QFC Tournament 1205 Round 2 PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Kameron Yates (ranked 2721 p4p, 2719 weight class) and Nikhil Morrison (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Kameron Yates could well score a knockout today. He has the power to get to Nikhil Morrison's chin.

Yates
vs
Morrison

150 cm
18
135
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Good chin

Good takedowns
Excellent boxer
Very confident

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 London, Kameron Yates!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Nikhil Morrison!
The judges for this bout are Colin Fotheringham, James Ackerman and Steven Brown.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Yates defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Morrison.
Morrison looks for a takedown but Yates sprawls well.

Morrison closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Morrison is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Yates pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Kameron Yates has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Nikhil Morrison.
Morrison tries to break the clinch but Yates is controlling the position.
Morrison is stalling here.
Morrison gets underhooks to prevent Yates's takedown attempt.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Yates breaks the clinch.
Morrison shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Yates defends it nicely.

Morrison closes the distance and clinches.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Morrison misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Yates tries to pull guard but Morrison forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Yates tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Morrison smiles and moves away.
Yates could do with losing a few pounds - he looks very soft around the mid section, to put it politely.
Yates lands with a hook. Morrison tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Morrison misses with a body shot
and Yates counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Morrison leaves Yates with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.

Morrison closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.

Morrison escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Morrison moves into the clinch successfully.
Yates stops a takedown attempt from Morrison.
Yates is defending well against a takedown attempt.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.

Morrison gets a nice trip takedown into half guard.

Yates pushes Morrison off and gets back to his feet.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Morrison gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Yates counters with a nice leg kick.
Morrison fails in his attempt to clinch.

Yates has Morrison up against the cage in a clinch.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Morrison tries for a takedown. No joy.
Morrison has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Yates is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Morrison stalls.
Morrison is trying to drag Yates to the mat but Yates just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Morrison drops down looking for an ankle pick but Yates pulls his leg out and moves away.
Yates misses with a takedown
and Morrison counters with a big head kick but Yates shrugs it off.
Morrison shoots in for a takedown but Yates shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Morrison tries to clinch but Yates is having none of it.

Yates rushes Morrison and presses him up against the cage.

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

Yates working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Morrison doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Morrison manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Yates is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Yates keeping moving, preventing Morrison from controlling successfully.
Yates is adopting a defensive guard.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

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

Morrison tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Yates paws at him with a jab and circles away.
The fight stays on the outside here - Yates looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Morrison doesn't manage to clinch there - Yates circles away.

Morrison shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Yates is trying to defend but Morrison finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
Morrison not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Morrison wants to control but Yates is keeping him busy.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Morrison prevents Yates from improving his position.
Morrison is looking to take a break and control but Yates is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Morrison is pressing down on Yates's thigh, looking to free his foot. Yates is holding on for now.
Yates is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Morrison can do to turn this around?
Yates slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Morrison preventing the sweep.
Yates is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Morrison has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Yates is working away from the top position though.
Yates working over Morrison with some ground and pound. Morrison looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
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.
Morrison desperately trying to maintain half guard.
Yates controlling the action here.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Morrison is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Yates pulls his head out easily.
Kameron Yates overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

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

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Morrison is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Yates's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Yates's back!
Yates staying busy and making it hard for Morrison to control.
Morrison throws a big right hand but he misses and hits the mat. Ouch.
Morrison is not going to allow Yates to sit and survive in this position.
Yates is trying to stand back up.
Morrison tries to get the hooks in deep but Yates pushed the leg off.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Yates preventing the rear naked choke attempt from Morrison.
Yates is trying to break free.
Yates is working hard here to advance position.
Yates trying to get back to his feet but Morrison is in full control for now.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Morrison avoiding Yates 's attempts to control his hands.
Yates covering up well under a series of strikes from Morrison.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Nikhil Morrison showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
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. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Morrison moves into the clinch.
Yates tries to score a body lock takedown but Morrison shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Morrison tries to pull guard but Yates forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Morrison jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Yates walks away with a smile on his face. Morrison gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Yates scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Morrison lands a nice looking body shot.

Morrison closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Yates did well to prevent Morrison getting side control.
Morrison wants to take a breather but Yates is having none of it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Yates trying to control here.
Morrison trying to control from half guard but Yates is working away.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Yates manages to get to full guard.
Yates has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
Morrison looking to pass the guard.
Morrison wants to control from the top but Yates keeps moving.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.

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.
Yates is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Morrison's corner calls for a 1, 2 combination and Morrison duly obliges.
Yates circles away from the clinch attempt
and Yates counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Morrison.
Kameron Yates has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Nikhil Morrison.
Morrison changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Yates tries to avoid it but Morrison manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Yates to the ground. Yates escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Morrison misses with a takedown
and Yates counters with a series of strikes. Morrison will be more careful next time no doubt.
Morrison takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Yates shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
And Morrison tries to counter it with a takedown but Yates pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Morrison changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Yates tries to avoid it but Morrison manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Yates to the ground. Yates escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Yates throws a front kick that sends Morrison stumbling back into the cage.

Yates rushes Morrison and presses him up against the cage.
Morrison wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Yates has him pressed against the cage.

Yates manages to break the clinch.
Morrison fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Yates avoids it really well and circles away.
Yates displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Morrison.
Morrison stuffs the takedown.
Morrison shoots in and drives through. Yates sprawls well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Morrison shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Yates as he avoids it easily.
Kameron Yates is winning the standup battle so far.
Morrison tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Yates paws at him with a jab and circles away.

Morrison darts in and clinches Yates up against the cage.
Morrison can't get the takedown.
Yates is trying to drag Morrison to the mat but Morrison just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Morrison is looking to take this one to the mat.

Yates has managed to pull guard. Let's see whether he can work an aggressive guard. It will also be interesting to see what tactics Morrison uses from the top position.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Yates bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Morrison's guard.

Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

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

Nikhil Morrison has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Kameron Yates is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Yates pulls Morrison in close to prevent any damage.

And that's the end of the fight!
Kameron Yates showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Yates has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Colin Fotheringham scores the fight for Kameron Yates!
Judge James Ackerman scores the fight for Kameron Yates!
Judge Steven Brown scores the fight for Kameron Yates!

Kameron Yates wins by unanimous decision!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
39%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Darian Hardy (ranked 2720 p4p, 3876 weight class) and Jared Valenzuela (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Jared Valenzuela will no doubt be looking to use his reach advantage to good effect.

Hardy
vs
Valenzuela

150 cm
18
135
1 - 0 - 0

175 cm
18
135
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
KO power

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Heavy handed

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Darian Hardy!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Jared Valenzuela!
The judges for this bout are James Glass, Donald Grub and James Ackerman.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Valenzuela shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Hardy is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Valenzuela.
Hardy is looking to clinch but Valenzuela is avoiding it.

Hardy dives in and scores a takedown into Valenzuela's guard.
Hardy really is a fat lump.

Valenzuela is looking for a triangle but Hardy pushes his legs off easily.
Hardy is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.

Valenzuela looking for subs off his back but Hardy has passed one foot through into half guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Hardy is looking to advance position but Valenzuela won't allow it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hardy stops Valenzuela from getting back to his feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hardy takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
Valenzuela wants to improve his position but Hardy is controlling well.
Hardy controlling the action here.
Hardy stops Valenzuela from getting back to his feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Valenzuela fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Hardy is looking to clinch but Valenzuela is avoiding it.
Hardy tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Hardy shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Valenzuela but Valenzuela pushes him off and we're back to square one.

Hardy scores with a takedown into Valenzuela's guard.

Valenzuela working away from the bottom but not quite defensive enough there because Hardy has passed into half guard!

Hardy is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hardy thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Hardy passes to side control.

Hardy tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Valenzuela is trying to escape the position but Hardy is controlling the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Hardy lands a knee to the body and a forearm to the face.
Hardy fails to land a wild elbow strike.
Valenzuela is trying to control Hardy's posture but Hardy avoids it.
Hardy lands a nice forearm strike.
Valenzuela is looking to get back to his feet here but Hardy is keeping cool and he's managed to take Valenzuela's back.
Valenzuela is trying to remain composed but Hardy is hammering down strikes to the side of his head.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Hardy connects with a big shot to the side of Valenzuela's head.
So, who will make the next big move? In this position it could be crucial.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

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

Valenzuela blocks a head kick by Hardy.
Darian Hardy is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Valenzuela keeps the fight on the outside.
Hardy misses with a takedown attempt - Valenzuela sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Valenzuela shoots in but no luck this time.
Valenzuela tries for a takedown but Hardy sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Hardy half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Hardy tries to clinch up but Valenzuela circles away and keeps his distance.
Hardy throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Valenzuela.
Valenzuela keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Hardy takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Valenzuela tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Hardy defends well and Valenzuela ends up having to push Hardy into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Darian Hardy has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jared Valenzuela.
Valenzuela shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Hardy defends it nicely.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Valenzuela shoots for a takedown but Hardy saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Hardy throws a body punch but Valenzuela moves out of range.
Hardy shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Valenzuela but Valenzuela pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Valenzuela shoots in for a takedown but Hardy shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Hardy fails to land with a series of punches.
No luck for Hardy with that takedown attempt.
Hardy shoots in but no luck this time.
Hardy tries for a takedown but Valenzuela sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Valenzuela tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Valenzuela avoids a punch combination nicely.
A countering left hand to the body from Valenzuela misses.
Hardy tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Valenzuela manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hardy keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Valenzuela throws a sloppy head kick and Hardy moves out of range easily.

Hardy closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Valenzuela quickly recovers to half guard.
Hardy thows a huge punch but Valenzuela dodges it nicely.
Hardy not doing much here.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Valenzuela is looking for a sweep. Hardy is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

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

Hardy is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Valenzuela has managed to free his arm - good work.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Valenzuela tries to roll over but Hardy keeps him under control.
Hardy looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
Hardy working Valenzuela over with strikes.
Hardy trying to pass the guard but Valenzuela defending well.
Valenzuela is trying to get back to full guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Hardy is controlling the pace.
Hardy has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.
Valenzuela is trying to control but Hardy passes into side control!
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Valenzuela struggling a bit here.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Darian Hardy dominated that second round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!

Hardy misses with a takedown attempt - Valenzuela sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Valenzuela looks for a takedown but Hardy sprawls well.

Hardy throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Valenzuela was covering up waiting for the punch and Hardy finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Hardy tries to free his leg and advance position but Valenzuela is retaining full guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Valenzuela wants to control but instead he gets his guard passed and Hardy is now in half guard.

Hardy is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hardy controlling the action here.
Hardy landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Hardy slows the pace down in half guard.
Valenzuela is looking to improve his position.
Valenzuela is looking to control Hardy's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Valenzuela avoid being mounted?

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.
Hardy tries to pass the half guard into mount. Valenzuela knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Hardy content to control rather than advance.
Hardy throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Valenzuela is trying to stand back up but Hardy is controlling him
Valenzuela wants to get back to full guard.
Hardy trying to mount his opponent but Valenzuela defends it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Valenzuela keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Hardy scoring with strikes to the body and head.

Hardy decides to stand up.
Valenzuela moves out of range as Hardy throws a body kick.
Hardy moves out of range of the body kick from Valenzuela.
Valenzuela shoots in for a takedown but Hardy shows good takedown defense.
Valenzuela shoots in for a double leg but Hardy sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Darian Hardy has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jared Valenzuela.
Valenzuela takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Valenzuela shoots in for a double leg but Hardy sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Hardy goes for a double leg but Valenzuela avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Valenzuela continues to drive forward.
Valenzuela has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Valenzuela lands a shoulder strike.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hardy gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Valenzuela.
Valenzuela jumps guard but Hardy turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Valenzuela lands a good knee to the midsection. Hardy won't want to take too many of those.
Hardy is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Valenzuela can do to turn this around?
Valenzuela slowing the pace effectively.
Hardy tries to stall but Valenzuela uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Hardy is trying to break the clinch but Valenzuela is controlling him.
Valenzuela keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Hardy's efforts to push away.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Hardy blocks a body shot from Valenzuela.
Jared Valenzuela has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Darian Hardy is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Valenzuela doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Hardy wants a takedown.

And that's the end of the fight!
Darian Hardy showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Hardy, 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 James Glass scores the fight for Darian Hardy!
Judge Donald Grub scores the fight for Darian Hardy!
Judge James Ackerman scores the fight for Darian Hardy!

Darian Hardy wins by unanimous decision!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
29%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Rashad Bird (ranked 2724 p4p, 2726 weight class) and Brock Bender (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The crowd giving both fighters a great reception on their way into the arena. That's good to see.

Bird
vs
Bender

150 cm
18
130
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Cuts easily

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
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 London, Rashad Bird!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Brock Bender!
The judges for this bout are Phil Schofield, Andrew Berry and Donald Grub.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Bird fails with a takedown attempt.
Bender fails with a takedown attempt from distance.

Bender clinches.
Bender goes for a takedown in the clinch but Bird prevents it.
Bird will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Bender up against the cage.
Bird tries to pull guard but Bender won't allow it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Bender is pressed up against the cage. Bird has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Bender down to the mat. Bender avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Rashad Bird. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Bender clinches with his opponent.
Bender is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Bird gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.

Bird pulls guard successfully.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bender with a flurry of punches that miss.
Bird looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Bender trying to control the position from guard on top but Bird 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.
Bird trying to control the position here.
Bird controls Bender momentarily but Bender frees himself.
Bird keeping moving, preventing Bender from controlling successfully.
Bird is trying to control the position from the bottom.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.

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.
Bender trying to stand up but can't free himself from Bird's guard.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Nice takedown defense from Bird. No joy for Bender on that attempt.
Bender shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Bird defends it nicely.
Bender shoots in for a takedown but Bird shows good takedown defense.
Bender shoots in looking for a takedown but Bird manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Bender's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Bird could do with losing a few pounds - he looks very soft around the mid section, to put it politely.
Bird shoots for a takedown but Bender saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.

Bender closes the distance and clinches.
Bird is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Bender to keep the fight standing.

Bird pulls guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

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

Bird has his foot on Bender's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Bender works his way back into a safe position though.
Bender wants to stand and escape but instead Bird has hit a sweep and he's now on top in guard.

Bird trying to control the position from guard on top but Bender is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Bender tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Bender is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Bender trying to keep a closed guard but Bird is proving a slippery customer.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Bird stopping the sweep attempt from Bender.
Bird in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Bender is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Bender will have to put a bit more behind his punches if he's going to do any damage from this position.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Bender keeping moving, preventing Bird from controlling successfully.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Rashad Bird 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.

Bender shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Bird as he avoids it easily.

Bird pushes Bender up against the cage in a clinch.

Bird manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.
Bender trying to control the position from guard on top but Bird is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Bird preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Bird is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Bender can do to turn this around?
Bird looking to hit a scissor sweep but Bender is one step ahead there.

Bender decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Bender tries to close the distance and clinch up but Bird swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Bird was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.

Bird clinches.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bird is trying to pull guard but Bender has him pressed against the cage.
Bird is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Bender to keep the fight standing.

Bird breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Bender throws a head kick that half lands.

It looks like Rashad Bird has been cut.

Bender closes the distance and pushes Bird back into the cage.
Bender has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Bird after a bit of a struggle.

Bender breaks from the clinch.
Bender avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Bird tries to clinch up.
Bender throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.
Bender is trying hard to land a takedown here. Bird sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Rashad Bird has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Brock Bender.

Bird clinches up with Bender and pushes him back against the cage.
Bender is trying to pull guard but Bird has him pressed against the cage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Bird pulls Bender into guard.
Bender is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
Bird has Bender pulled in close to control his posture.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Bender trying to control the position from guard on top but Bird is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Bender accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bender trying to control but Bird is working from the bottom.
Bender stopping the sweep attempt from Bird.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.

Bird manages to wriggle out and sneak his way back up to his feet, so the fighters are now clinched up against the cage.
Bender has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Bird after a bit of a struggle.

Bird breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Bird stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Bird wants it to stay on the feet.
Bird closes this distance looking for a takedown but Bender circles away.
Bender is looking to clinch but Bird is avoiding it.
Bird closes this distance looking for a takedown but Bender circles away.

Bender moves into range and clinches up with Bird.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Bender is trying to stall.
Bender has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Bird is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Bird tries to pull guard but Bender won't allow it.

Bird breaks from the clinch.
Bender shoots in but doesn't get the takedown

and Bird holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Bird fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Bender is trying to force a seperation but Bird has the dominant position.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Bender goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Bender is trying to push Bird away but Bird has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Bird is trying to drag Bender to the mat but Bender just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Rashad Bird dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Rashad Bird's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Bird fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Bird misses with a head kick.
Bender throws a head kick that half lands.
Bird displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Bender.

Bender closes the distance and pushes Bird back into the cage.
Bender scores with a shoulder strike.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Bird with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Bird lands a shoulder strike.

Bird breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Bender keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bender displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Bird.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Rashad Bird. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Bender is looking to slow Bird down with leg kicks.

Bird rushes Bender and presses him up against the cage.
Bender wants to get back to striking at distance but Bird won't allow it.
Bird tries to pull guard but Bender forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Bird tries to throw a body punch but Bender avoids it by throwing Bird back against the cage.

Bird breaks from the clinch.

Bender moves into the clinch.

Bender manages to break the clinch.
Bender has a takedown stuffed.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bird keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Bird stuffs the takedown.
Bender keeps the fight on the outside.
Bird with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Bird misses with a head kick.
Bird darts in looking for a takedown but Bender gets double underhooks and turns Bird into the cage.
Bird fails to pull guard.

Bender jumps guard.
Bird won't allow Bender to get back to his feet.
Bird loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bender wants to sweep here but Bird controlling him for the moment.
Bird wants to control from the top but Bender keeps moving.
Bender trying to strike off his back.
Bender looking to hit a scissor sweep but Bird is one step ahead there.
Bird wants to control from the top but Bender keeps moving.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Bender tries to clinch but Bird moves out of range.

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.
Bender tries to score a power double leg takedown but Bird sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Bender somewhat.
Bird wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch.
Bender tries to clinch up.

Bird moves into the clinch.

Bird pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Bender tries to close the distance and clinch but Bird swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.

Bender darts in and clinches Bird up against the cage.
Bender pushes Bird back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Bender misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Bender is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Bird gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Brock Bender has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Bender tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Bird avoids it.
A head punch on the inside from Bender fails to land.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Brock Bender.
I think Bird has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Phil Schofield scores the fight for Rashad Bird!
Judge Andrew Berry scores the fight for Rashad Bird!
Judge Donald Grub scores the fight for Rashad Bird!

Rashad Bird wins by unanimous decision!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
33%

Main event

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Nikolas Charles (ranked 2723 p4p, 2722 weight class) and Trevin Hughes (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Trevin Hughes has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Charles
vs
Hughes

150 cm
18
135
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Big heart

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
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 London, Nikolas Charles!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Trevin Hughes!
The judges for this bout are James Ackerman, Chris Edwards and Colin Fotheringham.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Hughes fails to land the takedown.
Hughes moves in looking to clinch but Charles pushes him off.

Charles closes the distance and clinches.
Hughes displaying some good clinch control by pressing Charles up against the cage.
Hughes tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Charles just stands there and leans against the cage.

Charles manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.

Charles throws his legs up looking to secure a triangle. Oh, that looks pretty tight, I gotta say! Hughes escapes and throws Charles's legs to the side, diving into side control!
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Charles is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Hughes's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
Hughes content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Charles is looking to improve his position.
Charles keeps control of the position for the meantime.

Hughes is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Charles defends it well.
Charles is trying to get back to full guard.

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.
Charles trying to control from the bottom.
Hughes missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Hughes seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.
Charles is trying is best to control the position here.
Charles wants to get back to his feet.
Charles really is a fat lump.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Hughes is trying to work for a kimura but Charles is defending well.
Hughes slows the pace down in half guard.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Hughes throws a wild body kick that Charles sees coming a mile off.
Hughes throws a body kick despite being completely out of range
and Charles counters with a nice uppercut.
Charles will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Charles keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Nikolas Charles has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Trevin Hughes.
Charles tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Hughes manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Hughes blocks a head kick by Charles.
Hughes throws a sloppy head kick and Charles moves out of range easily.
The fighters are starting to get sweaty, which will make takedowns a bit more tricky.
A slow jab from Hughes misses its intended target.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Charles.
Hughes avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Charles moves out of range of the body kick.
Hughes fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Charles tries to counter by moving into the clinch but Hughes manages to circle out of the way.
Charles fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Hughes avoids it really well and circles away.
Hughes misses with a takedown
and Charles counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!

Charles moves into range and clinches up with Hughes.

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

Hughes gets in close and instigates a clinch.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Nikolas Charles will probably get the nod.
That's time! Charles's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Hughes scores with a head kick. Charles tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.
Nikolas Charles is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Charles shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Hughes defends it nicely.
Hughes tries to close the distance and clinch up but Charles swats him away and circles back towards the center.
No luck for Charles with that takedown attempt.

Hughes has closed the distance and engaged Charles in a clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Charles is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Hughes gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Nikolas Charles. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Charles stops a takedown attempt from Hughes.
Charles wants a takedown but no success here.
Hughes tries to pull guard but Charles won't allow it.
Charles tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hughes fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Hughes stops a takedown attempt from Charles.
Charles prevents the takedown attempt.
Charles is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Charles tries for a takedown. No joy.
Charles drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Hughes gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Charles is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Hughes to keep the fight standing.
Hughes keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Charles's efforts to push away.
Hughes is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Charles gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.

Charles jumps guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hughes looking to pass the guard.
Charles is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Hughes loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Hughes slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
Charles wants to control the position but Hughes says "no thanks buddy" and passes to half guard.
Hughes is thwarting Charles's attempts to control the position.
Hughes passes the guard and advances to mount!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hughes tries to control but Charles wriggling away.
Hughes avoids the attempt from Charles to control.
Hughes misses with a head shot.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Hughes trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Charles avoids a series of strikes thrown by Hughes.
Hughes can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Charles is looking to escape.
Hughes is in a good position here but he's just trying to control... And he's not even managing to do that successfully.
Charles regains half guard.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Hughes is keen to just control but Charles is a slippery customer.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Trevin Hughes showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Hughes has managed to clinch.

Hughes breaks from the clinch.
Hughes shoots in and drives through. Charles sprawls well.
Charles throws a right and a left that both miss.
Charles tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Hughes manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.

Charles closes the distance and clinches.
Hughes prevents a takedown attempt there.
Hughes can't get the takedown.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A bit of stalling here from Hughes.
Charles is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Hughes is defending well.
Charles is working for takedown but Hughes is calmly controlling the position for now.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Nikolas Charles. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Charles breaks the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A decent looking cross lands there for Hughes.
Hughes shoots in but no luck this time.
Charles doesn't manage to clinch there - Hughes circles away.
Hughes goes for a double leg but Charles avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Charles continues to drive forward.
Charles attempts a counter takedown but Hughes avoids it well and moves away.
Charles looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Hughes circles away from the clinch attempt.

Charles has Hughes up against the cage in a clinch.

Hughes breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Hughes changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Charles tries to avoid it but Hughes manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Charles to the ground. Charles escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Charles changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Horrible takedown attempt by Hughes or perhaps it was just good defense by Charles, which made it look bad.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Charles keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Charles shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Charles misses with a takedown attempt - Hughes sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Charles.
Hughes shoots in looking for a takedown but Charles manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Hughes's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Charles.
Hughes will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Charles drops down looking for a counter takedown but Hughes sprawls and moves away.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Hughes.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hughes's corner calls for a 1, 2 combination and Hughes duly obliges.
Hughes fails with a takedown attempt.
Charles shoots in looking for a takedown. Hughes tries to sprawl out of it but Charles keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Hughes manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Charles on the wrong end of a kick to the body.
Charles shoots in for a double leg but Hughes sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Hughes misses with a takedown attempt

and Charles holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
Hughes is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Charles pulls him back up using the underhooks.

Charles successfully pulls guard.

Hughes avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Charles manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Hughes manages to get himself to full guard.

Hughes has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Charles can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Charles stays in close to Hughes's body and controls the position.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Nikolas Charles.
I think Charles has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 James Ackerman scores the fight for Trevin Hughes!
Judge Chris Edwards scores the fight for Trevin Hughes!
Judge Colin Fotheringham scores the fight for Trevin Hughes!

Trevin Hughes wins by unanimous decision!