Empire: XVI PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Jerry Ruiz (ranked 24610 p4p, 24532 weight class) and Riaan Pierce (ranked 676 p4p, 694 weight class). Riaan Pierce has the power to score a knockout today if he connects clean with Jerry Ruiz's chin.

Ruiz
vs
Pierce

185 cm
26
180
0 - 2 - 0

188 cm
26
175
0 - 2 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Brawler
KO power

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 2 - 0, fighting out of New York, Jerry Ruiz!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Riaan Pierce!
The judges for this bout are John Kavanagh, John Roberts and Columbo Gatti.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Pierce cracks a nice hook into Ruiz's ribs.
Ruiz fails with an attempt to clinch.
We've been hearing reports that Ruiz has been drilling takedowns in recent sessions so let's see if that has an impact on the result of this fight.
Ruiz shoots in looking for a takedown. Pierce tries to sprawl out of it but Ruiz keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Pierce manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Pierce is looking for the big counter here.
Ruiz throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
A cross from Pierce lands.
Nice shot lands for Pierce.
Ruiz shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.

Pierce lands a left and a right that sends Ruiz crashing to the canvas! Pierce dives into mount looking to finish!

Ruiz is rocked!
This has been an exciting period of action!
Pierce looking to finish here with some ground and pound. He lands one big shot that has Ruiz covering up... and two more big strikes land, forcing the referee to step in and put and end to proceedings! This fight is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:49 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Riaan Pierce!
Riaan Pierce 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
100%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Teppo Taavitsainen (ranked 6602 p4p, 3907 weight class) and Mickey Molton (ranked 579 p4p, 458 weight class). The crowd seem to be enjoying Molton's choice of entrance music: Faneto. I can't wait for this one - let's get the fighter introductions out of the way and get this one started!

Taavitsainen
vs
Molton

185 cm
19
160
3 - 2 - 0

165 cm
23
160
2 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Solid boxing
Cardio machine

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Teppo Taavitsainen!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Mickey Molton!
The judges for this bout are Joseph Jones, Columbo Gatti and Anthony Taglia.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Molton shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Taavitsainen counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Taavitsainen lands a nice shot to the body.
Molton has his takedown stuffed
and Taavitsainen counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Molton doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Taavitsainen makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Teppo Taavitsainen has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Mickey Molton.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Taavitsainen lands the left hand.

Molton clinches with his opponent.

Molton pulls Taavitsainen into guard.
Taavitsainen trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Taavitsainen is looking to work some ground and pound but Molton has wrist control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Molton trying to strike from the bottom but really, it's not the best position to be doing that from!
Taavitsainen chips away with some ground and pound.

Molton looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Taavitsainen working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Taavitsainen will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Molton utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Molton 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.
Taavitsainen preventing the sweep.

Molton looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Molton looking to control.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Taavitsainen stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Molton swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Taavitsainen knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Molton on the ground.
Molton trying to control the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Taavitsainen throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Molton works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Taavitsainen working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Molton's head.

Molton throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.

Molton had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Taavitsainen defends it easily.
Taavitsainen postures up and lands a big shot to Molton's brow.

Molton looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Taavitsainen looking to sit in guard and control but Molton gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

Molton gets to his feet. Taavitsainen looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Molton fails with the takedown
and Taavitsainen counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Molton looks winded!
Molton fails with the takedown
and Taavitsainen counters with a stiff right hand.
Taavitsainen connects with a body shot that sends Molton's belly button to the back.

Taavitsainen lands a big uppercut and Molton crumbles to the floor! The ref thinks about stopping the fight but Molton looks OK. Taavitsainen waves Molton back to his feet!
It looks like Taavitsainen has been trying to sharpen up his punching technique, as it looks crisper than last time we saw him.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Molton tries for a takedown but Taavitsainen circles away easily
letting Taavitsainen counter with a right hand.

Molton is rocked!
Taavitsainen drops Molton with a huge uppercut! Molton drops to the floor like a sack of potatoes. Taavitsainen is raining down punches and the ref stops the fight! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:58 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Teppo Taavitsainen!
A very excited looking Teppo Taavitsainen rambled incoherently for about 5 minutes post fight about how awesome he is. It was kinda funny for a while but then everyone got annoyed.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
45%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Alberto Rossi (ranked 4655 p4p, 6739 weight class) and Donny Jones (ranked 408 p4p, 476 weight class). Rossi kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is FOLKSTONE - Frammenti. 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 Donny Jones was going to win. Let's see if he was right.

Rossi
vs
Jones

171 cm
19
151
2 - 0 - 0

176 cm
19
155
0 - 1 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Basic striking
Hates pizza

Good wrestler
Counter fighter
Determined

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 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Alberto Rossi!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Donny Jones!
The judges for this bout are Reed Andrews, John Kavanagh and Anthony Taglia.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Jones throws a body punch but Rossi moves out of range.

Rossi takes the fight into the clinch.
Rossi is trying to drag Jones to the mat but Jones just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.

Rossi gets a nice trip takedown into half guard.
Rossi has freed up his trapped foot and advances to mount.

Rossi looking for a guillotine from mount but Jones is having none of it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rossi trying to control but Jones is having none of it.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Jones can do anything to dispel that myth.
Rossi is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Jones is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.
Jones is looking to improve his position but Rossi isn't that keen on the idea.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rossi can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Jones is looking to escape.

Rossi wants to finish this one by submission but Jones is holding onto his waist, trying to prevent any attacks from Rossi.
Jones is squirming around, avoiding Rossi's attempts to control the action.
Jones is wriggling around trying to escape.

Rossi is working on an americana here. Ooh, that looks pretty nasty! Nope, Jones has managed to escape the submission attempt.
Rossi trying to control but he's not successful this time.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Jones is working to get back to half guard.
Jones is squirming around, avoiding Rossi's attempts to control the action.
Jones tries to reverse the position but Rossi maintains control.
Jones wants to hold on but Rossi pushes him away.
Jones is looking to get to half guard.
Rossi can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Jones is looking to escape.

Rossi is in full mount, looking to secure a guillotine but Jones is surviving well by controlling Rossi's body position as best he can.

Rossi jumps to side control looking for an arm triangle but Jones manages to avoid the submission attempt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Jones is not content to let Rossi control the position.
Jones is looking to regain half guard here but Rossi keeps moving and retains side control.

Rossi is trying to get an arm triangle but Jones is defending well.
Jones is positioning himself to get back to half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Rossi trying to control the action but Jones is working from the bottom.
Jones is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Jones is still trying to improve position.
Jones is not content to let Rossi control the position.

Rossi in side control, working for a kimura. He's got hold of an arm and he's torquing it... Jones is tapping! That's the end of the fight!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:56 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Alberto Rossi!
An out of breath Alberto Rossi thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
32%

Main event

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Khalabib Magomedov (ranked 3287 p4p, 1561 weight class) and Khalabib Emelianenko (ranked 395 p4p, 201 weight class). Emelianenko has chosen Song for Denise as his entrance music. The key to victory for Khalabib Magomedov has got to be keeping the fight on the feet.

Magomedov
vs
Emelianenko

178 cm
25
155
2 - 0 - 0

180 cm
26
165
4 - 0 - 0

Decent wrestler
Counter fighter
Self confident

Good wrestler
Counter fighter
Very confident

The Dirty Needle Project

Concrete Clothing (Laundry Re Stock Coming Soon)

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Khalabib Magomedov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Khalabib Emelianenko!
The judges for this bout are Chad Campbell, Anthony Taglia and Jonathan Paton.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Magomedov tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Emelianenko was well out of range. Poor timing from Magomedov.
Emelianenko is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.

Magomedov shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Emelianenko is trying to defend but Magomedov finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
Magomedov missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
Magomedov tries to pass to full mount but Emelianenko defends it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Magomedov working Emelianenko over with strikes.
Magomedov throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Magomedov throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Emelianenko tries to kick Magomedov off but Magomedov keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Magomedov missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Magomedov lands strikes from half guard.
Magomedov is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
Emelianenko tries to kick Magomedov off but Magomedov keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Magomedov has been working on his boxing with his coaches at Viking Bizorkers in the buildup to the fight.

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.
Magomedov swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Emelianenko.

Emelianenko gets caught napping as Magomedov dives in and scores a takedown. Emelianenko manages to retain guard.
Magomedov trying to control the position from guard on top but Emelianenko is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Magomedov throws a big elbow that misses.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Magomedov accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Emelianenko is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Magomedov trying to control the position from guard on top but Emelianenko is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

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

Magomedov closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Emelianenko's guard.
Magomedov trying to control the position from guard on top but Emelianenko is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Magomedov stops Emelianenko from standing up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Emelianenko keeping moving, preventing Magomedov from controlling successfully.
Emelianenko is looking to stand up but Magomedov isn't so interested in that idea.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Magomedov throws a strike but Emelianenko rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Khalabib Magomedov dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Magomedov gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily

and Emelianenko counters with a takedown into side control.
Magomedov wants to get back to his feet but Emelianenko is dominant here and he's now got Magomedov's back!
Emelianenko biding his time, controlling Magomedov.
Magomedov is trying to get back to his feet but Emelianenko has full control of the position and if anything, Magomedov has just worked his way into a worse spot.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Emelianenko is controlling his opponent, waiting for an opportunity to finish.
Khalabib Magomedov overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Magomedov is trying to get back to his feet but Emelianenko has full control of the position and if anything, Magomedov has just worked his way into a worse spot.
Magomedov is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Emelianenko can do to turn this around?
Emelianenko controls the action.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Magomedov trying to get back to his feet but Emelianenko is in full control for now.
Emelianenko controlling from the back.
Magomedov is trying to get back to his feet but Emelianenko has full control of the position and if anything, Magomedov has just worked his way into a worse spot.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Emelianenko is looking cool and calm here, just waiting for a good opportunity to attack and finish the fight from this dominant position.
Magomedov is trying to stand back up.
Emelianenko biding his time, looking for the opening.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Magomedov is trying to stand back up.
Emelianenko keeps control of the position easily here as Magomedov tries to buck him off.
Magomedov wants to get back to his feet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

A combination from Magomedov does no damage.
Emelianenko with the counter takedown but Magomedov avoids it easily.
Emelianenko stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Emelianenko wants it to stay on the feet.
And Emelianenko tries to counter it with a takedown but Magomedov pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Nice takedown defense from Emelianenko. No joy for Magomedov on that attempt.

Magomedov shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Emelianenko is trying to defend but Magomedov finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.

Emelianenko kicks Magomedov off and gets back to his feet.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Magomedov fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Emelianenko tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Khalabib Magomedov. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Magomedov shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Emelianenko defends it nicely.
Emelianenko drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Magomedov defends it well.
Magomedov misses with a takedown

and Emelianenko counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Magomedov!
Emelianenko takes a little break here. Magomedov wants to take advantage but he is being controlled well.
Magomedov is looking to get back to his feet here but Emelianenko is keeping cool and he's managed to take Magomedov's back.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Magomedov is trying to stand back up.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Magomedov trying desperately to get back to his feet here but he's not having any joy at all. He's going to tire himself out if he's not careful.
Emelianenko trying to secure his dominant position for a moment - making sure Magomedov doesn't escape.
Magomedov wants to get back to his feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Emelianenko controlling the position well here. Magomedov rolled but Emelianenko kept the hooks locked in and stayed in the dominant position.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!

And that's the end of the fight!
Khalabib Emelianenko comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Emelianenko has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Chad Campbell scores the fight 28:29
Judge Anthony Taglia scores the fight 28:29
Judge Jonathan Paton scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Khalabib Emelianenko!
Khalabib Emelianenko took to the mic in his post fight interview and said 'Translator: I have a lot of respect for Patrick Star, we had a great fight and I wish him all the best.'.