PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Brandon Couture (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Li Xiaolong (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Couture comes to the cage accompanied by Mama said knock you out. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Couture
vs
Xiaolong

175 cm
29
156 lbs
27 - 7 - 1

173 cm
25
146 lbs
13 - 4 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Granite chin

Good wrestler
World class boxer
Granite chin

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Fightworld Formula and Laundry Service

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 27 - 7 - 1, fighting out of Amsterdam, Brandon Couture!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 13 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Li Xiaolong!
The judges for this bout are Richard Clark, James Ackerman and Sam Margolis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Xiaolong closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Xiaolong trying to land knees to the body.
Couture is working for takedown but Xiaolong is calmly controlling the position for now.
Couture holding his opponent close, against the cage.

Xiaolong's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Couture throws out a loose jab but Xiaolong uses good head movement to avoid it.
Couture throws a leg kick
and Xiaolong counters with a nice low kick that buckles Couture's knee momentarily.
Xiaolong tries a head kick but it misses.
Couture avoids the body shot from Xiaolong.
Xiaolong thows a body shot but no joy.
Xiaolong takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Couture lands a nice looking body kick.
Xiaolong looks to score with a jab to the body but Couture is just out of range.
Couture scores with a jab.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Xiaolong checks a leg kick.
Xiaolong wants to slow Couture down by chopping away at his legs.
Couture dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
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!
Couture throws a body punch but Xiaolong moves out of range.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Couture fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Couture slips a straight right by Xiaolong.
Couture checks the leg kick.
Couture displaying good standup as he scores with a three punch combination.
Couture misses with a low kick.
Couture punishes Xiaolong's body with a nice straight punch.
Xiaolong takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Couture ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Couture tried to score with a low kick but Xiaolong checks it.
Xiaolong tries to clinch up.
Xiaolong throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Xiaolong throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Xiaolong thows a left - swing and a miss!
Couture lunges at Xiaolong with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Xiaolong's hand.
Couture doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Couture goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Couture looks to score with a jab to the body but Xiaolong is just out of range.
Xiaolong throws a wild body kick that Couture sees coming a mile off.
Couture checks the leg kick.
A leg kick checked by Couture.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Xiaolong avoids the body shot from Couture.
Couture looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Xiaolong throws a leg kick
and Couture counters with a nice body kick.
Xiaolong connects with a body shot.
Xiaolong throws a shot to the body.
Xiaolong displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Couture throws out the jab.
Couture tries to land a front kick but Xiaolong steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Xiaolong throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Couture chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Nice cross by Couture.
Couture tries to score a power double leg takedown but Xiaolong sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Couture somewhat.
A nice leg kick lands there from Xiaolong.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Couture shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Xiaolong sprawls well. Xiaolong wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Couture gets slowly back to his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Brandon Couture. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Xiaolong throws a combination. Couture tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Xiaolong defending well as Couture loads up on a big left hand.
Couture tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Couture misses with a looping right.
Couture tries to land a leg kick but Xiaolong saw it coming and moves away.
Couture takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Xiaolong changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Xiaolong scoring well with a low kick there.
Li Xiaolong is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Couture's jab looks to have found its range, popping Xiaolong under the eye.
Xiaolong misses with a low kick as Couture jumps back.
Couture misses with a looping left.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Xiaolong scores with a nice body kick.
Couture misses with a hook.
Xiaolong walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
A low kick from Xiaolong misses

and Couture counters with a nice double leg into guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.
Couture postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Couture preventing the sweep.
Xiaolong is adopting a defensive guard.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Xiaolong is on top in guard.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Xiaolong wanted to stand there but Couture had control of the position.

Couture is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Xiaolong defends well.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Brandon Couture dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Xiaolong throws a low kick but Couture moves out of range easily.
Xiaolong tries to clinch but Couture is having none of it.
Li Xiaolong seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Xiaolong swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Couture throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.

It looks like Li Xiaolong has been cut.
Xiaolong lands a body shot.
Couture looks to land a body kick but Xiaolong moved away.
Couture thows a body shot but no joy.
Couture throws a low kick, looking for Xiaolong's leg but Xiaolong calmly moves out of range.
Xiaolong shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.

Couture fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Xiaolong to the ground. Couture is now in Xiaolong's guard.
Xiaolong looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
Couture is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Couture trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Couture wants to pass the guard but Xiaolong is keeping the position.
Couture preventing the sweep.

Xiaolong has butterfly guard. He's looking to stand up here. He pushes Couture off him and springs to his feet nicely. The crowd applauds.
Couture shoots in but Xiaolong avoids the takedown attempt easily.
The fighters circling - Xiaolong throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Couture misses with a looping right.
Xiaolong throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Couture on the side of the head.
Couture checks the leg kick.
Xiaolong dodges the punch combination from Couture.
Couture is looking to slow Xiaolong down with leg kicks.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Xiaolong scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Couture tries to score a power double leg takedown but Xiaolong sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Couture somewhat.
Xiaolong throws a body kick that misses.
Xiaolong is looking to slow Couture down with leg kicks.
Couture walks into a straight right hand from Xiaolong.
Xiaolong misses the shot to the body.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Xiaolong looking to land some kicks to the body here.
A good leg kick by Xiaolong.
Nice defenses there by Xiaolong.
Xiaolong takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Good leg kick by Xiaolong there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Nice body kick there by Xiaolong.
Couture on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Brandon Couture is winning the standup battle so far.
Couture throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A head kick by Couture misses
and Xiaolong counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Xiaolong throws a body kick despite being completely out of range
enabling Couture to counter with a crisp jab.
Xiaolong looks to land a body kick but Couture moved away.
Xiaolong is looking to slow Couture down with leg kicks.
Xiaolong scores with a push kick.
Couture pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Couture loads up on a big right hand but Xiaolong slips the punch.
Xiaolong takes a swing at Couture's ribcage but misses.
Xiaolong moves out of range of the body kick from Couture.
Xiaolong lands with a nice body punch.
Xiaolong tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Couture was well out of range. Poor timing from Xiaolong.
Xiaolong is looking to slow Couture down with leg kicks.
Couture throws a half hearted mid kick.
Couture throws a big shot that misses.
Xiaolong lands a body shot.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Xiaolong misses with an uppercut. Couture saw that one coming.
Xiaolong looks to land a body kick but Couture moved away.
Xiaolong steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Couture. That one must have hurt.
The fighters circling - Couture throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Couture has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Couture there as he acknowledges the shot.

Xiaolong moves into the clinch.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Couture tries to break free but Xiaolong pushes him back against the cage.
Couture looking for a takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Brandon Couture. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Couture misses with a punch on the inside.
Couture jumps guard but Xiaolong stands there with Couture around his waist. Couture gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Couture drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Xiaolong gets the underhooks and prevents it.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Xiaolong lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Xiaolong.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Li Xiaolong will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Li Xiaolong's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Couture swats away the attempt to clinch by Xiaolong.
Couture tries to land a front kick but Xiaolong steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Couture takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Xiaolong moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Couture shoots in but no luck this time.
Couture uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Xiaolong.
Couture throws a body kick the misses
and Xiaolong counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Couture on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Xiaolong. Xiaolong obviously looking to wear him down.
Couture dodges the punch combination from Xiaolong.
Xiaolong lands a leg kick that knocks Couture off balance momentarily.
Couture thows a leg kick but Xiaolong checks it
and Xiaolong counters with a one-two to the body.
Couture takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Xiaolong takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Xiaolong misses with the combination.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Couture doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Couture throws a body kick despite being completely out of range
and Xiaolong counters with a nice body kick.
Xiaolong misses with a body shot.
Nice defenses there by Xiaolong.
A jab from Couture misses.
Couture has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Xiaolong.
Couture jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Couture misses with a looping left.
Couture uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Xiaolong.
Xiaolong walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Couture checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Xiaolong is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Couture rather than just go for the knockout.
Couture goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Xiaolong tries to score with a low kick but Couture moves his leg out of the way.
A telegraphed right hand from Couture misses the target.
Couture throws a half hearted mid kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A decent looking cross lands there for Xiaolong.
Xiaolong takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Xiaolong lands with a thumping leg kick.
Xiaolong scores with a spinning back kick!
Xiaolong throws a looping overhand right but Couture ducks down to avoid it.
Xiaolong blocks a jab.
Xiaolong avoids the head kick by Couture.
Xiaolong lands with an overhand left.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Xiaolong throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Couture stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Xiaolong moves out of range of the body kick from Couture.
Xiaolong jabs at Couture's body.
Couture throws a series of punches but Xiaolong avoids them all with ease.
Couture misses with a body kick.
Couture misses with a few strikes there.
Couture throws a body kick that misses.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Xiaolong fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Couture misses with a body kick.
Xiaolong scores with a sloppy right hand. Couture should have avoided that one.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Xiaolong, right into the meat.
Couture tries to score with a low kick but Xiaolong moves his leg out of the way.
Xiaolong throws a nice inside leg kick.
Xiaolong waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Couture.
The fighters circling - Couture throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Xiaolong tries to clinch up but Couture circles away and keeps his distance.
Xiaolong misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Couture.
Couture tries to land a front kick but Xiaolong steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
A low kick from Xiaolong misses
and Couture counters with a left to the body.
Xiaolong scores with a spinning back kick!
A bone on bone clash there as Xiaolong blocks the leg kick.
Couture will be looking to protect his midsection after taking some solid kicks to the body.
Couture misses with a looping right.
Couture is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Couture moves out of range of the strikes.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Xiaolong tries to land a front kick but Couture steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Nice cross by Xiaolong.
Couture tries a low kick but Xiaolong avoids it.
Xiaolong lands a leg kick that knocks Couture off balance momentarily.
Nice sprawl there from Xiaolong as Couture shoots in.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Couture takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Xiaolong throws a chopping leg kick but Couture manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Xiaolong throws a body punch but Couture moves out of range.
A nice leg kick lands there from Xiaolong.

Xiaolong forces Couture back against the cage and clinches.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Xiaolong.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Couture lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Xiaolong backwards.
Xiaolong lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Xiaolong lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Li Xiaolong really dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Li Xiaolong's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Xiaolong is looking to slow Couture down with leg kicks.
Couture misses with an uppercut. Xiaolong saw that one coming.
Couture connects with a leg kick. Xiaolong looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Xiaolong goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Couture looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Xiaolong lands with a nice body punch.
A decent looking cross lands there for Xiaolong.
A solid body kick from Xiaolong.
Xiaolong misses with a looping right.
Xiaolong connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Xiaolong throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
A good leg kick by Xiaolong.
Xiaolong takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
That kick from Xiaolong tenderised Couture's leg. Couture is trying to keep his angry face on.
Xiaolong throws a leg kick but Couture checks it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Couture checks the leg kick.
Xiaolong is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Xiaolong will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Xiaolong moves out of range as Couture throws a body kick.
Xiaolong thows a left - swing and a miss!
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Xiaolong lands where it shouldn't have, right in the... well, you know what he did? He kicked him in the penis. He's injured, injured bad. The referee sends both fighters to their corners and Couture has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Couture and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Xiaolong takes a swing at Couture's ribcage but misses.
Xiaolong ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Couture moves away.
Xiaolong wants to slow Couture down by chopping away at his legs.
Couture chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Xiaolong can pounce on him.
Couture will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Xiaolong on the wrong end of a kick to the body.
Xiaolong lands with a shot to the body.
Xiaolong ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd cheers as Xiaolong lands an impressive looking overhand right. Couture doesn't seem phased though.
Xiaolong thuds a mid kick into his opponent's body. That will wear on Couture if he has to take too many more of those.

A momentary lapse in concentration from Xiaolong enables Couture to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Xiaolong manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Xiaolong wants to sweep but no luck.
Couture trying to control but Xiaolong is working from the bottom.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Xiaolong holds on and takes a little breather.
Couture works over Xiaolong with some ground and pound from guard.
Xiaolong wants to sweep here but Couture controlling him for the moment.
Couture stands and throws Xiaolong's legs to the side, diving into side control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Couture working the ground and pound.

Couture working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Couture in side control, trying to ground and pound but not landing this time.

Couture is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Xiaolong has escaped the position, nice work there.
Xiaolong is looking to regain half guard here but Couture keeps moving and retains side control.
Xiaolong is not content to let Couture control the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Couture tries to advance to mount but can't.
Couture wants to control but Xiaolong is keeping him busy.
Couture misses with an attempted head punch from side control.
Couture misses with the ground and pound.
The ground and pound from Couture seems to be hitting the mat more than his opponent.
Xiaolong pushes Couture away and creates a bit of space to escape. He's almost out here... but no, Couture gets a good hold of his legs and remains firmly in side control.
Couture has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Couture fails to land a wild elbow strike.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Couture is looking to take a break and control but Xiaolong is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Xiaolong is not in a great position here, taking some shots.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Brandon Couture had his way with Li Xiaolong in that round.
The cut man is working on Li Xiaolong's cut.
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 hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Nice body kick there by Couture.
Couture avoids a kick to the body.
Couture misses the shot to the body.
Couture throws a lazy uppercut
and Xiaolong counters with a good low kick that Couture was not able to check.
Couture throws a low kick, looking for Xiaolong's leg but Xiaolong calmly moves out of range.
Couture jabs at Xiaolong's body.
Nice jab there from Xiaolong.
Couture fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Xiaolong is out of range.
Couture changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Xiaolong tries to avoid it but Couture manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Xiaolong to the ground. Xiaolong escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Xiaolong connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Couture momentarily.
Xiaolong scoring well with a low kick there.
Xiaolong pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Xiaolong throws a front kick aimed at Couture's knee but Couture avoids it well.
Couture misses with an attempted mid kick.
The fighters circling - Couture throws out the jab but it was never going to land.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Couture throws a sloppy body shot
and Xiaolong counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Couture uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Xiaolong.
Couture throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Couture throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
Couture shoots in looking for a takedown. Xiaolong tries to sprawl out of it but Couture keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Xiaolong manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - an gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
Couture swings and misses with a shot to the body
and Xiaolong counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
A kick lands to the mid section there for Xiaolong.
Xiaolong is looking to clinch but Couture is avoiding it.
Couture looks to land a left hand but Xiaolong moved out of range nicely.
Nice body punch from Xiaolong.
Couture throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Couture misses with a wild body shot.
Xiaolong throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Jab by Couture.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Couture ducks right into an uppercut from Xiaolong.
Xiaolong misses with a body kick.
Couture throws the kick towards the body but Xiaolong avoids it.
Xiaolong comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Xiaolong tests Couture's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Xiaolong with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Xiaolong throws a half hearted mid kick.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Couture throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Xiaolong tries to clinch but Couture is having none of it.
Couture scores with a spinning back kick!
Nice cross by Xiaolong.
Xiaolong takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.
Couture is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Xiaolong.
Xiaolong connects with an inside leg kick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Thud! ouch! good body kick from Xiaolong - that will leave a mark!
Couture throws a shot from downtown. Xiaolong moves away and avoids it.
Xiaolong throws a quick inside leg kick.
A low kick from Xiaolong misses
and Couture counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Couture works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Xiaolong goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
A big left from Couture misses.
That kick from Xiaolong tenderised Couture's leg. Couture is trying to keep his angry face on.
Xiaolong uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Couture.
Xiaolong moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Xiaolong.
Couture sees a low kick coming and goes to check it, but it's actually a body kick and it thuds into his unprotected ribs.
Xiaolong fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Couture.
Xiaolong moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Some wild striking there from Xiaolong.
Xiaolong throws a sloppy head kick

and Couture counters with a single leg into guard. Xiaolong didn't expect that.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Couture controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Couture wants to control from the top but Xiaolong keeps moving.
Couture with a flurry of punches that miss.
Xiaolong keeping full guard, as Couture tries to pass.
Couture trying to control but Xiaolong is working from the bottom.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
Xiaolong is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Xiaolong wants to get back to his feet.
Couture has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Xiaolong is working away from the top position though.

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 Brandon Couture.
I think Couture 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Richard Clark scores the fight 48:47
Judge James Ackerman scores the fight 47:48
Judge Sam Margolis scores the fight 48:47

In favor of your winner, by split decision... Brandon Couture!
Brandon Couture retains his featherweight title!
An out of breath and clearly excited Brandon Couture thanked Punishment Nutrition - All 159Q products now $75 for their help and support (and free stuff they sent him).