pretty nasty! Nope, Rasgado has managed to escape the submission attempt.
Gracie Jr wants to take Rasgado's back but he can't do it this time.

Gracie Jr has isolated one of Rasgado's arms. Rasgado looking to fight him off but Gracie Jr twists into an armbar. It's tight... Will he tap?? YES, he's tapped! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:56 of round 3, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Nick Gracie Jr!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
63%

Main event

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Anthony Romeo (ranked 775 p4p, 105 weight class) and Piet Smit (ranked 1048 p4p, 148 weight class). Smit is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: Baby Got Back. I can't wait for this one - let's get the fighter introductions out of the way and get this one started!

Romeo
vs
Smit

184 cm
26
214 lbs
6 - 2 - 0

188 cm
27
210 lbs
8 - 5 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Very strong

BJJ Brown Belt
Counter fighter
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 6 - 2 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Anthony Romeo!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 5 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Piet Smit!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Franklin, Winston Alpacca and Peter Branson.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A swing and a miss from Romeo.
Smit now looks to counter with a shot at the body.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Smit is trying to drag Romeo to the mat but Romeo just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
A short right from Romeo on the inside.
Romeo digs a right hand into Smit's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Smit's gas tank.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Smit wants a takedown but no success here.

Romeo breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Romeo swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Romeo looks to score with a jab to the body but Smit is just out of range.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Romeo misses with a wild body shot.
Romeo throws a hook but Smit blocks it.
Romeo connects with the punch.

It looks like Piet Smit has been cut.
Smit ducks right into an uppercut from Romeo.
Smit uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Romeo.
Romeo scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.

Smit is rocked!
Romeo misses with a hook. Smit ducked under it nicely.
Smit flicks out a counter leg kick but Romeo steps away.
Romeo drops a shoulder and throws an uppercut that cracks Smit right on the button. Smit goes down! Romeo follows him to the mat and finishes the job with more strikes! Romeo gets the win via TKO!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:37 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Anthony Romeo!
Anthony Romeo took his opportunity to call for a title shot in his post fight interview.
Piet Smit was interviewed post fight and said 'Winning is not everything, it is the only thing!'.