PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Lindsay Apollo (ranked 175 p4p, 314 weight class) and Li Xiaodong (ranked 16 p4p, 36 weight class). Both fighter's entrance songs getting the crowd jumping here.

Apollo
vs
Xiaodong

168 cm
29
140
18 - 6 - 0

165 cm
29
143
19 - 7 - 0

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
World class boxer
Good gas tank

HELLBENT
Voodoo Nutrition

Bondi MMA 🏝️
Conquer

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the featherweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 18 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Lindsay Apollo!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 19 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Li Xiaodong!
The judges for this bout are Steven Brown, Andrew Berry and Chris Edwards.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Xiaodong misses the jab.
Xiaodong throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Apollo looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Li Xiaodong seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Xiaodong throws a leg kick that is checked

and Apollo counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
Apollo lands with a light punch inside.
Xiaodong misses with a hook from the clinch.
Xiaodong misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Xiaodong misses with the head strike.
Xiaodong tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Apollo scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Xiaodong misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Apollo blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Xiaodong tries to work over Apollo's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Apollo throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Xiaodongs head.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Xiaodong's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Apollo tries to pull guard but Xiaodong holds him up against the cage and eventually Apollo drops back down to his feet.
Xiaodong swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Apollo lands with a right to the head.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Xiaodong lands a body shot in the clinch.
Xiaodong tries a body shot but Apollo blocks it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Apollo misses with the head strike.
Apollo gets through Xiaodong's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Xiaodong has been looking to improve his clinch game in recent weeks. Apollo seems to have the measure of him in the clinch so far, so let's see if Xiaodong can turn it around.
Apollo lands with a short shot to the head.
A head punch on the inside from Apollo fails to land.
Xiaodong tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Apollo has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
Xiaodong lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Apollo backwards.
Xiaodong misses with a shot to the kidneys.
A head punch on the inside from Apollo fails to land.
A right hook to the body lands for Xiaodong.
Apollo throws a punch but it's blocked by Xiaodong.
Apollo fails to land with a short punch on the inside.

Apollo drags the fight down to the ground.
Apollo pulls Xiaodong in to control the position.
Apollo bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Xiaodong's guard.

The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Apollo stopping the sweep attempt from Xiaodong.
Apollo trying to control but Xiaodong is working from the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Apollo is really struggling to control Xiaodong but he's trying to hold on to the position.
Apollo stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Xiaodong swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Xiaodong 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.
Apollo pushes down on Xiaodong's leg and manages to get into half guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Xiaodong is defending against the submission attempts here by Apollo.
Xiaodong tries to get to full guard but Apollo has control of the leg.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Apollo seems to be looking for submissions.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Apollo wants to pass the guard but Xiaodong is defending well.
Xiaodong tries to push off, looking to stand up, but Apollo manages to move to mount!

Apollo has hold of Xiaodong's left arm, perhaps looking for a submission. The two fighters tussle over control of the isolated limb and Xiaodong manages to get his arm back to his side and away from danger.
Apollo tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
Xiaodong is squirming around, avoiding Apollo's attempts to control the action.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Xiaodong tries to hold on but Apollo pushes him away.
Apollo with some aggressive grappling here, looking for the finish.
Xiaodong tries to hold on but Apollo postures up.
Apollo wants to control the pace but Xiaodong is squirming around nicely.

Apollo is working on an americana here. Ooh, that looks pretty nasty! Nope, Xiaodong has managed to escape the submission attempt.

Apollo working to secure an arm triangle but it's not happening for him just yet.
Apollo is looking to work his way around to Xiaodong's back. He needs to be careful though, as he's in danger of losing this dominant position.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Lindsay Apollo dominated that 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.

Xiaodong lands a nice leg kick that just misses Apollo's sensitive parts.
Xiaodong fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Apollo on the side of the head.
Apollo throws a sloppy head kick and Xiaodong moves out of range easily.
A nice side step and Xiaodong releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.
A slow jab from Xiaodong misses its intended target.

Apollo clinches up against the cage.
Apollo is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Xiaodong can do to turn this around?
Xiaodong scores with a nice hook to the head.
Xiaodong goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
A head punch on the inside from Apollo fails to land.
Apollo swings away with an uppercut that misses.
A nice left hand lands by Xiaodong.
Xiaodong takes a shot to the head.
Xiaodong swings away with an uppercut that misses.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Apollo.
Apollo lands a body punch.
Xiaodong lands a body shot.
Apollo lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
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!
Xiaodong swings wildly with an uppercut but Apollo uses good head movement to avoid it.
Apollo misses with a hook from the clinch.
Xiaodong can't find room to land a body shot as Apollo controls the action.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Xiaodong lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Apollo backwards.
Apollo tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Xiaodong tries to throw a body punch but Apollo avoids it by throwing Xiaodong back against the cage.
Apollo lands with a right to the head.
Xiaodong misses with some punches.
Xiaodong tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Apollo's elbow.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Apollo.
Xiaodong misses with a hook from the clinch.
Apollo lands a body punch in the clinch.
Xiaodong throws a head punch that misses.
Xiaodong misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Apollo digs a right hand underneath Xiaodong's ribcage. Xiaodong let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Apollo working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Apollo tries to pull guard but Xiaodong forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Xiaodong blocks an uppercut.
Apollo fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Apollo can't find room to land a body shot as Xiaodong controls the action.
Apollo lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Xiaodong backwards.
Xiaodong lands with a light punch inside.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Apollo lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Xiaodong or not.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Apollo misses with a hook to the ribs.
A short right from Xiaodong.
Apollo blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Xiaodong misses with a short punch on the inside.
Xiaodong misses with a punch to the body.
Apollo has a couple of punches blocked by Xiaodong.
Xiaodong misses with a punch to the body.
Xiaodong misses with a punch on the inside.
Apollo tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Xiaodong's elbow.
Apollo fails to pull guard.
Xiaodong lands a right hand.
A short uppercut from Xiaodong.
Apollo misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Xiaodong throws a punch but it's blocked by Apollo.
Apollo misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Apollo misses with a punch to the body.
Xiaodong tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Apollo's elbow.
Xiaodong misses with a hook from the clinch.
Xiaodong goes for a body shot but it's blocked.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Apollo pushes Xiaodong back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Apollo doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
A short right from Apollo.
A nice right hand lands inside from Xiaodong.
Apollo blocks an uppercut.
Apollo tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Xiaodong blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Apollo lands with a light punch inside.
Xiaodong tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Apollo lands a right hand that snaps the head of Xiaodong backwards.
A nice right hand lands inside from Xiaodong.
Apollo lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Xiaodong.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Xiaodong.
Apollo pushes Xiaodong back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Apollo lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Xiaodong backwards.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Apollo misses with a hook to the ribs.
Xiaodong has a couple of punches blocked by Apollo.
Apollo tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Xiaodong scores with a hook to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Xiaodong tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Apollo's elbow.
Apollo blocking some punches.
Xiaodong working aggressively here.
Xiaodong misses with a body punch.
A hook to the body from Xiaodong.
Apollo softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Apollo tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Xiaodong lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Apollo tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Xiaodong has a couple of punches blocked by Apollo.
A nice right hand lands inside from Xiaodong.
Apollo tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Xiaodong's elbow.
Still in the clinch, Xiaodong scores with a nice short uppercut.
Apollo misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Xiaodong lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Apollo or not.
Xiaodong lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Apollo or not.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Apollo blocks a punch to the side of the head.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Li Xiaodong will probably get the nod - 10:9.
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.

Apollo throws a hook but Xiaodong blocks it.
Apollo throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Xiaodong on the side of the head.
Xiaodong takes a swing at Apollo's ribcage but misses.
Danga de danga de dang - Apollo scores with a four punch combination!
Apollo scores with a leg kick.
Apollo is looking to score with low kicks.
Xiaodong fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Apollo manages to avoid it.
Apollo wants to clinch.
Apollo takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Xiaodong buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Xiaodong thows a left - swing and a miss!
Xiaodong rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Apollo moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Apollo takes a jab right on the kisser.
Apollo catches Xiaodong with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!

That's one minute gone in the round.

Apollo darts in and clinches Xiaodong up against the cage.
Xiaodong has a couple of punches blocked by Apollo.
Apollo swings wildly with an uppercut but Xiaodong uses good head movement to avoid it.
Apollo misses with a body punch.
Apollo working aggressively here.
Apollo misses with a punch on the inside.
Apollo lands a left hand.
Apollo misses with a short punch on the inside.
Xiaodong throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Apollos head.
Xiaodong misses with a short punch on the inside.
A right hook to the body lands for Apollo.
Xiaodong has a couple of punches blocked by Apollo.
Xiaodong lands with a short head shot on the inside.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Apollo.
A right hook to the body lands for Apollo.
Xiaodong has a couple of punches blocked by Apollo.
Xiaodong lands a nice shot to the body.
Xiaodong blocks a body shot from Apollo.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Xiaodong softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Apollo lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Apollo misses with a punch to the body.
Apollo scores with a shoulder strike.
Apollo doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Nice body punch from Xiaodong.
Xiaodong goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Apollo tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Apollo.
Xiaodong blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Xiaodong blocks a body shot from Apollo.
Xiaodong goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Xiaodong lands with a light punch inside.
Xiaodong lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Xiaodong lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Apollo or not.
Xiaodong misses with a hook to the ribs.
Apollo works on Xiaodong's body with a couple of short punches.
Apollo blocks a couple of punches on the inside.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Apollo blocking some punches.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Xiaodong creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Apollo misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Apollo lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Xiaodong throws a punch but it's blocked by Apollo.
Xiaodong throws a punch but it's blocked by Apollo.
A head punch on the inside from Apollo fails to land.
Apollo swings wildly with an uppercut but Xiaodong uses good head movement to avoid it.
Xiaodong misses with a short punch on the inside.
Xiaodong lands with a light punch inside.
A head punch on the inside from Apollo fails to land.
Xiaodong scores with a hook to the body.
Apollo working aggressively here.
Xiaodong blocks a body shot from Apollo.
Apollo scores with a shot to the side of Xiaodong's head.
Xiaodong misses with a body punch.
Xiaodong lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Apollo tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Xiaodong makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Xiaodong misses with a short punch on the inside.
A nice left hand lands by Apollo.
Apollo presses Xiaodong against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Xiaodong blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Xiaodong tries to throw a body punch but Apollo avoids it by throwing Xiaodong back against the cage.
Xiaodong lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Apollo misses with a body punch.
Xiaodong lands a right hand that snaps the head of Apollo backwards.
Xiaodong blocks an uppercut.
Apollo blocking some punches.

Apollo jumps into guard, dragging Xiaodong to the mat.
Xiaodong content to stall in guard here.
Apollo trying to keep a closed guard but Xiaodong is proving a slippery customer.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close third round but Li Xiaodong just about did enough to take it.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Apollo checks the leg kick.
Apollo on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Xiaodong just misses with a punch to the body.
A big left from Xiaodong misses.
Apollo uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Xiaodong.
Xiaodong pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Apollo throws a big shot that misses.
Xiaodong swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Xiaodong throws a hook to the side of Apollo's head but Apollo sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Xiaodong looks to land a left hand but Apollo moved out of range nicely.
Xiaodong misses with a low kick.
Apollo tries to clinch but Xiaodong moves out of range.
An inside leg kick lands from Xiaodong.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Xiaodong throws the left hand but Apollo avoids the punch easily.
Xiaodong scores with a decent looking hook.
Apollo keeps Xiaodong at a distance using the push kick.
Li Xiaodong seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Xiaodong throws a right hand that misses
and Apollo connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Apollo ducks under a wild hook from Xiaodong.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Apollo tries to clinch up.
Xiaodong swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Xiaodong scores with a leg kick.
Apollo throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Xiaodong lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Xiaodong lands with a good body shot.
A low kick lands for Xiaodong.
Xiaodong misses with an uppercut. Apollo saw that one coming.
Xiaodong fails with an attempt to clinch.
Xiaodong throws a shot to the body.
Xiaodong connects with a crisp jab.
Xiaodong looks to throw the jab but Apollo is out of range.
Xiaodong throws a jab when Apollo was well out of range.
Apollo scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Apollo looks to throw the jab but Xiaodong is out of range.
Apollo uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Xiaodong.
Xiaodong pivots, looking for a leg kick but Apollo is out of range and Xiaodong settles back down.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Apollo throws a body shot but no joy.
Apollo throws a quick inside leg kick.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Apollo throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Xiaodong scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Apollo tries to work over Xiaodong's front leg with a kick but Xiaodong checks it.
Xiaodong digs a good hook to Apollo's body.
Xiaodong lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Apollo throws a nice inside leg kick.
Apollo uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Xiaodong.
Apollo on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Apollo ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Xiaodong lands with a straight right. Apollo didn't see that one coming.
Xiaodong buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Xiaodong moves out of range of the body kick from Apollo.
Apollo keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Xiaodong.
Apollo steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Xiaodong.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Jab from Apollo.
Xiaodong is looking to clinch.
Xiaodong misses with a lunging right hand

and Apollo holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Apollo creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Apollo presses Xiaodong against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Apollo tries to throw a body punch but Xiaodong avoids it by throwing Apollo back against the cage.
Xiaodong working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Xiaodong blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Xiaodong misses with a hook from the clinch.
Apollo throws a head punch that misses.
Xiaodong lands a shoulder strike.
Apollo lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Xiaodong backwards.
Xiaodong swings wildly with an uppercut but Apollo uses good head movement to avoid it.
Xiaodong lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Apollo tries to pull guard but Xiaodong won't allow it.
Apollo lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Xiaodong working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Xiaodong tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Xiaodong throws a head punch that misses.
Apollo blocks a body shot from Xiaodong.
Xiaodong pushes Apollo back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Apollo blocks a body shot from Xiaodong.
Apollo tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Apollo jumps guard but Xiaodong stands there with Apollo around his waist. Apollo gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Lindsay Apollo. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Xiaodong struggles to land a body shot inside as Apollo controls his hands.
Xiaodong tries to work over Apollo's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Xiaodong misses with a punch to the body.
Xiaodong misses with a body punch.
Li Xiaodong seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Apollo tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Xiaodong lands a right hand that snaps the head of Apollo backwards.
Apollo blocking some punches.
A short right from Apollo on the inside.
Xiaodong swings away with an uppercut that misses.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Li Xiaodong dominated that fourth round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Xiaodong bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Apollo's head backwards.
Apollo moves out of range of the strikes.
Apollo throws a low kick but Xiaodong avoids it.
Xiaodong drops his hands momentarily and Apollo takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Apollo tries to land a front kick but Xiaodong steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Xiaodong ducks under a wild hook from Apollo.
Apollo swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Nice shot lands for Apollo.
Apollo is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Apollo misses with a kick to the body
and Xiaodong counters with a straight right hand.
Apollo throws a series of punches but Xiaodong avoids them all with ease.
Apollo lands with an uppercut that bounces Xiaodong off the cage and back into range.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Xiaodong fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Apollo has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Xiaodong defending well as Apollo loads up on a big left hand.
Apollo buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Apollo blocks a jab.
Xiaodong checks a low kick from Apollo.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Apollo gets cracked there but stands up to it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Apollo takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Apollo swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Apollo lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Apollo lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Apollo misses with a hook.
Xiaodong moves in looking to clinch but Apollo pushes him off.
Apollo tries to counter by moving into the clinch but Xiaodong manages to circle out of the way.
Xiaodong digs a good hook to Apollo's body.
Xiaodong tries to clinch but Apollo moves away
and Apollo makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Apollo fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Xiaodong manages to avoid it.
Apollo misses with a kick to the body.
Apollo misses with a looping left.
Xiaodong tries to clinch but Apollo is having none of it.
Apollo waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Xiaodong.
Nice shot lands for Xiaodong.
Apollo takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Apollo pulls out of a head kick attempt.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Xiaodong misses with a hook
enabling Apollo to counter with a crisp jab.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Xiaodong moves out of range of the body kick.
Xiaodong only half commits to the counter leg kick.
Xiaodong lands with an uppercut that bounces Apollo off the cage and back into range.
Apollo blocks a jab.
Xiaodong punishes Apollo's body with a nice straight punch.
Lindsay Apollo has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Apollo throws a chopping leg kick but Xiaodong manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
A nice leg kick from Xiaodong, right into the meat of the thigh.
Xiaodong loads up on a big right hand but Apollo slips the punch.
Xiaodong throws a body shot but no joy.
Apollo doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Apollo throws a low kick, looking for Xiaodong's leg but Xiaodong calmly moves out of range.
Xiaodong lands a nice looking body shot.
Apollo throws a right and a left that both miss.
Xiaodong tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Xiaodong takes a swing at Apollo's ribcage but misses.
Xiaodong lands with a good body shot.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Xiaodong misses with a looping right.
Xiaodong misses with a hook. Apollo ducked under it nicely.
Apollo checks the leg kick.
Apollo throws a half hearted mid kick.
Xiaodong listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Xiaodong digs a good body shot into Apollo's ribs.
Apollo tries to clinch but Xiaodong is having none of it.
Xiaodong finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Apollo throws a leg kick that misses.
Xiaodong is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Apollo misses the shot to the body.
Apollo throws a leg kick but Xiaodong moved away.
Apollo throws a head kick that half lands.
Apollo stalks Xiaodong and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Xiaodong's face. Xiaodong staggers backwards, shaken.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - a gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
Apollo scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
This has been an exciting period of action!

Xiaodong darts in and clinches Apollo up against the cage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Apollo misses with some punches.
Apollo misses with a short punch on the inside.
Xiaodong throws a head punch that misses.
Apollo tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Xiaodong is working Apollo over against the cage.
Apollo swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Apollo throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Xiaodongs head.
Xiaodong fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Apollo tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Xiaodong's elbow.
Apollo is trying to pull guard but Xiaodong turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Xiaodong misses with a punch on the inside.
Xiaodong tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Xiaodong misses with a punch to the body.
Xiaodong goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Xiaodong misses with a punch to the body.
Apollo lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
A short uppercut from Apollo.
Li Xiaodong is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Apollo fails to land with a short punch on the inside.

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 Lindsay Apollo.
I think Xiaodong has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Steven Brown scores the fight 48:47
Judge Andrew Berry scores the fight 47:48
Judge Chris Edwards scores the fight 48:47

In favor of your winner, by split decision... Lindsay Apollo!
Lindsay Apollo retains his featherweight title!
Lindsay Apollo thanked the fans post fight for their support.