BFA 1 - Pena v Blachowicz PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Facundo Vicuna (ranked 5672 p4p, 5872 weight class) and Yuudai Yanagi (ranked 485 p4p, 493 weight class). Yuudai Yanagi is the more experienced fighter, so let's see if that makes a difference tonight.

Vicuna
vs
Yanagi

173 cm
25
165
0 - 1 - 0

188 cm
25
160
0 - 2 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
KO power

BJJ White Belt
Good kicks
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 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Facundo Vicuna!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 2 - 0, fighting out of London, Yuudai Yanagi!
The judges for this bout are Damien Edna, Ron Honeybunn and Summer Carpenter.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Vicuna takes the fight into the clinch.
Vicuna wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Yanagi has him pressed against the cage.
Yanagi wants to take the fight to the mat but Vicuna manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.

Vicuna breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Yanagi swinging wildly here.

Vicuna has taken the fight to the clinch.
Vicuna is trying to break the clinch but Yanagi has him pressed against the cage.
Yanagi has Vicuna pressed against the cage, preventing Vicuna from circling away and getting back to striking at range.

Vicuna breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Yanagi lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Yanagi pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Yanagi avoids a punch combination nicely.

Vicuna drops Yanagi with a nice combination! Vicuna dives into Yanagi's guard, looking to finish!

Yanagi is rocked!

It looks like Yuudai Yanagi has been cut.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Vicuna prevents Yanagi from getting back to his feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Vicuna stands up from Yanagi's guard - Vicuna perhaps looking for a knockout.
Vicuna throws a sloppy head kick and Yanagi moves out of range easily.
Vicuna shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Yanagi but Yanagi pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Yanagi scores with a one two! Vicuna had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
Yanagi dodges the punch combination from Vicuna.
Vicuna throws a left and a right that both miss
and Yanagi counters with a left and a right that stings Vicuna.
Vicuna swinging wildly here.
Yanagi showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Vicuna.
Yanagi dodges the punch combination from Vicuna.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Vicuna throws a body kick that misses.

Yanagi moves into the clinch successfully.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Vicuna is trying to force a seperation but Yanagi has the dominant position.

Yanagi pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Vicuna wants to clinch up but Yanagi keeps it at a distance.
Vicuna tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Yanagi counters with a left and a right that stings Vicuna.
Yanagi listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Vicuna ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Yanagi moves away.
Facundo Vicuna seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Yanagi tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Yanagi circles away from the clinch attempt
enabling Yanagi to counter with a crisp jab.
Yanagi is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Vicuna has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Yanagi.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Vicuna throws a sloppy head kick and Yanagi moves out of range easily.
Vicuna is breathing heavily.
Yanagi lands with a good body shot.
Yanagi lands with a right hand.
Vicuna swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Yanagi lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Vicuna at a distance.
Vicuna doesn't manage to clinch there - Yanagi circles away.
Yanagi throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Vicuna avoids the clinch attempt nicely.

Vicuna looking for a takedown here - he's got it.

Yanagi scrambles and gets back to his feet.
Yanagi is using his reach advantage to land shots from outside his opponent's range.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Vicuna pushes Yanagi up against the cage in a clinch.
Yanagi tries to pull guard but Vicuna forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Yanagi has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Vicuna is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
We've been informed that Yanagi has been working hard on his conditioning in the buildup to the fight.
Facundo Vicuna has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Yuudai Yanagi.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Yanagi tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Vicuna just stands there and leans against the cage.
Yanagi is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Vicuna tries to break the clinch but Yanagi is controlling the position.
Vicuna is trying to force a seperation but Yanagi has the dominant position.
Vicuna gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Yanagi.

Vicuna breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Yanagi scores with the left hand. Vicuna knows he should have avoided that one.
Nice takedown defense from Yanagi. No joy for Vicuna on that attempt.
Yuudai Yanagi is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Yanagi throws a sloppy head kick and Vicuna moves out of range easily.
Vicuna scores with a nice one two combo and darts back out of range to avoid anything coming in the opposite direction.
Yanagi jabs at Vicuna's body.
Yanagi slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Yuudai Yanagi will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Yuudai Yanagi's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare each other down, ready to get back to the action.

Yanagi lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Vicuna backs up against the cage.
Yanagi wants to clinch.
Yanagi tries to clinch up but Vicuna circles away and keeps his distance.
Vicuna throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Yanagi counters with a nice uppercut.
Yanagi dips to his left and cracks Vicuna with an uppercut!
Yanagi slips a jab from Vicuna.
Yanagi misses with a series of wild punches.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Yanagi drives through and clinches with Vicuna against the cage.
Vicuna wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Yanagi has him pressed against the cage.
Yanagi prevents Vicuna from breaking the clinch.

Yanagi breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Vicuna throws a nice looking combination but Yanagi bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Vicuna lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
Facundo Vicuna is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Yanagi throws a series of punches but Vicuna moves out of range.
Vicuna changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Yanagi tries to avoid it but Vicuna manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Yanagi to the ground. Yanagi escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Vicuna throws a series of punches but Yanagi avoids them all with ease.
Yanagi appeared to try and counter that last move with a leg kick.
Vicuna with a poor takedown
and Yanagi counters with a nice uppercut.
Yanagi slips a jab from Vicuna.
Vicuna has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Yanagi.

Yanagi rushes Vicuna and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Vicuna wants to break the clinch but can't.
Yanagi lands an elbow inside that Vicuna shrugs off.
Yanagi has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Yanagi is looking to control Vicuna's arms but Vicuna gets an underhook and turns him. Now Yanagi has his back to the cage.
The fighters are starting to get sweaty, which will make takedowns a bit more tricky.
Yanagi leaning his opponent against the cage.

Yanagi breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Vicuna moves into the clinch successfully.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Yanagi prevents Vicuna from breaking the clinch.
Vicuna prevents the takedown attempt.

Vicuna escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Vicuna lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Yanagi circles away quickly and effectively.
Nice shot by Yanagi.
Vicuna swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
enabling Yanagi to counter with a crisp jab.
Yanagi connects with a body shot.
Vicuna shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Yanagi cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Facundo Vicuna. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Yanagi lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Yanagi scores with a sloppy right hand. Vicuna should have avoided that one.
Yanagi throws a head kick that looked like it stung.

Vicuna is rocked!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Yanagi lands with a nice body punch.
Vicuna lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
Yanagi darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Oh Vicuna is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Yanagi pounces like a tiger and cracks Vicuna with a vicious hook! Vicuna is down but not out! Yanagi follows up with more strikes forcing the ref to jump in and stop it!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:17 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Punches). Yuudai Yanagi!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
69%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Evan Smith (ranked 4905 p4p, 4731 weight class) and Jose Souza (ranked 548 p4p, 542 weight class). Jose Souza struggled to make weight for this fight. He only made it down to 187.5lbs 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. We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Smith
vs
Souza

185 cm
25
198
0 - 0 - 0

187 cm
25
198
0 - 0 - 0

Good wrestling
Brawler
Very strong

Good takedowns
Excellent boxer
Heavy handed

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Evan Smith!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Jose Souza!
The judges for this bout are Skip Squint, Summer Carpenter and Ron Honeybunn.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Souza goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.

Smith shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Smith stops Souza from getting back to his feet.
Smith throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Smith takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
Smith seems to have a rather negative gameplan on the ground. He seems keen to just score the takedown and hold down Souza for as long as he can get away with.
Smith is thwarting Souza's attempts to control the position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Souza wants to control the action here but instead Smith manages to pass to full mount!

That's one minute gone in the round.

Smith stands up from the dominant position, so we're back on the feet.
Souza throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Souza throws a head kick that misses.
Smith is looking to counter punch.

Smith looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into side control! Oh, that's bad for Souza!
Souza tries to get back to his feet but has found himself mounted instead. Damn, that's gotta suck.
Smith controlling from the full mount.
Smith has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.

Smith working for a submission here. He's tucked his head under his opponent's arm, looking for an arm triangle. He's hopped off into side control, looking to tighten the submission... is it going to work? He's given up a good position looking for it. Souza looks OK. Oh, I spoke too soon, he's out! That must have been tighter than I thought! Excellent work there by Smith! Submission of the night perhaps?

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:57 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Arm Triangle). Evan Smith!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
45%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Jin Yoon Jung (ranked 6056 p4p, 5136 weight class) and Nick Wells (ranked 442 p4p, 407 weight class). Both these guys have solid standup skills and neither is particularly fantastic on the ground, so let's hope for a nice standup war!

Jung
vs
Wells

180 cm
25
145
0 - 1 - 0

180 cm
25
156
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
KO power

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent boxer
Heavy handed

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 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Jin Yoon Jung!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Nick Wells!
The judges for this bout are Darius Henderson, Hugh Johnson and Steve Erwin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Wells throws a right and a left that both miss.
Wells goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Wells closes the distance looking to clinch
and Jung counters with a head kick.

Wells is rocked!
Today's fight clock is brought to you by... OOOH that's a huge shot by Jung! Wells is in big trouble here - the ref steps in to save him and this one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:26 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Jin Yoon Jung!

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 welterweight MMA rules bout between Alex Adesanya (ranked 4914 p4p, 4913 weight class) and Marko Vera (ranked 520 p4p, 521 weight class). We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Adesanya
vs
Vera

188 cm
25
180
0 - 0 - 0

183 cm
25
183
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Decent elbows
Very quick

BJJ Brown Belt
Solid Muay Thai
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 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Alex Adesanya!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Marko Vera!
The judges for this bout are Ben Watson, Topper Green and Donatello Bradman.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Adesanya throws a good cross that connects.
Vera misses with a head kick.
Vera lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Adesanya circles away quickly and effectively.
Vera swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Adesanya counters with a one-two to the body.
Adesanya lunges at Vera with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Vera's hand.
Vera throws a head kick that misses.
Vera throws a body kick, spinning off balance
enabling Adesanya to counter with a crisp jab.
Vera throws a combination that misses
and Adesanya counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Vera throws a sloppy head kick
and Adesanya counters with a two punch combo.
Marko Vera seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Vera throws a series of punches but Adesanya avoids them all with ease.
Adesanya is looking for a counter combo.
The fighters circling - Vera throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
As Vera looks to move away, Adesanya throws a big counter combo but Vera just gets out of the way.
Adesanya connects with a high kick.
A head kick by Vera misses
and Adesanya counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Vera throws a head kick but Adesanya moves out of range.
A little feinted left hand from Adesanya on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.

Adesanya closes the distance and clinches.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Adesanya has moved round to his opponent's back and is looking for a suplex! Oh snap! He's tossed Vera clear over his head and slammed him to the mat!

Vera is trying to get back to his feet. He's worked up on to his knees and now he's on his feet with his head on the canvas, trying to shake Adesanya off. It looks like it's working - Adesanya slides off, much to his dismay, and we're back to standing! Vera displaying calm under pressure there.
Adesanya blocks the body kick.
Vera misses with a double jab
and Adesanya counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Vera swinging wildly here.
Adesanya appears to be looking for a big counter.
Sloppy strikes from Vera. Those never looked like landing.
Adesanya throwing a counter right hand but Vera manages to avoid it.
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!
Vera throws a series of punches but Adesanya avoids them all with ease.
Vera swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Adesanya throws a counter high kick but Vera was just alert enough to avoid it.
Vera throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Adesanya counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Vera throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
It looked like Adesanya wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Vera throws a left and a right that both miss
and Adesanya counters with a stiff right hand.
A left and a right from Vera both land. Nice combination.
Vera misses with a wild combination.
Vera looks winded!
Adesanya drops his hands momentarily and Vera takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Vera swinging wildly here.
Vera tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Vera misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Adesanya looked to counter with a high kick but didn't commit.
Vera throws a sloppy head kick
and Vera takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Vera throws a lazy uppercut
and Adesanya counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Adesanya keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Vera.
Adesanya is looking to counter punch.
Vera throws a head kick that misses
enabling Adesanya to counter with a crisp jab.
Adesanya is really peppering his opponent's head with punches.
Vera throws a lazy uppercut
and Adesanya counters with a nice uppercut.
Vera throws a sloppy head kick and Adesanya moves out of range easily.
Adesanya appears to be looking for a big counter.
Adesanya avoids the head kick by Vera.
Vera throws a leg kick
and Adesanya counters with a straight right hand.
Vera misses with a hook
and Adesanya counters with a straight right hand.
A head kick by Vera misses
and Adesanya connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Vera throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Vera throws a lazy uppercut
enabling Adesanya to counter with a crisp jab.
Vera throws a head kick that misses
and Adesanya cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
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!
Adesanya throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Vera throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
letting Adesanya counter with a right hand.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Vera throws a leg kick
and Adesanya counters with a straight right hand.
Vera throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Adesanya counters with a straight right hand.
Vera misses with a combination
and Adesanya counters with a stiff right hand.
A head kick misses from Vera.
Adesanya is looking for a counter combo.
Adesanya lands with an uppercut that bounces Vera off the cage and back into range.
Vera throws a sloppy head kick and Adesanya moves out of range easily.
Adesanya throws a big counter combination but Vera scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Vera throws a head kick but Adesanya moves out of range.
Adesanya avoids the head kick by Vera.
Adesanya is looking to counter with head kicks.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Vera throws a right hand that misses
and Adesanya counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Adesanya is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.
Vera throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Adesanya lands with a nice body punch.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

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

A head kick by Vera misses
and Adesanya counters with a one-two to the body.
Vera throws a body kick that misses.

Adesanya moves into the clinch.
Adesanya can't break the clinch.

Adesanya has picked Vera up - he's going for a ride! Adesanya dumps his opponent to the mat with a thud and settles into half guard.

Vera kicks off Adesanya and gets to his feet.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Adesanya throws a head kick that misses.
Vera has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Adesanya tries to close the distance and clinch but Vera swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Vera throws a sloppy head kick and Adesanya moves out of range easily.
Adesanya blocks a jab.
Adesanya appears to be looking for a big counter.
Vera throws a series of punches but Adesanya moves out of range.
Adesanya appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
Adesanya blocks a head kick by Vera.
Vera tries to bum rush Adesanya with a series of wild strikes but Adesanya uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Vera is breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Vera throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Adesanya.
Vera throws a head kick that misses
and Adesanya counters with a left to the body.
Adesanya moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Vera throws a lazy head kick
and Vera takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Vera throws a body kick, spinning off balance
enabling Adesanya to counter with a crisp jab.
Vera throws a head kick that misses
and Adesanya counters with a series of strikes. Vera will be more careful next time no doubt.
Vera throws a sloppy head kick
and Adesanya counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Alex Adesanya is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Vera tries a head kick but it misses.
Vera needs to keep his hands up - Adesanya had a free shot at his head there.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Adesanya throws a good cross that connects.

Adesanya has closed the distance and engaged Vera in a clinch.
Vera jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Adesanya walks away with a smile on his face. Vera gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Vera falls off balance throwing a combination
and Adesanya counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Vera misses with a series of wild punches.
Vera throws a left and a right that both miss
enabling Adesanya to counter with a crisp jab.
Vera throws a poor cross that misses
and Adesanya counters with a stiff right hand.
Vera misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Vera throws a lazy head kick
and Adesanya counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Vera takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Vera falls off balance throwing a combination
letting Adesanya counter with a right hand.
Vera misses with a left hand
and Adesanya counters with a stiff right hand.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Vera misses with a combination
and Vera takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Vera throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Adesanya is looking to clinch but Vera is avoiding it.
Alex Adesanya is winning the standup battle so far.
Vera throws a sloppy head kick and Adesanya moves out of range easily.
Adesanya is looking to counter punch.
Adesanya avoids the head kick by Vera.
As Vera looks to move away, Adesanya throws a big counter combo but Vera just gets out of the way.

Adesanya moves into the clinch.
Vera tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Vera tries to pull guard but Adesanya forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Alex Adesanya has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Marko Vera.
Vera tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Adesanya just stands there and leans against the cage.
Adesanya wants to break the clinch but can't.
A left hand lands to the body for Adesanya.
Adesanya is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Vera tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Adesanya just stands there and leans against the cage.
Vera jumps guard but Adesanya stands there with Vera around his waist. Vera gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.

Adesanya lands a takedown into guard.

Vera is edging up against the cage. He's using the cage to get back to his feet. Nice work there - the fighters are clinched.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Vera tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Adesanya just stands there and leans against the cage.
Adesanya lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Vera has Adesanya pressed against the cage, preventing Adesanya from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Adesanya misses with a hook to the ribs.
Vera fails to pull guard.
Vera is trying to pull guard but Adesanya has him pressed against the cage.

Vera pulls guard successfully.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Vera has managed to wall walk up one of the corner posts to get back to his feet. Adesanya is pushing him up against the cage, looking to control the position.
Vera jumps guard but Adesanya stands there with Vera around his waist. Vera gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Alex Adesanya dominated that second round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Vera throws a lazy head kick
and Adesanya cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Adesanya thuds his right hand into Vera's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Vera throws a combination that misses
letting Adesanya counter with a right hand.
Adesanya connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Vera misses with a two punch combination.
Adesanya is looking to counter punch.
Adesanya tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Vera manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Adesanya scores with a nice looking left hook and follows it up with an uppercut!
A head kick by Vera misses
and Adesanya counters with a left to the body.
Vera throws a sloppy head kick and Adesanya moves out of range easily.
Vera swings widly with a right hand
and Adesanya counters with a stiff right hand.
Vera takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
A head kick by Vera misses
and Vera takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Vera misses with a right hand
and Adesanya cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Vera pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Adesanya swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.

Adesanya takes the fight into the clinch.

Vera ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Vera no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.

Vera has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Adesanya can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.

Adesanya got a little sloppy there for a moment and Vera has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Adesanya has managed to get both his arms back between Vera's legs - danger averted.
Adesanya wants to stand but Vera has a closed guard, so he can't escape.

Vera pushes Adesanya off and scrambles back to his feet.
Vera throws a lazy head kick
and Adesanya counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Vera throws a head kick that misses.
Adesanya seem to be loading up, looking for a big counter.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Adesanya fails with an attempt to clinch.
Vera throws a left and a right that both miss
enabling Adesanya to counter with a crisp jab.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Vera throws a right hand that Adesanya ducks under and follows up with a left that Adesanya also avoids with ease.
Vera throws a lazy head kick
and Adesanya counters with a nice uppercut.
Adesanya tries to clinch but Vera moves out of range.
Vera throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Adesanya counters with a straight right hand.
Vera misses with a combination
and Adesanya counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
A head kick by Vera misses
and Adesanya counters with a three punch combo that has Vera backing up. Vera nods at Adesanya to acknowledge the strikes.
Vera falls off balance throwing a combination
and Adesanya connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Adesanya is looking to clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Vera throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Adesanya connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Vera throws a head kick that misses
and Vera takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Vera drops his hands momentarily and Adesanya takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Vera throws a combination that misses
and Adesanya counters with a straight right hand.

Adesanya drives through and clinches with Vera against the cage.
Adesanya tries to break free but Vera pushes him back against the cage.

Vera is fighting off a takedown attempt but Adesanya is just too persistent for him and manages to trip Vera to the mat. Vera regains guard as soon as the fighters hit the mat.

Vera wriggles free and stands up.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Adesanya slips under a jab from Vera.
Vera throws a left and a right that both miss
and Adesanya counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Adesanya avoids the head kick by Vera.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Vera misses with an attempted mid kick.
Adesanya appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
Vera throws a head kick but Adesanya moves out of range.
Adesanya avoids the head kick by Vera.
Adesanya swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Adesanya lands a jab.
A head kick by Vera misses
and Vera takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Vera tries a head kick but it misses.
Vera swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Vera takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Adesanya tries to close the distance and clinch up but Vera swats him away and circles back towards the center.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Adesanya fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Vera, pushing him back against the cage.

Adesanya gets a nice trip takedown into half guard.

Vera manages to escape and get back to his feet!
Marko Vera has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Adesanya lands a really nice looking cross but Vera seems unphased.

And that's the end of the fight!
Alex Adesanya showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Adesanya, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 Ben Watson scores the fight 30:27
Judge Topper Green scores the fight 30:27
Judge Donatello Bradman scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Alex Adesanya!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
88%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Santiago Alvarez (ranked 3278 p4p, 5634 weight class) and Erich Von Blomberg (ranked 405 p4p, 562 weight class). Erich Von Blomberg has the power to score a knockout today if he connects clean with Santiago Alvarez's chin.

Alvarez
vs
Von Blomberg

190 cm
25
215
0 - 0 - 0

190 cm
25
215
0 - 1 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Cuts easily

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent boxing
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Santiago Alvarez!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Erich Von Blomberg!
The judges for this bout are John Mangel, Winston Howard and Darius Henderson.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Von Blomberg throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Alvarez seemed to be looking to counter by closing the distance.
Alvarez showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Von Blomberg.
Von Blomberg throws a combination that misses
and Alvarez counters with a straight right hand.
Alvarez misses with a takedown attempt - Von Blomberg sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Alvarez jabs Von Blomberg to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Erich Von Blomberg seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Some wild striking there from Von Blomberg.
Alvarez fails in his attempt to clinch.
Alvarez wants to clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Alvarez misses with a two punch combination.
Alvarez tries to clinch there but Von Blomberg circles away.
No luck for Alvarez with that takedown attempt.
Von Blomberg throws a right hand that Alvarez ducks under and follows up with a left that Alvarez also avoids with ease.
As Von Blomberg tries to get set, Alvarez tries to push him back and clinch up but Von Blomberg manages to avoid the attempt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Von Blomberg misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Sloppy strikes from Von Blomberg. Those never looked like landing.

Alvarez takes the fight into the clinch.
Von Blomberg looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Alvarez fails to pull the fight into his guard.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Santiago Alvarez. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Alvarez is working for takedown but Von Blomberg is calmly controlling the position for now.
Von Blomberg has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Von Blomberg is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Von Blomberg tries to circle away but Alvarez has him pinned against the cage.
Alvarez tries to pull guard but Von Blomberg holds him up against the cage and eventually Alvarez drops back down to his feet.

Alvarez's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Alvarez throws a wild hook but Von Blomberg just manages to duck under it and - ooooh! Alvarez gets nailed by a brutal uppercut which crumples him back against the cage! The referee jumps in - Von Blomberg raises his hands in celebration and walks away!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:59 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Erich Von Blomberg!
Erich Von Blomberg bigged himself up after the win. The crowd seemed to love 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 lightweight MMA rules bout between Oli Jones (ranked 3014 p4p, 4837 weight class) and Noah Stevenson (ranked 335 p4p, 452 weight class). Oli Jones had real problems making weight for this fight. After initially coming in at 156.0lbs, he had two hours to make the official fight weight. He made it but it will have taken a lot out of him to cut those extra few pounds. Oli Jones has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Jones
vs
Stevenson

180 cm
25
165
1 - 0 - 0

180 cm
25
167
0 - 0 - 0

Good wrestling
Counter fighter
Granite chin

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Inexperienced

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 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Oli Jones!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Noah Stevenson!
The judges for this bout are Francis DeMontford, Darius Henderson and Topper Green.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Stevenson has Jones up against the cage in a clinch.
Come on Stevenson - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
Stevenson has Jones pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Jones manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Jones can't break the clinch.
Jones dodges an elbow strike from Stevenson.
Jones tries for a takedown but Stevenson manages to get underhooks.
Jones drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.

Stevenson gets a nice trip takedown into half guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Stevenson not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Stevenson is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Jones trying to control here.
Stevenson missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Jones actively working from the bottom here.
Stevenson tries to stand but his arm is trapped.
Jones moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Jones pulls Stevenson in close to his closed guard and prevents Stevenson from doing any damage or advancing position.

Jones is looking for a triangle but Stevenson pushes his legs off easily.
Stevenson trying to stand up but can't free himself from Jones's guard.

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.
Stevenson is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Stevenson must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.

Jones has his foot on Stevenson's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Stevenson works his way back into a safe position though.
Jones looking to hit a scissor sweep but Stevenson is one step ahead there.
Stevenson trying to control the position from guard on top but Jones is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Stevenson got a little sloppy there for a moment and Jones has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Stevenson has managed to get both his arms back between Jones's legs - danger averted.
Stevenson engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Stevenson throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Stevenson stopping the sweep attempt from Jones.
Stevenson is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
Jones has control of Stevenson's left arm, preventing Stevenson from doing any damage.

Jones looking for a guillotine here but Stevenson defends easily.

Jones working for a triangle but Stevenson defends it easily.

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.

Jones looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Stevenson is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
Stevenson has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Jones is proving hard to escape from.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!

Jones escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Stevenson gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Jones pulls Stevenson in close to prevent any damage.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Oli Jones dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Stevenson throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Jones's waist but Jones gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Stevenson off to one side.

Stevenson gets caught napping as Jones dives in and scores a takedown. Stevenson manages to retain guard.
Jones seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
Jones wants to get up but he can't break Stevenson's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
Jones trying to control the position from guard on top but Stevenson 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.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Stevenson is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Jones is controlling him.
Jones throwing strikes from guard but Stevenson blocks nicely.
Jones stands and throws Stevenson's legs to the side, diving into side control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Stevenson is looking to regain half guard here but Jones keeps moving and retains side control.
Stevenson really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Jones. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Stevenson is trying to escape and get back to his feet.
You can see the frustration on Stevenson's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Jones trying to control the action but Stevenson is working from the bottom.
Oli Jones overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Jones is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Stevenson is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.

Jones tries for a kimura but Stevenson is defending well.

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.
Jones working away.
Jones passes to full mount! That's big trouble for Stevenson!
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Jones looking for a guillotine from mount but Stevenson is having none of it.
Stevenson is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
Jones controlling from mount.
Jones wants to control the pace but Stevenson is squirming around nicely.
Jones postures up and cracks his opponent a couple of times before moving back into close ground control. Stevenson looks a forlorn figure.
Jones is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Stevenson can do to turn this around?

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Stevenson working to try and regain half guard.
Jones scoring with strikes but Stevenson is staying in there.
Jones wants to control the pace but Stevenson is squirming around nicely.
Jones cracks Stevenson with a nasty head shot there - the crowd let out an audible gasp there, as the noise reverberated around the arena.

Stevenson defends a decent attempt at a guillotine from Jones.
Stevenson tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Jones raining down shots from the mount!
Jones tries to control but Stevenson wriggling away.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Jones lands with some strikes.

Stevenson is rocked!

Jones has hold of an arm here, looking to extend it. He's committed to the armbar attempt here! Will he get it?! Yes! Stevenson is forced to tap!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:36 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Oli Jones!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
32%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Josh Rodriguez (ranked 4514 p4p, 5430 weight class) and Brian Thompson (ranked 526 p4p, 572 weight class). Josh Rodriguez looks tired to me. Hopefully he has got enough gas left in the tank to put in a good performance.

Rodriguez
vs
Thompson

183 cm
25
183
0 - 0 - 0

183 cm
25
197
1 - 1 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Very quick

Good wrestler
Decent boxing
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Josh Rodriguez!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Brian Thompson!
The judges for this bout are Steve Erwin, Donatello Bradman and Damien Edna.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Rodriguez ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Nice takedown defense from Rodriguez. No joy for Thompson on that attempt.
Rodriguez is looking to counter the offense by Thompson and move into the clinch.
Rodriguez shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Thompson as he jumps to the side.
Thompson tries to score a power double leg takedown but Rodriguez sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Thompson somewhat.
Horrible takedown attempt by Thompson or perhaps it was just good defense by Rodriguez, which made it look bad.
Josh Rodriguez has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Brian Thompson.

Thompson throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Rodriguez tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Thompson is in Rodriguez's guard.
Thompson throws a big elbow that misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Thompson throwing strikes but missing.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Thompson is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Rodriguez is breathing heavily.
Rodriguez wants to sweep but no luck.
Thompson is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.

Rodriguez is rocked!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Thompson gets to his feet and stands over Rodriguez, holding his ankles. He dives in with a big left hand that connects! Rodriguez felt that one! Thompson unloads more punches and elbows and this one is over! The ref has dived in to save Rodriguez from any more punishment!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:20 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Brian Thompson!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
59%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Albert Gonzalez (ranked 4209 p4p, 4265 weight class) and Jeremy Johnson (ranked 374 p4p, 377 weight class). Jeremy Johnson is the more experienced fighter, so let's see if that makes a difference tonight.

Gonzalez
vs
Johnson

177 cm
25
146
1 - 0 - 0

170 cm
25
148
2 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid boxing
KO power

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Experienced

Conquer

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 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Albert Gonzalez!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Jeremy Johnson!
The judges for this bout are Chris Dean, Hugh Johnson and Francis DeMontford.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Gonzalez throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Johnson's waist but Johnson gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Gonzalez off to one side.

Gonzalez closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Johnson quickly recovers to half guard.
Gonzalez trying to control the action but Johnson is working from the bottom.
Johnson really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Gonzalez. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Gonzalez has freed up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Johnson holding onto his opponent's waist for dear life, as Gonzalez tries to land some strikes to get him to release his grip.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Gonzalez looking to finish with strikes here!
Johnson is trying to stand but he's just given Gonzalez his back.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gonzalez missing with strikes.
Gonzalez is looking to control Johnson but Johnson is wriggling around and keeping busy.
Gonzalez throwing lazy shots from the back mount that aren't doing any damage.

Gonzalez is working for the rear naked choke. He has one arm under the chin but Johnson has hold of the other arm. A bit of a stalemate here.
Gonzalez tries to keep control of the position but Johnson is staying busy.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Gonzalez looking to break Johnson's wrist control so he can sink in the choke. Johnson remaining controlled and patient though - he really has to keep calm otherwise Gonzalez will wrap this one up with the rear naked choke!

Gonzalez has his hand under the chin of his opponent looking for the choke. He's nearly got it! This one could be all over! But no, Johnson has freed his hand and lives to survive another… well, another couple of seconds at least!
Johnson wants to get back to his feet.
Gonzalez tries to get the hooks in deep but Johnson pushed the leg off.

Gonzalez looking for the choke but no joy.

Gonzalez looking for the RNC.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Gonzalez patiently working for the choke. Which fighter will keep their nerve here?
You know, I was talking to some of our celebrities at ringside tonight and they were split right down the middle on who was going to win this fight.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Gonzalez looking for the RNC.
Gonzalez is looking to finish with some ground and pound!
Johnson trying to get back to his feet but Gonzalez is in full control for now.

Gonzalez is staying calm and holding on to the back position, whilst working on a rear naked choke. Johnson is defending well though. Gonzalez let's go of the attempt for now.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Johnson wants to get back to his feet.
What can Johnson do to escape this position? He's going to have to figure it out pretty quick if he wants to stay in the fight!
Gonzalez trying desperately to keep hold of the dominant position.
Johnson trying to get back to his feet but Gonzalez is in full control for now.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Gonzalez trying to control momentarily.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Albert Gonzalez dominated that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare each other down, ready to get back to the action.

Gonzalez fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Gonzalez dives in for a single leg takedown but Johnson sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.

Gonzalez wants the takedown. Johnson is fighting it off but Gonzalez persists and manages to bring the fight to the ground, ending up in Johnson's guard against the cage.
Gonzalez slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Johnson is looking to get back to his feet here but Gonzalez is keeping cool and he's managed to take Johnson's back.
Johnson wants to get back to his feet.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Gonzalez working for a choke but Johnson is defending well.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Johnson showing good submission defense here.
Johnson is trying to get back to his feet but Gonzalez has full control of the position and if anything, Johnson has just worked his way into a worse spot.

Gonzalez patiently working for the choke. Which fighter will keep their nerve here?

Gonzalez patiently working for the choke. Which fighter will keep their nerve here?
Johnson is trying to get back to his feet but he's not managed it yet.

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.
Gonzalez missing with punches from the back.
Johnson is trying to stand back up.
Gonzalez wants to control but Johnson is keeping busy.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Johnson avoids the strikes from Gonzalez.
Johnson looking very determined here, making life difficult for Gonzalez.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Johnson covering up well and avoiding damage.

That's four 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.
Gonzalez biding his time, controlling Johnson.
The crowd hopeful of a finish here - Gonzalez's supporters are on their feet, screaming for him to go for the rear naked choke.

Gonzalez has his hand under the chin of his opponent looking for the choke. He's nearly got it! This one could be all over! But no, Johnson has freed his hand and lives to survive another… well, another couple of seconds at least!
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!

Johnson showing good submission defense here.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Albert Gonzalez dominated that second round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Johnson connects with a high kick.
Gonzalez fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Johnson throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Albert Gonzalez is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

Gonzalez moves into the clinch successfully.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Johnson has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Gonzalez after a bit of a struggle.
Johnson is trying to force a seperation but Gonzalez has the dominant position.
Johnson looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Johnson tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Gonzalez just stands there and leans against the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Johnson tries to pull guard but Gonzalez holds him up against the cage and eventually Johnson drops back down to his feet.
Albert Gonzalez has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jeremy Johnson.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
Johnson tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Gonzalez just stands there and leans against the cage.
Johnson tries to circle away but Gonzalez has him pinned against the cage.
Johnson fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Gonzalez has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Johnson is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Johnson drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Gonzalez missing with knees to the body.

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.
Johnson can't break the clinch.
Johnson is trying to pull guard but Gonzalez turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Gonzalez has Johnson pressed against the cage, preventing Johnson from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Gonzalez gets through Johnson's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Gonzalez scores with a hook to the body.
Johnson jumps guard but Gonzalez turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Johnson tries to pull guard but Gonzalez won't allow it.

Gonzalez pulls Johnson into guard.
Gonzalez controls Johnson momentarily but Johnson frees himself.

Gonzalez is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Johnson is aware though and is defending well.
Gonzalez has Johnson pulled in close to control his posture.

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

Johnson utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Gonzalez wants to control from the top but Johnson keeps moving.
Gonzalez slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Johnson is trying to buck Gonzalez off.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gonzalez lands a few punches from side control.
Gonzalez trying to control the position but Johnson is working away.

Gonzalez is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Johnson is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Johnson is not content to let Gonzalez control the position.

And that's the end of the fight!
Albert Gonzalez showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Gonzalez, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 Chris Dean scores the fight 30:27
Judge Hugh Johnson scores the fight 30:27
Judge Francis DeMontford scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Albert Gonzalez!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
23%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Archie Aonghas (ranked 3521 p4p, 3985 weight class) and Jose Oliveira (ranked 386 p4p, 419 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Aonghas
vs
Oliveira

217 cm
25
264
2 - 0 - 0

200 cm
25
255
2 - 1 - 0

Good takedowns
Counter fighter
Cuts easily

Powerful takedowns
Brawler
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Archie Aonghas!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Jose Oliveira!
The judges for this bout are Chris Dean, Topper Green and Ron Honeybunn.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Aonghas scores with a crisp jab that stopped Oliveira in his tracks.

Oliveira closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.

Aonghas actively working from the bottom here.
Aonghas is staying active underneath Oliveira, who seems content to just control the action from this position.

Oliveira wants to work for an arm triangle but Aonghas is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Aonghas is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Aonghas is not content to let Oliveira control the position.
Aonghas wants to get back to his feet.
Oliveira wants to lay and pray for a moment but Aonghas keeps working.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Oliveira has freed up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Oliveira wants to take his opponent's back but he's not managed it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Oliveira works his way to his opponent's back.
Oliveira trying desperately to keep hold of the dominant position.

Oliveira looking for the RNC.
Oliveira tries to get the hooks in deep but Aonghas pushed the leg off.
Oliveira gets his hands free as Aonghas looks to control.
Oliveira tries to get the hooks in deep but Aonghas pushed the leg off.

Oliveira is cranking Aonghas's head sideways - that looks painful. He's managed to get his other arm under the chin and this looks bad for Aonghas! He's tightened the choke and Aonghas is tapping out!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:57 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Jose Oliveira!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
48%

Main event

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Jorge Pena (ranked 3865 p4p, 3277 weight class) and Aleksandar Blachowicz (ranked 410 p4p, 360 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Pena
vs
Blachowicz

175 cm
25
165
1 - 0 - 0

180 cm
25
165
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Big heart

Decent wrestler
Decent boxing
Heavy handed

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 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Jorge Pena!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Aleksandar Blachowicz!
The judges for this bout are Francis DeMontford, Ron Honeybunn and John Mangel.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Pena throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Blachowicz appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Pena goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Blachowicz throws a counter combo.
Pena throws a head kick that misses.
Pena tries to clinch but Blachowicz moves out of range.
Blachowicz throws a counter combo.
Pena looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Pena tries to clinch but fails miserably

and Blachowicz counters with a nice double leg into side control. Pena won't be happy with that.

Pena throws his opponent off and manages to get back to his feet! Nicely done!
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Pena will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Blachowicz lands a body shot.

Pena moves into the clinch.

Pena pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Blachowicz misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Blachowicz ducks under a wild hook from Pena.

Pena rushes Blachowicz and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.

Pena escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Pena throws a hook to the side of Blachowicz's head but Blachowicz sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
A countering left hand to the body from Blachowicz misses.
Pena misses with a head kick.
Blachowicz is looking for the big counter here.
Blachowicz closes the distance and clinches up with Pena, looking for a takedown. Blachowicz pushes Pena against the cage but Pena circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
It looked like Pena was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Blachowicz.
Pena misses the jab.
Blachowicz is looking for the big counter here.
Pena scores with the left hand. Blachowicz knows he should have avoided that one.
Pena throws a leg kick but Blachowicz sees it coming and checks it nicely.

Pena has closed the distance and engaged Blachowicz in a clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Pena manages to break the clinch.
Jorge Pena seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Blachowicz looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into side control! Oh, that's bad for Pena!

Pena throws his opponent off and manages to get back to his feet! Nicely done!
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Pena dips to his left and cracks Blachowicz with an uppercut!
Pena tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Blachowicz paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Blachowicz unleashes a big counter combination but Pena bobs and weaves and avoids any damage.
Pena misses with a looping right.
Pena swinging wildly here.
Blachowicz is looking for the big counter here.
Pena misses with a two punch combination.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Pena throws a nice looking combination but Blachowicz bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Blachowicz throws a counter combo.
Pena shuffles to his left behind two crisp jabs. Blachowicz eats them both and turns towards Pena to reposition himself and eats a stinging right hand-left hook combo.
Pena is breathing heavily.
Pena swinging wildly here.
A nice side step and Blachowicz releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.
Pena throws a series of punches but Blachowicz moves out of range.
Pena will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
A little jabbing left from Blachowicz on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Pena misses with a combination

and Blachowicz counters with a nice double leg into side control. Pena won't be happy with that.

Blachowicz decides to stand back up.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Pena tries to close the distance and clinch up but Blachowicz swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Blachowicz is looking for the big counter here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Blachowicz tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Pena defends well and Blachowicz ends up having to push Pena into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Jorge Pena has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Aleksandar Blachowicz.
Pena throws a left and a right that both miss
and Blachowicz counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Pena looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Blachowicz looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Blachowicz uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Pena.
Blachowicz let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
A big left from Pena misses.
Blachowicz lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.
Pena pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Blachowicz appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Pena tries a head kick but it misses.

Blachowicz shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in side control! That's better than Blachowicz was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
The strikes coming from Blachowicz are missing the target in this wave of attacks.
Blachowicz trying to control the position but Pena is working away.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jorge Pena dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Blachowicz gets a takedown into half guard.
Pena blocking the ground and pound attempt from Blachowicz.

Blachowicz is working for a kimura from half guard. He's really concentrating on the hold and it's allowed Pena to slip a leg under and get back to full guard.
Blachowicz in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Pena avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Jorge Pena overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Blachowicz throws a strike but Pena rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

Blachowicz is looking to stand back up... there's a bit of a scramble and Pena dives into side control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Blachowicz wants to get back to his feet but Pena is dominant here and he's now got Blachowicz's back!

Pena has Blachowicz's back but decides to stand back up... Obviously he fancies his chances in the standup department!

Blachowicz fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Pena to the ground. Blachowicz is now in Pena's guard.

Pena manages to escape and get back to his feet.
Blachowicz avoids a punch combination nicely.
Blachowicz lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Blachowicz avoids a punch combination nicely.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Pena throws a right hand that Blachowicz ducks under and follows up with a left that Blachowicz also avoids with ease.
Pena tries to bum rush Blachowicz with a series of wild strikes but Blachowicz uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Blachowicz lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Blachowicz stalks Pena and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Pena's face. Pena staggers backwards, shaken.
Pena falls off balance throwing a combination
and Blachowicz counters with a lovely straight right hand!

Blachowicz looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Pena utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Blachowicz wants to control from the top but Pena keeps moving.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Blachowicz throws a strike but Pena rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

Blachowicz wriggles free and stands up.
Pena tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Pena tries to clinch but Blachowicz moves out of range.
Blachowicz throws out a counter right but Pena avoids it with no problem.

Blachowicz throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Pena tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Blachowicz is in Pena's guard.
Blachowicz throws an elbow that misses. Pena uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Blachowicz's guard. Nice move by Pena!

Blachowicz wants to stand and escape but Pena is having none of it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
We've been hearing that Pena has been drilling a lot of ground and pound in training, so let's see if he get the finish.
Blachowicz is looking to stand back up... there's a bit of a scramble and Pena dives into side control.

Blachowicz bucks up and manages to escape back to his feet!
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Pena misses with a wild combination.
As Pena backs off Blachowicz throws a huge counter combo but Pena manages to avoid it all.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Jorge Pena will probably get the nod.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. And we move into the final round!

Pena tries to clinch but Blachowicz is having none of it.
A slow jab from Pena misses its intended target.
Blachowicz changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Pena throws a jab when Blachowicz was well out of range.
Jorge Pena is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Pena takes a swing at Blachowicz's ribcage but misses.
Blachowicz fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Pena tries to counter with a takedown but Blachowicz is quick to defend against it.
Pena is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Blachowicz unleashes a big counter combination but Pena bobs and weaves and avoids any damage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Pena tries to clinch up.
Pena misses with a double jab
and Blachowicz counters with a left and a right that stings Pena.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Pena moves into the clinch successfully.
Blachowicz is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Pena gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Blachowicz has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Pena is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Jorge Pena has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Aleksandar Blachowicz.

Pena breaks from the clinch.
Pena misses with a wild combination.
A countering left hand to the body from Blachowicz misses.
Blachowicz avoids a punch combination nicely.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Pena wants to clinch up but Blachowicz keeps it at a distance.

Pena knocks Blachowicz to the floor with a head kick! Can he finish him!?
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Blachowicz is trying to buck Pena off.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Blachowicz explodes and escapes back to his feet! Nice escape there!
A slapping leg kick lands for Pena.
Pena moves in looking to clinch but Blachowicz pushes him off.
Pena loads up on a big right hand but Blachowicz slips the punch.
Jorge Pena is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Pena looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Pena tries to close the distance and clinch up but Blachowicz swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Blachowicz with the counter takedown but Pena avoids it easily.
Pena is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Blachowicz.
Pena throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Blachowicz counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Blachowicz fails miserably with a takedown attempt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Blachowicz gets the takedown into side control.

Pena sneaks out the side door and pushes Blachowicz away - he's back to his feet. The crowd show their appreciation for the escape.
Pena is looking to clinch.
Blachowicz let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
Blachowicz dodges the punch combination from Pena.
Blachowicz doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
Blachowicz ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Pena is looking to clinch but Blachowicz is avoiding it.
Blachowicz looks like he wanted to counter with a high kick but didn't throw it.
Blachowicz is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Pena rather than just go for the knockout.
Pena throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Blachowicz.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Blachowicz pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Pena tries a head kick but it misses.
Blachowicz unleashes a big counter combination but Pena bobs and weaves and avoids any damage.
Pena throws a push kick but Blachowicz slaps the foot to one side.
Jorge Pena is winning the standup battle so far.
Blachowicz dives in for a single leg takedown but Pena sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Pena throws a series of punches but Blachowicz avoids them all with ease.
Blachowicz unleashes a big counter combination but Pena bobs and weaves and avoids any damage.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Blachowicz.
Blachowicz fails to land a wild elbow strike.
Blachowicz working the ground and pound.

And that's the end of the fight!
Jorge Pena showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Pena 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 Francis DeMontford scores the fight 30:28
Judge Ron Honeybunn scores the fight 29:28
Judge John Mangel scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jorge Pena!
Our winner, Jorge Pena, 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.