QFC Tournament 1187 Round 2 PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Antilliar Mantiinium (ranked 4230 p4p, 4296 weight class) and Dalton Laxson (ranked 252 p4p, 0 weight class). There are an array of beautiful celebrities at ringside tonight! I wonder if any of them paid for their tickets.

Mantiinium
vs
Laxson

165 cm
18
135
1 - 0 - 0

162 cm
18
140
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Brawler
KO power

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Antilliar Mantiinium!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Dalton Laxson!
The judges for this bout are Yuuki Gou, Shigeki Sano and Sosuke Kotani.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Mantiinium has managed to clinch.

Laxson manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.
Mantiinium trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Mantiinium trying to control the position from guard on top but Laxson is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Mantiinium working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Laxson trying to control the position.

Laxson working for a triangle but Mantiinium defends it easily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Mantiinium avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mantiinium looking to sit in guard and control but Laxson gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

Laxson looking to pass the guard.
Laxson wants to control from the top but Mantiinium keeps moving.
Laxson slips nicely into half guard, despite the strikes coming from Mantiinium.
Laxson trying to control the action but Mantiinium is working from the bottom.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mantiinium trying to control here.
Laxson is taking a breather. Mantiinium says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.
Laxson prevents Mantiinium from improving his position.
Laxson is figuring out what he wants to do next.
Mantiinium pushes Laxson off looking to stand but Laxson dives back in and keeps control.
Laxson seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Mantiinium actively working from the bottom here.
Mantiinium tries to get to full guard but Laxson has control of the leg.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.

Laxson moves into range and clinches up with Mantiinium.
Mantiinium wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Laxson misses with a punch to the body.

Laxson breaks from the clinch.
Mantiinium shoots in and drives through. Laxson sprawls well.
Mantiinium scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mantiinium misses with a kick to the body.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Laxson crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Mantiinium - the referee stops the clock and Laxson gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Mantiinium. Laxson manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
Laxson misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Mantiinium.
Mantiinium is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Laxson.
Laxson fails to land the takedown.

Laxson moves into the clinch.

Laxson gets a nice trip takedown into half guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Mantiinium trying to control from the bottom.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!

Laxson escapes and gets back to his feet.
Mantiinium fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Laxson steps in looking to clinch after the strikes miss from Mantiinium.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Dalton Laxson dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Laxson shoots in but Mantiinium avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Mantiinium fails to land the takedown.
Mantiinium connects with a single shot there.
Laxson shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
enabling Mantiinium to counter with a crisp jab.

Laxson shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Mantiinium is trying to defend but Laxson finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Mantiinium is looking to control Laxson's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Mantiinium avoid being mounted?

That's one minute gone in the round.
Laxson is pressing down on Mantiinium's thigh, looking to free his foot. Mantiinium is holding on for now.

Laxson seems to be working for a kimura but Mantiinium defends the submission attempt.
Mantiinium tries to get to full guard but Laxson has control of the leg.
Dalton Laxson has got the better of the ground game so far.
Laxson is keen to just control but Mantiinium is a slippery customer.
Mantiinium is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.

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.
Mantiinium keeps control of the position for the meantime.
Laxson wants to free his trapped foot but Mantiinium is holding on for dear life with his legs.

Laxson is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Mantiinium doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Laxson.
Mantiinium is looking for a sweep. Laxson is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Laxson is taking a breather. Mantiinium says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.
Mantiinium wants to improve his position but Laxson is controlling well.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.

Mantiinium gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Laxson to score an easy takedown into full guard.
Laxson not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Laxson passes easily into side control. Nice work.

Laxson decides to take the fight back to the feet.

Laxson feints and as Mantiinium raises his hands in defense, Laxson changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Laxson stopping the sweep attempt from Mantiinium.

Laxson drops back looking for a leg! Mantiinium is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Mantiinium manages to kick Laxson off! Laxson jumps back into Mantiinium's guard.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Mantiinium lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Dalton Laxson showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

Mantiinium doesn't manage to clinch there - Laxson circles away.
Mantiinium defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Laxson.
Laxson has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Laxson is looking to clinch.
Laxson fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Mantiinium is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Laxson.
Laxson keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Mantiinium fails to pull guard.
Come on Mantiinium - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
Laxson is struggling to control the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mantiinium fails to pull guard.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Antilliar Mantiinium. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Mantiinium gets underhooks to prevent Laxson's takedown attempt.

Laxson's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Mantiinium tries to clinch but Laxson moves out of range.
Laxson defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Mantiinium.
Laxson lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.
Laxson fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Mantiinium tries to counter by clinching up but Laxson breaks away and moves out of range.
Mantiinium tries to clinch up.

Laxson pushes Mantiinium up against the cage in a clinch.
Mantiinium is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Laxson gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Laxson tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Laxson jumps guard but Mantiinium turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Laxson takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Mantiinium is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Laxson gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Mantiinium wants to stall.
Mantiinium wants a takedown but no success here.

Mantiinium pulls guard successfully.
Mantiinium wants to stand and escape but Laxson is having none of it.
Laxson is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.

Laxson stands up and waves to Mantiinium to follow him.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Laxson tries to close the distance and clinch up but Mantiinium swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Mantiinium shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Laxson but Laxson pushes him off and we're back to square one.

Laxson bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
Mantiinium tries to get back to his feet but has found himself mounted instead. Damn, that's gotta suck.
Laxson moves to back control.
Laxson has the hooks sunk in and you can see the will to fight slowly draining out of Mantiinium's body.
Mantiinium trying to control the position but Laxson manages to sink in the hooks.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Laxson working from the back looking to end the fight with a rear naked choke. Mantiinium is doing well to defend. Laxson seems to have got his hand under the chin though and he's sunk the choke in! Mantiinium is forced to tap and this one is over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:31 of round 3, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Dalton Laxson!
Dalton Laxson decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
40%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Panda Cuchi (ranked 4229 p4p, 4145 weight class) and Jae Lee (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Jae Lee has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Cuchi
vs
Lee

176 cm
18
145
1 - 0 - 0

183 cm
20
135
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
KO power

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Panda Cuchi!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Jae Lee!
The judges for this bout are Tatsuya Matsuyama, Kenichi Hosakawa and Yuuki Gou.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Lee clinches up with Cuchi and pushes him back against the cage.
Cuchi is trying to pull guard but Lee has him pressed against the cage.
Cuchi tries to pull guard but Lee won't allow it.

Lee has Cuchi pressed up against the cage. He's trying to work for a single leg takedown. Lee pulls back from the cage and twists to the side, sending Cuchi tumbling to the mat - Lee dives into Cuchi's guard.
Lee is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Lee lands a couple of elbows.

Lee stands up from Cuchi's guard - Lee perhaps looking for a knockout.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cuchi stuffs the takedown attempt from Lee. Lee gets slowly back to his feet.
Cuchi misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Lee.
Lee tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Cuchi defends well and Lee ends up having to push Cuchi into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
A little feinted left hand from Cuchi on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Lee closes the distance and pushes Cuchi back into the cage.
Lee is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.

Lee pulls guard effortlessly.
Lee looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
Lee keeping moving, preventing Cuchi from controlling successfully.
Cuchi wants to get up but he can't break Lee's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
Lee controlling the position.

Lee has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Cuchi can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Cuchi wants to stand but Lee is controlling his posture from full guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cuchi trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Cuchi wants to stand but Lee is controlling his posture from full guard.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.

Lee drives through with a takedown into guard.
Lee won't allow Cuchi to get back to his feet.

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

Lee stands up from guard. Let's bang!

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Lee gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Cuchi doesn't land with the attempted body shot.

Lee manages to break the clinch.
Lee throws a sloppy head kick and Cuchi moves out of range easily.
Cuchi scores with a one two! Lee had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.

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

The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Lee avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Lee sitting in guard, not really doing much.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Cuchi preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Cuchi trying to control the position.
Lee works over Cuchi with some ground and pound from guard.
Lee controlling from the top position.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Cuchi throws his legs up looking for a submission but Lee uses it to pass to side control.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

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

Cuchi misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Cuchi swinging wildly here.

Lee drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.

Cuchi throws his legs up looking to secure a triangle. Oh, that looks pretty tight, I gotta say! Lee escapes and throws Cuchi's legs to the side, diving into side control!

Lee working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cuchi tries to improve position but can't.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lee slows the pace down.

Lee working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Cuchi is trying to stand back up. He's worked his way up against the cage but Lee has just dragged him back down to the mat.
Jae Lee has got the better of the ground game so far.

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

Lee working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Lee is maintaining the dominant position - no doubt Cuchi will start to get frustrated soon if he's not already.

Lee decides to stand back up.

Lee rushes Cuchi and presses him up against the cage.
Lee is looking for a takedown.
Cuchi wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Lee has him pressed against the cage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Lee wants the takedown. Cuchi is fighting it off but Lee persists and manages to bring the fight to the ground, ending up in Cuchi's guard against the cage.
Lee throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Cuchi works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Lee is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.

Cuchi is active off his back here, looking for submissions.

Cuchi had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Lee defends it easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Lee sitting in guard, not really doing much.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Panda Cuchi is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

Lee closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Lee lands in his opponent's guard.
Cuchi is wriggling around but Lee manages to pass to half guard.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!

Lee stalling.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jae Lee showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Back to the action! Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Lee closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Cuchi's guard.
Cuchi is wriggling around but Lee manages to pass to half guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Cuchi wants to improve his position but Lee is controlling well.
Lee is looking to pass the guard... He's managed it - he's now in full mount!
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Lee is landing with some decent strikes but Cuchi is trying to advance his position so the referee is letting the fight continue.

Lee get's back to his feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cuchi lands with a nice combination. Lee backs away looking to recover.

Lee shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
Lee moves nicely into side control.

Lee is trying to get an arm triangle but Cuchi is defending well.
Lee connects with a decent looking elbow from side control that caused Cuchi some visible discomfort.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Lee creates some space and throws a big elbow, but Cuchi sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.
Cuchi seems a little lost for a moment, as Lee dominates the positioning.

Lee decides to stand up, so the ref orders Cuchi to his feet.
Cuchi throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Lee shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Cuchi pinned against the cage. Cuchi gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Cuchi appears to be looking for a big counter.
Lee takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

Lee dives in and scores a takedown into Cuchi's guard.
Lee has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
This has been an exciting period of action!

Lee drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Lee jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Cuchi looks to be working for a triangle here. Oh, it looks like he might have it! Lee has picked Cuchi up and slammed him! Cuchi can't keep hold of the triangle and Lee manages to pass to side control!
Lee controlling from side mount.

Lee stands up and we're back to a striking position.

Lee moves into range and clinches up with Cuchi.
Cuchi tries to pull guard but Lee holds him up against the cage and eventually Cuchi drops back down to his feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Lee ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Lee no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.
Lee is adopting a defensive guard.
Lee's corner are shouting for him to control the position and he seems happy to oblige.
Lee looking to hit a scissor sweep but Cuchi is one step ahead there.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

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

And that's the end of the fight!
Jae Lee comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Lee winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Tatsuya Matsuyama scores the fight for Jae Lee!
Judge Kenichi Hosakawa scores the fight for Jae Lee!
Judge Yuuki Gou scores the fight for Jae Lee!

Jae Lee wins by unanimous decision!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
34%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Leonard Messi (ranked 4060 p4p, 3121 weight class) and Jaeden Esparza (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Messi
vs
Esparza

165 cm
23
145
1 - 0 - 0

170 cm
23
142
1 - 0 - 0

Decent wrestler
Brawler
KO power

BJJ White Belt
Decent boxing
Heavy handed

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Leonard Messi!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Jaeden Esparza!
The judges for this bout are Shigeki Fujiwara, Yasuomi Hirokawa and Taro Takaoka.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Esparza misses with a jab, cross combination.
Messi blocks a head kick by Esparza.
Esparza fails with a takedown attempt.
Esparza throws a sloppy head kick and Messi moves out of range easily.
Messi misses with a head kick.
Esparza drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Messi defends it well.
Esparza misses with a takedown

and Messi moves into the clinch.

Messi pulls Esparza into guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Messi pulls Esparza in close to prevent any damage.
Esparza won't allow Messi to sweep him here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Messi controlling Esparza's posture.
Esparza must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Esparza has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Messi is proving hard to escape from.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Messi is active off his back here, looking for submissions.

Messi looking for a guillotine here but Esparza defends easily.
Esparza is fighting to break Messi's control of his arms but Messi is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Messi is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.

Messi is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Messi is adopting a defensive guard.
Messi looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Messi pulls Esparza in close to prevent any damage.
Esparza won't allow Messi to get back to his feet.
Messi trying to control the position.
Messi pulls Esparza in close to prevent any damage.

Messi looking for a guillotine here but Esparza defends easily.
Messi is trying to control the position from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Messi manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Esparza manages to get himself to full guard.

Esparza is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Messi defends well.
Messi sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Messi prevents Esparza from getting back to his feet.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Leonard Messi dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Esparza gets tackled into the cage by Messi. Messi maintains the clinch.
Esparza wants to break free but Messi has control.
Esparza fails to pull guard.
Messi is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Esparza can do to turn this around?

Messi has double underhooks and is working for a body lock takedown. He's got it. The fighters land in half guard but Esparza regains guard immediately.
Messi controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Esparza wants to stand and escape but Messi is having none of it.
Messi is stalling in the full guard.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Esparza can do anything to dispel that myth.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Esparza wants to hit a sweep here but Messi passes into full mount! Oh no, disaster for Esparza there!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Esparza is wriggling around here but as he tries to escape, Messi has taken his back.
Esparza is trying to stand back up.

Esparza preventing the rear naked choke attempt from Messi.
Leonard Messi overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Esparza wants to escape the position.
Messi is working the ground and pound. Can Esparza escape?
Esparza really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Messi. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Esparza wants to control his opponent's hands but Messi gets his hands free.
Messi has the hooks sunk in and you can see the will to fight slowly draining out of Esparza's body.

Esparza showing good submission defense here.
Messi throwing damaging strikes from the back! Esparza could be in trouble here!

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Esparza is displaying good submission defense - not really looking in danger of submitting to the rear naked choke at the moment. That could change in an instant of course if Messi gets his way!
I would not like to be Esparza right now.

Messi patiently working for the choke. Which fighter will keep their nerve here?
Messi is riding his opponent, not letting Esparza buck him off.
Esparza just trying to survive but Messi is wriggling into a better position, looking to finish.
Messi is looking cool and calm here, just waiting for a good opportunity to attack and finish the fight from this dominant position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Esparza tries to escape the position.
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.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!

Messi working for a RNC but it's not happening just yet.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Leonard Messi dominated that second round.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action. And we move into the final round!

Esparza fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Messi sprawls well initially but Esparza persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Esparza missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Messi regains full guard. Nicely done.
Esparza tries to stand but Messi is controlling from the bottom.
Messi is pulling down on Esparza's head. It's preventing any offense from Esparza, at least for the moment.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Messi wants to sweep but no luck.
Messi seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.
Esparza misses with a kick to the body.
Messi was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Messi avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Messi was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Esparza moves out of range of the strikes.

Messi fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Esparza, pushing him back against the cage.
Messi trying to land knees to the body.

Messi breaks the clinch.
Messi drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Esparza shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Messi defends it nicely.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Esparza goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.

Esparza closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Messi did well to prevent Esparza getting side control.
Messi preventing any damage for now, controlling his opponent's head.
Messi tries to strike from the bottom but it doesn't land.
Messi is doing well to avoid being mounted. He's controlling the position at the moment.
Messi makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Messi.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Messi keeping moving, preventing Esparza from controlling successfully.
Messi is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Esparza wanted to stand there but Messi had control of the position.

Messi throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Esparza throws a big elbow that misses.

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

Messi has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Esparza can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Messi is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Esparza has guillotine here! It looks pretty tight! Could this be all over! No, Messi escapes and passes into side control at the same time. Nice work there by Messi!
The referee tells the fighters to keep busy.

And that's the end of the fight!
Leonard Messi showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Messi, 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 Shigeki Fujiwara scores the fight for Leonard Messi!
Judge Yasuomi Hirokawa scores the fight for Leonard Messi!
Judge Taro Takaoka scores the fight for Leonard Messi!

Leonard Messi wins by unanimous decision!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
29%

Main event

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Big Boss (ranked 4501 p4p, 4046 weight class) and Denise Kormier (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Boss
vs
Kormier

155 cm
23
140
1 - 0 - 0

160 cm
23
145
1 - 0 - 0

Good wrestling
Brawler
Big heart

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Big Boss!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Denise Kormier!
The judges for this bout are Yukihiro Shimada, Ren Mimura and Hirohito Nitta.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Boss throws a big shot that misses.
Boss connects with a jab.
Kormier shoots in for a takedown but Boss shows good takedown defense.
A head kick misses from Kormier.
Kormier tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Boss swivels and escapes.
Boss misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Kormier.
Kormier throws a counter combo.
Kormier slips under a jab from Boss.
Kormier is trying to avoid his opponent's strikes and get into the clinch.
Boss scores with a jab. Kormier acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Kormier ducks under a wild hook from Boss.
Kormier looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Boss is looking to counter punch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kormier changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Boss tries to avoid it but Kormier manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Boss to the ground. Boss escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Big Boss has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Denise Kormier.
Boss has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Kormier finds it's way round the side to connect with Boss's head.
Kormier walks into a left hand.
Boss misses with a hook.
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!
Boss paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kormier misses with a takedown attempt - Boss sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
It looked like Boss was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.
Kormier uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Boss.
Kormier lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.
Kormier shoots in for a takedown but Boss shows good takedown defense.
Boss tests Kormier's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Boss looks to land a left hand but Kormier moved out of range nicely.
Boss throws a looping overhand right but Kormier ducks down to avoid it.
A swing and a miss from Boss.
Boss comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Boss fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Kormier manages to avoid it.
Boss throws a hook but Kormier avoids it easily.
Boss looks to throw the jab but Kormier is out of range.
Kormier scores with a shot to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Boss takes a swing at Kormier's ribcage but misses.
Kormier unleashes a big counter combination but Boss bobs and weaves and avoids any damage.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Kormier is defended easily by Boss.
Kormier looks winded!
Kormier misses with a body shot.
The fighters circle momentarily. Boss darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Decent striking displayed by Boss there.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Boss throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Kormier.
Boss misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Kormier.
Boss throws a big shot that misses.
Boss moves out of range of the leg kick from Kormier.
Boss waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Kormier.
Kormier with the counter takedown but Boss avoids it easily.
Big Boss is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Boss misses the shot to the body.
A nice side step and Kormier releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.
Kormier takes a swing at Boss's ribcage but misses.
Boss scores with a jab to the head.
Boss pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Boss misses with a looping left.
Boss lands with an uppercut that bounces Kormier off the cage and back into range.
Boss stuffs the takedown.
Boss throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Kormier fails with the takedown.
Jab from Boss.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Boss swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Kormier.
Kormier slips a straight right by Boss.
Kormier bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Kormier throws out a counter right but Boss avoids it with no problem.
Boss throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Kormier sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Kormier slips a straight right by Boss.
Boss could do with losing a few pounds - he looks very soft around the mid section, to put it politely.
Nice takedown defense from Boss. No joy for Kormier on that attempt.
Boss is really peppering his opponent's head with punches.
Kormier tries for a takedown but Boss circles away easily
and Boss cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Kormier closes the distance and clinches up with Boss, looking for a takedown. Kormier pushes Boss against the cage but Boss circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Boss lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Boss throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Kormier.
Boss connects with a nice looking jab.
Boss lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Big Boss dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Boss misses with a series of wild punches.
Boss tests Kormier's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Boss throws a jab but it's blocked by Kormier.
Kormier throws a push kick but Boss slaps the foot to one side.
Boss looks to land a combination but Kormier avoids it well.
Kormier closes this distance looking for a takedown but Boss circles away.
An attempted straight right counter from Boss misses the target.
Boss keeps the fight on the outside.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A jab from Boss does it's job there.
Both these guys seem content to just stand up and trade with each other but Kormier might want to think about changing up his gameplan a bit because over the course of the fight, Boss has got the better of the exchanges.
Boss throws a jab when Kormier was well out of range.
Kormier shoots for a takedown but Boss saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
An attempted straight right counter from Boss misses the target.
Boss throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Kormier on the side of the head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Boss moves out of range as Kormier throws a body kick.
It looked like Boss wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Kormier is breathing heavily.
Boss throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
A slow jab from Boss misses its intended target.
Kormier misses with a takedown
and Kormier takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Big Boss has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Denise Kormier.
Boss throws a poor cross that misses

and Kormier counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Kormier trying to control the position from guard on top but Boss is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Boss is adopting a defensive guard.

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

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Kormier avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Kormier advances to half guard.
Boss is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Kormier can do to turn this around?
Kormier sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Boss defending well though.

Kormier is looking for a kimura but Boss is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Kormier to get the leverage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Boss wants to get back to his feet.
Kormier is taking a breather. Boss says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.
Boss trying to control but Kormier postures up.
Kormier uses his free foot to push down on Boss's thigh. Eventually he works his other foot free and he's advanced to mount - this is trouble for Boss.

Kormier swings around for an armbar and he's got it! Wow, that came out of nowhere! What a finish!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:59 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Denise Kormier!