TD 3 PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Joao Francisco (ranked 23856 p4p, 23858 weight class) and Michael Manchester (ranked 452 p4p, 436 weight class). Joao Francisco has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Francisco
vs
Manchester

178 cm
21
155
0 - 3 - 0

170 cm
21
155
1 - 2 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Cuts easily

BJJ White Belt
Decent boxing
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Joao Francisco!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Michael Manchester!
The judges for this bout are Dean Styles, Jorge Garcia and Chad Campbell.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A punch combination from Francisco misses.
Manchester is trying hard to land a takedown here. Francisco sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Francisco is looking for a counter combo.
Joao Francisco seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Manchester looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.

Francisco closes the distance and clinches.

Francisco breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Manchester tries to bum rush Francisco with a series of wild strikes but Francisco uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Francisco swats away the attempt to clinch by Manchester.
Francisco closes the distance and clinches up with Manchester, looking for a takedown. Francisco pushes Manchester against the cage but Manchester circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.

Francisco gets a takedown into half guard.
Manchester scrambles, trying to get to his feet, but Francisco manages to mount him!
This has been an exciting period of action!

Francisco with some aggressive grappling here. He's looking for submissions here, rather than waiting for the opportunity to counter.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Francisco looking to ground and pound his opponent to a finish here.
Francisco content just to control the position here.
Francisco pushing the pace here, looking to move to his opponents back and work for a finish.

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

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:55 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Joao Francisco!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
58%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Jamari Lexington (ranked 5651 p4p, 4686 weight class) and John Robinson (ranked 591 p4p, 536 weight class). Both fighters will be looking to make this an exciting fight for the fans, I'm sure!

Lexington
vs
Robinson

186 cm
25
175
5 - 14 - 0

178 cm
25
180
1 - 2 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Experienced

Decent wrestler
Basic striking
Intelligent

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 5 - 14 - 0, fighting out of New York, Jamari Lexington!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 2 - 0, fighting out of New York, John Robinson!
The judges for this bout are Chad Campbell, John Kavanagh and Bruno Lombardi.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Lexington instigates a clinch.
We can't be sure of the tactics at this early stage but we have heard that Robinson has been working on his takedowns a lot in the buildup to the fight and we can only assume he's going to look to take this to the mat.
Lexington tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Robinson just stands there and leans against the cage.
Robinson tries to throw a body punch but Lexington avoids it by throwing Robinson back against the cage.
Lexington is looking to take this one to the mat.
Robinson tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Lexington's elbow.
Robinson has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Lexington is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Lexington tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Robinson smiles and moves away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jamari Lexington. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Robinson looks to land a right hand but Lexington moved out of range.
Lexington shoots in for a takedown but Robinson shows good takedown defense.
Lexington shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Robinson looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Lexington gets off balance looking for a body kick
and Robinson makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Robinson looks to land a combination but Lexington avoids it well.
Lexington wants to clinch

and Robinson decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Lexington's guard.
Robinson must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Robinson scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Lexington is trying to control the position but Robinson postures up.

Lexington is working actively from the bottom, looking for submissions. He's escaped his hips to the side and he's going for an armbar! Robinson has his hands clasped together but Lexington extends and breaks Robinson's desperate grasp, forcing a tap out due to armbar! Nice BJJ displayed there by Lexington.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:56 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Jamari Lexington!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
72%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Wes Loose (ranked 3704 p4p, 3722 weight class) and Casey Silk (ranked 343 p4p, 345 weight class). Casey Silk has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Loose
vs
Silk

168 cm
25
150
1 - 0 - 0

176 cm
25
152
2 - 1 - 0

Good wrestling
Basic striking
Cuts easily

BJJ Purple Belt
Basic striking
Granite chin

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 New York, Wes Loose!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of New York, Casey Silk!
The judges for this bout are Chad Campbell, Alyssa Summers and Joseph Jones.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Silk shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in side control! That's better than Silk was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
Silk misses with a strike but at least he's keeping busy, looking to cause some damage - that will still help him when it comes to the judges scorecards.
Silk throwing strikes but missing, from side control.
Silk throws an elbow but Loose slips to the side and avoids it well.
Loose is looking to slip a leg under and get half guard but Silk is one step ahead and moves to full mount!
Silk landing punches.
Silk lands with some strikes.
Loose wriggling around on the bottom manages to avoid the strikes thrown by Silk.
Silk postures up and cracks his opponent a couple of times before moving back into close ground control. Loose looks a forlorn figure.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Loose can't escape the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Silk trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Silk is still in mount, landing shots to his trapped opponent. Loose can't stay in a position like this for much longer.

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

Silk wants to finish this one by submission but Loose is holding onto his waist, trying to prevent any attacks from Silk.
Loose wants to hold on but Silk pushes him away.
Loose is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Silk is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.
Silk prevents Loose from getting the reversal.
Loose tries to hold on but Silk postures up.
Loose takes a big shot to the head but keeps on trying to improve his position.
Oh Loose is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Silk drops a big elbow. That's hurt Loose! More shots from Silk and the ref steps in! The fight is over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:24 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Casey Silk!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
50%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Perov Yelisey (ranked 2672 p4p, 24629 weight class) and Dagistani Eagle (ranked 272 p4p, 462 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Yelisey
vs
Eagle

176 cm
21
145
2 - 3 - 0

160 cm
18
145
3 - 3 - 0

Good wrestling
Counter fighter
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Brawler
Solid chin

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 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Perov Yelisey!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 3 - 0, fighting out of London, Dagistani Eagle!
The judges for this bout are Chad Campbell, Jonathan Paton and Franklyn Lucas.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Eagle feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.
Yelisey keeping full guard, as Eagle tries to pass.
Yelisey on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Yelisey tries to get out of the position.
Eagle wants to control from the top but Yelisey keeps moving.
Eagle passes into half guard under a barage of strikes.
Eagle really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Yelisey. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Eagle scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Yelisey regains full guard. Nicely done.
Yelisey is trying to keep Eagle in close.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Eagle throws a strike but Yelisey rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

Eagle wants to sweep here but Yelisey controlling him for the moment.
Yelisey scoring with some ground and pound.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Yelisey keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Eagle's head.
Yelisey trying to control the position from guard on top but Eagle is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Yelisey lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Yelisey working some strikes from top position.
Yelisey is working Eagle over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Eagle is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Yelisey keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Eagle's head.

Eagle working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Yelisey doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Yelisey manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Yelisey landing some decent shots from guard.
Yelisey will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.

Eagle is looking for a triangle but Yelisey pushes his legs off easily.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Yelisey trying to control the position from guard on top but Eagle is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Yelisey cracks Eagle with a solid left hand.
Yelisey is in close to Eagle's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Yelisey is working Eagle over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Eagle bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Yelisey's guard.

Eagle postures up in Yelisey's guard and throws a big left but Yelisey blocks it.
Eagle postures up and lands a big shot to Yelisey's brow.
Yelisey wants to sweep here but Eagle controlling him for the moment.

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

Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Yelisey postures up and lands a big shot to Eagle's brow.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Yelisey lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Eagle looking to hit a scissor sweep but Yelisey is one step ahead there.
Yelisey is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Yelisey is pushing down on Eagle's leg trying to pass to half guard. Eagle is fighting to maintain full guard but Yelisey has managed to sneak the leg through.

Yelisey is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Eagle defends it well.
Yelisey slips a nice elbow through Eagle's hands, connecting with Eagle's forehead.

Yelisey is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Yelisey working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
Yelisey scoring with strikes to the body and head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Yelisey takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Yelisey scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Eagle is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Yelisey scores with a couple of nice shots.

Eagle looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.

Eagle looking for subs from the bottom but Yelisey mounts him!
Yelisey lands a nice shot to the head.

Eagle is rocked!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Eagle wants to control but Yelisey is having none of it.
Eagle felt the need to train up his defensive grappling in the buildup to the fight. Presumably he was expecting to be in a difficult position like this, so let's see if he can get out of it.
Yelisey postures up and connects with a big shot that has rocked Eagle badly. He's trying desperately to grab hold of Yelisey around the waist but Yelisey pushes him off and unloads with more strikes, forcing the referee to jump in and save him! Yelisey is the winner by TKO! Yelisey jumps onto the cage and shouts into the camera. "We did it momma!"

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:58 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Perov Yelisey!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
42%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Ele Meno (ranked 2868 p4p, 4609 weight class) and Paul Mills (ranked 290 p4p, 373 weight class). These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Meno
vs
Mills

171 cm
25
155
2 - 0 - 0

178 cm
23
155
3 - 7 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Good chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Good kicks
Fast

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 New York, Ele Meno!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 7 - 0, fighting out of New York, Paul Mills!
The judges for this bout are Russell Pearce, Steve Montenegro and Jonathan Paton.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Meno is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Mills.
Meno misses the jab.
Mills throws a shot to the body.
Meno missing with a left hand there. Mills was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.

Mills clinches with his opponent.
Meno is pressed up against the cage. Mills has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Meno down to the mat. Meno avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Meno digs a good hook to Mills's body.

Mills has Meno up against the cage in a clinch.
Mills drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Mills goes for a takedown in the clinch but Meno prevents it.
Ele Meno has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Paul Mills.
Mills is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Meno is defending well.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A body shot lands from Meno.
Meno misses with a punch to the body.
Mills is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Meno gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Mills drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Meno stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mills drops down looking for an ankle pick but Meno pulls his leg out and moves away.
Mills shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Meno sprawls well. Meno wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Mills gets slowly back to his feet.
Mills looks winded!
Meno ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Meno tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Mills is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.

Mills moves into the clinch.

Mills manages to pull guard.
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Meno accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.

Mills is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Meno is aware though and is defending well.
Meno looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Meno sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Mills's guard.
Meno has improved his flexibility recently so we will have to see if he can use that to his advantage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Meno prevents Mills from standing back up.
Meno controlling the action here.

Mills actively working from the bottom here.
Mills wants to get back to his feet.
Meno content to control rather than advance.
Mills moves into full guard.
Mills lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

Mills won't allow Meno to sweep him here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mills trying to control but Meno is working from the bottom.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Mills is looking to stand up but Meno won't let him.

Mills gets to his feet. Meno looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!
Mills is looking to clinch.

Mills has closed the distance and engaged Meno in a clinch.
Mills is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Meno is defending well.
Meno is looking to break free of the clinch but Mills has double underhooks.
Mills wants a takedown but no success here.
Meno struggles to land a body shot inside as Mills controls his hands.
Mills has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Meno avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Mills takes a shot to the head.
Mills is looking for a takedown.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mills has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Meno is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Meno wants to get back to striking at distance but Mills won't allow it.
Meno is pressed up against the cage. Mills has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Meno down to the mat. Meno avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Mills fails with an attempt to clinch.
Meno was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Meno scores with a sloppy right hand. Mills should have avoided that one.
Meno lands with a right hand.
Some wild striking there from Meno.
Mills moves in looking to clinch but Meno pushes him off.
Meno misses with a straight left.
Meno fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Mills manages to avoid it.

Mills clinches up with Meno and pushes him back against the cage.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Mills has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Meno after a bit of a struggle.
Meno gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Mills.
Meno tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Mills's elbow.
Mills blocks a body shot from Meno.
Meno gets underhooks to prevent Mills's takedown attempt.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Ele Meno dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Meno misses the shot to the body.

Mills moves into the clinch.
Mills is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Meno tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Mills's elbow.

Mills has double underhooks and is working for a body lock takedown. He's got it. The fighters land in half guard but Meno regains guard immediately.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Mills gets to his feet. Meno looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!
Meno fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Meno looks to clinch
and Mills counters with a left to the body.

Mills takes the fight into the clinch.
Mills has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Meno after a bit of a struggle.
Mills is looking for a takedown.
Ele Meno has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Paul Mills.
Mills changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Meno fights it off and pushes away nicely.
A good leg kick by Mills.
Meno connects with a body shot.
Mills is breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Mills gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Mills has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Meno is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Meno wants to break free but Mills has control.
Mills has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Meno after a bit of a struggle.
Meno prevents a takedown attempt there.
Mills tries for a takedown but Meno manages to get underhooks.
Meno wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.

Meno breaks from the clinch.
Thud! ouch! good body kick from Mills - that will leave a mark!
Meno swats away the attempt to clinch by Mills.
Meno misses with a body shot.
Mills slips a jab from Meno.
Mills moves in looking to clinch but Meno pushes him off.
Meno connects with a right hand. Mills shakes it off.
Paul Mills seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Mills has closed the distance and engaged Meno in a clinch.
Meno gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Mills.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Meno digs a right hand into Mills's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Mills's gas tank.
Meno is trying to stall.
Mills drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Mills blocks a body shot from Meno.
Ele Meno has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Mills drops down looking for an ankle pick but Meno pulls his leg out and moves away.
Mills moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Mills moves in looking to clinch but Meno pushes him off.

Mills has Meno up against the cage in a clinch.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Meno working hard to break the clinch.
Meno is leaning against Mills and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Meno struggles to land a body shot inside as Mills controls his hands.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mills drops down looking for an ankle pick but Meno pulls his leg out and moves away.
Ele Meno is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Meno is looking to clinch.
Meno tries to bum rush Mills with a series of wild strikes but Mills uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Meno misses with a few strikes there.
Meno fails with an attempt to clinch.

Mills gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Mills jumps guard but Meno stands there with Mills around his waist. Mills gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Meno is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Meno lands a shot to the body.
Mills is working for takedown but Meno is calmly controlling the position for now.
Meno tries to throw a body punch but Mills avoids it by throwing Meno back against the cage.
Mills is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Mills has Meno pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Meno manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Meno is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Meno softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.

Mills jumps into guard, dragging Meno to the mat.
Meno trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Meno is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Meno postures up.
Meno controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Meno has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.
Meno trying to control the position from guard on top but Mills is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Mills has his foot on Meno's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Meno works his way back into a safe position though.
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 Ele Meno will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

Mills closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Meno tries a body shot but Mills blocks it.
Mills drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
A right handed body shot lands from Meno.
Mills has Meno pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Meno manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Mills has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Meno after a bit of a struggle.
Ele Meno has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Paul Mills.
Mills has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Meno is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Mills's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Mills jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Meno walks away with a smile on his face. Mills gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Meno connects with a good right hand that stumbles Mills. Mills circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Some wild striking there from Meno.
Mills is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Mills takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Meno gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Meno wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Meno tries a body shot but Mills blocks it.
Meno is trying to push Mills away but Mills has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Meno is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Mills has Meno pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Meno manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Mills is trying to drag Meno to the mat but Meno just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Meno lands a hook that snaps the head of Mills backwards.
Meno is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Mills can do to turn this around?
Meno tries to throw a body punch but Mills avoids it by throwing Meno back against the cage.
Mills is looking for a takedown.
Meno working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Mills tries for a takedown. No joy.
Meno misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Meno is trying to break the clinch but Mills is controlling him.
Mills prevents a body shot from Meno.
Meno scores with a nice hook to the head.
Mills is looking for a takedown.
Meno lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Mills or not.
Mills goes for a takedown attempt but Meno pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Meno throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Meno throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Mills stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Meno throws a body punch but Mills moves out of range.
Meno looks to land a right hand but Mills moved out of range.
Mills uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Meno.
Meno throws out a loose jab but Mills uses good head movement to avoid it.
Meno misses with a straight right.
Mills has done a lot of speed work in the buildup to this fight.
Meno is looking to clinch.

Mills closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Meno is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Mills is trying to control the action in half guard but Meno is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.

Mills stands up and beckons Meno to join him on the feet.
Meno swats away the attempt to clinch by Mills.
Meno throws a body shot but no joy.
A slapping body kick lands there for Mills.
Paul Mills has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's three minutes gone in the round.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Meno misses with a punch to the body.
Mills's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Meno tries to break the clinch but Mills is controlling the position.
Meno throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Mills changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Meno fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Meno misses with a double jab.

Mills pushes Meno up against the cage in a clinch.
Meno can't break the clinch.
Mills has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Meno is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Meno lands a right hand.
Meno wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Mills has him pressed against the cage.
Mills has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Meno is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Meno misses with a short punch on the inside.
Mills has Meno pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Meno manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mills blocks a body shot from Meno.
Mills drops down looking for an ankle pick but Meno pulls his leg out and moves away.
Mills throws a body punch but Meno moves out of range.
Meno tests Mills's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Meno throws a hook but Mills avoids it easily.
Mills feints the counter takedown.
A looping hook to the body misses from Meno. Mills does a little dance to reset his feet.
Meno backing away here, and Mills unleashes a leg kick that just misses.
Mills lands with a good body shot.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Meno swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Mills tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Meno paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Meno misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Mills.
Meno throws a jab when Mills was well out of range.
Mills throws a right hand that Meno ducks under and follows up with a left that Meno also avoids with ease.

Mills clinches up against the cage.
Ele Meno is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Meno trying to control the position but instead, Mills has worked for underhooks and has pushed Meno into the cage.
Mills lands a body shot.

And that's the end of the fight!
Ele Meno showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Meno, 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 Russell Pearce scores the fight 30:27
Judge Steve Montenegro scores the fight 30:27
Judge Jonathan Paton scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Ele Meno!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
47%

Main event

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Kook Connor (ranked 3291 p4p, 2545 weight class) and Zahir Harden (ranked 417 p4p, 333 weight class). There are an array of beautiful celebrities at ringside tonight! I wonder if any of them paid for their tickets.

Connor
vs
Harden

180 cm
25
182
1 - 1 - 0

188 cm
25
180
3 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Big right hand

Decent wrestler
Brawler
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 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of New York, Kook Connor!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Zahir Harden!
The judges for this bout are Chad Campbell, Joseph Jones and John Kavanagh.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Left hook, right uppercut from Connor.

Connor closes the distance and clinches.
Connor scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Connor misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Connor scores with a hook to the body.
Connor is trying to stall.
Harden is working for takedown but Connor is calmly controlling the position for now.
Connor is looking to control Harden's arms but Harden gets an underhook and turns him. Now Connor has his back to the cage.
With the fighters up against the cage, Harden throws an elbow but misses.
A right hook to the body lands for Connor.
Connor struggles to land a body shot inside as Harden controls his hands.

Harden manages to break the clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Connor throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.

Harden closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Connor keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Harden slows the pace down in half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Harden wants to stand but Connor has hold of a leg and an arm, so he's trapped for now.
Harden has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Connor tries to kick Harden off but Harden keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Harden performing his best blanket impression for a moment.

Harden wants to work for an arm triangle but Connor is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Harden not doing much here.
Harden prevents Connor from improving his position.

That's two 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.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Harden lands a nice short elbow.
Harden wants to stand but Connor has hold of a leg and an arm, so he's trapped for now.
Harden looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Connor is trying to maintain the position but Harden is very close to passing his half guard.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Harden in particular looking to stall.
Connor tries to kick Harden off but Harden keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Connor is looking to improve his position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Connor is working hard here to advance position.
Harden scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Connor wants to improve his position but Harden is controlling well.
Still in half guard, Harden seems content to control.
Harden looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Connor with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Connor has hold of Harden's hands but Harden slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Connor is trying to get back to full guard.
Harden working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Harden is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
Harden trying to control the pace.
Connor pushes Harden off looking to stand but Harden dives back in and keeps control.
Connor is trying to control but can't.
Harden slows the pace down in half guard.

Connor is trying to control Harden's posture. Harden takes advantage of the lull and advances to side control. He also appears to have an arm triangle here! Uh oh, big trouble for Connor! Harden is rotating here... this could be the end... Connor is out! Harden has ended this one emphatically! Great submission!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:55 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Arm Triangle). Zahir Harden!